Preschool education in Poland is available for children ages 3-6 through a well-established network of state preschools. While not compulsory, 97% of children attend preschool, which aims to promote development, independence, and confidence. Primary education consists of 6 years divided into two stages. Secondary education includes 3 years of lower secondary school (gymnasium) followed by various options for upper secondary education lasting until age 18-20, culminating in the maturity examination. Post-secondary schools provide 2-2.5 years of education in fields like teaching, arts, and medicine for those who have completed secondary school. Tertiary education is offered at universities and other institutions, conferring degrees like magister or in

2. Pre-primaryeducation Preschool education (Wychowanie przedszkolne) is part of the formal system of education in Poland. There is a well-established network of state preschools that children may attend between ages three and six. Formal school education before age 7 is not compulsory, but currently 97 percent of the nation's children attend. Preschool education is designed to aid child development, promote personal independence, and instill a sense of confidence in one's self and abilities. Preschool education helps those between the ages of three and five develop communication and social skills, so they can cope with any situation. Parents may participate in arranging activities.

5. 3-year general lyceum

6. 4-year technical secondary school

7. 2 or 3-year vocational school

8. 2-year complementary lyceum

11. Stage II covers grades 4,5 and 6. Teaching at this stage is arranged in subjects listed in the outline timetable: Polish language, history and civics, modern foreign language, mathematics, natural science, music, art, technology, computer sciences, physical education, religion or ethics.

15. 2-year uzupelniajace licea ogólniksztalcace (supplementary general secondary schools, pupils aged 18/19 to 20/21) for basic vocational schools' leavers which enable pupils to take the Matura exam and obtain a swiadectwo dojrzalosci. 3-year technika uzupelniajace (supplementary secondary vocational schools, pupils aged 18/19 to 21/22) for graduates of basic vocational schools which enables pupils to take the Matura exam and obtain a swiadectwo dojrzalosci, as well as to obtain a vocational qualifications diploma upon passing of an exam.

17. Post-secondary schools provide courses within the following groups of branches: teacher education, arts, economics and administration, medical studies, technology, agriculture, forestry and fishery, transport and communication, hotel services and computing. The most popular branches include: teacher education, economics, library science, hotel services and computing.

19. Tertiary Education In the academic year 2002/2003 there were 395 higher education, of which 125 were state and 270 were non-state institutions. Higher education institutions are targeted at teaching students at the vocational or Master degree level and at preparing them for commencement of their professional careers. Academic higher education institutions also carry out scientific research (or create works of art) and train doctoral students for research, artistic activities and teaching.

21. technical universities

22. agricultural schools

23. schools of economics,

24. teacher education schools

25. medical academies

26. maritime schools,

27. academies of physical education,

28. schools of arts

29. school of theology,

32. magister inzynier- conferred to the graduates of Master Degree courses in technical areas, apart from town architecture, in agriculture, forestry, and in other areas where more than 50% of teaching hours are devoted to technical or agricultural subjects;

33. lekarz - conferred to the graduates of physician training studies;

35. THE END Arkadiusz P.