Compare International Schools in Varna, Bulgaria

Instructs in English

Ages 4 - 18 years

Fees €2,600 - 10,000

Type Co-educational

Located in Varna, ASB operates two campuses: High School for grades 8–12 in the Greek Quarter and Foundation School for grades 1–7 in the Sea Garden. Both campuses are visitable by appointment. ASB offers English-only K-12 education since 2015. It is Cognia-accredited (2025), the first and only English-only Cognia-accredited school in Bulgaria. The High School leads to a four-year diploma; admission requires at least a B1 level of English, with ESL support if needed. The curriculum covers English Literature, Mathematics, American and World History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Arts and humanities, Physical Education/Health, and general electives, with AP/Honors courses in grades 11–12. A Hybrid Program allows earning both a local diploma and an American High School Diploma, often via summer US coursework. NUFFIC has accepted ASB diplomas over 30 times. The school also offers a distance-learning option and emphasizes student wellbeing. Extracurriculars include Drama and Music Clubs, science fairs, charity drives, and volunteering. A focus on wellbeing and clubs enhances daily life. Support is available.

Location

Varna, Bulgaria. The ASB High School (grades 8-12) is located in the Greek Quarter; the Foundation School (grades 1-7) is located in the Sea Garden. Visits during the school year are by appointment only.

Stages

Elementary (grades 1-4), Middle (grades 5-7), High School (grades 8-12)

Additional learning support

Academic counseling; student guidance and support; stress management.

Application & administration fees
- A one-time administration fee applies to enrollments: EUR 150.
- A specific fee applies when an application is submitted for the purpose of obtaining a visa: EUR 12,000. If a visa is not granted, the amount paid will be refunded minus a EUR 500 administration charge upon presentation of official proof of the denial.

Tuition fees by program and year group (per year / per term billing structure described below)
- Full High School Diploma Program (grades 8–12): EUR 7,900 per year, invoiced in the year of enrollment, plus an additional EUR 1,580 invoiced in February of the following year. A one-time EUR 150 administration fee applies. Additional Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available at EUR 1,500 per course.
- Full Middle School Program: EUR 7,590 per year (covers a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 subjects per year). A one-time EUR 150 administration fee applies. An additional 10% (EUR 759) is invoiced in February of the following year.
- Full Elementary School Program (day program, typical day 09:00–14:30): EUR 6,900 per year, invoiced in the year of enrollment. An additional 5% (EUR 345) is invoiced in February of the following year. After-school care (14:30–16:30) is an additional EUR 1,200 per year. A one-time EUR 150 administration fee applies.
- Pre-school program (introduced in 2026): EUR 5,000 per year.
- Hybrid Program (two subjects per year): EUR 2,600 per year.
- Distant (distance-learning / online) Full High School Program: charged at the same annual rate as the regular on-site program; same payment conditions apply.
- Semester-only enrollment: EUR 5,000 for primary-school semester enrollment; EUR 6,000 for grades 5–12 per semester.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing: the main tuition amount is invoiced in the year of enrollment; a smaller additional portion is invoiced in February of the following year. The additional portion varies by program: High School additional amount EUR 1,580 (equivalent to 20% of EUR 7,900), Middle School additional 10% (EUR 759), Elementary additional 5% (EUR 345). For certain grades (example: grade 8 in 2026) the follow-up invoice percentage may differ (6% noted for that grade in 2026). All invoiced amounts are specified in euros.
- Invoices and payments are required according to the invoicing schedule; proof of full payment is required before issuance of proof of enrollment for visa purposes, and visa-related enrollments are subject to different fee conditions (see visa fee above).

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as a standard offering with a listed boarding fee. No regular boarding fee is provided in the tuition schedule. (Graduation and ceremony items below are listed separately.)

Other costs and additional fees
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses (beyond any AP included as part of the program): EUR 1,500 per AP course; AP coursework is delivered remotely when offered as extra options. A one-time EUR 150 administration fee is charged in relation to AP course enrollment where applicable.
- After-school program (elementary, 14:30–16:30): EUR 1,200 per year.
- English Foundation Course (summer, preparatory): EUR 1,600 (48 hours over 9 weeks).
- Math Foundation Course (summer, preparatory): EUR 1,600 (48 hours over 9 weeks).
- Apostille service (if requested): EUR 300 if requested by June 1; EUR 600 if requested after June 1. The apostille process duration is listed as eight weeks.
- Graduation gown rental: EUR 100 (cap and tassel provided as gifts).
- Graduation Gala Fee: EUR 150 (covers the graduate and two guests; includes graduation processing, diploma in a cover, printed and digital transcripts, and professional photography).
- Meals and transportation: not included in tuition charges; these services are offered and billed separately. Details and plans for meals and transportation are provided to families in September of each academic year.

