Every parent wants their child to get individual attention at school. But what does that actually look like in practice?
At IAS Warsaw, we cap every class at 18 students and maintain a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. Here is what that means day to day.
Teachers Notice When Something Is Off
In a class of 18, a teacher can check in with every student during a single lesson. They spot when someone is struggling before it turns into a bigger problem. They know which student needs more of a challenge and which one needs a concept explained a different way.
In larger classes, teachers do their best, but the numbers work against them. Less time per student means more chances for quiet students to fall behind unnoticed.
Students Speak Up More
In a smaller group, there is nowhere to hide and less reason to want to. Students who might stay silent in a class of 30 are more likely to ask questions, share ideas, and take part in discussions when the group is smaller and the teacher knows them well.
This matters for language development too. At IAS, many of our students are learning in English as an additional language. A smaller class gives them more opportunities to practise speaking and more support when they need it.
Relationships Go Deeper
When a teacher has 18 students instead of 30, they learn more than just names. They understand how each student thinks, what motivates them, what they find difficult, and what they are passionate about. That kind of knowledge shapes better teaching.
Parents notice it too. At IAS, families regularly tell us that their child’s teacher knows them as an individual, not just a name on a register.
The Research Backs It Up
Studies consistently show that smaller class sizes lead to better academic outcomes, particularly for younger students and those from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The benefits go beyond grades: students in smaller classes tend to be more engaged, more confident, and more willing to take academic risks.
What This Looks Like at IAS
At IAS Warsaw, small class sizes are not a marketing point. They are how the school operates. With a maximum of 18 students per class and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio across the school, every student gets the space and attention they need.
Combined with three diploma pathways (IB, American, and Polish Matura) and English language support built into the timetable, our students have the environment and the flexibility to succeed on their own terms.
If you are exploring international schools in Warsaw, we invite you to visit and see the difference for yourself. Contact [email protected] or call +48 22 649 14 40.
