Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
47 Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Blvd, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria. The school is located in the city center of Sofia. The building moved to this site in 2016.
Preschool 2–5 years; Primary 0–4th grade; Lower secondary 5th–7th grade; Cambridge IGCSE (8th–10th grade); Cambridge A-level (11th–12th grade)
Private international school and preschool in Sofia, Bulgaria. Cambridge International Education programmes (Cambridge Primary, IGCSE, and A-levels) are used. The official languages are English and Bulgarian.
Bulgaria
The school day starts at 8:15 AM and ends between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM, depending on age.
Yes. The school works with a subcontractor that provides transport. It is available to children aged 3 and above and runs on school days from September 15 to May 31; transport is not offered during school holidays.
The school has a three-part uniform: formal, casual, and sportswear. The formal uniform is compulsory for formal events and is available to purchase online. Items vary by year group, and Grades 11–12 do not have a prescribed uniform, with students expected to wear smart business-like attire.
All meals are prepared on-site in the school kitchen from environmentally friendly products with documentation. Meals are prepared in accordance with the Bulgarian Institute for Standardization and the Bulgarian Agency for Food Safety, using techniques such as steaming and braising or frying with little oil; daily meals include breakfast, a morning snack, lunch with a choice of dishes, an afternoon snack, and optional fresh juice on request.
St. George International School and Preschool operates under Bulgarian entities St. George School EOOD and St. George Preschool EOOD, with tuition contracts between each entity and parents. The school is registered as Cambridge Primary School and Cambridge International School under ISN BG032 and is an Accredited COBIS member, reflecting its governance and accreditation framework. The school's address is 47 Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria.
The school follows the Cambridge International Education programme for Primary and Lower Secondary education, preparing students for IGCSE, AS, and A-level certificates, in addition to the State Educational Standards of the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria.
Class sizes range from 15 to 18 in the primary stage and up to 22 in higher levels. The school has about 715 students and around 190 teachers and supporting staff.
Graduates attend universities worldwide, including Edinburgh, Oxbridge, Kings College, UCL, St. Andrews, Hong Kong University, Stanford, Durham, EPFL, Sofia University Kliment Ohridski, Medical University Sofia, and others.
The school offers full or partial scholarships for upper-secondary students with demonstrated talents in sports, music, mathematics, or the arts.
The school runs a Parent-Teacher Association that organises safe, developmentally appropriate social and cultural activities that enrich each student's educational experience. The PTA's mission revolves around the belief that successful young individuals begin their educational journey within a diverse and inclusive community. With more than 36 nationalities under one roof, every child and member is valued, supported, and cherished. The Student Council provides student leadership with representatives from each grade and works on school projects with teachers and management. These structures support students' social development and active participation in school life.
There is a programme for gifted and talented students and students with special educational needs. St. George International School and Preschool is committed to developing confident, motivated, self-disciplined learners who can realise their full potential. These learners are supported to make responsible contributions to the world.
High-level proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite for accessing educational content in all subjects. At the beginning of the school year, tests assessing English language proficiency are conducted for all students. Depending on the results, the school provides support through consultations, individual work, or additional activities after the regular school day.
The school promotes wellbeing through a diverse and inclusive community and safe, developmentally appropriate social and cultural activities organized by the PTA. The Student Council and other community activities encourage student voice and engagement, contributing to wellbeing.
The Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures outlines safeguarding roles and responsibilities. Trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are listed: Kremena Peneva (DSL); Andriana Chomakovska (DSL); Lilly Naydenova (DSL). Associate Designated Safeguarding Leads (ADSLs) are Tsvetanka Doganova and Alexandra Petraru. Safeguarding is the responsibility of every adult and student, and the policy applies to all staff, students, parents/guardians and others involved with the school; it is implemented to keep children safe and to promote their welfare. The policy is written in alignment with international and national guidance, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and related local laws, and is supported by detailed procedures for reporting concerns and taking prompt action.
