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What is the International American School of Warsaw?
International American School of Warsaw teaches children from Pre-KG to Grade 12 in Ursynów, near Kabaty Forest and Metro Kabaty. Founded in 1989, IAS has students from more than 40 nationalities and a school-wide student to teacher ratio of 7:1. The school offers the IB Diploma, American High School Diploma and Polish Matura.
What accreditations does IAS hold?
IAS has IB Diploma Programme authorisation, Cognia accreditation for the American programme, and Polish Ministry of Education recognition. It has been authorised to teach the IB Diploma since 2006. IAS is also a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme; candidacy does not mean authorisation has been granted.
My child does not speak English. Can they still enroll?
Children who are still learning English can apply to IAS. The admissions and EAL teams review each child’s level and support needs. English requirements depend on the year group, particularly for entry to the senior years. Contact admissions to discuss your child’s previous schooling and English level. See the EAL and tuition pages for programme details and charges.
Can my child enroll mid-year?
Yes. IAS accepts applications throughout the school year, subject to places in the relevant grade. Tell admissions your child’s current year group and expected start date. Tuition is calculated from the time of enrolment.
Where is IAS located?
IAS is in Ursynów, near Kabaty Forest and Metro Kabaty. Pre-KG, Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 5 are based at ul. Dembego 12. Grades 6 to 12 are at ul. Dembego 18.
What are the school hours?
Full-time classes run from 08:30 to 15:10, Monday to Friday, with clubs afterwards. The Dembego 12 building is open from 08:00 to 17:00, including after-school care. Check the current timetable for class and club times.
How does IAS communicate with parents?
IAS keeps families informed through weekly bulletins, Toddle and Vulcan, school reports and parent-teacher meetings. The school’s social media accounts also share news from events and activities.
What is a typical class size?
Class sizes vary by year group and are kept deliberately small. They are smallest in Kindergarten and the early primary years, and grow modestly through the senior school. Across the school the student to teacher ratio is 7:1, so teachers have the time to know each child individually.
What curriculum does the school follow?
IAS follows American curriculum standards alongside the Polish programme. The school is an IB Middle Years Programme candidate school and offers the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. See the academics page for the programme at each stage.
What diploma tracks are offered?
IAS offers three diploma pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the American High School Diploma and the Polish Matura. Students on the IB or Matura track also receive the American diploma. The admissions team and college counsellors can explain subject choices and requirements.
What is the difference between the IBDP, HSDP, and Polish Matura programs?
While both programs are recognized by universities worldwide, there are some key differences, notably:
• Number of classes: IBDP 6 + TOK (Theory of Knowledge); HSDP/5
• Number of classes taken at Higher Level (HL): IBDP/3; HSDP/2
• Length of Extended Essay: IBDP/4000 words; HSDP/1500 words
• Externally Assessed Exams: IBDP/Yes; HSDP/No (internally assessed)
The Polish Matura follows the curriculum set by the Polish Ministry of Education (MEN). Students prepare for the national state examination while also receiving an American diploma upon graduation. The Matura is the standard qualification for admission to Polish and European universities.
Are there entrance exams as a part of the admissions process?
After review of grade reports from the last two years of the applicant, the school determines if entrance exams are necessary, most often for English and/or Math.
Does my child need to speak a certain level of English to enter the school?
Students entering the 10th grade should minimally have an English proficiency level of B1+. Leading up to the 10th grade, the school accepts students at all levels of English proficiency, with the understanding that students at the A0-B2+ level enter the school’s EAL program.
How does the school's EAL (English as an Additional Language) program work?
We have a fully staffed ”pull-out” EAL program. Students are placed in small classes based on their CEFR designation (A0-B2+) and attend EAL classes within their regular timetable. How many classes a student has depends on their level.
Is there an additional cost for the EAL Program?
EAL is a paid programme. The fee depends on the student’s level and on current demand, so please ask the office for the current fee. If a student joins or leaves the programme during the year, charges are adjusted for the lessons held. See the tuition fees page for details.
