All children of foreign residents in Poland have the right to free public education from age 6 to 18, regardless of the parents’ immigration status. Understanding the school system and enrollment process helps families settle in smoothly and ensure their children’s educational continuity.
The Polish School System
Education in Poland consists of primary school (szkoła podstawowa, 8 years), followed by secondary school — either a general high school (liceum, 4 years) or a technical school (technikum, 5 years). Compulsory education runs through age 18 or completion of secondary school.
Foreign children are enrolled in the class appropriate to their age. If they do not speak Polish, schools are required to provide additional Polish language classes free of charge. Many cities also offer preparatory classes (oddziały przygotowawcze) where children receive intensive Polish instruction alongside regular subjects.
International Schools
Major Polish cities have international schools offering IB, British, or American curricula. Annual fees range from 30,000 to 80,000 PLN. These schools provide continuity for children who may move countries again and offer instruction primarily in English with additional language options.