Bilingual Schools in Wroclaw: A 2026 Guide for Expat Families

Quick answer: what are the best bilingual school options in Wroclaw? Families can choose private international schools teaching mainly in English with Polish lessons, private Polish-English bilingual schools, or free state schools with bilingual sections from Year 7. Private fees range roughly from PLN 30,000 to PLN 90,000 a year, depending on age and programme.

Last reviewed: September 2026 by Catherine from ISA. Fee ranges are indicative; always confirm with the school.

Wroclaw has become one of Central Europe's most attractive cities for international professionals. Global companies in technology, engineering and business services have built large teams here, and many employees arrive with children. For these families, bilingual schools in Wroclaw offer a way to keep English strong while giving children a real chance to learn Polish and settle into local life. This guide explains the different types of bilingual education available, compares five schools and sets out what families can expect to pay.

Why Wroclaw works for international families

Wroclaw is the capital of Lower Silesia and Poland's fourth largest city. Its old town, islands and bridges on the Oder River give it a relaxed feel, and it was European Capital of Culture in 2016. The city has a young population thanks to its universities, a good airport with direct flights across Europe and a reasonable cost of living compared with Western Europe.

International families tend to live in Krzyki and the southern districts, around Biskupin and Sępolno to the east, in the centre near the Old Town, or in newer developments to the west towards Stabłowice and in commuter towns such as Kobierzyce and Siechnice. Traffic on the ring roads can be heavy at peak times, so check the commute to each school before signing a lease.

Three kinds of bilingual education

International schools teaching mainly in English, following the IB, British or American programmes, with Polish taught as a subject. These suit families who may move again.
Private bilingual schools that follow the Polish core curriculum and teach a large share of lessons in English. These suit families staying in Poland long term who want full integration.
State schools with bilingual sections (oddziały dwujęzyczne), usually from Year 7 of primary and in secondary school, with entrance tests in English. These are free but competitive.

The structure of the Polish system is worth understanding. After the 2017 education reform, which took effect on 1 September 2017, Poland returned to an eight-year primary school followed by four years of general secondary school (liceum), and the lower secondary gimnazjum was phased out. Bilingual sections now typically begin in Year 7 or at the start of liceum.

Five Wroclaw schools compared

American School of Wroclaw

The American School of Wroclaw follows an American-style programme in English, with Polish as a subject and a diverse student body. It suits North American families and others who want a US-style education with a view to universities abroad.

British International School Wroclaw

British International School Wroclaw offers a British curriculum taught in English. It is a natural fit for families coming from British schools elsewhere, and its Polish programme helps children who want to connect with local friends and culture.

Wroclaw International School

Wroclaw International School is one of the established international options in the city, with an English-language programme and a mixed community of expatriate and Polish families. Ask about its curriculum by age and its approach to Polish for newcomers.

International High School of Wroclaw

The International High School of Wroclaw focuses on the secondary years and pre-university preparation in English. It is relevant for teenagers who arrive in Poland at 14 or 15 and need a clear route to university without switching languages.

Wroclaw Cosmopolitan School

Wroclaw Cosmopolitan School combines English and Polish in a genuinely bilingual model. It suits mixed Polish and international families and those who want their children to become equally confident in both languages.

Fees in Wroclaw

Indicative annual tuition in Polish zloty:

Preschool and kindergarten: roughly PLN 24,000 to PLN 50,000.
Primary: roughly PLN 30,000 to PLN 70,000.
Secondary and pre-university: roughly PLN 45,000 to PLN 90,000.

Private Polish bilingual schools usually sit at the lower end of these ranges, while English-medium international schools with IB or British programmes sit at the upper end. Extras to budget for include:

Enrolment or entry fee, paid once and often non-refundable.
Meals, usually charged monthly.
Transport, where a school bus is available.
Books, trips, after-school clubs and exam fees for IGCSE, IB or other international exams.

State schools, including their bilingual sections, are free, although parents usually pay for textbooks in some subjects, meals and trips.

Practical tips for families

Think about how long you will stay. If your posting is two or three years, an English-medium international school keeps your child's education portable. If you expect to stay longer, a bilingual Polish school opens the door to local universities and friendships.

Do not underestimate Polish. Polish is a challenging language for many learners, but children pick it up quickly with daily exposure. Ask each school how many hours of Polish are taught and whether there are separate groups for beginners and native speakers.

Plan for state bilingual entrance tests. If you are aiming for a state bilingual section, check the recruitment calendar, which usually runs in spring, and prepare your child for the English aptitude test.

What a bilingual school day looks like

In a typical Polish-English bilingual primary school, subjects such as Polish language, history and part of mathematics are taught in Polish, while science, art, music or physical education may be taught in English. The balance often shifts towards English as children get older. In English-medium international schools, almost everything is taught in English, and Polish appears for three to five lessons a week.

The school day in Poland starts early, often around 8 am, and primary lessons may finish by early afternoon. Most private schools offer after-school care (świetlica) and clubs until 5 pm or later, which is important for working parents. Ask what is included in the fee and what is charged separately.

Questions to ask on a visit

How many hours a week are taught in English and in Polish at each age?
Are teachers native speakers or certified bilingual teachers?
Does the school prepare students for Polish exams, international exams, or both?
How are new students without Polish or without English supported?

Compare schools across Poland

Use our ranking to compare curricula, languages and parent reviews for schools across the country: see the best schools in Poland.

More guides to schools in Wroclaw

Frequently asked questions

Are there free bilingual schools in Wroclaw?

Yes. Several state primary and secondary schools in Wroclaw run bilingual sections, known as oddziały dwujęzyczne, usually from Year 7 of primary or at the start of liceum. They are free but competitive, with an English aptitude test and a spring recruitment calendar. Younger children usually need a private school for bilingual teaching.

How much do bilingual and international schools in Wroclaw cost?

Private tuition ranges roughly from PLN 24,000 a year for preschool to around PLN 90,000 for pre-university years at English-medium international schools. Private Polish bilingual schools usually cost less. Add enrolment fees, meals, transport and exam fees when comparing schools.

Will my child need to learn Polish at an international school?

Most international schools in Wroclaw teach Polish as a subject, often with separate groups for beginners and native speakers. Learning some Polish makes daily life, sport and friendships outside school much easier. Children usually progress quickly, especially if the school offers extra support in the first year.