How to choose private school for your child?

On this page:

1. Teaching approach and school’s philosophy
2. Curriculum and extracurricular activities
3. Individual approach and teaching staff
4. Languages and international programmes
5. Skills of the future
6. Relationships and school community

How to choose the right non-public school and what you, as a parent, should consider when choosing a school? In this guide, we will lead you through 6 main aspects of choosing a non-public institution for your child.

⇒ It is worth noting that “private school” and “non-public school” do not always mean the same thing. We explain the differences between these terms in more detail here: Private schools in Warsaw, Poland

1. Teaching approach and school’s philosophy

Although the main goal of the non-public schools is to ensure high-quality education, often more personalized, that meets the specific needs of their students and parents’ expectations, teaching approach may differ between schools.

Often, they are based on specific didactic methodology (e.g., Montessori, IB, Cambridge) that has a pre-defined vision of student’s development – not only academic one, but also social and emotional ones. Non-public schools can offer alternative education system as opposed to the national one, fulfill a defined vision and mission of a school (e.g., catholic schools, elite schools, experimental schools). Overall, they can answer the needs that the public education sector is not always able to meet.

Why is it important? Because when choosing a school based on values relevant to those of the family, it’s easier for the child to grow and develop. In this positive environment, a young person can feel safe and will have a better chance to develop their talents freely.

2. Curriculum and extracurricular activities

Curriculum and extracurricular activities in non-public schools is what makes them so different as opposed to public schools.

Non-public and private schools have much more advantage in creating curricula. Yet they still have to to fulfill the core curriculum defined by MEN (The Ministry of National Education).

In practice, this means:

International programmes such as International Baccalaureate (IB) – which emphasizes critical thinking, projects, and interdisciplinary learning, and Cambridge Pathway – more academic approach with clearly defined examination path. Also American programme is highly popular as it leads to obtaining an American High School Diploma.
Original curricula developed by schools, often including different methodologies and approaches.
Alternative methodologies: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf that support students in a unique way.
Rich extracurricular offer: activities range from sports and movement to more creative, culture, or arts.

It’s worth checking, whether the curriculum is complemented with extra activities and whether they are part of the daily routine at school or serve as additional activities.

3. Individual approach and teaching staff

Individual support and teaching staff are one of the most important aspects of non-public schools – and very often, one of the reasons why parents decide for this type of education for their children.

In non-public schools greater emphasis is placed on adapting education to the individual child, rather than making child follow the strict curriculum. What does it mean in practice?:

Smaller class size which allows to get to know each student better,
Observation of their strengths, pace of work and learning style,
Flexible teaching methods (e.g. projects, teamwork, experiential learning),
More frequent feedback instead of relying solely on grades.

In models such as Montessori or the International Baccalaureate, individualization is embedded in the system – students have greater influence over the way and pace of their learning.

Also, schools invest in their teacher development (trainings, international certificates). That translates into an environment where the child can feel safe and seen – which, in turn, has a direct impact on their motivation and academic performance.

4. Languages and international programmes

Languages and international programmes aren’t just an addition in non-public schools. Very often, they make the foundation of the entire education model. These programmes are acknowledged globally and prepare for international studies.

It is worth paying attention to how the language is taught. The most popular methods include intensive English learning – even several hours per week, often with native speakers. Many schools offer bilingual education or multilingualism – selected subjects are taught in a given language, along with small language groups tailored to the student's level.

► See what Anna Maliszewska, founder and director of International Trilingual School of Warsaw, says about multilingualism.
EXPERT CORNER: Multilingualism in children (expert opinions)

The result? Students often graduate with a B2–C1 language level, rather than just ‘school-level A2’.

If you want your child to be prepared for global education, check which international programs are available at school, e.g., PYP, MYP, DP for International Baccalaureate (IB), IGCSE and A-Levels exams for Cambridge Pathway, or credits and GPA for American curriculum.

5. Skills of the future

Skills of the future, or soft skills, are currently among the most important. Especially in the digital age, where technology and AI are so popular. Not only do these skills help to gain the necessary knowledge, but are also of great importance for the proper psychological development of children and adolescents.

The most important skills of the future include:

Critical thinking,
Independence in working with information and the ability to verify it (broadly understood digital skills),
Creativity and innovation,
Social and emotional skills,
Coping with high-stress situations,
Proper handling and managing of conflicts,
Responsibility and consistency when taking an action,
Familiarity with art, literature, and culture in the broad sense,
Problem-solving,
Intercultural competence (here, learning languages and exposure to other cultures are key),
Independence,
Self-management of one’s own development.

A good school should support its students in their proper development. How? It’s not only about offering classes that develop these skills, but also about providing psychological and emotional support. A child should feel safe at school and have an option to turn for help to an adult in a difficult situation.

Parents, remember ⇒ choose a school that your child will be willing to get up for every morning, even despite challenges (and bad weather, because we all know it's not always easy).

6. Relationships and school community

Relationships are a “scarce commodity” today. According to a Polish study conducted by Thinkstat, the opinion research team operating within NASK, “Nastolatki 3.0. Report from a nationwide study of students and parents,” more than half of teenagers feel lonely on social media, and at the same time 43 percent of young people use social media to feel better. At the same time, young people are spending more and more time online. This, in turn, leads to mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or social disorders, while brain performance and cognitive functions decline.

This shows that relationships and community should be build “outside”, in the real world. And school is precisely such a space. Non-public educational institutions create safe conditions for building relationships, as well as for confronting difficult situations and conflicts.

This, in turn, positively influences the sense of community and grounds children—and especially adolescents—in reality, showing them the real world, made up of diverse emotions, individuals, and social groups facing similar challenges. As a result, children learn how to cope with difficulties and can enjoy the presence of other people.

How not to choose a school – what else is important when choosing a school?

The abovementioned 6 aspects are crucial when choosing a school. Teachers and school leaders in non-public schools often emphasize in conversations with Our Kids that when choosing a school, parents should not rely solely on rankings and reviews, as these are not always accurate. When it comes to exam pass rates, it is advisable to contact the school directly. As for opinions, it is best to seek them from reliable sources—ideally directly from other parents.

And let’s not forget about kids – a school should respond to a child’s needs, support the development of key abilities, and provide an environment that contributes to their emotional and social growth.

Infrastructure is another important aspect. During this year’s 6th Expo, Agnieszka Piskorz, director of Einstein School, emphasized how important it is for parents to check whether the school they want to choose for their child meets basic safety standards and whether its infrastructure addresses the challenges of modern education.

The school’s location is also a significant factor for some. However, a location that is too far away may make commuting difficult. Here, it is worth considering each child’s individual needs—just as some children will easily get up early and commute across the city, others may find it challenging.

Above all, let us remember to listen to our children and, when choosing a non-public school, be guided by their well-being.

A good school – what does that mean?

Choosing the right educational path opens the door to a bright future for children. Every child is different and requires an individual approach.

A good private school should first and foremost create the right conditions and environment for acquiring knowledge, growing, and developing soft skills.

Let’s remember: there is no perfect school, but time spent in the right environment can change a child’s future.

Cover photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

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