Between Passion and Future Skills: Where Does Quality Education Begin?
— 1 minuta
From a small preschool born of passion to a network of modern educational institutions nurturing new generations — Małgorzata and Paweł Guzy, founders of Academy International, talk about how education is changing, the role of artificial intelligence, and what children’s success means today.
How did the story of Academy International begin?
Małgorzata Guzy
It all started in 1995 — with a passion for working with children and a desire to create a place that combines professionalism with empathy. I wanted education to be not only about learning, but about experiencing joy, relationships and curiosity about the world.
Our first preschool was very small and family-like, but over time it began attracting parents who were looking for more than traditional childcare. When we started, private education in Poland was still in its infancy. We wanted to set a standard — to combine a passion for working with children with a modern approach to organisation, curriculum and management.
Paweł Guzy
I looked at the project from a different angle — economic and strategic. After years in consulting and investment banking, I saw that Małgorzata’s passion could be combined with a management model based on quality, structure and efficiency.
I wanted to build an educational organisation that would be modern, sustainable and scalable. That’s how Academy International was born — not just a school with a mission, but a network of institutions with a clear, long-term vision.
Bilingual education has become your hallmark. Where did this idea come from?
Małgorzata Guzy
In the 1990s, bilingual education was something completely new in Poland. From the very beginning, we wanted children not only to learn a language but to live in it — for English to become a natural tool for communication, not just another school subject.
Over time, we also introduced Spanish and cognitive development programmes that today make up our original Method of Education and Development. This approach has changed the way children perceive learning — language has become a bridge to the world, not a goal in itself.
As a result, they learn freely, with joy and without pressure — and their progress comes naturally.
Paweł Guzy
For us, bilingualism is the starting point, not the ultimate goal. We want to teach children not only to communicate in two languages — which is now a basic skill — but to understand the world they are growing up in.
We focus on future skills: analytical and critical thinking, collaboration, emotional resilience. We want our pupils to be able to connect knowledge with reflection and act consciously in a world that is changing dynamically.
You’ve recently spoken about introducing artificial intelligence into education. What does that look like in practice?
Paweł Guzy
AI is not a gadget — it’s a tool that will completely transform the way we learn and manage schools in the years to come.
At Academy International, we’re preparing to implement AI in two main areas.
Firstly — in our curriculum for pupils. We want to teach children how to use AI tools wisely: how to verify them, understand their limitations and reflect on their ethical implications. Our goal is for pupils to become users of technology, not its captives.
Secondly — we plan to use AI in staff and management processes: in lesson planning, progress analysis and administrative automation. The aim is to give teachers more time for what matters most — genuine connection with the child.
Małgorzata Guzy
For me, technology will never replace people — but it can empower them. AI should support teachers, not take their place.
In education, what truly matters are heart and relationships. Yet the world is changing, and our responsibility is to prepare children to use new tools wisely and responsibly.
The teacher’s role is evolving — today, they are a guide and mentor, helping children understand the world of technology and find their own voice within it.
What are the next development plans for the Academy International network?
Paweł Guzy
Our next step is to launch bilingual secondary schools — a natural continuation of our educational pathway.
Our pupils finish primary school with strong language skills, excellent academic results and well-developed soft skills. In secondary school, we want them to build on these foundations in a coherent way — with mentors, international projects and real preparation for studying both in Poland and abroad.
We’re also planning full AI integration across our schools — from a centralised data system to personalised learning pathways for each pupil.
I believe that within the next few years, we’ll be several steps ahead of public institutions in this respect.
Małgorzata Guzy
For us, secondary school is more than just the next stage of learning — it’s a space where young people can develop their passions, discover their strengths and build a sense of agency.
We want them to feel supported and inspired — by mentors, teachers and peers — while also having space to make their own decisions and experience the world independently.
Our aim is for Academy International graduates to be prepared not only for top universities, but also for life itself — with open minds, empathy and confidence in their ability to shape their own paths.
It’s a symbolic moment for us: after 30 years of growth and change, we still follow the same guiding idea — to create education with heart, where children learn, grow and feel safe.
Today, our grandson attends one of our schools — and I think that’s the best proof that our system truly works.
Three decades on — what do you feel when you look back?
Paweł Guzy
I’m not a sentimental person, but I do see continuity. Thirty years isn’t just a symbol — it’s proof that values, quality and strategy produce lasting results.
And that education, when done well, can be the most socially responsible business there is.
Małgorzata Guzy
Pride and gratitude. Our greatest success lies in the relationships we’ve built — with children, parents and teachers. They’ve helped us weather crises, the pandemic and changes in the education market.
Seeing our alumni succeed and bring their own children to our schools is the best confirmation that what we’ve built truly matters.
I’m also deeply grateful to our team — many of our teachers, heads and staff have been with us for over a dozen, even twenty years. They co-create this story every single day.
What would you like young people to take away from your schools?
Małgorzata Guzy
Courage, curiosity and the feeling that they can shape the world around them.
Paweł Guzy
A sense of purpose, competence and independence — because success is never accidental. It’s the result of thoughtful upbringing and a well-designed learning environment.