American School of Warsaw vs International European School Warsaw
American School of Warsaw and International European School Warsaw are both in Warsaw, about 8 km apart. Both schools offer Bespoke programmes, and American School of Warsaw also offers IB and American. Published annual fees are PLN 40,188 - 125,000 at American School of Warsaw and PLN 47,250 - 72,450 at International European School Warsaw, which puts American School of Warsaw roughly 38% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Bespoke Curriculum
Curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
400
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
18
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Polish
Opened
Opened
1953
Opened
2002
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school is located at Bielawa, ul. Warszawska 202, 05-520 Konstancin-Jeziorna, Poland. The address places ASW in Konstancin-Jeziorna, near the Warsaw area. A door-to-door bus service is provided for students living throughout the Warsaw area.
Location
The school is located at Wiertnicza 140, 02-952 Warszawa, Poland.
Stages
Stages
PK to 12; includes Early Years, Elementary School, Middle School and High School divisions.
Stages
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School type
School type
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School type
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Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is provided; a One-Time Fee on Entry for Grades 1-12 is PLN 19,500. Mild learning support is included in tuition. For Learning Support, moderate, intensive and specialized education levels have separate annual fees (Moderate PLN 13,000; Intense PLN 45,000; Specialized Education PLN 125,000).
Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
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Country affiliation
European Schools network
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
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School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
ASW provides a door-to-door bus service for all PK-12 students via a preferred third party. Buses are equipped with seat belts; late bus options are available; sign up for specific days. The service is provided by Sargent Bus; contact sargent@aswarsaw.org.
Bus service details
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Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
What tuition covers - Tuition includes textbooks, everyday class supplies, field trips, most after-school activities, IB exams, and mild learning support. Lunch and daily transportation are not included.
Application fee - A non-refundable Application Fee of USD 150 (or PLN 600). Applications are not processed until this fee is received.
Registration / seat deposit - Registration Fee for Grades K–12: USD 8,000 (one-time, non-refundable). Pre‑Kindergarten: non-refundable seat deposit of PLN 12,000 credited to tuition; Pre‑K students entering Kindergarten pay the USD 8,000 Registration Fee. Re‑enrolling students who have previously paid the Registration Fee for Grades 1–12 are not required to pay it again. A non‑refundable seat deposit invoice of PLN 12,000 is issued during semester 2 to confirm continued enrollment; the seat deposit is credited toward tuition.
Tuition — total annual amounts (USD + PLN) and per‑term splits - Pre‑kindergarten: USD 6,864 + PLN 40,188. - Two equal installments (semester): USD 3,432 + PLN 20,094. - Four equal installments (quarter): USD 1,716.00 + PLN 10,047.
Additional mandatory or conditional fees - EAL (English as an Additional Language) one‑time fee on entry for Grades 1–12: PLN 19,500 (applies to students who qualify for EAL services). Kindergarten students continuing into Grade 1 are not assessed this fee. - Learning Support annual fees (where required): Mild support is included in tuition; Moderate PLN 13,000; Intense PLN 45,000; Specialized Education PLN 125,000.
Other costs and penalties - Late payment fee: PLN 700 per invoice for each late payment. - Administration fee: PLN 2,000 charged for choosing the four‑installment plan (or special payment plans). - Optional or as‑needed fees (invoiced separately) include examinations (e.g., SAT), Independent Studies, laptop insurance, PE uniforms, some after‑school activities, exit packets if more than three requested, and the cost of transportation and accommodation for athletic/activity trips. - Charges for lost or damaged school property are billed at full replacement cost (refundable if the item is subsequently returned in good condition).
Billing schedule and payment terms - All fees are invoiced annually in advance of the school year. Payment in the invoiced currencies is required in both USD and PLN for the amounts shown; all payers remit in both currencies. Installment payment plans are available for non‑corporate payers and for Tuition and Learning Support fees only, upon application to the Business Office. - Standard payment due dates and options: - Annual one‑time payment: due by June 1. - Two equal installments: due by June 1 and November 2. - Four equal installments (administration fee applies): due by June 1, August 3, November 2, and January 15. - Seat deposit due date noted in the billing cycle (re‑enrollment invoice issued in semester 2). - Payments for tuition and fees are accepted by bank transfer in the invoiced currencies; PLN transfers generally credit same or next business day, USD transfers require at least two business days to be applied. Payers are responsible for all transfer and exchange costs so the school receives the full invoiced amount. For application fee payment, bank transfer or check are accepted. Bank account details and invoicing instructions are provided on the invoice. Contact for bank transfer or payment queries: aswbusinessoffice@aswarsaw.org or +48‑22‑702‑8553.
