Wawel International School and Preschool

About WIS

Wawel International School's community creates a multicultural environment where students – following an international curriculum in English – open up to new perspectives. The methods WIS uses enable students to express their own opinions, learn to cooperate with peers and adults, and solve problems creatively. WIS unleashes the ability to think creatively, provoke reflection and dare to put question marks instead of dots.

Highlights

International Cambridge-based curriculum
Individual approach to each student
Focus on critical thinking and creativity
Strong emphasis on emotional and social development
Close-knit, supportive school community

Insider Interviews & Perspectives

Our Take

Wawel International School in Krakow – a bilingual private school offering Cambridge and Polish curricula

Wawel International School (WIPS) in Krakow is a private bilingual school providing a continuous educational path from preschool through primary school. It combines the Polish national curriculum with the international Cambridge Primary programme, offering a truly English-Polish education that helps students grow in two languages while developing open-mindedness, cooperation, and global awareness.

The mission of Wawel International School is to nurture the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of every child. Learning is based on inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity. Through project-based and interactive lessons, students are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions, and collaborate with others. Small class sizes and bilingual teaching teams ensure an individual approach and natural English immersion.

The school includes both an English-speaking preschool and a private primary school in Krakow. Students follow two parallel curricula — the Polish Ministry of Education (MEN) programme and the Cambridge Primary curriculum, which includes Global Perspectives. This dual system enables students to earn Polish school certificates while gaining the skills and confidence to continue their education at international schools worldwide.

Beyond academics, WIPS offers a wide selection of extracurricular activities such as robotics, ceramics, theatre, chess, dance, taekwon-do, and gymnastics, helping children explore their interests and passions.

Wawel International School is more than a bilingual school — it is a community that inspires curiosity, empathy, and responsibility. By combining Polish educational traditions with the best of international learning, WIPS prepares students to succeed with confidence in a global world.

Brand Identity

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

Wawel International School combines the Cambridge International curriculum with the requirements of the Polish education system, offering learning in English and a personalised approach to every child. Small classes, a bilingual environment, and close cooperation between teachers help students develop language skills, independence, and confidence. Student wellbeing, social skills, creativity, and critical thinking are equally important parts of our educational approach. Our international community gives children daily opportunities to experience different cultures and perspectives.

What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

At Wawel International School, we consciously prioritise a close-knit environment and small classes. We combine the Cambridge curriculum with the Polish education system, giving students flexibility to continue their education in Poland or abroad. We believe that high academic expectations should go hand in hand with personalised support, collaboration, and student wellbeing.

What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

Wawel International School was founded in 2022 with the vision of creating a close-knit school combining the Cambridge International curriculum with the Polish education system. The school has developed gradually, opening new year groups while maintaining small classes and close relationships. Building an international community of families from Poland and around the world has also become an important part of our development.

What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Students who thrive at Wawel International School are curious, open-minded learners who enjoy exploring new ideas and actively participating in their education. Our environment supports children who want to develop not only academic knowledge but also independence, creativity, communication, and collaboration skills. Learning in English and being part of an international community help students develop confidence, openness to different cultures, and a broader perspective. We do not look for one specific type of student – every child has unique talents, needs, and an individual pace of development.

Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

Wawel International School is particularly suited to families looking for an international environment, learning in English, personalised support, and an active approach to education. Families seeking a highly traditional model focused mainly on passive knowledge acquisition and strong competition between students may find a different educational environment more suitable.

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

Families choose Wawel International School for the combination of the Cambridge curriculum, learning in English, and a close-knit environment where teachers know their students well. Small classes allow for more personalised support, while our international community helps children develop openness and confidence. Another important feature is the combination of Cambridge International with the requirements of the Polish education system, giving students the flexibility to continue their education both in Poland and abroad.

How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

Wawel International School builds its reputation through dedicated teachers, close cooperation with families, and a close-knit school environment. The school is associated with learning in English, the Cambridge curriculum, an international community, and a personalised approach to students. Student wellbeing, independence, creativity, and social skills are also important parts of our educational philosophy.

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

One of the less visible values of Wawel International School is the quality of everyday relationships. Teachers know their students well – their strengths, needs, and interests – allowing them to provide more personalised support. Equally important is the experience of being part of an international community, where different cultures and languages become a natural part of everyday school life.

