Schools in Kraków: BISC and ISK compared

British International School of Cracow (BISC) is at Smoleńsk 25 in central Kraków. International School of Krakow (ISK) is at ul. św. Floriana 57 in Lusina, south of the city. Both are co-educational day schools serving children from preschool through the final secondary years.

Look beyond the final diploma

BISC follows a British curriculum through Cambridge IGCSE examinations, then offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It is worth considering for a pupil already following a British course. Before a secondary transfer, ask which subjects and examination boards can be continued without repeating or missing material.

ISK has an inquiry-based early-years and elementary programme, followed by middle and high school. Its final years offer an accredited US high-school diploma and the IB Diploma Programme. Ask how the child’s existing credits fit the US diploma requirements and whether the full IB Diploma is the appropriate plan.

English teaching does not mean identical Polish provision. BISC offers Polish classes for Polish and international pupils. ISK has a native Polish pathway as well as other language teaching. If a later move into Polish education is possible, ask each school which Polish reports or qualifications the child receives and what additional preparation may be needed.

Admission is individual, and priorities matter

BISC’s application process includes review followed by an age-appropriate assessment or observation. An offer should specify the year group and start date.

ISK’s FAQ gives first priority to dependants of US government direct-hire and contract employees. Other applicants remain eligible, but the school uses further priority groups and assesses whether it can meet the pupil’s needs. Submit recent records and discuss English or learning support before relying on a place.

Neither a general invitation to apply nor an online form confirms availability in a particular class.

Compare like-for-like costs

BISC’s fee page lists monthly tuition of PLN 4,000 for Foundation, PLN 6,000 for Years 1–11 and PLN 6,250 for IB1–2. It also lists a one-time PLN 3,000 registration fee. Tuition covers September to June, but the table does not identify an academic year. Lunch, trips and IGCSE or IB examination fees are additional.

ISK’s FAQ lists PLN 45,683 for Early Years and PLN 74,868 for K–12. New-pupil registration is PLN 2,500 or PLN 6,350 respectively. This table also lacks an academic-year label. Request a dated quotation from both schools, including transport and any required support, before comparing totals.

Test the actual locations

A central Kraków address and a Lusina campus create different daily journeys. Ask about collection points, journey duration and transport after clubs from the home you are considering. Do not choose a neighbourhood on the assumption that both schools are in the centre.

Use the Kraków overview and Poland guide to compare these international options with Polish schooling. The strongest shortlist will name the child’s next curriculum, language needs and feasible daily route.

Friendly orientation, not formal admissions advice. Always confirm dates with the school.