Refunds and withdrawal policy - Refunds are calculated by semester and depend on the date written withdrawal notice is received by Admissions. Refunds of tuition paid by the invoice due date are as follows (refunds are net of any amounts specified as non‑refundable): - Withdrawal notice received before July 1: Semester 1 refund 100%, Semester 2 refund 100%. - July 1 – August 1: Semester 1 refund 50%, Semester 2 refund 100%. - August 2 – November 9: Semester 1 refund 0%, Semester 2 refund 100%. - November 10 – December 1: Semester 1 refund 0%, Semester 2 refund 50%. - After December 1: Semester 1 refund 0%, Semester 2 refund 0%. - If tuition is not paid in full by the due date, the invoiced amount remains due and payable even if a student withdraws, with no entitlement to discount or refund on the invoiced amount.
Boarding - The school operates as a day school; boarding is not offered.
Consequences of late or non‑payment - Failure to pay tuition or fees by deadlines may result in restriction from attending school, withholding of school reports/references/examination results, or loss of the student's place. Students with overdue balances exceeding 30 days may be restricted from attending classes until balances are settled.
Contacts for fee administration and billing - Business Office email: aswbusinessoffice@aswarsaw.org; phone: +48‑22‑702‑8553. Admissions email: admissions@aswarsaw.org; main telephone: +48‑22‑702‑8500. These contacts are provided for payment queries, invoice details, and to arrange permitted payment plans.
Fee details
Application / Registration fee
- One‑time registration fee: PLN 5,250. Example: for a three‑year‑old starting Kindergarten 1 the first‑year total (registration + tuition) is PLN 52,500.
Tuition fees by year group (annual and per‑month where the annual fee is split into 10 monthly instalments)
- Tuition is expressed as an annual amount. For tuition contracts signed during the school year, the annual tuition fee is divided into 10 months of study and is calculated proportionally for each calendar month until the end of the school year (regardless of the start day within a month). Fees are stated and charged in Polish zloty (PLN).
Boarding fees
- The published fee structure does not list any boarding provision or boarding fees; no boarding fees apply.
Other costs and typical additional charges
- The published schedule highlights the one‑time registration fee and the annual tuition by year group. Separate charges commonly associated with international schools — examples include school lunches, transport (school bus), uniforms, extracurricular activity fees, examination or external‑exam entry fees and special trips — are not itemised in the published annual tuition schedule provided for the school. Parents should plan for possible optional / ancillary charges in addition to the annual tuition.
Refund information
- The registration fee is described as a one‑time payment valid for the pupil's entire period of study. No detailed refund schedule for tuition or registration is published in the referenced fee information.
Fee payment options
- Fees are calculated and billed in PLN. The school provides bank details for payment by bank transfer (Bank Pekao S.A.; IBAN information is published with the school's billing instructions). Parents should expect to be able to pay by bank transfer in PLN; other payment methods (credit/debit card, direct debit) are not specified in the published fee summary.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
Prescribed physical education uniforms are required in all Upper School PHE classes. All middle and many high school students will need PE uniforms.
Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
Food is prepared on-site with meat and vegetarian options. Meals feature Polish and international cuisines. Catering is provided by Solivoda Catering.
Food options
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House system
House system
The school has a house system. Pierogi Bowl is a House Game within the ASW house system.
House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
The school is a non-profit Pre-K through grade 12 international school governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board is composed of twelve members: two appointed by the US Ambassador; six selected and appointed by the existing Board; and four elected by ASW parents. The Director is an ex-officio member of the Board.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Elementary School follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) framework for ages 3–11. The PYP emphasizes inquiry-based learning and develops thinking, research, social, communication, and self-management skills through transdisciplinary units that prepare students for IB progression. Polish is taught for native speakers, French is offered as an additional language, and home and family language instruction supports multilingual learners. The school provides 1:1 technology, small class sizes, and Teaching Assistant support, with dedicated counselors in the Elementary School. Service learning, Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL), the Elementary Garden, and after-school activities broaden learning. The Grade 5 year culminates with the PYP Exhibition.