What might families find surprising about your school?

Families visiting Wawel International School often notice the combination of an international educational environment with a close-knit atmosphere. The Cambridge curriculum and learning in English go hand in hand with strong relationships and personalised support. Families are also often surprised by how naturally children adapt to an environment where English is used for everyday learning and communication.

What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

Recently, Wawel International School has continued to develop its Cambridge curriculum, Cambridge Global Perspectives, and original Language Studies classes. The school has also expanded its extracurricular activities, projects, and community events. International cooperation has been strengthened through student exchanges and teacher study visits.

How will your school change in the next 5 years?

Over the next five years, Wawel International School will continue to grow alongside our students. As successive year groups move through the school, we will gradually expand our offer while maintaining a consistent Cambridge approach and a strong sense of continuity throughout the children’s educational journey. We will continue to focus on developing the skills that help children navigate a changing world, including independence, responsibility, reflection and openness to others. Supporting students’ wellbeing, providing individual attention and creating opportunities to learn through experience and active participation will remain equally important. As the school grows, we want to preserve what makes WIS special: its close-knit community, strong relationships and personal approach to every child.

Location

ul. Leona Wyczółkowskiego 7, Kraków, 30-118

Gallery

Gallery showcasing school life and general photos of Wawel International School and Preschool.

School Facilities Gallery

Gallery showcasing specific locations and facilities found at Wawel International School and Preschool.

Athletics facilities

Campus

Classrooms

Science facilities

Shared spaces

Academics

Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

Curriculum: Progressive/Play-based
Preschool/K Curriculum: Play-based
Academic Culture: Supportive
Developmental priorities: Balanced
Special needs support: Not provided
Gifted learner support: Not provided
Homework Policy:

Curriculum

Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.
Primary Curriculum: Progressive
Progressive (sometimes called "inquiry based" or "discovery based") curricula use students' interests and their natural curiosity as the driver for instruction. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources necessary for students to investigate a topic or issue. Students are then encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers, solutions, and insights.
Secondary Curriculum: Play-based

What WIS says: Wawel International School in Krakow offers a modern approach to education, combining the international Cambridge Primary program with the Polish national curriculum. The school provides two educational paths: English-language classes, where lessons are conducted mainly in English, and Polish-language classes, which follow the Polish curriculum with extended English instruction. Small class sizes allow for individual attention, group work, and the use of active teaching methods and formative assessment. The school fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, which supports the development of social and emotional skills. With modern classrooms and a highly qualified teaching staff, students gain knowledge and competencies essential for the global world. Wawel International School prepares children for future challenges by developing their creativity, problem-solving skills, and reflection, while encouraging creative thinking and cooperation.

Approach:

Focus

Science and technology
Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based

Preschool/K Curriculum approach at WIS: Play-based
WIS has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).
[Show: About Play-based?]
Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. "Pre-academic" skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different "stations" set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.
What WIS says: At Wawel International School, we use the immersion method, where children naturally develop communication skills through daily exposure to English. Our preschool emphasizes the holistic development of children, supporting social, emotional, and intercultural competencies. Through engaging activities, trips, and workshops, children learn through experience and develop problem-solving skills. Collaboration with Polish-speaking teachers also enhances their Polish language skills. Our modern and safe environment fosters learning, play, and exploration of the world.
Academic Culture Supportive

Academic Culture approach at WIS: Supportive
WIS has a Supportive approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Rigorous approach).
[Show: About Supportive?]
A school with a "supportive" academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, that the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a "rigorous" academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
What WIS says: This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities Balanced

Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

Equal attention is paid to a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social, and physical.

Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

Academically strong, creative, and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions.

What WIS says: This information is not currently available.

