Liceul Teoretic Scoala Mea vs Maarif International School of Bucharest
Liceul Teoretic Scoala Mea and Maarif International School of Bucharest are both in Bucharest, about 7 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels and Cambridge A Levels programmes. Liceul Teoretic Scoala Mea also offers British, and Maarif International School of Bucharest also offers Bespoke. Published annual fees are RON 5,800 - 13,500 at Liceul Teoretic Scoala Mea and RON 7,800 - 8,850 at Maarif International School of Bucharest, which puts Liceul Teoretic Scoala Mea roughly 16% higher. Both take pupils from 3 to 18.
British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Curriculum
Bespoke Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International AS Levels, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils
Pupils
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Pupils
341
Typical class size
Typical class size
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Typical class size
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Instruction language
Instruction language
Romanian, English
Instruction language
English, Romanian
Opened
Opened
2001
Opened
2020
Bus service
Bus service
Yes
Bus service
Yes
Essentials
Essentials
Location
Location
The school is located in Bucharest, Romania, at Str. Văliug, nr. 12-18. The campus is in central Bucharest and accessible by local transport. A door-to-door bus service operates for students traveling from Bucharest and nearby areas. The school day runs on weekdays from 08:30 to 16:30.
Location
The International Maarif School of Bucharest is located on a three-hectare site in Voluntari, northeast of Bucharest. The campus address is Bulevardul Pipera, Nr. 206 Bis, Voluntari, Ilfov. It is in the Pipera area with access from central Bucharest.
Stages
Stages
Nursery, Primary, Lower Secondary, High School, and International High School.
Stages
The school offers Kindergarten, Primary, Middle School/Lower Secondary, and High School/Upper Secondary. The International Section follows the International Maarif Programme in Kindergarten and the Cambridge curriculum from Primary to Upper Secondary; the National Section follows the Romanian Curriculum. The International Section uses English as the language of instruction.
School type
School type
Day school
School type
The school is a private school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
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Additional learning support
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Country affiliation
Country affiliation
United Kingdom (Cambridge International; British School Overseas accreditation)
Country affiliation
Affiliated with Türkiye Maarif Foundation (Turkey).
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation
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School day structure
School day structure
School hours on weekdays are 08:30–16:30.
School day structure
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Bus service details
Bus service details
Door-to-door bus service with a fleet of 10 Ford Transit 8+1 buses (years of manufacture 2015–2019) serving Bucharest and nearby areas including Pipera, Corbeanca, Otopeni, Mogoşoaia and Chitila. The service is operated by a dedicated team with school supervisors, and parents are kept informed about any events.
Bus service details
IMSB uses 10 buses to transport more than 100 students. Bus routes cover Pantelimon, Dudesti, Piata Unirii, Ferentari, Corbeanca, Dorobanti, Colentina, Voluntari, Cosmopolis and the Herastrau area. Buses are equipped with webcams for safety; pricing is per route.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application / Registration fees
- Registration (one‑time) for the International High School: 1,000 EUR, paid prior to signing the contract. - Enrolment deposit / place reservation for the International High School: 2,000 EUR; this deposit is deducted from the annual tuition once admission is completed. - Enrolment evaluation fee (Elementary & Middle School): 400 EUR (one‑time). - Early childhood registration: an educational resources fund is charged at 300 EUR per year and is paid on registration.
Tuition fees by school level (per academic year and per year group)
- Elementary & Middle School (per academic year): - Standard tuition listed at 9,000 EUR per academic year for the applicable level; Primary level noted at 9,100 EUR per academic year for primary.
- High School (national curriculum): - Standard high‑school tuition: 9,000 EUR per academic year (payment normally in 10 monthly instalments).
- International High School — Tuition Fees 2026–2027 (per academic year): - Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11): 13,000 EUR per year; Resource fund: 600 EUR. - Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): 13,500 EUR per year; Resource fund: 500 EUR.