Curriculum details
The school follows the Accredited European School (AES) framework. Primary education is international and conducted in English and Polish. Pupils whose mother tongue is not English or Polish are enrolled in the English section. From S1, all students learn a second foreign language (L3) chosen from English, Polish, French, German, Italian and Spanish. Syllabi are provided by the European Schools.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
In 2025, IB Diploma Programme results show 79 candidates; 74 earned the Diploma; 69 diplomas awarded; 93% pass rate; average score 35; highest score 45.
Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
ASW graduates attend universities worldwide. Notable destinations include institutions in the United States (New York University, University of California, Berkeley), Australia (Monash University, The University of Sydney, University of Melbourne), and Poland (University of Warsaw). The program also lists universities in Canada, the United Kingdom, and across Europe as typical outcomes.
Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
ASW provides Highly Able Learner support, integrated with Learning Support and English as an Additional Language services to differentiate instruction.
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Counseling in High School provides academic guidance and social and emotional support. Learning Support aims to assist students academically, socially and emotionally.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
The Learning Support Department provides support services for students who are struggling and for students with identified mild to moderate learning needs. The goal is to assist students in reaching their highest potential academically, socially and emotionally. Students receiving moderate, intensive or specialized education learning support have an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and progress is monitored against the ILP goals.
Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The EAL program is a requirement of enrollment for all new students in Grades 1-12 who qualify for services; a one-time entry fee of PLN 19,500 applies.
English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
The school prioritizes student mental health and wellbeing and has two counselors dedicated to the Elementary School.
Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Child protection is a core responsibility; the Child Protection Policy and Procedures are fully implemented; the school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every student inside and outside the school premises.
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
The school has a 10-hectare campus in Konstancin-Jeziorna, a 15-minute drive from Warsaw. The campus features a 365-seat theater, a black box classroom, a well-stocked library, and bright classrooms and learning spaces. It features a fully equipped design center and maker lab, a photography studio, and spaces for music, choir, and dance. Outdoor facilities include four soccer fields, a 400-meter track, four outdoor tennis courts, and a multipurpose outdoor court. Three playgrounds and student-run gardens support a range of academic, athletic, and artistic activities.
Facilities overview
Library access is available to all pupils from preschool through high school. Three meals daily are provided (second breakfast, lunch and tea). Transportation is provided to pupils' homes within 20 km and to school‑organized activities. The school is located at ul. Wiertnicza 140, Warsaw. A wide range of after‑school clubs and activities run on the school grounds from 14:20 to 16:00. Annual events include European Day and Sports Day.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
ASW provides extensive athletic facilities. The Main Gym and Annex Gym host basketball and volleyball, with bleachers, a PA system, and an electronic scoreboard. Outdoors, there is a Multipurpose Sports Area, a 400-meter track, a sports field, and four outdoor tennis courts. A 25-meter indoor swimming pool and a fitness center support swimming and conditioning.
Sports facilities
Physical Education and Swimming are part of the curriculum. The school offers after‑school sports clubs including football, mini tennis, basketball, karate, Taekwondo and gymnastics. Sports Day is an annual event.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
ASW offers modern academic facilities. The Design Center and Maker Lab connect classroom projects to real-world manufacturing. The library is well-stocked, with the ES Library housed within the main library for younger students. The MYP Photography Program has its own photography studio, and there are dedicated spaces for Visual Arts, Music, Theater and Dance.
Academic facilities
The school provides high‑quality international education conducted in English and Polish. In Primary, the curriculum follows Polish and British national curricula. In High School, students may study via the Cambridge curriculum (IGCSE and A‑levels) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The school is accredited as an Accredited European School (AES). Additional mother tongue lessons are offered for foreign students, and language options include L2 and L3 languages such as English, Polish, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
ASW supports a rich program of extracurricular activities. A 365-seat Main Theater hosts assemblies, plays and ceremonies, and dedicated Band and Dance Studios and Music Rooms support performing arts. The ES Maker Space and Photography Studio support hands-on design and visual arts. Outdoor spaces include the OPAL Play Area and three playgrounds, along with student-run gardens that grow fruits and vegetables.
