In Poland, children from 6 to 18 are covered by compulsory education. Public schools are free for children and youth, including foreign children, until they reach 18 or complete education. Kindergarten and preschool access depends on age, municipality rules and available places.
🎓 Polish Education System
- Preschool/kindergarten (żłobek) — for younger children before primary school; availability and fees depend on local rules.
- One-year preschool preparation — applies before starting school. (not necessary)
- Primary school (Szkoła podstawowa) — the main compulsory school stage from 1 to 8 classes.
- Secondary school (Technikum/Liceum) — option after completing 8th grade in primary school
- Post-secondary and higher education (Szkoła Wyższa, Szkoła Policealna) — for 18+ y.o.
There are also Secondary Schools (Liceum dla dorosłych) for adults (18+ y.o.). If you have only completed primary school, you can enroll in a Liceum dla dorosłych for free and, after four years, earn a Secondary School Diploma.
📑 Documents Requested
- Child’s passport or identity document
- Parent or guardian identity document
- PESEL numbers
- Proof of address in the school district, if applying to a district public primary school (umowa najmu)
- Previous school documents or certificates, if the child studied before
- Vaccination or health documents if requested by the institution
- Sworn translation may be required for foreign school records
ℹ️ Step-by-Step Guide
- Find the local public school for your address or the city recruitment website
- Contact the school secretary office and ask for the enrollment form and document list
- Submit the application in person or electronically if your municipality uses an online system
- Ask whether the child will receive additional Polish language lessons
- Confirm the start date, class, textbooks and meal arrangements
In Warsaw, for example, enrollment for kindergartens and preschool programs for the next school year begins in late February and early March. Enrollment is handled through a website where you must register your child.
If you do not have an electronic signature, you do not need to submit the application online; instead, you can print it out and take it to the school or kindergarden
⚠️ Important Note: If your children already attending kindergartens or preschool programs at schools and you want to continue attending the child to the same school in the next year, you must submit an application for continued preschool education.
This application must be submitted 7 days before the start of enrollment. Failure to submit the application will result in the loss of a spot in the current kindergarten or elementary school preschool class.
🇵🇱 If your child does not speak Polish
Foreign children who do not know Polish well enough to study are entitled to additional free Polish language lessons at school. Ask the school director about support classes, preparatory options and adaptation support.
🕒 Costs and timing
Public primary and secondary education is free. Kindergarten fees and meal costs depend on the municipality and institution. Recruitment deadlines vary by city, especially for kindergartens and first grades, so check the local system early.