What is a typical class size at IAS Warsaw?

Grades PreKG-KG have a maximum of 14 students, Grades 1-4 have a maximum of 18 students, and Grades 5-12 have a maximum of 24 students per class.

What curriculum does the International American School of Warsaw follow?

IAS is an accredited American school following American Common Core Standards. In grades 11-12, students choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and the American High School Diploma (HSDP).

What diploma tracks are offered at IAS Warsaw?

IAS offers two diploma tracks: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and the American High School Diploma (HSDP). Both are recognized by universities worldwide.

Does my child need to speak English to enter IAS Warsaw?

Students entering 10th grade should have minimum B1+ English proficiency. For lower grades, IAS accepts students at all English levels with a pull-out EAL program providing up to 8 hours per week at no additional cost.

Where do IAS Warsaw students come from?

The student body represents over 40 countries with no dominant cohort. Each classroom may have students from as many as 10 different countries, resembling a United Nations community.

What is IAS Warsaw's average IB exam score?

The IAS IB cohort consistently scores above world averages. The school achieved an average score of 33.8 compared to the world average of 32.1, with a top score of 42.

What universities do IAS Warsaw graduates attend?

IAS graduates attend top universities worldwide including Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, University of California, King's College London, UCL, and many more, with emphasis on UK, USA, and EU institutions.

Where do IAS Warsaw teachers come from?

IAS provides an international faculty from many nations including the USA, Britain, Ireland, Scotland, France, India, Turkey, Pakistan, and Poland. All humanities courses are taught by native English speakers.

Does IAS Warsaw offer extracurricular activities?

Yes. Every Wednesday after school is reserved for clubs including art, dance, sport, student newspaper (IAS Times), theatrical performances, football, basketball, chess, and handball. Clubs may vary yearly.

Is there a school uniform at IAS Warsaw?

Students are not required to wear school uniforms, but the school upholds a dress code to ensure appropriate standards are followed.

Relocating to Warsaw with Children: Expat School Guide

You have accepted a job in Warsaw. The paperwork is moving, the apartment search has started, and one of the first things on the list is: where will the children go to school? Warsaw has a growing international community, and the good news is that there are real options. The not-so-good news is that the school landscape here takes some time to understand. This guide is for families relocating to Warsaw with children, written to help you make sense of the choices without spending weeks on research.

Neighbourhoods Popular with Expat Families

Warsaw is a large city, and where you live will affect which schools are practical. Most expat families with school-age children settle in one of a handful of southern and southwestern neighbourhoods. Wilanow is popular with international families, particularly those coming from Western Europe and North America. It is a planned residential area with newer apartment buildings, good green spaces, and a growing number of English-speaking services.

Mokotow is more central and offers a mix of older Warsaw character and newer developments. It is well-served by public transport and has a large community of both expats and professional Polish families. Ursynow, where The International American School of Warsaw is located, is a residential district bordering the Kabaty forest. It is quieter than Mokotow, very family-friendly, and accessible via Metro Kabaty on the M1 line.

Konstancin-Jeziorna is a small spa town about 20 kilometers south of Warsaw’s center. Some international families choose it for its green setting and slower pace. Piaseczno and Natolin are also popular for families who prefer more space and lower costs. From all of these areas, IAS Warsaw in Ursynow is easily reachable by metro or car via the S2 expressway.

The Warsaw International School Landscape

Warsaw has several English-medium international schools at different price points and with different academic orientations. Some are large campuses with extensive sports facilities and a broad social scene. Others are smaller and more intimate. Curricula range from the IB Diploma to American, British, and mixed systems. Fees vary significantly. At the top end of the market, annual costs for a single student can reach 100,000 PLN and above. Smaller boutique schools like IAS Warsaw offer considerably more affordable options without sacrificing academic quality.

When comparing schools, the key variables are: which diploma the school offers, whether that credential is recognized where your child plans to study, class sizes, the quality of English language support for non-native speakers, and how long the school has been operating. An international school with decades of experience in Warsaw has a track record you can actually check.

What to Look for in a School

Class size is the most underrated factor in school quality. A classroom with 28 students behaves very differently from one with 14. Teachers in large classes spend a significant amount of time managing the group. In smaller classes, teachers have time to notice when a student is struggling or excelling and respond to it. If your child is moving to a new country, leaving friends behind, and adjusting to a new language or curriculum, the ability of teachers to know your child personally is not a luxury. It is essential.

Accreditation matters because it determines which universities will recognize your child’s diploma. A school accredited by only one national body may limit your child’s options. Schools with dual or triple accreditation give your child more flexibility. IAS Warsaw, for example, holds accreditations from the IBO, Cognia (American), and the Polish Ministry of Education, which means students can pursue three different diploma pathways depending on their plans.

Language support is critical if your child does not yet speak English fluently. Ask any school you are considering: what is your EAL programme, how many students are in EAL support, and how long does it typically take for a new student to exit the programme? The answers will tell you a great deal about how seriously the school treats language transition.

Middle school students in a collaborative classroom session at IAS Warsaw — Small classes at IAS Warsaw mean every student is seen, heard, and supported from day one.

Practical Settling-In Tips

Registration in Warsaw for foreign nationals is handled at the local district office (Urzad Dzielnicy). EU citizens register their residency; non-EU citizens apply for a residence permit through the Urzad Wojewodzki. This process takes time, and schools will typically need a copy of the registration document. Start it as early as possible.

Healthcare in Poland operates through the NFZ (national health fund) for those registered, but most expat families use private clinics. LuxMed and Medicover are the two largest private networks, both with English-speaking doctors and online appointment booking. Register your children with a GP shortly after arrival.

Public transport in Warsaw is genuinely good. The metro has two lines, the bus network is extensive, and ZTM tram and bus routes cover most of the city. For school-age children, ZTM student cards significantly reduce transport costs. Many international schools also run bus services covering major expat neighbourhoods.

How IAS Supports Relocating Families

The International American School of Warsaw accepts new students year-round, which matters a great deal for families arriving mid-year or at short notice. There is no fixed enrollment window. Families can apply any time and, if a place is available, a child can often start within a week or two of application.

Students from over 40 nationalities learning together at IAS Warsaw, an expat school in Warsaw — The IAS Warsaw community spans more than 40 nationalities, making every new family feel at home.

For students arriving without English as their primary language, IAS has a dedicated EAL programme. Language liaisons are available in Chinese, Ukrainian, and Turkish, which helps families during the initial transition period. Teachers are accustomed to welcoming new international students and understand what the first few weeks look like for a child arriving in a new country.

The International American School of Warsaw operates a school bus service covering major residential areas, which takes away one logistical headache. The school is also small enough that you will know the other parents quickly. When your child starts at IAS, you are joining a community of roughly 40 nationalities. Other parents who have done what you are doing are usually happy to share what they have learned about Warsaw.

Get in Touch

If you are relocating to Warsaw with children and want to talk through your school options, we are happy to help. IAS Warsaw offers campus tours year-round. Our admissions team can also answer questions by email before you arrive. Contact us at [email protected] or call +48 22 649 14 40. We are at ul. Dembego 18, Ursynow, near Metro Kabaty. Expat school Warsaw families are always welcome to visit and see the school for themselves.