Extra curricular facilities
A wide range of after‑school clubs and activities run on the school grounds, from 14:20 to 16:00. Activities include football, mini tennis, basketball, karate, Taekwondo, gymnastics, small engineers, chess, choir, piano, drums, programming, dance, arts & crafts, sewing workshop, jewellery making and ceramics. The programme supports social interaction and broad interests across sport, arts, performance and technology.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
ASW opened in August 1953 with nine students in an apartment near the US Embassy, with Betty Armstrong Dennis as the sole teacher. In 1972 ASW began a service-learning partnership with the Educational Center in Laski, and in 1975 moved to a larger campus in Sadyba due to rising enrollment. By 1988 the ASW community represented 25 countries, and United Nations Day was established to celebrate its international character. The school expanded from a kindergarten-through-8 elementary program to include a high school beginning in 1989, with a dedicated Middle School campus completed in 1997. In 2018 ASW earned IB Continuum status, the 2012 wing extension added a gym and more classrooms, and from 2022 to 2023 a major expansion added the Design Center, two courtyards, modern labs, and expanded library and cafeteria; the ASWfor Foundation was established in 2023 to commemorate the 70th anniversary and support humanitarian initiatives.
History
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Community
Community
ASW has a diverse, international community representing 60 nationalities. UN Day, established in 1988, is a signature annual event with a flag parade, food, and performances that celebrate the school's international character. Service learning is integrated across the curriculum, with elementary projects such as a school garden and bird boxes, and upper-school clubs such as Refugee Club and Hand&Paw Club; the IB DP CAS program enables students to design and implement sustainable community projects.
Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
The ASW PTO is a volunteer board of ASW parents from a range of nationalities and backgrounds. The PTO works to build and maintain a welcoming ASW community and organizes events and activities throughout the year. The PTO team includes a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Store Manager, and grade-level representatives for high school, middle school, and elementary, with country ambassadors to connect families. The PTO relies entirely on volunteers and invites involvement through monthly coffee mornings, weekly eNotes, and social media updates on Facebook and Instagram. The PTO is your home away from home and welcomes your participation.
Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
ASW offers a wide variety of extracurricular programs including academic clubs and competitions. The school lists Model United Nations, Speech & Debate (including Parliamentary Debate), Leadership Council, and Student Council. It also includes Knowledge Bowl, Math Team, Anime Club, Book Club, and Chess Club. The majority of activities are supervised by ASW staff and are included in school tuition fees.
Academic & intellectual
The school offers Cambridge IGCSE/A-levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). In Year 9, students choose eight subjects from groups including English, Polish, a foreign language (German, French, Spanish, Italian or Russian), Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities and an elective such as Art or ICT. The IGCSE is an internationally recognized qualification that helps prepare students for IB DP or A‑levels. The school provides university and career counselling, and coordinates CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) along with CAS tutorials as part of the IB framework.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The Theater program serves Middle School with Theatre Arts, TVASW, and Stagecraft, and High School with Intro to Theatre, Advanced Theatre, Stagecraft, and IB Theatre Arts. ASW's Arts program on the Activities page features Choir, String Ensemble, Drama Games, Jewellery Making, Heart Poetry Café, Fun with Fabrics, and Cooking Club. High School productions include Drama Production, Rock Band, Jazz Band, String Ensemble, Band, and Choir, plus the AMIS Honour Band. The IB DP Theatre course engages students as creators, designers, directors and performers.
Arts & creative
Arts and creative activities are offered across the school. In Preschool, after‑school clubs include choir, piano, drums, programming, dance, arts and crafts, sewing, jewellery making and ceramics, with field trips and art workshops. The after‑school program runs from 14:20 to 16:00 and covers sport, music, arts and technology. In Secondary, extracurricular activities include art and music classes as part of the after‑school offering.
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
French is offered in Elementary School as part of ASW's cultural and language offerings. Culture Club is available in High School. The Activities page shows language and culture-related clubs and activities across grade levels.
Cultural & language
The school provides bilingual English–Polish education. Foreign languages taught include German, French, Spanish, Italian and Russian. Mother tongue language courses (SWALS) are available for pupils without a dedicated language section. An Accredited European School Section offers English instruction alongside Polish language, history and geography, with Polish as a foreign language for non‑native speakers.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
ASW offers social and hobby clubs such as Anime Club, Book Club, Chess Club, and Writers Retreat. Knowledge Bowl and Math Team provide additional opportunities for social and intellectual engagement. These activities are organized as after-school programs and other non-class time offerings.
