Parents living in the capital often face a dilemma: should they choose a public institution or invest in their child's education in the private sector? Although the offer of private kindergartens is very broad and diverse, many people primarily wonder about one question: how much does a private kindergarten in Warsaw cost? The answer is not straightforward, as the final price depends on many factors – from location and range of additional activities to food quality and the educational profile of the institution.
Varying tuition – from several hundred to several thousand zlotys
Prices in private kindergartens in Warsaw can vary significantly. In less prestigious districts or on the outskirts of the city, you can find offers starting from PLN 700–1000 per month. These are usually smaller institutions with a basic educational offer. In the city center, Mokotów, Żoliborz, or Wilanów, the tuition can range from PLN 2000 to even PLN 4000 per month, especially if the kindergarten operates under an international or bilingual model or offers unique child development programs.
It is also important to note that many kindergartens charge an additional enrollment fee – usually a one-time payment of PLN 500 to 1500, which also needs to be factored into your budget. Additionally, some institutions require reservation fees, especially in popular locations where spots are limited.
What is included in the cost of a private kindergarten?
When analyzing how much a private kindergarten in Warsaw costs, it's essential to carefully check what the monthly fee includes. In some cases, it covers only basic care and educational activities, while all additional classes (such as English, music, swimming, art workshops) are paid separately. In other kindergartens, the tuition is "all inclusive" and covers a wide range of development classes, consultations with a child psychologist or speech therapist, and even regular educational trips.
The amount of tuition is also often related to the opening hours of the institution. Kindergartens that provide full-day care from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM tend to be more expensive than those operating shorter hours, such as until 3:00 PM.
Meals – additional cost or part of tuition?
In some kindergartens, meals are already included in the monthly fee, while in others, they are charged separately – most often as a fixed daily rate. In Warsaw, the cost of meals in private kindergartens typically ranges from PLN 15 to 25 per day, which translates to PLN 300–500 per month. In institutions focusing on ecological, gluten-free, or vegan meals, prices may be slightly higher.
Prices versus standards and reputation of the institution
It's important to remember that the cost of a private kindergarten in Warsaw often goes hand in hand with the reputation of the facility. Kindergartens run by educational foundations, with modern infrastructure, small groups, and experienced staff, are in high demand – even despite higher fees. Many of them work with psychologists, therapists, and early development specialists, which also affects the overall cost.
Warsaw is also home to many kindergartens offering international curricula (such as Montessori, IB, British or American programs), where tuition can exceed PLN 4000 per month, but parents gain confidence that their child is exposed to English from an early age and learns based on respected educational methodologies.
Are there subsidies or discounts?
Some private kindergartens offer sibling discounts, reduced tuition for shorter stays, or promotions for new families. Parents can also benefit from child tax relief, although it doesn’t directly reduce the kindergarten cost but affects the annual tax return.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on municipal or government programs that sometimes provide partial funding for private kindergarten education – although these are usually exceptions and require meeting specific criteria.
Is a private kindergarten worth the cost?
For many parents, choosing a private kindergarten is not just a matter of prestige. Small groups, individual approach, flexible hours, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and the ability to influence the educational program are factors that translate into greater comfort for both children and their parents.
Therefore, the decision should be made not only based on the question how much a private kindergarten in Warsaw costs, but also – what is included in that price. Sometimes, higher tuition means better preparation for school, development of social, language, or artistic skills, and peace of mind for parents who know their child is in excellent hands.
If you're wondering how much a private kindergarten in Warsaw costs, you should expect to pay from around PLN 1000 to even PLN 4500 per month, depending on location, the institution’s standard, and the scope of its offer. In addition, you should account for enrollment fees and potential charges for meals and extra activities. Although the prices may seem high, for many families, they represent an investment in the harmonious development and bright future of their child.
