Three diploma pathways
IB, American High School Diploma, and Polish Matura. The only school in Warsaw where your family does not have to choose.
IAS Warsaw is the only school in Warsaw that offers three internationally recognized diploma pathways. This means your family does not have to choose between schools to find the right diploma. Whether your child is heading to a university in the UK, the US, Poland, or anywhere else, we have a pathway that fits.
IB Diploma
Internationally recognized, academically demanding, and a strong choice for competitive universities worldwide.
American Diploma
Coursework-based and accredited by Cognia, with an official SAT test center on campus.
Polish Matura
The national school-leaving exam and the natural route to Polish and EU universities.
Quick comparison
| Feature | IB Diploma (IBDP) | American Diploma (HSDP) | Polish Matura |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accrediting body | International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) | Cognia (formerly AdvancED) | Polish Ministry of Education (MEN) |
| Recognition | Accepted by universities in 150+ countries | Accepted by US, Canadian, and international universities | Accepted by Polish and EU universities |
| Number of subjects | 6 subjects plus TOK (Theory of Knowledge) | 5 subjects | Set by MEN curriculum requirements |
| Higher Level subjects | 3 subjects at Higher Level | 2 subjects at Higher Level | Up to 3 extended-level subjects |
| Extended Essay | 4,000-word research essay (required) | 1,500-word research paper | Not required |
| External exams | Yes, IBO exams in May | No, internally assessed at IAS | Yes, Polish state examination in May |
| Scoring | 1 to 45 points (24 minimum to pass) | GPA-based (4.0 scale) | Percentage-based (30% minimum to pass) |
| American Diploma included? | Yes, IB students also receive the American diploma | Yes, this is the American diploma | Yes, Matura students also receive the American diploma |
| Best for | Students aiming for top universities worldwide, especially the UK | Students who want flexibility and a US-style education | Students planning to study in Poland or the EU |
IB Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma is a two-year program for students in Grades 11 and 12, recognized by universities around the world. It is academically demanding and places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, independent research, and community involvement. IB students at IAS take six subjects across the established IBO groups and complete three additional core requirements:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK): a course that examines how we know what we know across different subjects.
- Extended Essay (EE): a 4,000-word independent research paper on a topic the student chooses.
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): creative projects, physical activities, and community service throughout the program.
Our IB graduates have gone on to study at Oxford, Cambridge, King’s College London, UCL, and leading universities in the US and Europe.
American High School Diploma (HSDP)
Our American High School Diploma is accredited by Cognia and follows the American Common Core Standards. It is a good fit for students who prefer coursework-based assessment rather than high-stakes final exams.
- GPA-based assessment: no external exams; students are graded on coursework, projects, and internal evaluations.
- 5 subjects with 2 at Higher Level, so students can go deeper in their strongest areas without being stretched too thin.
- 1,500-word research paper to build academic writing and research skills.
- SAT test center on campus: IAS is an official CollegeBoard SAT testing site, so students can take the exam right here at school.
The American diploma is accepted by universities across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond.
Polish Matura
The Polish Matura is the national school-leaving exam run by the Polish Ministry of Education (MEN). It is the standard entry qualification for Polish and European universities, and the natural choice for families who expect their child to study in Poland or the EU.
- State examination: externally assessed by MEN in May of the final year.
- Direct access to Polish and EU universities: this is the qualification Polish universities expect.
- Extended-level subjects: students can choose up to 3 subjects at extended level for more competitive university applications.
- American diploma included: Matura students at IAS also graduate with the Cognia-accredited American diploma.
How to choose the right pathway
The right pathway depends on where your child wants to study and how they learn best:
- IB is a strong choice if your child is aiming for competitive universities worldwide, particularly in the UK, and does well in a structured, exam-driven environment.
- American Diploma works well for students who prefer continuous assessment over final exams and are looking at universities in the US, Canada, or internationally.
- Polish Matura makes the most sense if your child plans to attend university in Poland or elsewhere in the EU.
- Not sure yet? That is normal. Grade 10 at IAS is a Pre-IB and Pre-Diploma year, and our teachers work with families to help find the best fit before students commit.
Why IAS is unique
At IAS, students on any pathway, whether IB, Matura, or American Diploma, also receive a Cognia-accredited American High School Diploma at graduation. No other school in Warsaw does this. It means every IAS graduate leaves with two recognized qualifications, which opens doors to universities across the world.
With a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and classes capped at 18 students, our teachers know every student by name. That kind of individual attention makes a real difference when students are choosing their pathway and working through it.
What families tell us
Having three diploma routes meant we did not have to change schools when our plans shifted from Poland to the UK. The teachers helped us pick the pathway that fit our daughter, not the other way around.
Parent of an IB student
IAS family
Find the right pathway for your child
Our admissions team is happy to talk through which diploma fits your family’s plans.
