When comparing schools in Warsaw, look at the curriculum alongside the teaching, support and daily arrangements. This guide, published by the International American School of Warsaw, explains common curriculum options and questions to ask about schools of different sizes.
If you want the step-by-step version of how to run your search, read our guide to choosing an international school in Warsaw. This page is about the comparison itself.
Curriculum options in Warsaw
Schools in Warsaw offer several curriculum routes. Check which programmes a school teaches and how they fit your child’s previous studies and possible university plans.
The International Baccalaureate (IB). The IB Diploma includes six subjects, Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service. Universities set their own entry requirements, including required subjects and grades.
The American curriculum. A High School Diploma built on credits and grade point average. It is familiar to families heading toward, or arriving from, the United States.
The British curriculum (IGCSE and A-Levels). A route some Warsaw schools follow, where students specialise earlier into a smaller set of A-Level subjects. It suits families tied to the UK system or who prefer depth in a few subjects over breadth. American or British? Our guide walks through the choice.
The Polish Matura. The national leaving examination. It matters if your child may continue in the Polish system or apply to Polish universities, and is also accepted by universities abroad, subject to their requirements.
A small number of schools let a student hold more than one of these at once. At IAS a student can graduate with the IB Diploma, an American Diploma and the Polish Matura together, subject to completing each programme’s requirements.
Two school models: large campus and boutique
Schools vary in size, facilities and the number of classes in each year group. These differences are useful to explore on a visit.
The large international campus. A larger campus may offer more specialist facilities, activities and parallel classes. Ask about the year group your child would join and how teachers support new students.
The boutique school. A smaller school may have fewer classes and a smaller range of facilities. Ask about staffing, subject options and access to activities, as these vary between schools.
School size alone does not tell you how well a child will be supported. Compare class sizes, teaching and activities with your child’s needs. IAS has a school-wide student to teacher ratio of 7:1, and teachers know each child well.
How to weigh them for your own child
Once you understand the curriculum and the model, the decision comes down to a handful of practical questions. We cover these in depth in the choosing guide, including:
- Portability. If you may move again, check how the curriculum transfers to the next school and which qualifications prospective universities accept.
- Class size. Ask for the maximum a school allows, not the average, and ask the ratio across the school.
- Support for a child still learning English. Ask about English entry requirements, group sizes and additional fees. IAS admissions can discuss the support available for your child’s year group.
- Continuity. Check whether your child can continue through the school stages you need. Ask admissions about availability in PreKG and Kindergarten.
- Location and commute. Test the real journey at school-run times, and ask which districts a school bus serves.
- Cost. Get the full figure in writing from each school, including everything beyond tuition. You can see the IAS fee structure on our tuition page.
IB results at IAS, May 2026 session
The IAS Class of 2026 averaged 34 points, against a worldwide average of approximately 30.6. The highest individual diploma score was 41 points, and the average subject grade was 5.36 against a worldwide average of 4.97.
Where IAS fits in this picture
IAS is in Ursynów and has taught in Warsaw since 1989. It offers the IB Diploma, American High School Diploma and Polish Matura, a 7:1 student to teacher ratio and English language support. IAS has IB Diploma authorisation, Cognia accreditation and Polish national recognition.
You are welcome to book a visit on a normal school day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I compare international schools in Warsaw fairly? Compare two things first: the curriculum (IB, American, British, or the Polish Matura) and the school model (large campus or boutique). Then weigh class size, support for a child still learning English, continuity from kindergarten through to graduation, the real commute, and the full cost in writing. Keep the answers so you can compare schools after visiting.
Which is the best international school in Warsaw? Start with your child’s needs, including their age, languages, interests and any support they receive. Compare schools on those points and ask about the class they would join.
What is the difference between the IB and the American curriculum? The IB is broad, with study across six subject groups and a diploma recognised worldwide. The American curriculum builds a High School Diploma on credits and grade point average. Compare the subject and assessment requirements of each route with your child’s plans. IAS offers both, alongside the Polish Matura.
Can a child study toward more than one diploma? At a few schools, yes. At IAS a student can graduate with the IB Diploma, an American Diploma and the Polish Matura together, when they complete each programme’s requirements. That keeps options open across three university systems.
What if my child does not speak English yet? Ask each school about English requirements and language support for your child’s year group. At IAS, the admissions and EAL teams assess the student’s level and discuss suitable support.
What should I check when considering a smaller school? Compare what each school provides rather than judging by size alone. Check the subjects, support, activities and facilities your child would use.
After your school visits
Discuss what you saw with your child and follow up on any unanswered questions. If you would like to visit IAS, come and see us.
If the IB is the route you are weighing most seriously, our IB Diploma Programme page covers how it is examined and what our students scored in May 2026.
Part of our guide for families relocating here: moving to Warsaw with children, covering districts and commutes, renting, the Polish school system, and enrolment.
