On this page:
- List of schools
- The education system in Poland
- Types of schools in Poland
- Common features of international schools
- What international schools in Warsaw offer
- Studying at an international school in Warsaw
- Pros and cons of international schools in Warsaw
In recent years, the number and popularity of international schools have significantly increased—the existing ones are being expanded and new ones are being created. What distinguishes these schools from regular ones is the possibility of obtaining the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, which is recognized in many countries around the world. Such schools are therefore especially recommended for students who are planning to study at foreign universities.
Warsaw international schools, like other private schools, offer high-quality education at all levels—from preschool to high school. Often these are entire school complexes, which house preschool, kindergarten, primary school, and high school. They’re an ideal solution for foreign children from Canada, the United States, Europe, and other countries of the world, as well as Polish children, and residents of Warsaw and the surrounding area who want to develop their international competences.
The education system in Poland
Recently, the education system has been reformed in Poland, resulting in the following structure:
• Primary school preparatory year, the so-called zerówka, is offered either in a preschool or a primary school.
• Primary school starts at the age of 6/7 and lasts for 8 years. It’s divided into two cycles. In the first three-year cycle, one teacher teaches all subjects, often in an integrated manner. The second cycle is more subject-based and the teaching is done by subject teachers.
• Secondary school (liceum ogólnokształcące—LO): the four-year general secondary school aims to prepare students to continue their education at a university or college.
• Technical secondary school: this five-year school aims at preparing students for work or higher technical education.
• Level 1 vocational school: three years.
• Level 2 vocational school: two years, recruitment started in 2020.
Until June 2019, there were also junior high/middle schools (some of which were housed in primary schools).
Types of schools in Poland
Another very important division when it comes to education is the type of school. In Poland, there are public and private schools. Every child must be admitted to public school and education is free. For private school, there’s a recruitment process, and often additional tests or interviews are carried out to check whether a child is a good fit. Additionally, if a student is admitted to the school, they have to pay for their education. Tuition fees in private schools vary widely: while not always very high, international schools tend to be higher than "regular" private schools.
Common features of international schools
There are many private international schools in Poland. Their number grows along with the economic development of the country and the influx of foreigners—diplomats, investors, and employees of various companies that have opened their offices and headquarters there. These schools include private preschools, a large group of private primary schools and general secondary schools (high schools). These can be bilingual schools and international schools.
The difference is small, because both are attended by kids from many countries, as well as from Poland, and their names usually include the word "international," but the curricula used by them are completely different.
In bilingual schools, the Polish core curriculum is used, usually supported by elements of other countries' curricula, and learning—as the name suggests—is conducted in two languages, while in international schools, it’s conducted in a foreign language (normally in English) according to the selected foreign curriculum.
In some schools the whole school is international, and in others there are international classes.
In general, due to the foreign language of instruction, usually English, international schools are particularly useful for kids who don’t know Polish, although it will be taught at least at the primary school level.
What international schools in Warsaw offer
There are various international schools in Warsaw itself in nearby towns—this includes American, British, Japanese, French, German, and Canadian schools. Their programs can be viewed on their websites, but it’s best to go to visit them in person and speak to school reps.
Here is an example what one international school in Warsaw offers:
• Many years of tradition.
• All levels of education, from preschool to high school.
• Accreditation of AdvancED, International Baccalaureate Organization (IB), and the Ministry of National Education.
• IB DP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme).
• A philosophy of working and growing together. The school's mission is, among other things, to motivate each other to achieve individual goals, and to provide students with the tools necessary to acquire the linguistic and cognitive skills that will enable them to be successful in today's global society.
• Teaching staff of various nationalities.
• Use of Edmodo and ManageBac technologies and platforms.
• Extracurricular activities and interest clubs, including sports, language, dance, and music.
• Organization of trips both around Warsaw and its vicinity, e.g., to the Copernicus Science Centre, Łazienki Park, National Museum, Kampinos Forest, and to other parts of Poland, e.g., to Kazimierz Dolny, Biskupin, and Gniezno.
• Tuition fees payable over 10 months of the year, as well as non-returnable registration fees payable every year, and the possibility of granting a sibling discount. Tuition fees cover tuition only—extra costs include textbooks, meals, and transportation.
• Recruitment rules: submission of a complete set of documents in English, including test results and school report cards. Recruitment lasts all year round.
Studying at an international school in Warsaw
Studying in private international schools in Warsaw can be a great option for children who, for various reasons, found themselves in Poland, offering them not only a high standard of education, but also the possibility of overall development. International schools are also appealing to residents of Warsaw and other regions of Poland. Many of these schools implement the Polish national curriculum, enriching it with content from American, British, French, or German curricula.
In addition to offering education in a selected foreign language, some schools, accredited by the International Baccalaureate organization, prepare children and young people to obtain the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, from the preschool level. The IB diploma is recognized by all renowned universities around the world. The IB Programme is an excellent solution for Polish and international students who are motivated to take up the challenge.
Pros and cons of international schools in Warsaw
When choosing a school, it’s important to consider potential advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
• High skills: Warsaw international schools are known for their high-level demanding programs. Education is carried out in accordance with the high standards of education used in American, British, or Polish schools, and in many cases the International Baccalaureate Programme.
• Unlimited possibilities: Most of Warsaw's international schools offer the possibility of comprehensive academic development. Students can develop their language skills, attend Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or start the IB DP Programme.
• Language competence: Students can study in their mother tongue, in a foreign language, or a combination of both. They also have the opportunity to learn additional languages, e.g., French, German, Italian, or Spanish.
• Small class size: In most schools, classes are small (for example, no more than 15 students, and often even fewer), so students can always count on the teacher's help and receive individualized teaching.
• Resources: International schools are often well funded, meaning buildings are often very modern and classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art teaching aids. This also applies to sports facilities.
• Broadening horizons: Students of international schools come from different countries and backgrounds. Thanks to living in Poland, a child from another country will have the opportunity to get to know a new country, its history, culture. and customs, and also to visit other European countries.
• Attractiveness of studying in Warsaw: Warsaw is located in the heart of Europe and is the capital of a country with highly dynamic economic growth. It brings together enterprising people and investors from all over the world—mainly from the US, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, but also Russia, China, Japan, and South Korea. This creates the opportunity to not only meet and be in the company of entrepreneurial and creative people, but also to choose one's own career path. Warsaw is the largest city in Poland in terms of population and area, and an important academic, cultural, political, and economic centre. Many world companies and major government and financial institutions are found there.
Cons:
• Costs: Private international schools can be expensive. Those in Warsaw are no exception. In their education, these schools use internationally-recognized methods and curricula, employ high-caliber teachers and experts, which gives them an excellent reputation. They also offer plenty of extracurricular activities. These and other services keep tuition fees low. However, without a doubt this can be an excellent investment in your child's future.
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