Admission and enrollment information is provided to help parents and students make an informed decision about St. George International School and Preschool; information meetings with the Admission and Communication department are organized. Admission begins with filling in the online application. For the 2024-2025 school year, admission exams are required for students entering preparatory, first, fifth, or eighth grade. Fees are published on the school's website and updated annually by March; tuition differs for returning and new students, and there are additional costs such as a guarantee deposit, educational resources, exams, meals, uniforms, transportation, and other charges. Scholarships may be available for upper secondary education, with opportunities for full or partial scholarships for students with demonstrated talents in sports, music, mathematics, and/or the arts who may not have the means to pay regular tuition. Admissions for the next academic year take place in January, February, and March according to a schedule set by the school; admissions during the current academic year are possible depending on availability, with an individual examination session. The admission procedure lasts about 20 days from the admission date. Informational tours are regularly organized, with contact numbers and email addresses provided for admissions. Preschool admissions for children aged 2 to 5 are year-round and subject to available places; the preschool operates in English, with Bulgarian used in Bulgarian contexts; group sizes in preschool and school settings are published, and uniforms are available for all age groups. The school is located at 47 Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Blvd, 1407 Sofia.
Scholarships are available for upper secondary education; there are opportunities for full or partial scholarships for students with demonstrated talents in sports, music, mathematics, and/or the arts, who may not have the financial means to pay regular tuition.
The American College of Sofia is in Sofia, Bulgaria, at Floyd Black Lane, Mladost 2, 1799. The campus is located in the Mladost district and is accessible by public transport. By bus, take
Grades 9–12. All students pursue the USA High School Diploma Programme (Grades 9–12). Bulgarian students in Grades 11–12 enter the Bulgarian Diploma Programme (academic stream) with profiles such as Humanities, Foreign Languages, Mathematics & Physics, Software & Hardware Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Entrepreneurship. International students participate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
Private, coeducational, language high school. The college is described as a private, language-based American-style preparatory school offering American and Bulgarian/IB diplomas.
Bulgarian students make up about 96% of the student body, with international students comprising about 4%.
Student Support Team provides counseling and programs for social-emotional development and mental health. Services include Confidential Individual Counseling, Group Counseling, Academic Support Groups, Health Courses, and mentorship for clubs and events; the team collaborates with faculty and families.
Affiliated with the United States as the oldest American educational institution outside the USA.
Public transit serves the campus area. Bus routes include
Perske House Dormitory is on campus and can accommodate 28 students in four double bedrooms, four rooms with three beds, and two rooms with four beds. Two dormitory supervisors oversee operations, and the facility includes laundry, luggage storage, ski equipment storage, a computer room, and a lounge with a TV, refrigerator, and microwave. The dormitory fee covers three meals a day at the school cafeteria on weekdays, as well as internet access and room cleaning.
The America for Bulgaria Campus Center houses the Cafeteria and kitchen facilities and the campus cafe. A 2019-2020 ACS brochure notes the cafeteria serves fresh and warm options, including vegetarian choices. The dormitory fee covers three meals a day at the cafeteria on weekdays.
ACS is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is operated as Sofia American Schools, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation chartered in Massachusetts since 1926.
English is the primary language of instruction. Grades 9–10 Bulgarian and international students follow almost the same ACS curriculum. In Grades 11–12 Bulgarian students pursue the Bulgarian Diploma Program with advanced profiles, while international students are admitted to the two-year IB Diploma Programme. International students begin the IB Diploma Programme in 11th grade and can earn the American High School Diploma by completing ACS coursework and the CAS portfolio. The IB Diploma Programme has been offered since 2005. Bulgarian Diploma Profiles cover Humanities, Foreign Languages, Mathematics and Physics, Software & Hardware, Natural Sciences, and Entrepreneurship; all profile courses are advanced honors, and every student completes a 75-hour CAS portfolio.
SAT middle 50%: 1310-1470; Highest SAT score: 1580. Scores for SATs were reported for 102 students in the class of 2024, August 2022–October 2023. National Exams (matura) were taken by more than 50% of ACS students (class of 2023). On average, 92% of ACS seniors apply to non-Bulgarian colleges and universities, and typically 100% earn the American Diploma and either the Bulgarian or IB Diploma.