Focus
Science and technology

Special needs support Not provided

Academic Support:

Subject type	offered
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

Subject type	offered
Accommodations
Modifications
Extra support

Support for moderate-to-severe special needs:

Special needs	Accomodations Formal adjustments are made to the delivery of lessons to help mitigate the learning difficulty or exceptionality. The underlying content and expectations remain unchanged with accommodations, however. (Example: allowing a student to write tests in a quieter room).	Modifications The underlying content and expectations are modified and/or simplified for the sake of the student. (Examples: allowing student to use a calculator on a test when other students can’t; allowing students to bring word-banks or “cheat sheets” into certain tests, etc)	Remediation Research-based therapeutic measures that target and ameliorate the underlying weakness.
Learning disabilities
ADHD (moderate to severe)
Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Dyscalculia
Dysgraphia
Language Processing Disorder
Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)
Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit
Developmental
Autism
Asperger's Syndrome
Down syndrome
Intellectual disability
Behavioral and Emotional
Troubled behaviour / troubled teens
Clinical Depression
Suicidal thoughts
Drug and alcohol abuse
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Physical
Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
Blindness
Deafness
Cystic Fibrosis
Multiple physical

Gifted learner support Not provided

Dedicated gifted programs:

Program	offered
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school)
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class)

Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.

In-class adaptations:

Program	offered
Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

What WIS says: This information is not currently available.

Homework Policy

In grade Gr. 3, WIS students perform an average of 15 mins of homework per night.

Nightly Homework

PS 0 1 2 3
WIS 0 mins 0 mins 15 mins 15 mins 15 mins
Site Average 2 mins 8 mins 16 mins 16 mins 22 mins

What WIS says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

	PS	0	1	2	3
WIS	0 mins	0 mins	15 mins	15 mins	15 mins
Site Average	2 mins	8 mins	16 mins	16 mins	22 mins

Extracurriculars

What the school says:

At Wawel International School, we understand how important it is to develop children’s individual abilities and interests. That is why every year we prepare a wide offer of extraclasses that support different educational areas: students can participate in sport, science, as well as artistic extraclasses. The specific classes are determined each year in accordance with the preferences of students and parents. Examples of classes offered in the 2025/2026 school year include:

Mindfulness
Chess
Craft club
Taekwon-do
Pottery
Robotics
Trampolines
Detective club

Sports Offered	CompetitiveComp	RecreationalRec

Clubs Offered
Karate
Judo
Robotics club
Art Club

Tuition & Financial Aid

Grade	PS	0	1	2	3	4	5
Day	zł22,000	zł25,000	zł36,000

What WIS says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

Merit based Scholarships

This information is not currently available.

Enrollment

Enrollment Details:

Grades	Enrollment
PS/Kindergarten (2,5 years) to Gr. 5	110

Additional Statistics:

% of foreign students	40%
# of nationalities attending school	9

Student distribution:

	PS	0	1	2	3	4	5
Class Size	22	22	20	20	20	20	20

Principal's Message

Justyna Chmielewska, Mrs.

Dear Parents and Students,

I would like to invite you to Wawel International School – a primary school and preschool where your child is seen and has a space to develop their talents, knowledge, and skills.

Under the watchful eye of teachers, who are open to conversations, children have the chance to develop their Cambridge student attributes: they learn how to be engaged in the school’s community, reflect on their learning process, take responsibility for themselves and others, incorporate innovative ideas and solutions, and be confident in their everyday actions.

Our school is like a second home to children and their families, which is why we specifically focus on students’ wellbeing by organizing various classes that support their emotional intelligence, such as well-being or mindfulness. At WIS, we base our work on relations – we know every child by name, and students know they are surrounded by kind and trusted adults, who are happy to support their development. We create a feeling of community by engaging parents and siblings in the school life through school events such as family trips or workshops.

A world-class international programme, delivered in a truly multicultural environment, enriched with original Language Studies classes, complemented by the Global Perspectives programme, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities, enables students to fully use their potential and develop their talents; all of this ensures children are confident about their future.

If you are looking for a school where your child will not only have the opportunity to acquire knowledge at an international level but also be a recognized and valued member of the community, Wawel International School is the perfect choice!

Social Feeds

The Our Kids Report:
Wawel International School and Preschool

Contact this school

Highlights

Our Take

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

What might families find surprising about your school?

What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

How will your school change in the next 5 years?

Photo-tour of facilities

Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

Merit based Scholarships

CONTACT THIS SCHOOL

The Our Kids Report: Wawel International School and Preschool

Contact this school

Highlights

Our Take

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?

What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?

What type of student is a good fit for your school?

Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

What might families find surprising about your school?

What improvements or changes has your school made recently?

How will your school change in the next 5 years?

Photo-tour of facilities

Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

Merit based Scholarships

CONTACT THIS SCHOOL

The Our Kids Report:
Wawel International School and Preschool