Billing schedule and payment terms
- Early childhood tuition: payment terms are monthly according to the published fee schedule; the preschool fee schedule for 2025–2026 shows a 10‑tranșe (instalment) calendar with a 300 EUR advance at enrolment and subsequent tranșe due between mid‑August and mid‑May (specific tranșe amounts and exact 15th–20th payment windows are provided in the annual fee schedule). - Elementary, Middle and High School tuition: billed for the academic year with payment commonly accepted in 10 monthly instalments; catering (food service) fees are often charged in 10 equal monthly instalments starting in September. - Food service (where applicable) is charged per academic year and may be billed separately from tuition; for example standard catering for school levels is stated as 2,000 EUR + VAT per academic year and paid in 10 equal monthly instalments. - Payment currency and invoicing: instalment amounts are issued in the local currency (RON) and are to be settled at the bank exchange rate applied on the invoice day (ING Bank rate is indicated as the exchange reference). Advance sums paid in advance are subject to the school's stated non‑refund rule in specified circumstances.
Boarding fees
- No boarding provision applies; there are no boarding fees listed for Liceul Teoretic Școala Mea (boarding is not part of the published fee schedule).
Other costs and compulsory additional fees
- Fund fee for educational resources and programmes (covers textbooks, auxiliaries and partner programmes): typically 800 EUR/year for Elementary/Middle and High School levels (payable on enrolment); other levels (early years) show a 300 EUR/year fund. - Administrative / management fees: a management/administrative fee of 1,000 EUR per academic year is shown for school levels; a management fund single tax of 820 EUR is also listed for nursery. - Food service / catering fees (examples): - Nursery 8:30–12:00 catering: 650 EUR/year + VAT; 8:30–13:00 or 14:00: 1,100 EUR/year + VAT; 8:30–18:00: 1,400 EUR/year + VAT. Holiday‑programme catering has daily/weekly/monthly rates listed separately. - Uniform: the school requires a compulsory uniform and uniform items are sold through the school's uniform shop; example retail price for a tracksuit set shown on the school shop is 280.00 RON. The cost of compulsory uniform items is separate from tuition and is not included in the tuition amounts. - Transport, trips, camps and Cambridge / external examination fees are charged separately and are not included in the stated tuition figures. Examination fees for Cambridge assessments and other external tests are paid in addition to tuition.
Refund and guarantee conditions
- Refundable guarantee: a refundable guarantee of 500 EUR is collected in August for certain levels; outstanding debts for books, optional activities and similar items may be deducted from this guarantee; the remaining amount is returned to parents when the contractual relationship ends. - Advance payment and deposit refund policy: sums paid in advance (including advance instalments) are stated as non‑refundable if the educational contract ends for reasons not attributable to the school. The enrolment deposit for the International High School is, however, fully deducted from the annual tuition after admission is completed.
Fee payment options
- Payment by bank transfer / invoiced payment in local currency (RON) is the standard arrangement; invoices reference the ING Bank exchange rate for EUR→RON conversion on the invoice date. - Instalment billing is available (commonly 10 monthly instalments for school years and catering); specific instalment amounts and due‑date windows are provided in the annual fee schedule distributed at enrolment.
(End of fees overview)
Fee details
Fees — 2026–2027 academic year
Application / Registration & Evaluation fees (non‑refundable) - Preschool (Mp1, Mp2, Mp3): N/A (no separate registration/evaluation fee). - International Section (Primary, Secondary, High School): EUR 250 per student (non‑refundable). - National Section: - Grădiniță: N/A (no separate registration/evaluation fee). - Ciclu Primar: EUR 250 (non‑refundable). - Ciclu Gimnazial: EUR 250 (non‑refundable). - Ciclu Liceal: EUR 250 (non‑refundable).
Tuition fees — annual (per year group) - Maarif Preschool Programme (per year): - Mp1 (3–4 years): EUR 7,500 per year. - Mp2 (4–5 years): EUR 7,500 per year. - Mp3 (5–6 years): EUR 7,500 per year. - International Section (Cambridge / International Maarif Programme): - Primary: EUR 8,000 per year. - Secondary: EUR 8,500 per year. - High School: EUR 9,000 per year. - National Section (Romanian curriculum): - Grădiniță: EUR 6,000 per year. - Ciclu Primar: EUR 6,500 per year. - Ciclu Gimnazial: EUR 7,000 per year. - Ciclu Liceal: EUR 7,500 per year.
