Cracow International School vs Wawel International School
Cracow International School and Wawel International School are both in Krakow, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary) and Bespoke programmes, and Cracow International School also offers Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels. Published annual fees are close, at PLN 22,500 - 40,000 for Cracow International School and PLN 24,700 - 36,000 for Wawel International School. Cracow International School takes pupils from 3 to 18, and Wawel International School from 3 to 14. Cracow International School is the larger school, with around 275 pupils to Wawel International School's 80. Typical class sizes are 18 at Cracow International School and 17 at Wawel International School.
Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels, Bespoke Curriculum
Curriculum
Cambridge (Primary), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils
Pupils
275
Pupils
80
Typical class size
Typical class size
18
Typical class size
17
Instruction language
Instruction language
English
Instruction language
English, Polish
Opened
Opened
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Opened
—
Bus service
Bus service
No
Bus service
No
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
Cracow International School operates in two Kraków locations: Błonia – Wyczółkowskiego 7, and Olsza – Sokołowskiego 19, 19A. The high school is located at Błonia, while the kindergarten and primary school are at Olsza. Both campuses are in central Kraków.
Location
Błonia – Wyczółkowskiego 7, Kraków, Poland. The building is in close proximity to Kraków's Błonia Park and serves as the teaching base for the preschool and primary school.
Stages
Stages
High school; Primary school; Kindergarten.
Stages
Preschool and Primary School.
School type
School type
Non-public high school implementing the Cambridge International program (IGCSE and Cambridge Advanced A/AS Levels); Cambridge Assessment International Education accredited and International Examination Center PL027; English is the main language of instruction; British and Polish curricula.
School type
Private, bilingual school offering the Cambridge Programme.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
A European Funds-funded project supports the development of students with special educational needs through educational activities, staff training and workshops for parents.
Annual tuition fees and instalment breakdown by year group
- Kindergarten (youngest group): tuition fee 22,500 PLN per year. When billed in monthly instalments (10 monthly instalments), the instalment amount is 2,250 PLN per month.
- Kindergarten (Grade 0 / Year 1 Cambridge Programme): tuition fee 25,000 PLN per year. When billed in 10 monthly instalments, the instalment amount is 2,500 PLN per month.
- Primary School (all primary year groups listed): tuition fee 36,000 PLN per year. When billed in 10 monthly instalments, the instalment amount is 3,600 PLN per month.
- High School — two‑year IGCSE programme: tuition fee 35,000 PLN per year, payable in 10 monthly instalments (3,500 PLN per month). One‑time administrative fee 6,200 PLN.
- High School — two‑year AS & A Level programme: tuition fee 40,000 PLN per year, payable in 10 monthly instalments (4,000 PLN per month). One‑time administrative fee 6,200 PLN.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The administration (registration) fee is payable on the day the education contract is signed. Tuition is generally billed in 10 monthly instalments, with each instalment due by the 10th day of the month.
- High School tuition amounts are specifically described as payable in 10 monthly instalments.
Boarding / accommodation fees
- The school does not operate a dormitory; there are no boarding fees because parents/guardians are responsible for arranging accommodation.
Other costs and regular additional charges
- Meals / catering: kindergarten children use the school catering service; meal ordering is handled via the school's online ordering system and is charged separately.
- Textbooks, examination fees, extracurricular activities, workshops, field trips, and certain extra lessons are payable in addition to tuition where applicable.
- Uniforms: there is no uniform requirement in Kindergarten. An official school uniform is required from Grade 1 of Primary School; branded school clothing may be purchased through the school's secretariat and is an additional cost.
Refunds and withdrawal
- No detailed refund or withdrawal schedule is published on the school's publicly available fee pages; the registration (administration) fee is required at signing and tuition is billed in instalments as noted above. Parents should expect that refunds and precise withdrawal rules are governed by the school's enrolment contract and finance regulations.
Fee payment options
- Payment methods (bank account details, card acceptance, online payment processors) are not specified on the school's public fee pages. Payment mechanics and accepted payment types are handled through the school's finance office and enrolment paperwork.
