Warsaw is the most dynamic education market in central Europe — the city has added more new international school capacity in the last five years than any other capital between Berlin and Kyiv. For relocating families coming for banking, manufacturing, defence or tech roles, the choice between curricula and schools matters. This 2026 expat family guide walks through the international school landscape in Warsaw, fees in złoty, top schools and the admissions process so you can shortlist sensibly.
The Warsaw international school landscape in 2026
Warsaw splits its English-medium provision into four broad groups. The first is full British curriculum schools running from EYFS to A-Levels. The second is American curriculum schools with AP options. The third is IB World Schools with the PYP, MYP and Diploma. The fourth is bilingual Polish-English schools that follow the Polish state programme alongside English-medium content — these are the cheapest and best for families planning to stay long-term.
Curricula available in Warsaw
British curriculum (EYFS, IGCSE, A-Levels): the broadest English-medium choice in Warsaw. Strong for families on UK-linked careers or planning UK universities.
American curriculum: well-served by the long-running American School of Warsaw and emerging US-aligned offerings; suits US-bound families and those moving between US-curriculum schools globally.
International Baccalaureate: PYP, MYP and the Diploma are offered by several Warsaw schools; good for transient assignments thanks to global recognition.
Bilingual Polish-English schools: follow the Polish core curriculum delivered partly in English. Best for families staying 5+ years who want their children to integrate with Polish peers and take the Polish Matura.
Top international schools in Warsaw
American School of Warsaw
The largest and longest-running American curriculum school in Poland, offering Pre-K to Grade 12 with AP options and an extensive extra-curricular programme. View American School of Warsaw on ISA.
The British School Warsaw
Full British curriculum with EYFS, IGCSE and A-Levels, large modern campus, strong UK-university outcomes and a structured EAL programme. View The British School Warsaw on ISA.
The International School Warsaw
IB World School with the PYP, MYP and Diploma, central Warsaw location and consistent IB results. View The International School Warsaw on ISA.
Akademeia High School
British curriculum upper secondary specialising in IGCSE and A-Levels with a strong Oxbridge and Ivy League placement track. View Akademeia High School on ISA.
International Trilingual School of Warsaw
Trilingual programme (Polish, English, French or Spanish) from kindergarten through primary, with a distinctive immersion methodology. View International Trilingual School of Warsaw on ISA.
School fees in Warsaw (2026)
Warsaw remains substantially cheaper than Western European capitals but premium schools have closed the gap. Plan the following ranges per academic year, in Polish złoty:
- EYFS / Kindergarten: PLN 22,000 to 45,000
- Primary (Years 1–6 / Grades 1–6): PLN 38,000 to 75,000
- Lower Secondary: PLN 48,000 to 90,000
- Upper Secondary (IGCSE / A-Levels / IBDP): PLN 60,000 to 120,000
At current PLN/EUR rates (around PLN 4.3 to 1 EUR), most premium schools sit between PLN 80,000 and PLN 115,000 for upper-secondary year groups. Add one-off enrolment fees (PLN 2,500 to 8,000), capital fees (PLN 0 to 10,000), and annual extras (uniform, bus, lunch, trips) of PLN 8,000 to PLN 18,000.
Where to live and school catchment
Warsaw is more drivable than its European peers but commutes still matter. The American School of Warsaw and The British School Warsaw cluster in Konstancin-Jeziorna and the southern suburbs. Akademeia and several IB options sit in central districts (Mokotów, Wilanów). For Wilanów-based families, bus routes to most schools take 25–40 minutes. Confirm bus timing before signing a residential lease.
Admissions tips for the 2026/27 year
- Apply by November 2025 for the September 2026 start in popular year groups (Reception, Year 1, Year 7, IB Diploma).
- Have school reports for the last two years and a teacher reference ready before contacting schools.
- EU citizen children automatically have the right to attend Polish state schools as a backup.
- Pesel number (Polish ID) is needed for final enrolment in some schools; obtain it during your first month in Warsaw.
- Apply to 2 or 3 schools in parallel and keep deposits paid only after the first-choice offer is firm.
Top-tier English-medium and IB schools often have waiting lists for Year 1 and Year 7 entry. The earlier you apply, the more flexibility you have.
Browse the full Warsaw ranking
For the complete ranked list of international schools in Warsaw with profiles, fees and reviews, see the best international schools in Warsaw on ISA.
FAQ
Which curriculum is most common in Warsaw international schools?
British curriculum is the largest English-medium cluster in Warsaw, followed by American and IB. Bilingual Polish-English schools form a separate, fast-growing segment for families planning to stay long-term.
How early should I apply to a school in Warsaw?
Apply 8 to 12 months ahead of your target start date for popular year groups. Mid-year transfers are usually possible but premium schools cap waiting lists by April for the following September.
How expensive are international schools in Warsaw compared with other European capitals?
Warsaw runs roughly 25–35% cheaper than Vienna or Berlin at equivalent year groups and around 50–60% cheaper than Zurich or Geneva. Premium schools in central Warsaw have narrowed that gap over the last 5 years but bilingual options remain very competitive on price.