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American School of Warsaw

Warsaw, Poland
Photo by Jorge Láscar from Australia on Unsplash
Grades
PK-12
Type
Private
Founded
1953
Languages
English

"The American School of Warsaw (ASW) is a private, English-language international school serving students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 in the heart of Poland's vibrant capital city."

With a mission rooted in academic excellence and global citizenship, ASW has established itself as one of the premier international schools in Central Europe, offering families a rigorous, English-medium education within a welcoming and diverse community. Founded in 1953 by members of the United States Embassy in Warsaw, ASW carries a distinguished history that spans more than seven decades. Its origins reflect a commitment to providing high-quality American-style education for diplomatic and expatriate families at a time when Warsaw was still rebuilding in the postwar era. That founding relationship with the Embassy endures to this day: the school remains connected to the US Embassy for general support, and the US Ambassador serves as the honorary chair of the school's board of trustees as outlined in ASW's bylaws. Board members are appointed by the Ambassador, appointed by the board itself, or elected by the parent community through the school association, ensuring meaningful representation from the families ASW serves. Academically, ASW offers a dual-track framework that combines an American curriculum with the internationally recognized International Baccalaureate programme. Students progress through the IB Primary Years Programme in the elementary years, the IB Middle Years Programme in the middle grades, and the IB Diploma Programme at the upper secondary level. This combination gives students the best of both worlds: the familiarity and structure of an American educational approach alongside the globally portable and intellectually demanding IB framework. Whether a family is relocating to Warsaw for a short assignment or planning a longer stay, ASW's curriculum ensures that students are well-positioned for university admission in the United States, Europe, and beyond. The school is organized into two main divisions — the Elementary School and the Upper School — allowing faculty and leadership to tailor the educational experience to the developmental needs of younger and older students respectively. Instruction is delivered entirely in English, making ASW an accessible and reassuring choice for Anglophone families arriving in Poland, as well as for international families who prioritize English-medium education as a foundation for their children's future opportunities. ASW draws its student body from the international community in Warsaw, with children representing diplomatic families, multinational corporations, NGOs, and the broader expat community. This diversity enriches daily life on campus, exposing students to a wide range of cultures, perspectives, and backgrounds within a supportive and close-knit environment. Located in Warsaw, a city that has emerged as one of Europe's most dynamic and cosmopolitan capitals, ASW benefits from an urban setting that offers rich cultural, historical, and professional resources. For families considering a relocation to Poland, the American School of Warsaw represents a stable, well-established institution with deep roots in the community and a proven track record of preparing students for success in higher education and life in an interconnected world.

IB Programmes
PYP
Primary Years Programme
MYP
Middle Years Programme
DP
Diploma Programme
Campus Environs
Campus Environs
Location
Warsaw, Poland
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