Poland 5.2

The art education system in Poland is separated from the general preparatory education system. Some art schools in Poland carry out both curricula, general and artistic, while other schools focus solely on professional artistic education. Students attending art schools focused solely on artistic curriculum are also obliged to attend general preparatory schools on primary and secondary levels.

According to the Ordinance of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage from May 26^th, 2017, the classification of art schools on primary and secondary levels is as follows:

Music schools

1. Public and private primary music schools, which:
   1. carry out regular and artistic curricula, concluded with a final exam in general knowledge and basic musical education,
   2. carry out the artistic curriculum, concluded with a final exam in basic musical education.
2. Public and private secondary music schools, which:
   1. carry out regular and artistic curricula, concluded with a secondary school-leaving examination (Matura exam) and a professional music diploma exam awarding professional certification,
   2. carry out the artistic curriculum, concluded with a professional music diploma exam awarding professional certification.
3. Post-secondary music schools leading to a professional certification.

Fine arts schools

1. Public and private secondary fine arts schools, which:
   1. carry out regular and artistic curricula, concluded with a secondary school-leaving examination (Matura exam) and a diploma exam awarding professional certification,
   2. carry out the artistic curriculum, concluded with a diploma exam awarding professional certification.
2. Post-secondary fine arts schools leading to a professional certification.

Dance schools

1. Public and private ballet schools (nine-year cycle corresponding to the upper-primary and secondary levels), which carry out regular and artistic curricula, concluded with a secondary school-leaving examination (Matura exam) and a professional diploma exam awarding professional certification.
2. Public and private dance schools (nine-year cycle corresponding to the upper-primary and secondary levels), which carry out artistic curricula, concluded with a professional diploma exam awarding professional certification.

Circus arts schools

1. Public and private circus arts schools (three-year cycle) concluded with a professional diploma exam, leading to a professional certification.

In the 2018/2019 school year, there were 534 art schools not leading to a professional certification with 66 899 students (1,8% less as compared to the 2017-2018 school year); 268 schools leading to professional certification with 23 601 students; and 49 post-secondary art schools.

Number of art schools and students

	Art schools not leading to professional certification		Art schools leading to professional certification		Post-secondary art schools
	Schools	Students	Schools	Students	Schools	Students
2016/2017	540	49 958	269	22 887	94	4 845
2017/2018	549	68 098	271	24 125	68	3 893
2018/2019	534	66 899	268	23 601	49	2 420

Source: Central Statistical Office