ACS graduates attend universities around the world. On average, 92% of ACS seniors apply to non-Bulgarian colleges and universities. Institutions attended include Brown University, Columbia University, NYU, and University of California campuses, among others. Bulgarian universities such as Medical University of Sofia and Sofia University also enroll ACS graduates.
Bulgarian Diploma Profiles are advanced honors programs with concentrations in Humanities, Foreign Languages, Mathematics & Physics, Software & Hardware, Natural Sciences, and Entrepreneurship. International students on the IB Diploma Programme undertake English A Literature and other higher-level subjects. All students complete a 75-hour CAS portfolio.
The Student Support Team prioritizes student well-being and provides counseling and programs to support social-emotional development and mental health. The team comprises psychologists and social-emotional counselors. Services include confidential individual counseling, group counseling, academic support groups, health courses, and mentorship for clubs and events. They work closely with faculty and families to support students' academic and personal journeys. Contact: studentsupport@acsbg.org.
Mental health support is provided through confidential counseling, group counseling, and health education. The team includes psychologists and social-emotional counselors. They address adolescent development and mental health needs. They collaborate with families and faculty to support student well-being. For support, contact: studentsupport@acsbg.org.
The school has a Child Protection Officer as part of the Student Support Team. The Student Support Team includes highly trained professionals, including psychologists and social-emotional counselors. Safeguarding work is conducted in collaboration with faculty and families to protect students. Confidential individual counseling and group counseling are among the safeguarding and wellbeing services. For support, contact: studentsupport@acsbg.org.
The American College of Sofia is the oldest American educational institution outside the USA. In 2025, it celebrated its 165th anniversary. The College is a language high school with admissions after grade 7, accredited in Bulgaria by the Ministry of Education and Science, and in the USA by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB). The College also accepts Bulgarian students who have completed grade 8 in Bulgarian schools within the Republic of Bulgaria, after passing an entrance exam in English. The College welcomes applications from Bulgarian students who have studied at foreign schools (in Bulgaria or abroad) during the previous year, as well as applicants with foreign or dual citizenship. Admissions for these students are year-round and depend on available spots and academic results. We teach all subjects in English, with the exception of Bulgarian Language and Literature and foreign languages. We offer specialized education in mathematics, software & hardware technology, humanities, foreign languages, natural sciences, and entrepreneurship. We work with highly qualified teachers, 35% of whom are foreigners, primarily from the USA, Great Britain, and Canada. 934 students; 31% of faculty are international; 87% of financial aid applications approved. HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION. We admit students based on the academic results of the applicants, only after successfully passing the College's entrance exam. Once accepted, students embark on a challenging academic journey that emphasizes both the acquisition of knowledge and its practical application. In addition to rigorous academics, the College offers a well-rounded extra-curricular program designed to complement students' studies and foster their personal development. This holistic approach helps students build academic skills while also growing into well-rounded individuals. The College's high standards are maintained by a diverse faculty, consisting of both experienced Bulgarian and international professionals, who bring a variety of teaching methods and global perspectives to the classroom. These progressive educational practices, centered on interactive learning, form the foundation of the College curriculum. American College of Sofia graduates are equipped to think critically and solve complex problems. They set clear goals, achieve them, and are socially conscious, ready to compete with top students around the world.