Refund information
- Visa-related application: when an application fee is paid for the purpose of obtaining a visa and the visa is refused, the fee paid will be refunded less a EUR 500 administration charge upon presentation of official proof of the visa denial. No other routine refund schedules are specified in the published fee schedule.

Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods include cash and bank transfer as recorded in the school's admissions and billing processes. Invoicing and payment records (including deposits and outstanding balances) are maintained as part of standard financial administration. No explicit public statement lists credit-card acceptance; payment by bank transfer or cash is indicated.

Curriculum

The American School of Bulgaria offers English-only K-12 education in Varna, Bulgaria since 2015. ASB is Cognia-accredited and the only Cognia-accredited English-only school in Bulgaria. The High School program begins in 9th grade and leads to a fully-accredited four-year diploma, with admission requiring at least a B1 level of English and ESL support if needed. The curriculum includes English Literature, Mathematics, American and World History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Arts and humanities, Physical Education/Health, and general electives. AP/Honors courses are offered in 11th-12th grade and are internationally recognized for college credit; AP exams can be taken, and the program plans to become an AP Testing Center in 2027. The Hybrid Program enables earning both a local diploma and an American High School Diploma by adding required US courses, usually during the summer; NUFFIC has accepted ASB diplomas over 30 times.

Student Teacher Ratio

Small class sizes.

Higher Education Progression

College or university readiness is the ultimate goal for all students. Transcripts are equalized in the USA after graduation when requirements are met, and ASB diplomas are recognized by universities worldwide.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ASB places student wellbeing at the heart of its approach. Academic counseling and student guidance and support are available to students. A Stress Management course is offered as part of Campus Life. Extracurricular activities include after-school clubs, the Student President and School Council Committee, and Drama and Music Clubs to foster social development. Anti-bullying programs and community-service activities support a safe, inclusive social environment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

ASB provides English-only education for grades 1-12. Admission requires a minimum English level of B1 for non-native speakers; applicants with lower English proficiency are assessed and may be placed in ESL programs. Students who do not speak English will be required to take ESL courses in the summer or during the academic year at an additional cost. The Elementary and High School programs include English-language support, and the entire curriculum is taught in English. College or university readiness is the ultimate goal for all students.

Mental Wellbeing

ASB prioritizes student wellbeing as part of its culture. The school offers a Stress Management course and provides academic counseling plus student guidance and support. Extracurricular activities include clubs and programs that promote emotional and social development. Anti-bullying initiatives and community-service opportunities contribute to a safe, respectful environment for mental wellbeing. The wellbeing emphasis is integrated across campus life and student services.

History

The American School of Bulgaria is located in Varna, Bulgaria. It was founded in 2015 by Dr. Suhair Melehani, who serves as the school's President. ASB is the first and only Cognia-accredited English-only education in Bulgaria. Cognia accredited ASB in 2025, and the school offers both on-site programs and a Distance-learning program.

Community

ASB emphasizes a diverse, inclusive community and prioritizes student wellbeing. Campus Life includes after-school clubs, Student President and School Council Committee, Drama and Music Clubs, PE at nearby facilities, academic counseling, and student guidance and support, including a Stress Management course. Events and field trips include international celebrations, local holiday and traditions celebrations, holiday bazaars, science fairs, art exhibitions, holiday performances, educational and fun field trips, and family engagement socials. Community Services include charity drives and fundraising, nature-awareness activities, volunteer projects, environmental clubs, anti-bullying programs, collaboration with community, and disease, drug and abuse awareness programs.

Academic & Intellectual

Academic counseling supports course planning and study skills. Science fairs provide hands-on inquiry and project work as part of ASB events. After-school clubs broaden opportunities for academic exploration beyond class.

Arts & Creative

Drama and Music Clubs are part of campus life. Art exhibitions showcase student work during events.

Cultural & Language

International celebrations and local holiday/traditions celebrations are part of campus life.

