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Bulgaria, Sofia
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Founded in 1860, The American College of Sofia is one of the oldest American educational institutions outside the United States. The College traces its roots to a boys' school opened in Philippopolis by American missionaries for the 1860–61 school year and a girls' school opened three years later in Eski Zagra. The schools were relocated to Samokov in 1871, later merged into Sofia American Schools, Inc., and moved to a new Simeonovo campus in the 1920s. World War II and its aftermath led to the campus's confiscation in 1947, and the campus became the headquarters of the Bulgarian state police. The College reopened in Sofia in 1992, and in 2025–2026 celebrates the 165th anniversary of its founding.
ACS operates on a park-like campus with eight renovated classical buildings on 28 acres, including a 380-seat theater and a 180-seat concert hall, and a 28-bed student dormitory. Campus life includes ACS Clubs, a Student Council, Sports, and a vibrant Performing Arts program that features Bulgarian-language theater and collaborations with Sofia Opera and Ballet. Gipson Library provides extensive resources with about 16,500 volumes and access to online databases.
ACS has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Parents may participate through the ACS PTA to support student activities and school initiatives. There is also a Parent Ambassador program and an Annual General Meeting as part of parent involvement, per ACS communications and reports. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's education, including parent–teacher meetings.
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.
