The International School of Krakow (ISK) is a U.S. Department of State-assisted, non-profit K–12 day school set in the countryside just outside of the historic city of Krakow, Poland. A member of the Central and Eastern European Schools Association as well as the European Council of International Schools, ISK balances a challenging academic program with nurturing a close-knit and highly committed international community of students, families, and teachers who truly love their school.
ISK’s campus is situated between two beautiful hilltop forest reserves, in a suburb south of the city center and very close to Krakow’s newest expat-oriented housing area. Surrounded by fresh air and greenery, the location also gives students access to many outdoor recreational areas such as ski slopes, mineral springs, hiking/snowshoeing trails, and a local eco-village. The purpose-built campus, 15–20 minutes from the Krakow city center, is easily accessible by motorway from the eastern or western sides of the city, as well as from a major artery of city roads. Additionally, the school is a short drive from many established expat communities and multinational company sites.
Currently, 283 K–12 students of 32 nationalities attend ISK. Thirty percent of the students are from Poland, and another thirty percent are from the U.K and North America. A teaching staff of 48 includes 19 teachers from Poland and 29 from North America and the U.K. The curriculum begins with the Reggio Emilia approach, continues with the U.S. Common Core, and culminates with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12.
ISK offers a great variety of after-school activities for every age during three sessions: fall, winter, and spring. Many clubs are led by teachers and staff at ISK, but some are led by coaches or instructors from outside the school community. The youngest students can participate in pottery, yoga, dance, or karate. Elementary-age students and above can choose from activities as diverse as archery, swimming, basketball, dance, cooking, Lego Club, board games, theater, ukulele, piano, guitar, German, Knowledge Bowl, photography, and much more.
ISK prefers to hire singles and teaching couples but would consider couples with a non-teaching spouse as well as exceptional newly-certified teachers. Candidates must hold their academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. There is no age limit for certified candidates to obtain a work visa in Poland.
The ISK benefits package includes a salary not subject to tax, a housing allowance, and airfare every year after an employee’s second year. Worldwide health coverage is fully paid, and the tuition benefit is 100% for up to two children. Other bonuses include transportation service to and from the school and low cost access to local fitness gyms. While in-house professional development (PD) will be available, ISK also provides $500 annually for external PD, which includes the possibility to attend conferences, IB Training, or other opportunities, subject to approval. There are local employmen t opportunities for non-teaching spouses. The low cost of living in Poland allows a chance for some nice savings on an ISK package.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