Practical notes for parents (concise)
- Expect to pay the one‑time administration/registration fee on signing, and then tuition in 10 monthly instalments (amounts shown above are the annual totals and the corresponding 10‑month instalment figures). Meals, textbooks, exams, trips and some extracurriculars incur additional charges. The school does not provide boarding or school transport.
Tuition fees (academic year 2026/27) — full-year and instalment detail
- Preschool, Younger group (DOB 2021–2023): Tuition fee (annual): PLN 22,500. When paid by the school's published schedule (10 monthly instalments), this equals PLN 2,250 per month. - Preschool, Grade 0 (DOB 2020–2021): Tuition fee (annual): PLN 25,000. When paid in 10 monthly instalments, this equals PLN 2,500 per month. - Primary School (grades 1–8 / all primary year groups covered by the single fee): Tuition fee (annual): PLN 36,000. When paid in 10 monthly instalments, this equals PLN 3,600 per month.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- The administration/enrollment fee is payable on the day the education agreement is signed. - Tuition is billed and collected in 10 monthly instalments; each instalment is due by the 10th day of the month. The school's published instalment schedule is the standard payment arrangement. - Sibling discounts: a 10% discount may be requested for the younger of two enrolled children; a 15% discount applies for a third child.
Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable. Wawel International operates as a day preschool and primary school; no boarding fees are published.
Other costs and typical additional fees
- Meals / catering: optional for primary pupils and obligatory for preschool pupils; catering charges are additional to tuition. Parents order meals via the school's ordering system. - Extracurricular activities: charged separately (additional classes and clubs). - School uniform: required from Primary School (uniform purchase handled through the school's supplier); preschool children do not wear a uniform. - Overnight trips and day trips: charged separately (overnight trips are an additional cost). Tuition covers a set number of program trips/workshops (listed below), but extended or overnight trips carry extra charges. - Textbooks and educational materials: textbooks and certain book costs are additional to tuition. Preschool tuition includes specified art/wyprawka items and up to six trips/workshops per year as listed by the school. - Layette / school starter pack (wyprawka): listed as an additional item for primary; preschool includes a basic art starter kit for the year-group fees that specify it.
Refund information
- No specific, published refund or tuition-withdrawal policy was located on the school's public admissions and FAQ pages. Parents are therefore advised to confirm refund/withdrawal terms directly with the school before signing the education agreement.
Fee payment options
- The school's public pages do not publish detailed payment-method instructions (for example, bank account details, card payment acceptance, or online payment portals) on the admissions or FAQ pages. For payment method details and banking instructions, contact the school's admissions or secretary office at parents@wips.edu.pl or info@wips.edu.pl (phone numbers also published on the school contact pages).
What the tuition covers
- Preschool tuition includes art supplies and up to six trips/workshops per year (see preschool fee listing). Primary tuition includes education for the full school year, care Monday–Friday 8:00–17:20 for grades 1–4, Cambridge Primary educational activities, Cambridge Global Perspectives project work, and six program trips/workshops per school year. Additional items listed above are not included in the base tuition.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
Uniforms are obligatory starting from Primary School; preschool students do not wear uniforms.
Food options
Food options
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Food options
Preschool meals are provided by catering and meals cannot be brought from home. Primary School offers catering as an option and students may also bring their own meals; meals can be ordered online; both meat and vegetarian options are available.
House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Cracow International School is operated by CIS Education sp. z o.o. It runs at two locations in Cracow: Błonia – Wyczółkowskiego 7, and Olsza – Sokołowskiego 19, 19A.
Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The Cambridge International program, including IGCSE and Cambridge Advanced (A Levels), is used at Cracow International School. The high school is accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education and functions as International Examination Center PL027, authorized to conduct Cambridge curricula and final exams. The main language of instruction is English. The school uses British and Polish national curricula and offers bilingual or English-only education. Polish and international matura are offered. The school operates from two locations in Cracow: Błonia (Wyczółkowskiego 7) and Olsza (Sokołowskiego 19, 19A), serving kindergarten, primary, and high school.