Who Have Successfully Passed the Entrance Exam after Grade 7. The College offers full scholarships for newly admitted students who successfully pass the Grade 7 entrance exam. The scholarships are granted once and cover the full tuition fee for the five years at the American College. All families of Bulgarian students who successfully pass the grade 7 entrance exam and are invited to enroll in the College may apply for the scholarships. The Committee is guided by several criteria when awarding them, with financial need being the most important. CRITERIA FOR AWARDING FULL SCHOLARSHIPS: 1. Approved documents for the tuition fee reduction program. 2. Essay results - essay answer to a question. Candidates will be invited to write the essay at the College. 3. Interview with candidates selected based on essay results. 4. Total score from the entrance exam. FULL SCHOLARSHIPS. The Polansky and Oberbauer Scholarships were established in 2008, and the Gipson Scholarship in 2018. They cover the full tuition fees for students who demonstrate a high academic level throughout their course of study. Polansky Scholarship; Oberbauer Scholarship; Gipson Scholarship; Sts. Cyril and Methodius Scholarship. The Domuschiev Impact Foundation established the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Scholarship, which covers the full tuition fee for five Bulgarian students from the Class of 2030 at the American College of Sofia for the entire five-year period of study. The scholarship is awarded with priority to students with a single parent/guardian who have also demonstrated high financial need. Recipients of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Scholarship who are from outside Sofia may be accommodated in the College dormitory as part of the financial support provided by the Domuschiev Impact Foundation. The Sunrise Scholarship was established in 2021 by an alumnus who wished to remain anonymous. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee for three Bulgarian students for the five years of study. The Sunrise Scholarship is awarded with preference to a student from Plovdiv whose family demonstrates financial need. Bulgarian students from outside Sofia who are awarded the Sunrise Scholarship also receive the opportunity to use the College dormitory free of charge. Recipients of the scholarship must maintain a minimum average grade of 5.25 each semester and exemplary behavior during the five-year term of study at the American College of Sofia. The Robin Mittenthal Scholarship was created in 2023 by Daniela Mole, a 1997 graduate from the first class after the school's restoration, in memory of her late husband. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee for one Bulgarian student for the entire five-year term of study. The first recipient of the Robin Mittenthal Scholarship was an 8th grader in the 2023-24 academic year. The scholarship will be offered again in 2028 to a student from a minority, from a single-parent household, or living outside Sofia, whose family has high financial needs. Scholarship recipients who are not from Sofia receive the opportunity to reside in the College dormitory free of charge. Recipients of the scholarship must maintain a minimum average grade of 5.25 each semester and exemplary behavior during the five-year term of study at the American College of Sofia. Partial Scholarships. Teodora and Darina Spasovi Scholarship. The Teodora and Darina Spasovi Scholarship, the first scholarship from Bulgarian citizens, is named after the sister-alumnae of the College, from the Classes of 2004 and 2005, respectively. The scholarship was established in 2005 and aims to partially support the neediest girl from the respective graduating class who maintains a minimum average grade of 5.00 and excellent behavior throughout the entire course of study. Boris Lozanov and Maria Vladimirova Scholarships. The Boris Lozanov Scholarship was established during the 2021-2022 academic year by a parent of a College student, Lyubomir Lozanov, in honor of his father. This scholarship grants 5,000 euros annually to an excellent student for each of the five years of study at the American College of Sofia. To be eligible, the student's family must demonstrate significant financial need, and the student must maintain an average grade above 5.00 and have no disciplinary issues throughout their stay at the College. In 2024, Mr. Lozanov introduced a second scholarship – the Maria Vladimirova Scholarship – in honor of his mother. This scholarship follows the same application procedure and criteria as the Boris Lozanov Scholarship. We express our sincere gratitude to all the donors for their generous contribution to education in Bulgaria and their long-standing support for the American College of Sofia."
Lozen Area, Sofia, Bulgaria; campus in the foothills outside the city near Lozen, with views toward the mountains.
Pre-kindergarten through Grade 12.
Day, coeducational international school.
About 200 students from 35+ countries; 40% international, 60% local.
No religious affiliation
The school is a day school with no boarding.
The school has a dress code. Students wear AEA-branded sweaters, tops, and t-shirts with the AEA logo.
The school has an on-site cafeteria serving freshly cooked meals daily; a lunch menu is provided for students to choose from.
The school is privately owned by Markan Holding AD. It is an independent, secular private school with a governing School Board.