Social & hobbies
Afterschool clubs run 14:20–16:00 and cover sport, music, arts and technology; activities include football, mini tennis, basketball, karate, Taekwondo, gymnastics, small engineers, chess, choir, piano, drums, programming, dance, arts and crafts, sewing, jewellery making and ceramics. The school organizes field trips and events such as European Day and Sports Day, and hosts annual concerts and performances. Students are encouraged to participate in outings and competitions as part of the after‑school program.
Community & service
Community & service
Service Learning is integrated across PYP, MYP and DP programs, offering opportunities to engage in service projects. Upper School students join after-school clubs and activities related to service, such as Refugee Club and Hand&Paw Club. CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) is an integral part of the IB Diploma Programme.
Community & service
Throughout the year, the school organises events and competitions that involve pupils across language sections and supports charity activities. It runs charity events to raise funds for local causes. Annual events include European Day, Dance‑a‑thon, Christmas Bazaar, Christmas Concert, Earth Day and Carnival Week.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Leadership opportunities include Leadership Council and Student Council. ASW lists MUN, Speech & Debate, and Parliamentary Debate as ways to develop leadership and communication skills. Other clubs such as Amnesty International, Culture Club, and Environmental Club foster leadership and advocacy.
Leadership & professional
University and Career Counsellor supports students with higher education and career planning. CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is coordinated as part of the IB framework, with a CAS Coordinator and CAS tutorials on study skills and career planning. The admissions process includes CAS coordination responsibilities and opportunities to engage in extracurricular leadership activities.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
ASW offers three seasons of varsity and junior varsity sports with soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, softball, tennis, track and field, and cross country. The activities area lists Outdoor Club, Run Club, Swimming, Basketball, Table Tennis, Pierogi Bowl, Floor-ball, Indoor Games, American Football, Tennis, and Soccer. These programs promote physical health and well-being as part of student life.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Full care for pupils runs from 8:00 to 16:15. Three meals daily (second breakfast, lunch and tea) are provided. Psychological and pedagogical support is provided by teachers, class tutors and specialists, and the school runs a Pastoral and Social Education programme to support well‑being.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
English is the language of instruction. English as an Additional Language (EAL) supports learners; EAL services may be delivered as stand-alone classes or in-class support, with EAL specialists working with teachers and families. French and Polish are offered as additional languages; in Grades 1–5, French foreign language or Polish native language are taught in 3x40-minute sessions. From Grade 1, all students take a Polish Culture and Language course, taught in Polish and English according to language abilities, to understand the host culture.
Language provision
Languages taught include English as the language of instruction, Polish, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian. In primary, French and German are taught; in high school, German, French, Spanish, Italian or Russian are offered as foreign languages; two language sections (English and Polish) are used in the Accredited European School Section.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
The school provides a bilingual education conducted in English and Polish. A unique bilingual program is available across the preschool and primary levels, with English and Polish instruction and additional mother tongue lessons for foreign students (SWALS).
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
Two language sections exist within the Accredited European School Section: English and Polish, enabling language immersion within the curriculum. SWALS mother tongue support is available for foreign students. From secondary level, students may study a second foreign language (English, French, German) and a third foreign language (English, French, German, Italian, Polish or Spanish).
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
ASW runs an annual application process that opens in September of the year prior to the commencement of the next academic year. Create a parent account in the online application portal and read the User Guide to Admissions. Check the Grade Placement Chart to determine the grade your child would qualify for, then fill out the online application form and upload the necessary documents and pay the USD 150 ( PLN 600 ) application fee. The required documents include scans of both parents passports as well as your child's passport and/or birth certificate, full academic reports from the past two years, and any specialist reports if applicable. Teacher questionnaires are submitted through the online form, with the number of teachers required depending on the grade. After submission you should receive a response within two to three weeks.
Admissions
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Scholarships
Scholarships
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Scholarships
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Waitlist
Waitlist
Waiting lists may be opened if capacity is reached for reasons such as maximum class sizes, nationality capacity, or limited spaces in EAL and Learning Support. Enrollment is dynamic and spaces may open at any time during the school year. Students are placed on the waiting list by priority group defined in the admissions policy and within each group by the date of application (completed application form and payment of the application fee). Admission decisions for August enrolment are taken on set dates starting from April each year.
