Relocating to Warsaw: corporate and diplomatic families

International American School of Warsaw has worked with internationally mobile families since 1989. This page explains how that works, for HR teams, relocation advisers and embassy administrators supporting a family’s move.

Working with companies, embassies and institutions

IAS works directly with employers, diplomatic missions and other institutions that support staff relocating to Warsaw. These arrangements usually cover the practical side of enrolment: how places are confirmed, how invoicing is handled, and how a family is guided through admission when they are still living in another country.

A child who joins through an institutional relationship is not in a separate programme. They enter the same classes, follow the same curriculum and are taught by the same teachers as every other student.

If your organisation is relocating staff to Poland and would like to discuss an arrangement, the admissions office is the right first contact: [email protected] or +48 22 649 14 40.

Arriving mid-year

Relocation rarely lines up with the academic calendar. IAS accepts applications during the school year, subject to availability of places in the relevant grade. Availability varies by year group, so please include your child’s grade and proposed start date when you contact us.

For a child moving between school systems, the transition is usually more than administrative. Students arrive from national curricula, from other international schools, and sometimes from a period of home schooling during a move. Teachers review previous school records and assess where a student may need support.

Children who are still learning English

Instruction at IAS is in English. Students who need to develop their English receive English as an Additional Language support. EAL helps students understand lessons and take part in classroom discussions.

Roughly 40 nationalities are represented at the school, so arriving without fluent English is ordinary here.

Three diploma pathways

Families on international postings often cannot say with certainty where a child will apply to university. IAS offers three diploma pathways, which is useful when plans change:

• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. IAS has been an authorised IB World School for the Diploma Programme since 2006.
• American High School Diploma, a credit based route, accredited by Cognia.
• Polish Matura, within the framework of the Polish Ministry of Education.

A student who expects to stay in Poland and later decides to apply abroad, or the reverse, does not have to change schools to change direction.

Practical details

• Ages: Kindergarten through Grade 12, from age 4 to 18.
• Class size: roughly seven students per teacher across the school; numbers vary by year group.
• Location: ul. Dembego 18, Ursynow, Warsaw, near the Kabaty forest and the metro.
• Accreditation: International Baccalaureate Organization, Cognia, and the Polish Ministry of Education.
• Admissions for 2026/2027: currently open.

Questions about tuition, available places in a specific grade, or an arrangement for a group of relocating employees are best sent to [email protected].

Questions we are asked by HR teams and relocating parents

Do you work with companies relocating employees to Warsaw?

Yes. IAS works with employers, embassies and institutions moving staff to Poland. Arrangements normally cover how places are confirmed, how invoicing is handled, and how a family is guided through admission while still living abroad. Write to [email protected] and the admissions office will take it from there.

Can a child join partway through the school year?

Yes, subject to availability in that grade. Relocation rarely matches the academic calendar, so mid-year entry is normal here. Availability varies by year group and by month, so ask about a specific grade, not about the school as a whole.

Our child does not speak English yet. Is that a problem?

No. Teaching is in English, and students who need to build their English receive EAL support, which stands for English as an Additional Language. With around 40 nationalities in the school, arriving without fluent English is ordinary. EAL helps children understand lessons and communicate in class.

We are an expat family on a fixed-term posting. Which diploma makes sense?

That depends on where your child is likely to apply to university, which may still be undecided. IAS offers the IB Diploma Programme, the American High School Diploma and the Polish Matura at one school, so a change of plan partway through does not have to mean a change of school.

How quickly can admissions be completed from abroad?

Most of the process can be handled remotely, including the interview and assessment. The admissions team can explain the steps and timing once they have reviewed your child’s records. Start by emailing [email protected] with your child’s age and current grade.

Are diplomatic and embassy families treated differently?

Only in how enrolment is arranged. A child joining through an institutional or corporate relationship is in the same classes, following the same curriculum, taught by the same teachers. There is no separate track and no separate programme.

Part of our guide for families relocating here: moving to Warsaw with children, covering districts and commutes, renting, the Polish school system, and enrolment.