Social & Hobbies

After-school clubs and school-wide events offer social opportunities. Family engagement socials provide community connection.

Community & Service

Charity drives and fundraising events support local communities. Nature-awareness activities and environmental clubs promote service and stewardship. Volunteer projects and collaboration with the community are complemented by anti-bullying and health-awareness programs.

Leadership & Professional

Student President and School Council Committee provide leadership roles. Students participate in governance and planning through these bodies.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

A Stress Management course supports wellbeing, and student guidance and support are available. Physical education is conducted at nearby sports complexes. Wellbeing is central to ASB's approach.

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Primary Progressive School 2 Varna

Instructs in Bulgarian

Ages 5 - null years

Fees €6,500

Type Co-educational

Primary Progressive School 2 Varna offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) alongside a bespoke curriculum. It is a private, coeducational day school in Varna, Bulgaria, with Bulgarian instruction and English taught as an additional language. International Classes are open for Grade 1 and Grade 5. Mother tongues include Bulgarian, German, English, Russian, and Ukrainian. The school teaches six transdisciplinary inquiry units per year: Who we are; Where we are in place and time; How we express ourselves; How the world works; How we organize ourselves; Sharing the planet. The school is a Candidate School for the PYP, pursuing authorization. Facilities in the Levski district, within the VIVA complex, cover 560 sq m over two floors, with five classrooms, a library, a canteen, an indoor sports hall, and a medical office. A multilingual library supports resources; classrooms have learning corners. Extracurricular activities include sports and clubs such as Zumba Fitness, Combat, and Pump; a Relationships and Well-Being Program is offered.

Location

The school is in Varna, Bulgaria, at 73 Vasil Drumev Street (Planetarium entrance) in the Chaika district (Varna 9000). Public transport and private car access are easy and quick.

Stages

Primary and lower secondary (Progimnazialen etap).

Type

Private, coeducational, day school.

Country affiliation

Bulgaria

Bus service

Transportation to and from the school is provided through an external transport company.

Application fees
- There is no separate one-off application fee shown. A deposit is due at enrolment equal to two monthly instalments; this deposit secures the place.

Tuition fees (2026/2027 academic year — 10-month period)
- The published fee schedule is presented as a 10-month total and is payable under one of three billing options: single annual payment, three instalments, or equal monthly instalments. The fee components and totals for the 10-month period (amounts in EUR) are:
- Tuition fee: EUR 2,480 (one‑off annual payment) | EUR 2,540 (three instalments) | EUR 2,600 (equal monthly instalments).
- Extracurricular / research programme: EUR 2,480 | EUR 2,540 | EUR 2,600.
- Summer introductory and closing activities: EUR 620 | EUR 635 | EUR 650.
- Recommended donation for development (payable to the foundation): EUR 620 | EUR 635 | EUR 650 (this amount is described as recommended).
- Total for the 10-month period: EUR 6,200 (one‑off annual payment) | EUR 6,350 (three instalments) | EUR 6,500 (equal monthly instalments).

Per-instalment and per-month examples (derived from the published totals)
- If the family chooses the three-instalment plan, the total EUR 6,350 is payable in three instalments of approximately EUR 2,116.67 each (EUR 6,350 ÷ 3).
- If the family chooses the equal monthly instalment plan (10 months), the total EUR 6,500 is payable in ten equal monthly instalments of EUR 650 each (EUR 6,500 ÷ 10).
- The deposit at enrolment equals two monthly instalments; under the 10-month plan this would be EUR 1,300 (2 × EUR 650). The remaining balance is then payable in the schedule described by the school.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Deposit: a deposit equal to two monthly instalments is payable at the time of enrolment; this secures the student's place.
- Remaining balance: the remaining fee is payable according to the chosen plan; the school offers a single annual payment (discounted), payment in three instalments, or equal monthly instalments (which carry a surcharge).
- Discounts and surcharges: advance payment for the full year (single annual payment) receives a percentage reduction; monthly instalments incur a percentage increase. Reduced fees apply for second and third children from the same family.
- VAT/tax treatment: tuition fees are not subject to VAT; other listed fees (for example certain additional services) include VAT.
- Food and transport: lunch/food and transport are not included in the published fee totals and are charged separately if used.