Curriculum details
All educational activities are conducted in English, with Polish language education and Polish history and geography taught in Polish. The preschool is English-speaking and bilingual, and the primary school is bilingual. The school follows the Polish core curriculum defined by the Ministry of National Education (MEN), integrated with the Cambridge Programme; in the first years of primary (grades 1–3) learning is through integrated classes, and from grade 4 onward it becomes subject-based. Upon completion of each class, pupils receive Polish certificates in accordance with MEN guidelines. The Cambridge Programme is used, with Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, and Cambridge Advanced (A Levels) taught from Grade 1 onward. Through the Cambridge Programme we educate students who are confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged, and language development is supported by the Global Perspectives programme and Jolly Phonics.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Primary class sizes are limited to 20 students.
Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
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Higher education progression
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Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
—
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
Kindergarten fosters social skills, communication skills, and cooperation in a multicultural environment.
Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
Special educational needs (SEN)
—
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
The main language of instruction is English. The school offers bilingual or English-only education.
English as an additional language
The school uses English-language instruction across Preschool and Primary. The Preschool is an English-speaking, non-public bilingual kindergarten. The Primary School is a non-public, bilingual school. The Cambridge Programme is part of the school's offering.
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
Standards for the protection of minors define rules, procedures and guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of children and young people. They cover procedures in cases of suspected threats to well-being and guidance for institutions and carers, to prevent abuse and respond to incidents that may threaten mental or physical health.
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
Cracow International School operates at two locations in Kraków: Olsza (Sokołowskiego 19–19A) and Błonia (Wyczółkowskiego 7). At Olsza, two buildings host kindergarten and primary school, with two playgrounds located directly next to the school. The Olsza site sits in a leafy area with access to a vast green garden covering almost 5 hectares nearby. The Błonia campus is a quiet central location housed in a building at Wyczółkowskiego 7 and serves the high school.
Facilities overview
The school is a bilingual English-language environment delivering the Cambridge programme. Modernly equipped classrooms support collaborative learning. Small class sizes enable regular work in pairs and groups with active teaching methods and formative assessment. The preschool uses language immersion with English-only instruction by a teacher and Polish-language support, and includes excursions and workshops to broaden learning. There is a spacious, safe, and attractive playground for daily learning and development.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
A safe, attractive playground supports outdoor physical activity. PE classes are offered weekly.
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
The Cambridge Primary programme is delivered alongside the Polish MEN core curriculum in English. Modernly equipped classrooms and an excellent teaching staff help students acquire knowledge and key competences. Small class sizes enable personalized attention and active teaching methods with formative assessment. The bilingual setting fosters fluency in English and Polish and prepares students for global perspectives.
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
The extracurricular program includes robotics classes to foster problem-solving and STEM skills; ceramics workshops to encourage creativity and hands-on learning; a chess club to develop strategic thinking; a mathematics club to challenge analytical skills; a journalist club to enhance communication; theatre classes to build confidence; dance classes to promote physical activity; and sports classes to support fitness and teamwork.
Extra curricular facilities
The bilingual primary school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including robotics, ceramics, chess, maths, cooking classes, drama, dance, taekwon-do and gymnastics; the range is adjusted each year to reflect student interests.
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
Cracow International School is located in two locations in Krakow: Błonia, Wyczółkowskiego 7, and Olsza, Sokołowskiego 19 and 19A. A non-public High School has operated within Cracow International School since 2019, delivering the Cambridge International program (IGCSE and Cambridge A/AS Levels). The High School is officially accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education and registered as an International Examination Center PL027. The main language of instruction is English.
History
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Community
Community
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Community
The school community fosters a multicultural environment with an international curriculum in English that broadens students' perspectives. Teaching methods enable students to express their own opinions, cooperate with peers and adults, and solve problems creatively. Students are encouraged to think creatively, reflect, and ask questions rather than simply accept information.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Cracow International School follows the Cambridge Primary Programme for ages 5 to 11, with all core subjects taught entirely in English in an English-medium environment. The Cambridge Primary Programme is flexible and compatible with national curricula, and the school implements Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary (IGCSE), and Cambridge Upper Secondary (As & A Levels). The High School is officially accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education and operates as an International Examination Center PL027, enabling Cambridge examinations. The Primary School teaches in an international environment with small class sizes (a maximum of 20 students) to support individualized learning.
