Edited by Nik Higgins · Co-founder & CEO
Bulgaria has emerged as an attractive destination for expatriate families, combining a low cost of living with a growing international education sector concentrated in the capital, Sofia. Since joining the European Union in 2007, the country has seen steady growth in its expat community, drawing diplomatic staff, corporate transferees, and digital nomads alike. International schools here offer curricula ranging from IB and Cambridge to American programmes, with many institutions blending Bulgarian national qualifications alongside internationally recognised diplomas. The country's rich history, mountain landscapes, and proximity to other European capitals make it a compelling base for families seeking quality education within a culturally vibrant setting.
Compare 3 international schools in Bulgaria. Filter by curriculum, fees (average BGN 11,749), location, and more to find the right international school now.
The American College of Sofia is a preparatory school offering American, Bulgarian Diploma, and IB pathways. English is language of instruction for ages 13–18. In grades 9–10 Bulgarian and international students share the ACS framework; grades 11–12 Bulgarian students pursue the Bulgarian Diploma Programme with advanced profiles, while international students enter the IB Diploma Programme. International students completing ACS coursework and the CAS portfolio can earn the American High School Diploma alongside the IB. 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, with advanced courses and a 75-hour CAS portfolio requirement. The campus includes seven academic buildings, 62 classrooms, four computer labs, three science labs, Gipson Library, Jim Clayton Writing Center, a 380-seat theater, and an 180-seat concert hall. There are over 120 clubs, including Robotics, 3D Printing, and TEDxYouth@ACSofia.
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 Standards for English Language Arts and mathematics and includes literacy in history, science, and technical subjects. The program is organized by grade level, with core courses in English, math, science, and social studies, plus electives in Art, Music, IT, and Physical Education, and 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 AP center; students may prepare for up to five AP exams during high school. Founded in 1992 by Frank and Ruth Munsey, AEA serves about 200 students from more than 35 countries. In 2014 a new campus outside Sofia opened, earning the Building of the Year Award. The Lozen campus covers 7,400 square meters, with Promethean Smartboards, a modern library, an on-site cafeteria, and a Green Policy. Extracurriculars include Winter Musical Production, International Culture Week, Science Fair, Spelling Bee, and the AEA Science Journal. Markan Holding AD has owned the school since 2015.
Change the World Schools International School and Kindergarten is an American-owned international school based in Sofia, Bulgaria, serving students aged 4 to 14. The curriculum blends American standards with IB frameworks across Elementary and Middle levels, plus a Bespoke curriculum. In Elementary, core subjects follow the American Common Core while pursuing alignment with the IB Primary Years Programme through project-based learning that emphasizes social-emotional development. In Middle School, the program uses Common Core within the IB Middle Years Programme and features community-based projects to apply learning beyond the classroom. The school focuses on 21st-century teaching techniques and practical education, including budgeting and basic DIY projects to prepare students for high school and beyond. Facilities include technology-enabled classrooms and access to state-of-the-art equipment, digital tools, and e-learning resources that support a technology-rich learning environment. A diverse student body and tutoring options accompany a culture of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange and belonging.
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