
Mission

When children learn about Polish history, customs, and values, they gain a deeper respect for their parents' backgrounds and develop their own sense of Polish-American identity. Our school brings Polish families from across Northeast Florida together, creating bonds that go beyond Saturday mornings. We're here to make sure Polish culture stays strong in Jacksonville, one generation at a time.
Through learning, laughing, and sharing experiences together, we're keeping our traditions alive while helping kids carry them proudly into the future.
Polish School in Jacksonville is all about keeping Polish heritage alive and thriving for kids in Northeast Florida.
Every Saturday, children ages 5-18 come together to learn Polish language, dive into our culture, and discover the stories and traditions that make Poland special.
It's more than just lessons—we're building a community where kids can be themselves and make friends who really get what it's like to grow up Polish-American. We know that connecting with your roots builds confidence and helps kids appreciate where they come from.
School Regulations
I. General Provisions
The Polish School of Jacksonville (PSJ) is a private Saturday school operating as a
nonprofit organization registered in the state of Florida.
The school’s mission is to teach the Polish language, history, and culture to children and
youth of Polish heritage living in Jacksonville and the surrounding area.
Classes are held on Saturdays according to a schedule announced at the beginning of each
school year.
The language of instruction is Polish. All participants — students, teachers, and parents
— are encouraged to use Polish while on school premises.
II. Enrollment
• The school accepts children ages 5–17 of Polish heritage or from families interested in
learning the Polish language and culture.
• Enrollment requires completing a registration form and paying tuition in accordance with
the current fee schedule.
• The school reserves the right to organize age and level-based groups at its discretion,
depending on enrollment numbers and organizational capacity.
• Final placement of a student in the appropriate class level is at the teacher’s discretion.
• If applications exceed available spots, priority is given to current students and siblings of
enrolled students.
• There is no “trial placement” option. A student may observe a class for a maximum of 15
minutes to assess whether the level is appropriate.
III. Class Organization
• The school year runs from August through May, according to the schedule set by the school
principal and includes classes, school ceremonies, and cultural events.
• The class schedule, school calendar, and any organizational changes will be announced by
the school principal with adequate notice.
• If classes are cancelled (e.g., due to holidays, unforeseen events, or weather conditions),
parents will be notified by email or through the school’s communication group.
• The school organizes at least two cultural or patriotic events per school year, including the
celebration of Polish Constitution Day on May 3rd.
• Parents/guardians are required to notify the school in advance of a student’s anticipated
absence.
IV. Teachers and Principal
• The school principal is responsible for all educational and organizational activities of the
institution.
• The school treasurer bears financial responsibility for the school’s operations. Their duties
include maintaining financial records, overseeing income and expenses, and preparing an
annual budget, which is submitted to the school board for approval.
• Teachers are expected to prepare and conduct classes diligently, keep parents informed of
student progress, and uphold these regulations.
• Decisions regarding curriculum, group assignments, and school events fall within the
authority of the principal and teachers.
• Any concerns about teaching staff should be directed to the school principal.
V. Tuition and Finances
• Upon enrollment, a one-time non-refundable registration fee is charged per child. The
amount is set by the school board and communicated to parents before enrollment opens.
• Tuition rates are set by the school board at the beginning of each school year. Parents may
choose one of the following payment options: (a) a single full-year payment — registration
fee is waived; (b) two semi-annual installments (August/September and January).
• Tuition must be paid by the deadlines set by the school. Families experiencing financial
difficulties are encouraged to contact the administration — the school will do its best to
find a solution.
• Failure to make timely payments may result in suspension of the child’s participation in
classes.
• The school budget is prepared by the treasurer and submitted to the school board for
approval. The school may apply for grants and external funding, which are used for
educational and cultural activities.
• The school principal and administrator are exempt from tuition for their own children in
recognition of their service to the school.
VI. School Dress Code
Students are required to wear school t-shirts to class. The first t-shirt is provided at no
charge. Additional t-shirts may be purchased from the school or exchanged between
families.
VII. Student Conduct and Mutual Respect
• Students are required to treat one another with kindness and respect. Bullying, mockery,
and any other forms of mistreatment of peers are strictly prohibited.
• Any conflicts between students should be reported to a teacher or the school principal.
VIII. Safety and Supervision
• Teachers and parent volunteers on duty are responsible for student safety during class time.
• Parents are required to drop off and pick up children on time. Children may not remain on
school premises unsupervised before or after classes.
• If a child is ill or has a contagious condition, please keep them home and notify their
teacher.
• The school is not responsible for personal belongings left on school premises.
IX. Parent Committee
• The school has a Parent Committee that works in close collaboration with the School
Principal on matters concerning school life.
• The committee consists of a minimum of three (3) parents/guardians actively engaged in
school activities. Detailed operating rules for the Parent Committee will be adopted by the
Board at the beginning of school year 2026/2027.
X. Final Provisions
• These regulations apply to all students, parents/guardians, and school staff.
• Matters not covered by these regulations are decided at the discretion of the school
principal.
• The regulations may be amended by the school board. Parents will be notified of any
changes in advance.
• By enrolling their child in the school, parents/guardians accept the terms of these
regulations.
Approved by the Board: May 17, 2026