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What is the International American School of Warsaw?
The International American School of Warsaw (IAS) is a K-12 international school located in Warsaw's Ursynow district, near Kabaty forest and Metro Kabaty. Founded in 1989, IAS was one of the first private international schools in post-Communist Poland. The school is triple-accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), Cognia (American accreditation), and the Polish Ministry of Education (MEN). With over 40 nationalities in its student body, IAS has a 7:1 student-teacher ratio and a close-knit community of over 40 nationalities.
What accreditations does IAS hold?
IAS holds three accreditations, which is unique among Warsaw's international schools: the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) as an authorized IB World School, Cognia (formerly AdvancED) for the American High School Diploma program, and the Polish Ministry of Education (MEN) for the Polish Matura program. With all three accreditations, families can choose from three diploma pathways without changing schools.
My child does not speak English. Can they still enroll?
Yes. IAS welcomes students at all English proficiency levels. Students entering grade 10 should have at least B1+ level, but for all grades below that, students are accepted regardless of English ability. The school's EAL program provides up to 8 hours of English instruction per week within the regular timetable at no additional cost. Students are placed in small groups based on their CEFR level (A0 to B2+). With over 40 nationalities at IAS, many students are learning English alongside their peers, and with small class sizes, every student gets individual support.
Can my child enroll mid-year?
Yes. IAS accepts students throughout the academic year, subject to availability in the relevant grade level. Tuition is calculated from the time of enrollment. The school's small community means new students are welcomed and integrated quickly at any point in the year.
Where is IAS located?
IAS is located at ul. Dembego 18 in the Ursynow district of Warsaw, near Kabaty forest. The school is easily accessible via public transport, with Metro Kabaty nearby. Lower Elementary (Pre-K through Grade 4) is housed at Dembego 12, while the Upper School (Grades 5 through 12) is at the main campus at Dembego 18.
What are the school hours?
Full-time classes run from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Wednesdays include extended hours for after-school clubs. Lower Elementary (Pre-K through Grade 4) at Dembego 12 is open from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM and includes after-school care.
How does IAS communicate with parents?
IAS uses weekly bulletins, the ManageBac learning management system, and the Librus parent communication app. Mid-term and semester reports are delivered digitally. The school hosts parent-teacher conferences each semester. The school's social media channels (Facebook, Instagram) provide regular updates on events and community news.
What is a typical class size?
· Grades PreKG – KG, maximum 14
· Grades 1 – 4, maximum 18
· Grade 5 - 12, maximum 24
What curriculum does the school follow?
IAS is an accredited American school and therefore adheres to the American Common Core Standards (http://www.corestandards.org). In grades 11-12, students choose between two diploma tracks, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and American High School Diploma (HSDP). The curricula for the Lower and Upper Elementary (Middle School) are designed to prepare students for these two diploma programs.
What diploma tracks are offered?
IAS offers three diploma pathways:
- International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)
- American High School Diploma (HSDP)
- Polish Matura (accredited by the Polish Ministry of Education)
IAS is the only school in Warsaw that offers all three pathways. Students on the IB or Matura track also automatically receive an American diploma.
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 are given up to 8 hours of EAL classes per week within their regular timetable.
Is there an additional cost for the EAL Program?
We have a fully staffed ”pull-out” EAL program. Students are placed in small classes based on their CEFR designation (A0-B2+) and are given up to 8 hours of EAL classes per week within their regular timetable. No additional cost.
Does the school offer extracurricular activities?
Yes. Each Wednesday after school is reserved for school clubs in activities like art, dance, and sport. Additionally the school features a student newspaper, the IAS Times, and theatrical opportunities including the Christmas Play and International Day. Depending on student interest, we also field football, basketball, chess and handball clubs. Clubs may change on a yearly basis.
The school also participates in Model United Nations (MUN) 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?
The student body is represented by over 40 countries. There is no dominant cohort at IAS. Rather, the school resembles the United Nations with each classroom represented as many as 10 different countries.
What is the school's average score on IB exams?
The school’s IB cohort consistently scores above world averages. For the 2019 exams, our IB cohort achieved an average score of 33.8 as compared to the world average of 32.1. Our top score from 2019 was 42.
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.
re 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.
My child comes from a different culture, educational enviroment and speak s a different langauge, will he or she adapt?
IAS Teachers are very well experienced with accommodating students that come from all over the world. With over 40 nationalities represented, IAS teachers know how to help student adapt & acclimatise within the IAS community. Our multicultural nature of the student body helps new students adapt to the school and community quickly.
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.
Are the discounts added-up?
No, the discounts are not added up, parents can choose 3 different options of discounts presented in the Tuition Fee or Discount subpage.
What is the notice period of the educational school agreement, and in what form shout 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 in 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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