Indicator history

Recognized by law national and ethnic minorities have the right to establish their own educational and cultural institutions as well as those that serve to protect their religious identity and participate in resolution of cultural identity issues. Public schools enable students to maintain their national, ethnic, language and religious identities, in particular, through the study of language and their own history and culture. Students belonging to national and ethnic minorities receive essentially the same education as other children. However, in accordance with applicable law, they may obtain education in their native language or additionally study the minority language, history, geography and culture. Such education is organized on a discretionary basis, meaning the school director is obligated to organize it when minority parents or students declare interest therein.  The form of the education desired is presented when filing a declaration of interest.  Polish law provides for the following possibilities:
a) schools and preschools with the native language as the language of instruction,
b) bilingual schools and preschools,
c) schools with supplementary education of the native language for members of the minority,
d) interscholastic sections with supplementary education of the native language for members of the minority.

In the year 2010, the following minorities exercised these rights: Belarusians, Lithuanians, Germans, Armenians, Russians, Slovaks, Ukrainians, Jews, Lemkos. The most popular form of organized minority education is schools with supplementary study of the native language. Education of national and ethnic minorities is financed through the state budget.

The above regulations apply to national and ethnic minorities as well as to the community using regional language, but not to migrants.

Source: Act as of 7 September 1991 r. on  System of Education (Dz.U. 1991 nr 95 poz. 425)