Bilingual Polish-English Program 2026/2027
Grade 1 confirmed — registration now open
Adult registration also open — final tuition TBD
We are excited to announce that Grade 1 of the Bilingual Polish-English Program is confirmed for the 2026/2027 school year, and registration is now open. We are also opening registration for an Adult Bilingual Polish-English class, with final tuition to be announced once location and logistics are finalized. Additional classes for Grades 2 and up remain under evaluation.
This program is designed for students who may understand some Polish but feel more comfortable in English, need a more gradual path toward speaking, or are looking for a more conversation-based and supportive learning experience.
Seats are limited. Families already on the waitlist will receive priority registration access for available openings.
Registration Forms
Grade 1: confirmed and open for registration
Pre-K & Kindergarten: our regular Polish School program is already bilingual and recommended for these ages
Adults: registration open; $300 deposit required to reserve a seat; final tuition TBD
Grades 2 and up: waitlist remains open while additional classes are being evaluated
Program length: September 12, 2026 through May 8, 2027, with approximately 28 Saturdays, plus selected school events and outings
Hours: most class days run from 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM
Religion: unlike the regular Polish School program, the bilingual program does not include religion classes. Instead, that time is used for additional language practice in a relaxed, engaging, and fun way
Program Status for 2026/2027
Grade 1 Registration Now Open
We welcome students age ~6–7 (1st grade) to register for the 2026/2027 school year. This class is ideal for children who may not speak Polish at home or who need English support while learning Polish. It’s especially suited for kids in English-dominant households who want to grow confident speaking Polish.
Schedule: Saturdays, 9:00 AM–12:45 PM, from September 12, 2026 through May 8, 2027 (about 28 school days). The calendar includes regular school breaks, holidays, events, and outings.
Tuition:
1 student:$720 (online payment)
2 students (siblings):$1,160 total (online payment)
3 students:$1,475 total (online payment)
Parent Duty Deposit: $50 (refundable upon completion of parent volunteer duties)
Books/Materials: additional cost (amount TBD for Grade 1)
Families who joined the waitlist earlier will receive priority registration access. Space is limited.
Pre-K & Kindergarten
The bilingual program has generated interest for younger children, and currently Pre-K and Kindergarten students should enroll in our regular Polish School program, which is already fully bilingual. This gives younger children an excellent head start in Polish language and cultural learning.
Regular program tuition
1 student: $720
2 students: $1,160
3 students: $1,475
Waitlist for Grades 2 and Up
We have also received strong interest for Grades 2 and up, including older elementary, middle school, and high school students. At this time, we do not yet have enough confirmed registrations to launch additional bilingual classes.
If you are interested, please join the waitlist. This helps us plan future class groupings by age and Polish proficiency.
Families on the waitlist will have priority access if additional bilingual classes are launched.
Adults – Bilingual Polish Program
We have received very strong interest in the Adult Polish-English Bilingual Program. This class is intended for parents and community members who want to build conversational Polish skills for family, heritage, work, or personal interest.
As we finalize the location and tuition, we encourage interested adults to register now and submit a $300 deposit to reserve a seat.
Schedule: follows the same Saturday school-year calendar, from September 12, 2026 through May 8, 2027
Deposit: $300 required to reserve a seat
Books/Materials: additional; details coming soon
We are aiming to keep the adult class reasonably aligned with the cost and schedule of our children’s program, though final tuition may be slightly higher depending on location and logistics.
Open House – April 18
Join us at our Dzień Otwartych Drzwi (Open House) on Saturday, April 18 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the McHenry High School Freshman Campus (1012 N. Green St., McHenry).
Grade 1 teachers available: 9:30–10:30 AM (ask questions about the bilingual program)
Families are encouraged to attend and tour the school
Families with children in the Grade 2 age group are also welcome to discuss placement options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grade 1 really confirmed?
Yes. Grade 1 for 2026/2027 is confirmed and registration is open.What is the tuition?
Grade 1 tuition is $720 for one student, $1,160 for two students (siblings) , and $1,475 for three students (siblings). A $50 parent duty deposit for each student also applies.When are classes held?
Classes follow the regular Saturday calendar from September 12, 2026 through May 8, 2027, usually from 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM.What should Pre-K / Kindergarten families do?
Please register through the Regular Polish Program, which is already bilingual and recommended for these ages.Are Grades 2 and up open?
Not yet. Please join the waitlist if interested.Is the adult class open?
Yes. Adult registration is open, with a $300 deposit required to reserve a spot.
Benefits of a Bilingual Program
Enrolling in the Polish-English bilingual program offers many benefits for both children and adults:
Language Skills & Communication: Students will start speaking and understanding Polish from day one, which opens the door to communicating with Polish-speaking family members (like grandparents) and friends. By the end of the program, students should be able to read, write, and hold basic conversations in Polish, building a foundation for further fluency.
Cognitive Advantages: Learning a second language at any age is a great brain exercise. Bilingual children often show enhanced problem-solving skills, creativity, and cognitive flexibility. Research has shown that bilingual brains develop strong attention and task-switching abilities compared to monolinguals. These mental benefits can lead to better academic performance overall.
Cultural Connection & Identity: Students will gain a deeper appreciation of Polish culture and heritage. Through language, they’ll explore traditions, holidays, and history, fostering pride in their roots and a sense of identity. Being bilingual also encourages broader cultural awareness and empathy for others. For heritage learners, this is a chance to connect with your Polish background; for others, it’s an opportunity to discover a new culture.
Community & Family Bonds: Joining the program means becoming part of the Jan Matejko School community. Children will meet peers with similar interests, and families can engage in cultural events together. Bilingualism can also strengthen family bonds – many parents find that learning Polish helps their children communicate better with relatives and feel more connected to their family’s story.
Future Opportunities: In the long run, maintaining Polish-English bilingualism can be a valuable asset. Students who continue with Polish through high school may qualify for the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy, an official recognition of language proficiency that is honored by colleges and employers. Bilingual individuals often have an edge in careers, as many employers seek people who can speak multiple languages. Starting now in a fun, low-pressure setting will set the stage for these future advantages
