Our History
Founded in 1993
The International School of Krakow (ISK) was established in 1993 during a time of transformation for Krakow, as the city opened its doors to the world. With the support of Krakow’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and under the initiative of U.S. Consulate staff, ISK began as a satellite of the American School of Warsaw. Initially housed in modest accommodations, and called the American International School of Kraków (AISK) the school enrolled just four students in its first year, led by a small, dedicated team of educators. Despite its humble beginnings, ISK was founded with a vision of providing high-quality, international education and has grown significantly since.
The 1990's
Throughout the 1990s, ISK grew steadily as more American and European families moved to Krakow, seeking an alternative to local education. Offering lessons in English with an American pedagogical approach, the school became a hub for international families. Initially housed in a modest facility on ulica Grzegorzecka, students enjoyed access to local amenities such as swimming and ice skating. By 1997, the school’s growth necessitated a move to ulica Kasztelanska near the Blonia field, reflecting the rising demand for international education driven by Krakow's economic expansion. This decade marked a shift from primarily American influences to a more diverse, international community, enriching the school’s culture and learning environment.
2000 - 2009
In the early 2000s, ISK experienced significant growth, necessitating a move to a larger facility in the Podgórze district. Under new leadership, the school gained independence from the American School of Warsaw, becoming the International School of Krakow. However, the early part of the decade was marked by challenges as expat families left Poland, leading to declining enrollment. Despite financial and operational difficulties, a dedicated group of parents and staff rallied to keep ISK afloat, even sharing facilities with a private Polish school.
In 2005, ISK achieved a major milestone by securing its current campus in Lusina. With the visionary leadership the school launched improvement initiatives and pursued international accreditation. By 2008, ISK proudly earned accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), solidifying its place as a premier school for international education in Krakow and in Poland.
2010 - 2023
The next decade marked a period of significant growth and maturation for ISK. After settling into its Lusina campus, the school focused on enhancing its pedagogy and curriculum. The introduction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme led to a rise in secondary enrollment, with the student body peaking at 282 in 2016. To accommodate the growth, a new annex was added to the main building. By the end of the decade, ISK was actively renewing its accreditation with NEASC, and solidifying its position as a leading international school in the region. In 2023 ISK celebrated it's 30th Anniversary on Founder's Day celebrated each October 11th, the day of it's founding.
Today: Serving the Internationally minded Community of Krakow for more than 30 years!
Since its founding in 1993, ISK has grown from a small vision into a thriving learning community shaping students who make a difference worldwide. Over the years, while evolving through changes in locations, and size, ISK has remained committed to its strong community spirit. Today, as part of our ISK Forward 2030 initiative, we are transforming to meet the demands of an ever-changing world. By fostering adaptability, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, ISK is equipping students with the skills and attributes needed to thrive in the future. Rooted in our values and vision, ISK continues to be a place students, parents, faculty, and staff proudly call home as we lead the way in innovative education.
