Bilingual Polish-English Program 2026/2027
Grade 1 & Adult class - registration now open
We are excited to confirm both the Grade 1 and Adult Bilingual Polish–English Programs for the 2026/2027 school year.
These programs offer a supportive path for students who may understand some Polish but feel more comfortable communicating in English, as well as complete beginners who want to develop practical Polish-language skills.
Space is limited. Individuals and families who previously joined the waitlist are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Registration Forms
Grade 1: Confirmed and open for registration
Pre-K and Kindergarten: Our regular Polish School program is already bilingual and recommended for these ages
Adults: Confirmed and open for registration
Grades 2 and up: Waitlist remains open while additional classes are evaluated
Program dates: September 12, 2026 through May 8, 2027
Grade 1 hours: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Adult hours: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., plus one weekly virtual office hour scheduled by the instructor
Religion: The bilingual program does not include religion classes
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
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.
The best time to begin learning Polish is during the preschool and kindergarten years, when children naturally absorb language through play, songs, stories, and interaction with their peers.
At Jan Matejko Polish School, children build a strong foundation in Polish while becoming familiar with Polish culture, traditions, and community.
As students grow, families can continue their language journey through our Bilingual Polish-English Program, designed for children who understand some Polish but are more comfortable communicating in English. The program gradually develops speaking, reading, and writing skills in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
Whether your goal is communicating with family, preserving heritage, or earning the Seal of Biliteracy in the future, our programs provide a clear pathway for long-term success.
Adults—Bilingual Polish–English Program
The inaugural Adult Polish–English Program is confirmed and will begin on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Designed for beginner and intermediate participants, the course focuses on practical communication, speaking confidence, pronunciation, listening comprehension and everyday Polish. Grammar will be introduced naturally through useful expressions and conversation.
Program Details
First class: September 12, 2026
Program schedule: September 2026 through early May 2027
In-person classes: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Virtual office hours: One additional hour each week, scheduled by the instructor
Primary location: McHenry Recreation Center, 3636 Municipal Drive, McHenry, IL 60050
Alternate location: A substitute location will be announced in advance for the few dates when the Recreation Center is unavailable
Full-year tuition: $865
Deposit: $300 required to reserve a seat and applied toward tuition
Books and materials: Additional cost; books will be distributed on the first day
Zelle/check discount: $30
Tuition comes to less than $35 per Saturday session and also includes the weekly virtual office hour.
What Participants Will Learn
The curriculum emphasizes:
Speaking confidently in everyday situations
Improving pronunciation and listening comprehension
Learning practical vocabulary and expressions
Ordering in stores, restaurants and cafés
Discussing daily routines, family and Polish traditions
Asking for directions and handling simple phone conversations
Speaking about past experiences and future plans
The instructor will assess the group during the first class and adapt the instruction to the participants’ different starting levels.
The course is intended for beginner and intermediate participants. It is not an advanced Polish course or preparation for the B1 certification examination.
Register Now
Space is limited. Complete the registration form and submit the required $300 deposit to reserve your seat:
https://online.forms.app/matejkoschool/bilingual-registration-2026-2027-1
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Grade 1 and Adult programs confirmed?
Yes. Both programs are confirmed for the 2026/2027 school year, and registration is open.What is the Grade 1 tuition?
Grade 1 tuition is $720 for one student, $1,160 for two siblings and $1,475 for three siblings. A $50 refundable parent-duty deposit for each student also applies.What is the Adult Program tuition?
Adult full-year tuition is $865, plus books and materials. A $300 deposit is required to reserve a seat and will be applied toward the tuition balance.When are classes held?
Grade 1 classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Adult classes are held on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with one additional virtual office hour each week.Where are Adult Program classes held?
The primary location is the McHenry Recreation Center, 3636 Municipal Drive, McHenry, IL 60050. An alternate location will be announced in advance for the few dates when the Recreation Center is unavailable.What should Pre-K and Kindergarten families do?
Please register through the Regular Polish Program, which is already bilingual and recommended for these ages.Are bilingual classes for Grades 2 and up open?
Not yet. Please join the waitlist if interested. Waitlisted families will receive priority access if additional classes are launched.What level is the Adult Program?
The course accommodates beginner and intermediate participants, including complete beginners. It is not an advanced course or preparation for the B1 certification examination.How do I register for the Adult Program?
Complete the registration form and submit the required $300 deposit:https://online.forms.app/matejkoschool/bilingual-registration-2026-2027-1
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
