Maria Konopnicka School of Polish Language

Maria Konopnicka School of Polish Language offers classes for students from 3 to 18 years old.

The origins of the Polish school date back to 1962, when Mr. Władysław Sagan came to the USA to learn Polish to the grandchildren of members of the Polish-American Club in Poughkeepsie. Interest in language learning grew not only among children and adolescents, but also among adults. It became increasingly difficult to teach an age-diverse group.

The year 1969 is officially recognized as the year of establishment of the Polish School at the Polish Educational Society. Lessons took place in the premises of the Polish-American Club.

In 1975, Father Eugeniusz Kośnik from the parish of St. Joseph made available classrooms under the rectory. School classes were then held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

In 1977 the school became a member of the Headquarters of Polish Secondary Education Schools in America. The school's program was not limited only to learning Polish, but also promoting Polish culture and tradition among the Polish community and the American community. Teachers, students and parents have taken part in performances, commemorative academies, and celebrations organized by the Poughkeepsie city government on numerous occasions, including the school's 25th anniversary (1994), “Queen of the Forest”, “Easter” and the 300th anniversary of the city of Poughkeepsie

In the history of the school, it is difficult not to mention teachers who volunteered, engaged and heartfelt conveyed their messages. The longest internship at the school is enjoyed by: long-time director Waleria Sagan, Władysław Sagan, Janina Haberstock, Romuald Magryta, Anna Kołodziejska, Tomasz Kołodziejski, Irena Kunicka, Alicja Falkowska, Wiesław Kiełbasa, Andrzej Nurczynski, Helena Szostczuk, Natalia Kołodziej, Mariola Koziola Maria Sypek and Danuta

In 2006, a new school management was elected. The director was Katarzyna Dudał, Deputy Beata Głazowka and teachers Irena Kunicka, Beata Głazowska, Jolanta Nienie, Zenon Podpora, Romuald Magryta, Piotr Otulakowski. Classes were held on Friday nights in grades 0, 2, 4 and in an adult class. The newly created website of the school facilitated the transmission of information about its existence, which contributed to the gradual increase in the number of students as