Uniform fees (one‑off / per year as shown) - International Section: - Primary: EUR 250. - Secondary: EUR 300. - High School: EUR 350. - National Section: - Grădiniță: N/A. - Ciclu Primar: EUR 250. - Ciclu Gimnazial: EUR 300. - Ciclu Liceal: EUR 350. - Preschool uniform: N/A.
Books, educational & digital materials fees (one‑off / per year as shown) - Preschool (Mp1–Mp3): EUR 300 per year. - International Section: - Primary: EUR 350. - Secondary: EUR 400. - High School: EUR 800. - National Section (all listed cycles): EUR 250 per year (Grădiniță and Ciclu Primar/Gimnazial/Liceal as shown). - Note: Some subjects may require additional materials that are not included in the Educational Materials fee.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Registration is completed only after the first installment is paid. - A 5% discount applies for full (single‑payment) settlement of the tuition. - A 5% sibling discount applies where eligible. - The published fee list is identified for the 2026–2027 academic year and is noted as valid until May, when fees are updated. - Some subjects may require additional educational materials which are not included in the Educational Materials fee.
Boarding fees - No boarding fees appear in the publicly published fee schedule and no boarding provision is listed among the school services; the school operates as a day school (no boarding fees indicated).
Other costs and fees - The schedule above explicitly lists: registration/evaluation (non‑refundable) fees, uniform fees, and Books + Educational & Digital Materials fees. - The school lists additional services (for example catering and bus service) on its services menu, but specific charges for catering, bus transport or other optional services are not shown on the published fee page.
Refund information - The Registration & Evaluation charge shown on the fee schedule is labelled non‑refundable. - No further general tuition refund policy is published on the displayed fee sheet.
Fee payment options - The published fee image and the public admissions/registration pages do not specify accepted payment channels (for example, bank transfer, credit card or online payment) on the fee sheet itself.
(End of fee summary.)
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
The school offers a mixed National and Cambridge international curriculum. It awards the National Bacalaureat Diploma, an ECDL certificate, Cambridge IGCSE certificates (up to three, completed by the end of year 10), IELTS (in year 11) and 1–3 Cambridge A Levels (years 11–12). The National track (years 11–12) provides the National Bacalaureat Diploma, ECDL and IELTS (year 11). The school is a Cambridge International School (CAIE) authorized to run CAIE exams and offer IGCSE, AS and A Level programmes, and is accredited as a British School Overseas (BSO). In September 2026, new high school programmes in Acting and Singing (Pop and Jazz) will be available.
Curriculum details
The school offers three curriculum streams across the year groups: the Romanian National Curriculum in the National Sections; the Cambridge Curriculum in the International Sections; and the International Maarif Programme for preschool. In Kindergarten, parents may choose the Romanian Curriculum (Romanian language of instruction) or the International Maarif Programme Curriculum (in English). The Romanian National Curriculum is taught in the National Sections for Primary, Middle School (grades 5–8), and High School (grades 9–12). The Cambridge Curriculum is taught in the International Sections for Primary and Secondary, with Cambridge IGCSE examinations in grades 9–10 and Cambridge A Levels in grades 11–12. The International Maarif Programme Curriculum is used for preschool (authorized and accredited by the Romanian Ministry of Education and ARACIP). After graduation, diplomas earned under the Cambridge or International Maarif curricula are equivalated by the Romanian Ministry of Education via CNRED.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
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Student teacher ratio
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Exam results
Exam results
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Exam results
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Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Cambridge CAIE accreditation enables entry to universities worldwide, and British School Overseas accreditation aligns with UK standards for higher education pathways. Graduates may pursue higher education via the National Bacalaureat route or Cambridge qualifications (IGCSE, AS, A Levels).
Higher education progression
Graduates may pursue higher education in Romanian and international universities, with Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels providing recognized qualifications for university admission in Romania and abroad.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
Extracurricular enrichment includes Math Club, Science Club, Doodle Town, Jolly Phonics, Conversation, and clubs such as Math Club and Science Club; language competitions and exam prep such as Spelling Bee, Junior Public Speaking, WordFest, Cambridge YLE, and Trinity; advanced language and Cambridge exam preparation (IGCSE, IELTS, AS) and inter-disciplinary themes (e.g., strategies for taking FCE/IGCSE/IELTS/AS).