Does the school offer extracurricular activities?
IAS offers clubs in sport, the arts and other activities. The options and times vary by year group and school year, so check the current club timetable. Students can also contribute to the IAS Times, take part in school performances and attend Model United Nations conferences.
Where do the teachers come from?
We provide an international faculty representing many nations, including the USA, Britain, Ireland, Scotland, France, India, Turkey, Pakistan, and Poland. Each year we welcome faculty from other nations. All humanities courses are taught by native English speakers.
Where do the students come from?
Students at IAS represent more than 40 nationalities, including Polish families and families who have moved to Warsaw from abroad.
What is the school's average score on IB exams?
In the May 2026 session, IAS students achieved an average IB diploma score of 34, compared with a worldwide average of about 30.6. The highest score was 41. The average subject grade was 5.36, compared with 4.97 worldwide. The IB results page has the full figures.
What Universities do graduates tend to enroll in?
Our graduates apply to top universities across the world with special emphasis on the UK, USA and EU member states. Notable Alumni attend/attended Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, University of California (various), King’s College London, UCL and many more esteemed Universities.
Does the school have a dress code or school uniform policy?
Students are not obliged to wear school uniforms but the school does uphold a dress code to ensure appropriate standards are followed.
How does the school attend to pastoral care issues?
Each class is assigned two Homeroom Teachers who are responsible for the integration of the class as well as behavioral and/or academic issues that sprout up throughout the year. The school communicates its Student Expectations and Behavioral Management System to students at the onset of the year. Conflicts are addressed immediately with an emphasis on dialogue and mediation. The school also provides opportunities to students in Mindfulness and Nonviolent Communication education.
Does the school employ a school counselor?
Yes. The School Counselor provides valuable oversight to the Pastoral Care Program while also attending to students with individual needs.
Are there school field trips?
Each Homeroom attends a minimum of two integration trips per year. Additionally, the school regularly offers one Green School trip per year and opportunities to attend Model United Nations conferences (MUN). Subjects teachers also regularly organize trips to support their curriculum.
Are standardized exams part of the academic program?
Grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 are obliged to take the International Standardized Assessment (ISA) once per year, which provides benchmark scores in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. IB students take their IB exams in May of their senior year, which are standardized assessements.
Does the school offer the SAT exam?
The school is an SAT test center, so students can register to take the exam here. However, SAT preparatory courses must be pursued outside of the school. To take the test, visit collegeboard.com
If my child does not know English, can he or she apply?
Yes, IAS welcomes students with little to no English in the lower grades. We offer additional EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes to students who will need extra assistance. However, we will need to review the proficiency of the English language of students who enter the High School.
How do you support a child joining from a different school system or language?
Tell admissions about your child’s previous school, languages and any support they receive. Teachers use that information when planning their start at IAS. The EAL team can assess English support needs, and homeroom teachers help new students settle into the class.
Is the enrollment fee refundable, and when is the deadline for paying the registration fee?
The enrollment fee is non-refundable; the deadline for paying the registration fee is the end of February of each year.
Is the enrollment fee payable every year?
Yes, the enrollment fee must be paid every year.
Can tuition discounts be combined?
No. Families choose one discount for which they are eligible. The discount policy lists sibling, loyalty and annual advance payment options, with their conditions.
What is the notice period of the educational school agreement, and in what form should it be submitted?
Parents are entitled to terminate the agreement within a 2-month notice period. It should be submitted in a letter form. Parents are obliged to pay the tuition fee for the notice period.
How many months is tuition fee payable for?
The tuition fee is payable for 10 months. The school is closed during the summer months (July, first half of August)
What is excluded in the tuition fee?
Tuition Fee excludes:
1. ISA, Apostilles, IB Examinations & IB Admissions Fees
2. School Trips in Warsaw, around Poland and Abroad
3. Pamoja Subject Courses Online
Optional/Supplementary:
1. Transportation.
2. Lunch Service.
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