The American English Academy offers a U.S. standards-based program from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, with instruction in English. The curriculum follows U.S. Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and mathematics, and includes literacy in history, science, and technical subjects. The program is organized by grade level: Middle School (5th–7th), 8th grade, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade, with core courses across English, math, science, social studies, and electives including Art, Music, IT, and Physical Education, plus after-school activities. An optional Dual Language Program for Bulgarian students (Pre-school to Grade 12) is taught in Bulgarian and English and provides double certification after each grade, aligning with both U.S. and Bulgarian standards. The school is an official Advanced Placement (AP) center; students may prepare for up to five AP exams during high school.
1:4 teacher-student ratio; average class size is 12 students.
100% of graduates are admitted to university or college.
All graduates are admitted to university or college. The AP program supports college readiness and offers on-site AP exams.
The middle school develops self-confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. Relationships are built through empathy in a secure and welcoming environment.
Language support and special needs are considered during admissions.
The learning program is in English. English Reinforcement is provided in middle school. The curriculum follows the U.S. Common Core State Standards. A Dual Language Program is available for Bulgarian students, taught in Bulgarian and English.
The environment is safe, caring, and stimulating, supporting students' emotional, intellectual, physical, and social growth.
The school emphasizes a secure environment and safe practices, aligning with its mission to support students' emotional and social development.
The American English Academy operates a selective admissions policy and evaluates all applicants for Grades 1-12 with an entrance interview and English language skills assessment. Admissions are based on the school's ability to meet the educational needs of the applicant and the applicant's potential to benefit from the education, with consideration of language support, special needs, class size and demographics. All admissions are subject to availability; if the designated grade level is full, students may be placed in the wait pool upon parental request. Priority of admission is given to: children with siblings currently studying at AEA; children who have studied in other international schools; children of parents with international citizenship; and children of Bulgarian citizens. AEA accepts students throughout the school year; applications are reviewed individually with possible statuses of “approved”, “rejected”, or “continued for further assessment”. Approved candidates are enrolled after signing an Agreement for educational services, and the full process typically takes 10–15 days if documents are complete. Admissions are based on the chronological order of application submission, acceptance, and registration. New student grade placement is determined by previous educational experience and age; generally students should be no more than twelve months older or younger than the average age for their grade.
AEA Scholarship Program offers limited partial scholarships for new high school enrollees joining after February 1, 2020. Priority is given to high-achieving international or local students with exceptional academic records whose sponsoring agencies do not provide full tuition. Applicants must submit: standard AEA Admission Application; a scholarship request letter from parents; academic records; a teacher recommendation; letters from parents and the applicant detailing motivation; proof of financial need (i.e., a letter from the embassy or employing company); and evidence of satisfactory behavior and a willingness to participate in Advanced Placement exams. Scholarship applicants must also undergo the standard entrance assessment; funding is for one school year and may continue in subsequent years based on yearly reviews of academic/behavioral performance and financial situation. Only students not currently enrolled at AEA or who have not previously been enrolled at AEA are eligible to apply for a scholarship. The scholarship program is funded by Markan Holding AD and approved by the AEA Scholarship Committee; applicant's Admission Application must be submitted online and all other documentation sent by email to admissions@aeasofia.com.
If a grade level is full, a student may be placed in the wait pool upon parental request.
The school is located in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is the first international school of Change the World Schools.
Elementary and Middle School
International School and Kindergarten
American-owned
The school's Elementary and Middle School programs use a mix of US-based and IB frameworks. The Elementary core academic curriculum is based on the American Common Core standards, and the school aims to align with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), with project-based learning. The Middle School core also uses Common Core, built on the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with projects that apply learning to the community. The programs emphasize 21st-century teaching techniques and practical education; social-emotional development is a focus in the elementary program, while middle school includes practical skills such as budgeting, obtaining and keeping a job, and basic DIY projects to prepare for high school and beyond.
Graduates are prepared for universities or other higher learning.
The school integrates social emotional development into its curriculum, with a focus on practical skills and project-based learning across elementary and middle school.
An Application Form is available for applications. The school is located in Sofia, Bulgaria.
