School Holidays in Poland 2024-2025

Are you a parent or student in Poland wondering when's the next big holiday break? The school year in Poland usually begins in September and wraps up by late June, with Christmas, winter, spring, and summer break in between. Public school holidays in Poland are determined by the Polish Ministry of Education. During major breaks, schools close, and some businesses adjust schedules, particularly around Christmas and Easter. Whether you're a student planning for the next holiday or a parent looking for IB Tutors in Poland, it is important to understand the breakdown of holiday dates in order to plan ahead.

Overview of School Holidays in Poland 2024-2025

The Polish school calendar for 2024-2025, as defined by the Ministry of Education, begins on 2 September 2024 and ends with the start of summer break on 28 June 2025. Poland’s school year is divided into key holiday periods: Christmas break, winter break (staggered by region), spring break, and summer break. Each holiday season gives students time off for rest and family activities.

*Note: Poland uses a staggered holiday system during winter school breaks to reduce overcrowding at popular destinations like ski resorts and ease travel congestion. Accordingly, the winter holiday dates are different across regions. Check out the sections below for the exact dates in your region.

School Year Calendar and Holidays

The school year calendar in Poland is divided into two terms: the first/winter term (pierwszy semestr) and the second/summer term (drugi semestr). The school year typically starts on the first working day after the summer holidays, which usually falls on the last Friday of August or the first Friday of September. The last day of school is usually in the first week of June. This structure allows for a balanced distribution of holidays and school days, ensuring students have ample time for both learning and relaxation.

Public Holidays in Poland 2024-2025

Public holidays in Poland coincide with school holidays on specific dates. Schools are closed, and most businesses adjust their hours, especially on major holidays like Christmas and Easter, allowing students and families additional time together. Key dates include:

On public holidays in Poland, schools, government offices, and most businesses close, especially for major holidays like Christmas, Easter, and All Saints’ Day, during which families gather for traditional meals, religious services, and community celebrations. While many smaller shops and family-run businesses close, larger stores in urban areas may operate on limited hours. During this quiet periods, many schoolchildren would seize the opportunity to catch up on school, such as with the help of IB Maths Tutors in Warsaw and IB Physics Tutors in Poland.

Essential services, like pharmacies, run reduced schedules. Public transport follows a holiday timetable with fewer routes. National holidays such as Independence Day and Constitution Day are marked by parades, ceremonies, and displays of the Polish flag, celebrating Poland’s cultural heritage and national pride.

Winter Break in Poland 2024-2025

The winter school break in Poland, also known as the winter holidays, is a 2-week period that varies by province. The dates of the winter break are set by the Ministry of National Education and are usually announced in advance. The winter break is a significant holiday in Poland’s school calendar for families to spend quality time together skiing in the mountains. Since the Ministry of Education, which sets the holiday schedule, wishes to avoid traffic congestions duiring peak ski seasons, schools in each of Poland's 16 provinces, known also as voivodeships, have different winter break schedule. The winter break schedule for 2024-2025 is as follows:

For the original official calendar, check out the government website. Note:

• Group 1: Lower Silesia, Masovia, Opole & West Pomerania
• Group 2: Podlaskie & Warmian-Masurian
• Group 3: Lublin, Łódź, Podkarpackie, Pomerania & Silesia
• Group 4: Kuyavia-Pomerania, Lubusz, Lesser Poland, Holy Cross Province & Great Poland

However, note that only public schools follow the Ministry’s set calendar, while international schools may vary, particularly in cities like Warsaw. At internatioal schools, holidays may vary depending on the curriculum. For example, the winter and spring holiday break dates may align with the International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Level schedules.

Regional Variations in School Holidays

While the school year calendar is regulated uniformly across Poland, there are some regional variations in school holidays. The winter break, for example, varies by province, with different dates set for each voivodeship. This means that students in different parts of the country may have different winter break dates. These regional variations help to reduce travel congestion and overcrowding at popular holiday destinations, making it easier for families to enjoy their time off.

Planning and Preparation for School Holidays

Planning and preparation are essential for making the most of school holidays. Parents can check the school’s website or contact the school directly to find out the holiday dates and plan accordingly. It’s also a good idea to book accommodation and tickets in advance, especially during peak holiday seasons. Additionally, parents can prepare ideas for children, such as checking out local attractions and recreational facilities, to make the holiday more enjoyable. By planning ahead, families can ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience, filled with fun and enriching activities.

List of School Holiday Activities Ideas

Wondering how to spend school holidays in Poland? Here are some enriching activities:

• Private Tutoring: Strengthen academic skills during breaks with subject-specific tutoring, available both locally and online. Options include IB Tutors in Warsaw and IB English Tutors in Poland for customised support.
• Museum Visits: Dive into Poland’s rich history and art by visiting museums in major cities like Warsaw and Kraków. Many museums offer interactive exhibits and programs for young children and teenagers, making learning fun for students of all ages.
• Ski Trips: With winter break being prime ski season, families can explore popular ski resorts like Zakopane. Skiing in Poland’s scenic Tatra Mountains offers an ideal mix of recreation and relaxation.
• Creative Workshops: Art, music, and dance workshops abound in urban areas, providing students with creative outlets. These sessions often cater to young learners, allowing them to explore new hobbies.
• STEM Camps: For a hands-on learning experience, science and technology camps in Poland’s larger cities offer short courses in fields like robotics, coding, and engineering, especially popular during winter and spring breaks.

Conclusion

School holidays in Poland are an opportunity to balance relaxation with enriching activities. With breaks staggered across regions, families can plan ahead for travel, study support, or engaging pastimes like ski trips or STEM camps. Whether it’s with the help of a tutor or through exciting cultural excursions, these holidays can be memorable and productive times for students.