Boarding / residential fees
- Boarding is not applicable. The school operates in daytime form and provides day education rather than boarding or residential accommodation.

Other costs and typical additional charges
- Food (meals) and school transport are charged separately and are not included in the fee totals.
- A materials charge is referenced for additional workbooks, learning aids and stationery used in the teaching process; the schedule describes this item but does not list a separate standalone amount in the main totals.
- Fees may be charged for optional extra-curricular activities, organised educational trips, seasonal schools outside Varna, and any third‑party services; such items are listed as additional to the core fee.
- A recommended donation to the owning foundation for development, research and professional development is included as a separate line in the schedule.

Refund information and contract termination (summary)
- The school requires a deposit at enrolment (two monthly instalments) and sets payment schedules in the enrolment contract. The published financial terms do not set out a detailed, single-page refund schedule for all circumstances; refund and contract-termination consequences are governed by the enrolment agreement and the institution's regulations. Parents should review the enrolment contract for the precise rules that apply to withdrawal, termination and any refunds.

Fee payment options
- Bank transfer: the school provides payment-order/IBAN instructions for bank transfers. Payment by bank transfer is an accepted method.
- Other methods: the published materials show bank/IBAN payment instructions; no standalone published statement of credit-card acceptance or online card-payment gateway is listed in the school's published financial terms. Families should use bank transfer or consult the enrolment office for any additional accepted payment channels.

Short practical summary for parents
- For the 2026/2027 school year (10 months) expect a 10-month total of EUR 6,200 (if paying the full year in one payment), EUR 6,350 (if paying in three instalments) or EUR 6,500 (if paying in equal monthly instalments). Food and transport are extra. A deposit equal to two monthly instalments is payable at enrolment; remaining payments follow the chosen schedule. Bank transfer details are provided for payments.

Boarding Arrangements

Day school (no boarding)

Uniform Requirement

No uniforms; wear comfortable, breathable clothing; clothing should not include shorts, short skirts, or tank tops with thin straps.

Food Options

Meals are provided by an external catering company; the service is selected with parental input and paid in addition to tuition; parents can monitor the service. Home meals should include nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Fried foods, highly seasoned foods, chips, sweets, chocolate, and carbonated drinks are not acceptable.

Governance and Ownership

Private primary school operated by a single-member limited liability company (EOOD) named Progressive Primary School 2 – Varna; the school is registered with the Ministry of Education as an institution for primary and basic education; children receive a Ministry of Education diploma.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Based on the international Responsive Classroom approach, the primary Relationships program helps teachers and students build a community focused on engaged learning, positive communication, and effective classroom management. Students and teachers create agreements for behavior and communication in school; these agreements are monitored and used to resolve conflicts. Daily routines include a morning meeting, a quiet time, and reflection to develop interpersonal skills, concentration, and independent decision‑making. Students have a dedicated Relationships hour to discuss emotions, friendship, and coping with challenges.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Students with special educational needs are supported. The director forms a support team to prepare and approve an individualized learning plan, developed in accordance with the law and the national standard for the educational plan. General support for personal development is provided by teachers and psychologists; depending on the assessment of individual needs, other specialists may be involved. An individualized plan is drawn up for each pupil with special educational needs; education in an individualized form or other arrangements may be used as appropriate.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The official language of communication and education at the school is Bulgarian. The school teaches at least one additional language to all students. The additional language taught is English at primary and lower secondary levels; a second foreign language may be learned outside the structured curriculum if parents and students choose. The school provides support for language development through defined competency models and dedicated staff; language development is integrated with the national curriculum and international frameworks.

Mental Wellbeing

Based on the Responsive Classroom approach, the Relationships and Well-being program at the primary level focuses on engaged learning, positive communication, and class-wide agreement‑making. Daily routines include a morning meeting, quiet time, and reflection to develop interpersonal skills, concentration, and independent decision‑making. Students have a separate Relationships class addressing emotions, friendship, and strategies for coping with challenges.

Safeguarding

The school sets clear behavior norms for both in and out of class; bullying and abusive behavior are not tolerated. Students show respect to teachers, staff, parents, and peers, and take responsibility for protecting the school environment. Leaving classrooms or school premises during lessons is not allowed without permission and supervision. Personal devices are restricted in class; access to the building is controlled and supervised. Off-site activities require written permission, and transportation is arranged through a licensed service. The school emphasizes parent involvement and communication with families and institutions through official channels, and operates a governance framework that includes safeguarding considerations.

