Choosing an international school in Warsaw has become a genuinely rich decision: Poland's capital now counts more than 15 international and bilingual campuses serving one of Central Europe's fastest-growing expat communities. Between British, American, IB, trilingual and French-German pathways, the challenge is matching a school to your family's languages, timeline and budget. This 2026 guide walks you through the options, the leading schools and the practical steps that make the search efficient.
International School Curricula Available in Warsaw
Warsaw covers every major pathway. The British curriculum is strongly represented, with IGCSE and A-Level or IB Sixth Form routes. The International Baccalaureate is available from early years through Diploma at several campuses. Families will also find an American programme, the French lycée and German school networks, and — distinctively for Warsaw — genuinely trilingual education combining English, Polish and a third language from kindergarten. Polish-international bilingual schools round out the market at accessible fees.
Schools to Shortlist First
International Trilingual School of Warsaw
ITSW is Warsaw's reference for early multilingualism: children learn in English and Polish plus French, Spanish, German or Chinese, from nursery through primary years across several city-centre campuses. For families who want languages built early — and the option of continuing into international secondary pathways — it is among the most distinctive offerings in Central Europe, at fees well below Western European trilingual equivalents.
Thames British School Warsaw
Thames delivers the Cambridge international pathway — Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE and A-Levels — across multiple Warsaw campuses with an international teaching team. It combines British curriculum continuity with mid-market fees, making it a pragmatic choice for families relocating from other Cambridge schools worldwide and for long-staying internationals who want recognised UK qualifications.
Warsaw's wider ecosystem also includes the long-established American, British-IB, French and German schools, plus well-regarded Polish-English bilingual institutions. Most families tour two or three schools across at least two curricula before deciding — book visits early because September tours fill by June.
Fees in Warsaw (2026)
Warsaw remains excellent value by European capital standards. Bilingual Polish-international schools charge roughly PLN 30,000–55,000 per year. Mid-tier international programmes, including trilingual and Cambridge schools, sit around PLN 45,000–75,000. The premium tier — full IB continuum and flagship British schools — runs PLN 75,000–110,000 at secondary level. Add one-time entry fees (PLN 2,000–10,000), lunches, buses and after-school clubs; extras typically add about 10% to the first-year bill.
Practical Tips: Location, Timing and Admissions
Match the school to your commute early: campuses cluster in Mokotów, Wilanów and the city centre, with some in Konstancin to the south. Wilanów and Mokotów are the classic expat family districts, while river-east Praga suits families working in the growing business district. The main intake is September; apply from the preceding autumn, especially for early primary and IB entry years. Requirements are lighter than in Asia's hubs — school reports, an English assessment and a family conversation are standard — and mid-year entry is usually possible where seats exist.
Compare verified profiles, parent reviews and current fees in the full ranking of the best schools in Warsaw on International School Advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an international school in Warsaw cost in 2026?
Between PLN 30,000 and 110,000 per year: bilingual schools at the lower end, trilingual and Cambridge programmes in the middle, and full IB or flagship British schools at the top. Extras add roughly 10% in year one.
When should we apply for September 2026 entry in Warsaw?
Apply from autumn 2025. Early primary classes and IB entry years fill first at the leading schools, though Warsaw generally offers more mid-year availability than Western European capitals thanks to its growing school supply.
Can children learn Polish alongside English at Warsaw international schools?
Yes — Polish is embedded at bilingual and trilingual schools such as ITSW, and taught as a language at most international campuses. Trilingual programmes add French, Spanish, German or Chinese from kindergarten.