In Warsaw’s Śródmieście, a steady drop in preschool‑age children has left hundreds of seats empty, prompting a city‑wide review of 40 kindergarten sites and a cautious approach to closures.
Shrinking Preschool‑Age Population
Śródmieście, often called the “grandparents’ district”, has seen a systematic decline in children, creating open spots across its about 40 public kindergartens.
Rising Vacancy Numbers Nationwide
Births in Warsaw fell from 19.5 k in 2017 to less than 12 k in 2024. After last year’s 2025/26 enrolment, 2 120 seats remain open in a network of roughly 350 city‑wide preschools.
Reorganization Instead of Immediate Closures
City planners favour merging classes, relocating units, and tweaking groups rather than shutting schools outright. Such strategies are already discussed for schools, not stand‑alone preschools.
Case Study – Preschool No. 162
On Saskiej Kępie, Kindergarten 162’s decommissioning is projected to happen only after current pupils finish their cycle, illustrating the city’s phased approach and dialogue with parents.
Governance and Future Moves
Changes to the kindergarten network are enacted by the Warsaw City Council through resolutions. In 2025, the council updated network attachments; Śródmieście’s decisions will follow the same procedure, requiring expert opinions and consultations.