Academic & intellectual
Wawel International School implements the Cambridge program for Preschool and Primary levels. The Cambridge program maps Polish grade levels to Cambridge stages and provides a progression toward Cambridge Lower Secondary and Advanced level studies. Through the Cambridge program, students are educated to be confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged.
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
The Extracurricular program includes robotics classes to foster problem-solving and STEM skills, ceramics workshops to encourage creativity, a chess club to develop strategic thinking, and a mathematics club to nurture analytical skills. It also offers a journalist club to enhance communication and critical thinking, theatre classes to build confidence and teamwork, dance classes to promote artistic expression, and sports classes to support physical activity. These activities complement the Cambridge Primary Programme by broadening students' academic, social, and creative growth.
Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
The school offers bilingual or English-only education and follows both British and Polish national curricula. All core subjects in the Cambridge Primary Programme are taught in English, ensuring an English-medium environment. The Mission notes that implementing an international curriculum in English creates a multicultural environment open to new perspectives. In Kindergarten, children spend time in a multicultural environment with peers from around the world.
Cultural & language
The school operates in a multicultural environment where students open up to new perspectives. The Preschool is an English-speaking bilingual kindergarten, and the Primary School is a bilingual school. The community follows an international curriculum in English.
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
A broad range of clubs and activities supports social and hobby-based engagement, including the chess club, journalist club, theatre classes, and dance. Robotics and mathematics clubs promote analytical thinking, while sports classes encourage teamwork and physical activity. These offerings provide opportunities for students to explore interests outside the traditional classroom.
Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
The school runs the Equal and Different-Acting Together project, co-financed by European Funds for Małopolska 2021-2027, to support students with special educational needs and to adapt the school environment for inclusive education and the multicultural community. It participates in Erasmus+ initiatives to foster international partnerships and the exchange of experiences for students and staff. The Młode Głowy mental health initiative supports students' mental health and emotional well-being as part of a nationwide program.
Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
The school collaborates with Hameln Teacher Training College, hosting teachers and school leaders for exchanges and study visits as part of ongoing professional development. It actively engages in Erasmus+ initiatives to strengthen international partnerships and professional growth for both students and staff. These programs support leadership development and cross-border collaboration within the school community.
Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The Młode Głowy mental health initiative aims to support students' mental health and emotional well-being. The international, English-language curriculum fosters a multicultural environment that contributes to student well-being and social development. Kindergarten emphasizes social skills in a multicultural peer setting, helping children build healthy interactions from an early age. Sports, dance, and other extracurricular activities also promote physical health and overall well-being.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
The school aims to shape well-rounded, responsible and socially engaged students. It follows an international curriculum in English and uses the Cambridge program to foster collaboration, expression of opinions and creative problem-solving. This approach supports students' personal and social development and prepares them for active participation in communities.
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
The main language of instruction is English. The Cambridge International Programme is used, with Cambridge qualifications and language exams available. British and Polish national curricula are used. Polish and international matura exams are offered.
Language provision
Languages taught include English and Polish. In the preschool, there is 1 class in Polish per day and 1 class in English per day, with Cambridge Primary Mathematics/Science/English taught under the Cambridge programme. The primary school delivers English-medium education through the Cambridge Primary programme alongside the Polish MEN core curriculum, with students becoming proficient in both English and Polish.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
The school offers bilingual or English-only education.
Bilingual teaching
English and Polish are used in instruction. The preschool is a bilingual English-speaking kindergarten, and the primary school is bilingual, delivering an English-medium Cambridge programme alongside the Polish MEN core curriculum.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
Immersion method is used in the English-speaking preschool with a teacher who speaks only English. Polish language development occurs through regular interaction with a Polish-speaking teacher. The bilingual curriculum combines English-language activities with Polish cultural immersion.