Gifted and talented
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Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
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Social & emotional learning
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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English as an additional language
English as an additional language
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English as an additional language
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Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
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Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
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Facilities overview
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Sports facilities
Sports facilities
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Sports facilities
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Academic facilities
Academic facilities
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Academic facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
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Extra curricular facilities
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Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
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History
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Community
Community
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Community
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Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
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Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
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Academic & intellectual
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Arts & creative
Arts & creative
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Arts & creative
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Cultural & language
Cultural & language
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Cultural & language
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Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
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Social & hobbies
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Community & service
Community & service
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Community & service
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Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
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Leadership & professional
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
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Language provision
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Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching
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Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
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Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
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Accreditations
Accreditations
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Accreditations
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Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Transfers during the school year are possible after completing enrolment stages, based on a request form from the LTSM secretariat, with approval by the current school. LTSM provides a wide range of learning support; after collecting the necessary information, LTSM decides if the appropriate program can be provided; places are limited. The admission process has two essential steps: schedule a visit to LTSM by filling the Visit us form or by contacting the secretariat; and undertake the evaluation test as part of the final selection. LTSM offers two curricula: Mixed National and Cambridge and International Exclusive British. National High School Real/Humanities Profile follows the national curriculum with a Real (Natural Sciences) or Humanities (Social Sciences) profile, complemented by Cambridge Mathematics and a range of electives. LTSM International British Pathway follows Cambridge pathways: IGCSE in years 10–11 with eight Cambridge IGCSE exams; compulsory English, Mathematics, Sciences and Modern Foreign Languages; Advanced Level AS/A2 in years 12–13 prepares for top universities. The teaching staff are dedicated specialists; 11.2% are native English-speaking; 76.92% have more than four years of experience; 4.61% hold PhDs; 21.53% hold a first degree; 16.58% hold a second degree; 29.23% have Qualified status.
Admissions
1. Certificate of Studies for Previous School Years (Academic Grades, Conduct Grade, Disciplinary Records) is required for pre-enrolment. It records the student's academic history, conduct grade, and any disciplinary records. It should accompany the other pre-enrolment documents. It is part of the materials reviewed during the admissions process.
2. Copy: Birth certificate, Parents ID's, and Marriage/divorce certificate are required copies for pre-enrolment. They establish identity and family information. Ensure copies are legible and up-to-date. They accompany the pre-enrolment documents.
3. Original: Student School Transcript, Medical history form filled by a family doctor (school format), Immunization records / the student vaccination, and 4 recent passport-size photos are required originals. These originals verify academic history and health information. Ensure the photos are recent and clear. They accompany the pre-enrolment submission.
4. Medical History Form: Download the Medical History Form and bring it to the school once it has been completed by the family doctor. The form should be completed by the family doctor before submission. It should be presented as part of the pre-enrolment documents.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Scholarships awarded include Merit Scholarships, Social Assistance Grants and Loyalty Scholarships. Application Process and Calendar: External candidates can apply if they demonstrate outstanding academic results, active involvement and exemplary behavior; eligibility is defined in the Scholarship Regulations. To apply, meet eligibility, write an English application letter of up to 700 words on the topic Describe your personal goals and the obstacles or difficulties that must be overcome to achieve them, and complete the online Application Form for 2026–2027. 2026–2027 Scholarship Program Calendar: 23 February – 1 March 2026 Information dissemination; 2 March – 1 April 2026 Registration at the High School Secretariat; 3 April 2026 Posting of accepted application files on the school website; 20 – 24 April 2026 Interview scheduling for Merit Scholarship applicants; 22 April 2026 Written examination for Performance Scholarship candidates; 30 April 2026 Release of written test results; 8 May 2026 Final results announcement. Categories of Scholarship Awards: High Performance Scholarships (Grades IX–XII) with selection criteria including national test results or Cambridge/ CAT4 measures and Olympiad prizes; Study Scholarships represent 50% of the tuition for eligible students with low family income (monthly per-family member not more than 3000 lei), a GPA above 9.50 and a behavior grade of 10, plus a municipal prize in national Olympiads; Social Aid Scholarships represent 70% of annual tuition for students who have lost one or both parents or have illnesses requiring expensive treatment.