How many international nurseries in Warsaw
Around 35 English medium nurseries and preschools operate in the Warsaw area in 2026, the largest such market in Poland. The market divides into four groups. First, the early years wings of the major international schools, with structured pre-nursery, nursery and reception or PreKindergarten provision attached to the main primary campus. Second, around 12 standalone English language nurseries, mostly catering to expatriate and senior Polish professional families. Third, around 10 English language or English-Polish bilingual Montessori Casa dei Bambini providers. Fourth, a smaller group of English-Polish bilingual nurseries blending the Polish przedszkole framework with structured English language exposure.
Warsaw distinguishes between the zlobek (nursery for ages 1 to 3) and the przedszkole (preschool for ages 3 to 6). The zlobek phase is concentrated in standalone settings, with a small number of international schools running an attached zlobek wing. The przedszkole phase is where the international school early years wings dominate, with most major schools opening their formal admissions intake at age 3. Polish national subsidies cover a meaningful share of zlobek and przedszkole costs for Polish nationals and EU citizens resident in the city, which makes the bilingual settings particularly attractive to mixed nationality families.
Fees and the Warsaw tiers
International nursery and preschool fees in Warsaw range from PLN 18,000 to PLN 65,000 per year. The premium tier sits at PLN 45,000 to PLN 65,000 per year, covering the early years wings of the American School of Warsaw, the British School Warsaw and Akademeia’s lower stages where applicable. These fees reflect full day provision including extended afternoon care, structured outdoor space and qualified UK or US early years staff. The mid tier runs PLN 28,000 to PLN 45,000 per year, covering English language Montessori Casa dei Bambini providers and the standalone English language nurseries with full day programmes.
The entry tier runs PLN 18,000 to PLN 28,000 per year, covering bilingual English-Polish nurseries and the Polish only Casa dei Bambini providers. Most providers charge a one off enrolment fee of PLN 1,500 to PLN 4,000. Lunch is typically extra at PLN 4,500 to PLN 8,000 a year unless the provider runs full day pricing inclusive of meals. Polish national 500 plus benefit and zlobek subsidies meaningfully offset costs for eligible families at the lower tier. For a fuller view see our Warsaw international school fees explainer.
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Illustrative example settings
The settings below are illustrative, not a ranking. Each has at least ten years of operating history in Warsaw or a credible international cohort over the past three years.
American School of Warsaw Early Childhood in Konstancin Jeziorna runs a structured pre-nursery, nursery and PreKindergarten programme from age 3, with US trained early childhood teachers and a clear progression into the main elementary school. Full day inclusive of lunch. Premium tier fees. Strong fit for families committed to the ASW pathway through to high school.
British School Warsaw Early Years in Wilanow runs the UK EYFS framework from age 2 through to reception at age 4, with structured pre-nursery, nursery and reception classes, all UK qualified leads and a strong outdoor learning element. Premium tier fees. The most established English curriculum early years provider in the city.
Casa dei Bambini Warsaw Montessori in Mokotow runs an AMI accredited Casa dei Bambini setting for ages 3 to 6, with English and Polish language streams. Strong guide tenure, structured continuity into the school’s elementary programme. Mid tier fees.
Trzy Misie English Bilingual Nursery in Wilanow is a long established standalone English-Polish bilingual setting for ages 1 to 6, popular with Polish-foreign families and senior Polish professional households. Entry tier fees with optional full day extension.
Where nursery families live
Nursery and preschool families in Warsaw cluster in three main areas, shaped by where they expect to attend school later. Wilanow, in the south of central Warsaw, hosts the largest international nursery cohort, attached to the British School Warsaw early years wing, several standalone English language nurseries and a strong cluster of bilingual settings. The Miasteczko Wilanow residential development is the most popular single area for early years families, offering modern apartment and townhouse stock close to most premium nursery providers and the metro extension into the city centre.
Konstancin Jeziorna, the southern villa belt, hosts the ASW early childhood community and the wider US leaning expatriate cohort, with a small but well established cluster of bilingual and English language nurseries serving the area. Mokotow, north of Wilanow, hosts the largest Polish professional nursery cluster, attached to several mid tier Casa dei Bambini providers and the English language standalone nurseries serving the central business district commute. Smaller nursery clusters sit in Saska Kepa on the right bank and Zoliborz in the north, primarily attached to the bilingual settings.
Admissions calendar
Applications for international nurseries in Warsaw typically open in October and November for the following September start. The early years wings of the major international schools confirm priority allocations by February, with mid year entry possible at most year groups subject to space. Most major international schools prioritise their own early years children for primary continuation, which makes the early years entry the practical lever for families targeting ASW or BSW for primary and secondary.
Standalone English language nurseries and Montessori Casa dei Bambini providers run rolling admissions through the spring with shorter waitlists than the major international schools. The most over subscribed entry points are age 3 at the major international schools and age 3 at the leading Casa dei Bambini providers. Mid year entry into nursery is common because of expatriate movement. Most providers offer a structured family visit before admission, with a short trial day for older children. For relocation context see our moving to Warsaw with children guide and the broader Warsaw international schools overview.
Frequently asked questions
How many international nurseries are there in Warsaw?
Around 35 English medium nurseries and preschools operate in the Warsaw area in 2026. These split between the early years wings of the major international schools, standalone English language nurseries, English speaking Montessori Casa dei Bambini providers and a smaller group of English-Polish bilingual settings.
At what age can children start nursery in Warsaw?
Most Warsaw international nurseries accept children from age 1 in the zlobek phase, with formal preschool starting at age 3 in the przedszkole phase. The major international schools open their early years entry at age 3 in pre-nursery and nursery, with full reception (UK) or PreKindergarten (US) at age 4.
How much do international nurseries in Warsaw cost?
International nursery and preschool fees in Warsaw range from PLN 18,000 to PLN 65,000 per year. International school early years wings sit at the upper end, English language Montessori providers in the mid range and standalone English language nurseries in the lower range. Most providers charge a one off enrolment fee of PLN 1,500 to PLN 4,000.
Do international nurseries in Warsaw follow the UK EYFS?
Several do. The British School Warsaw, Thames British School and a number of standalone English language nurseries deliver the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The American School of Warsaw runs a US aligned early childhood programme. Casa dei Bambini providers follow the AMI Montessori model. Polish public nurseries follow the Polish national framework.
When should I apply to international nurseries in Warsaw?
Applications for international nurseries in Warsaw typically open in October and November for the following September start. The early years wings of the major international schools confirm priority allocations by February. Standalone English language nurseries and Montessori Casa dei Bambini providers run rolling admissions through the spring with shorter waitlists than the major international schools.