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
Cracow International School is located in two locations in Cracow: Błonia – Wyczółkowskiego 7 (high school) and Olsza – Sokołowskiego 19, 19A (kindergarten and primary). Recruitment for high school, school and kindergarten is by sending an application. High School: Cambridge International program (IGCSE and Cambridge Advanced/As&A Levels). Officially accredited by Cambridge Assessment International Education and registered as an International Examination Center PL027. The main language of instruction is English. Primary School: Enrollment is open for 2026/2027 for first grades and supplementary recruitment for higher grades; Enrollment is open throughout the school year, provided that there are places available; maximum 20 students per class. Documents required upon enrollment to the primary school: for Year 2 – School readiness certificate; for Year 3 and higher – a copy of the birth certificate; for students of Polish schools: a document confirming completion of the preceding grade; for students from abroad or from international schools not following the Polish core curriculum: a grade completion certificate, a report, or another document stating marks and level of skills; Students joining during the school year may be invited to take part in a skills diagnosis; Application for the school can be made by filling in the form. Kindergarten: Enrollment for kindergarten has open enrollment throughout the school year; the kindergarten accepts students from the age of 3, provided they are potty-trained; in justified cases, students aged 2.5 can be admitted. Application for bilingual kindergarten can be made by filling in the form. Enrolment office hours: 7:30–15:30 (Błonia) and 9:00–15:00 (Secretary's office); Location: Olsza – Sokołowskiego 19A and Błonia – Wyczółkowskiego 7. The Cambridge Programme is taught in bilingual or English-only education; the school follows both the British and Polish national curricula. Enrolment-related contact details and privacy information are available on the site; more details are available during enrollment.
Admissions
Enrollment in preschool: 1. Fill in the enrollment form for the preschool; Personal data contained in the enrollment form will be processed by Wawel Education sp. z o.o. with its registered office at ul. Leona Wyczółkowskiego 7 in Krakow in order to answer or settle your case. If the answer involves sending marketing information, by filling in the fields you expressly consent to receive information about selected services to the email address and telephone number provided. You can withdraw your consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal; full information on data processing is in Privacy Policy. 2. After the form is received, the team will get in touch and share a presentation to help you explore everything our preschool offers. The presentation provides details about the preschool program and how to engage with the enrollment process, helping you understand what to expect as you consider placement for your child. 3. Enrollment is open all year, as long as spaces are available — we look forward to hearing from you! 4. Fees for the 2026/27 school year: Younger group (DOB 2021–2023): Administration fee – 2 200 PLN; Tuition fee – 22 500 PLN. Grade 0 (DOB 2020–2021): Administration fee – 1 700 PLN; Tuition fee – 25 000 PLN. Tuition includes art supplies and trips/workshops (6 times per year); Additional fees cover overnight stay trips, meals, extracurricular classes, and books.
Enrollment in primary school: 1. If you are interested in enrolling your child in Wawel International School's English-speaking primary school, please kindly complete the form below; Personal data contained in the Enrollment form will be processed by Wawel Education sp. z o.o. with its registered office at ul. Leona Wyczółkowskiego 7 in Krakow in order to answer or settle your case. If the answer involves sending marketing information, by filling in the fields you expressly confirm consent to provide information to the email address and telephone number provided. You can withdraw your consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal; full information on the processing of your personal data is in Privacy Policy. 2. Once we receive your form, our team will get in touch and share a presentation to help you explore everything our Primary School offers. The presentation provides details about the Cambridge Primary programme and what the school year encompasses, helping you understand placement options for your child. 3. Enrollment is open all year, as long as spaces are available — we look forward to hearing from you! 4. Fees for the 2026/27 school year: Administration fee – 4 200 PLN; Tuition fee – 36 000 PLN. Additional fees include catering, extracurricular activities, school uniform, overnight stay trips, textbooks, and layette. Tuition includes education throughout the school year in accordance with Ministry of Education dates, care from 8:00 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. (grades 1–4), and participation in the Cambridge Primary and Global Perspectives programmes, with six program trips and workshops per year.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarship: In justified cases (difficult financial situation of the family) partial or full scholarships can be applied for in a given school year at Cracow International School. An application form for scholarship and all appendices have to be submitted to the secretary's office or via email – info@cischool.edu.pl. The application will be processed within 14 working days from the day of submitting complete documents.