Community

Primary Progressive School 2 Varna builds an open community with shared values and works with experts, organizations and institutions to implement policies and programs for quality and progressive education. The school recognizes the central role of the family in education and enables active parental involvement as a valuable resource in the educational process. It welcomes students and their parents who share the school's values and attitudes, who are motivated with open minds and an international orientation, and who are ready to engage with the academic program and participate as members of the school community. The annual cycle includes an introductory culture and relationships program (first six weeks), nature-based learning trips three times a year, final presentations of integrated projects, PYP Exhibition for 4th grade, and three parent-teacher meetings per year.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

The school has a School Board (Училищно настоятелство) involved in governance. Parents are included in governance and are invited to participate in school life; parent meetings are held three times a year.

Facilities Overview

The school is located in Varna, in the Levski district, in the VIVA complex on Dimitar Ikonomov Street. It occupies 560 square meters over two floors in a building designed as an educational establishment. The facility includes five classrooms, administrative spaces, toilets, a library, a canteen and a beverage area, an indoor sports hall, and a medical office. The classrooms have furniture made from natural materials and include dedicated corners for mathematics, science, art, languages, reading, breaks, and a light snack. The virtual tour highlights spaces used for teaching and daily life, including classrooms, the music workshop, the gym, and the dining hall.

Sports Facilities

The school has an indoor sports hall (gym) for physical education. Sports and movement are integral to the curriculum, with swimming and other sports offered during the week. The virtual tour highlights the sports facility as part of daily school life.

Academic Facilities

The classrooms feature furniture made from natural materials and include dedicated corners for mathematics, science, art, languages, reading, and breaks. The school has a library and a beverage area; the interior includes a library and related facilities. The school library has a catalog of books in multiple languages and a media library with electronic resources such as e-books, films, images, music, and other digital media. The program follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme with transdisciplinary inquiry projects. The official language of instruction is Bulgarian, with English taught as an additional language.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Each year the school offers a set of additional activities in school, led by teachers or external partners. Extracurricular clubs are available as part of the program. Extracurricular activities include sports and other clubs, with teachers sometimes leading fitness-focused classes such as Zumba Fitness, Combat, and Pump.

Academic & Intellectual

The Progressive School 2 Varna embraces International Baccalaureate aims to develop internationally minded people who recognize their common humanity and shared responsibility for the planet. Students are described as curious, knowledgeable, thinking, communicative, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taking, balanced, and reflective. Learning emphasizes inquiry and collaboration to develop knowledge across disciplines and to engage with local, national, and global contexts.

Cultural & Language

The official language of instruction is Bulgarian. English is taught as an additional language, and there is the option to learn a second foreign language outside the standard curriculum. The school promotes multilingualism and international mindedness, supported by language development across the curriculum and a multilingual library.

Social & Hobbies

To provide space for students to develop talents and explore interests, each year the school offers a range of extracurricular activities led by teachers or external partners.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

There is a Relationships and Well-Being Program as part of the school's student development and wellbeing initiatives.

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Varna American International School

Instructs in English

Ages 14 - 18 years

Type Co-educational, Boarding School

Varna American International School (VAIS) is a Christian American boarding high school in Varna, Bulgaria. The school develops transformed lifelong learners through an active American-style international education, preparing students for higher education through character development and leadership cultivation.

Location

Varna, Bulgaria

Stages

High School

Type

Private Christian boarding school

Country affiliation

United States

Religious affiliation

Christian

School day structure

Full day with boarding

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Compare International Schools in Varna, Bulgaria

Location

Stages

Additional learning support

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Student Teacher Ratio

Higher Education Progression

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

History

Community

Facilities Overview

Extra Curricular Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Arts & Creative

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Community & Service

Leadership & Professional

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Accreditations

Admissions

Location

Stages

Type

Country affiliation

Bus service

Boarding Arrangements

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Community

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Facilities Overview

Sports Facilities

Academic Facilities

Extra Curricular Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Bilingual Teaching

Admissions

Location

Stages

Type

Country affiliation

Religious affiliation

School day structure

Boarding Arrangements

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

History

Facilities Overview

Leadership & Professional

Language Provision

Accreditations

Admissions

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Annual fees

Children's Ages

Curriculum offered

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