Our programmes

A school that helps you choose your own path

At VIII Private Academic High School young people grow in an environment that combines a high standard of teaching, individual attention and real support in planning the future.

What we are here for

Far more than preparation for the Matura

Our aim is not simply to prepare students well for the Matura. Above all we want everyone to have the chance to discover their strengths, to pursue their interests, to learn to think independently and to use the gift of freedom responsibly, and to be able to choose the best possible path for their further education.

That is why at VIII PALO we offer something for those who already have clear plans and for those who are still discovering where they want to go.

Class profiles

Classes in the 2026/2027 school year

In the 2026/2027 school year applicants can join classes suited to a range of interests, aptitudes and educational plans.

General class with extended teaching hours

For those who want to develop across the board.

This is for young people who need time to choose their direction with confidence. The general class builds solid foundations across many subjects while offering extended teaching hours, including in foreign languages.

It suits students who:

Medical class

For those interested in medicine, health sciences and the study of the human being.

The medical class runs under the patronage of Collegium Medicum at the Jagiellonian University. It is a path for young people thinking about medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, psychology, dietetics, the natural sciences or other health-related fields.

It is a good choice for applicants who:

are interested in biology, chemistry and the natural sciences,
want to develop the skills needed for medical and health-related degrees,
enjoy work that calls for method, precision and commitment,
want to study in an environment that supports ambitious goals.

See and hear for yourself

The medical class through a student eyes

Mathematics class

For those who enjoy thinking analytically.

The mathematics class is for young people with interests in the sciences, engineering, economics or computing. It is a path for those who want to develop their mathematical skills and prepare for demanding university courses.

This class may suit applicants planning to study subjects such as:

Applicants for this class take an entrance test in mathematics during the admissions process.

Law and humanities class

For those who want to understand people, society and the world better.

The law and humanities class is for young people interested in law, history, Polish language and literature and the social sciences, who want to speak in public and take part in debates.

The programme includes Oxford-style debates, which develop:

It is a good choice for those considering law, psychology, journalism, international relations, languages, political science, sociology, cultural studies and media, and other social science and humanities degrees.

IB Diploma Programme classes

For those thinking about education in an international context.

VIII PALO runs classes preparing students for the IB Diploma Programme. It is a path for young people who want to develop academic skills, work in an English-speaking environment and prepare for university in Poland or abroad.

The IB programme develops not only subject knowledge, but also:

Flexibility

Extended-level subjects chosen with confidence

At VIII PALO we help students make educational decisions thoughtfully. Not everyone knows in their first year what they will study several years later. Our model therefore gives them time to recognise their own capabilities, interests and aptitudes.

At VIII PALO:

English is compulsory at extended level
in the first year of the general class, students make a provisional choice of extended-level subjects
mathematics, chemistry and biology are taught at full extended level from the second year
the remaining extended-level subjects are chosen in the third year
extended-level classes are taught in groups drawn from across year groups

This way everyone can gradually discover their strengths and choose the path that best fits their plans for the Matura and for university.

Communication

Strong language preparation

Foreign languages are one of the pillars of education at VIII PALO. We want young people not only to learn languages but to be able to use them freely in their studies, in communication and in their further education.

Students learn:

The second foreign language can be:

After the third year, students sit the certified external TELC examination in their second foreign language at B1 level or higher.

For those who wish, the school also runs additional free language classes, for example in Chinese and Latin.

VIII PALO students can also use a 30% discount
at the LinguaLand School of Foreign Languages.

Philosophy

We teach students to think...

An important part of education at VIII PALO is philosophy, taught as a compulsory subject. It is one of the things that sets the school apart. In this way we develop skills needed not only for the Matura, but also at university and in adult life. Philosophy teaches:

As a result, young people learn not only to answer questions, but to understand why those questions are worth asking.

Activities

More than a standard timetable

Education at VIII PALO does not end with compulsory lessons. The school creates space for pursuing interests, for social action and for experiences that go beyond everyday school life. What we offer includes:

This is an important part of what we offer, because we believe young people develop most fully when they can experience, test, try and act.

An international dimension

The international path: pre-IB and the IB Diploma Programme

VIII PALO runs international classes preparing students for the IB Diploma Programme.

Studies on this path proceed in stages:

At the pre-DP stage students prepare for work in the international programme. Most subjects are taught first bilingually and then in English. Young people develop skills in working with sources, writing essays, preparing and carrying out projects, and laboratory work.

This is for students who:

Guidance

Preparation for the Matura
and for further education and a career

A good high school should prepare students not only for an examination, but above all to choose their future with confidence. At VIII PALO young people can therefore draw on professional support in planning their further education and career. What we offer includes:

individual consultations
careers guidance workshops
meetings with representatives of universities and different industries
assessment of potential and aptitudes
help in choosing a field of study
support with applications to universities in Poland and abroad

We help students understand themselves, their capabilities and the paths open to them. As a result, the choice of university course is not a matter of chance but follows from a young person real aptitudes and interests.

Environment

Conditions that support learning
and growth

At VIII PALO we create a safe environment in which everyone is treated as an individual and everyone can count on all-round support.

The school offers:

Physical education makes use of, among other things:

We take care that the School is a place of high expectations, but also of a friendly atmosphere, dialogue and real support.

~ Choose with confidence ~

Which class will suit you best?

Choosing a class and an educational path is an important decision. That is why during admissions we talk with the applicant and their parents not only about grades, but also about interests, needs, capabilities and plans.

Do get in touch with the school office and arrange a meeting with the headteacher.