American English Academy vs Change the World Schools International School and Kindergarten

	A American English Academy Sofia, Bulgaria	C Change the World Schools International School and Kindergarten Sofia, Bulgaria
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €55 - 15,600	Fees / year €8,000 - 8,200
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 4 - 14 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (PYP), IB (MYP), Bespoke Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils —
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Bulgarian	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened 2022
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Lozen Area, Sofia, Bulgaria; campus in the foothills outside the city near Lozen, with views toward the mountains.	Location The school is located in Sofia, Bulgaria. It is the first international school of Change the World Schools.
Stages	Stages Pre-kindergarten through Grade 12.	Stages Elementary and Middle School
School type	School type Day, coeducational international school.	School type International School and Kindergarten
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix About 200 students from 35+ countries; 40% international, 60% local.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation American-owned
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and one‑time fees - Application fee: EUR 450, due upon student application; this fee is non‑refundable (siblings of current AEA students are exempt from the application fee). - Wait‑pool registration (when applicable): EUR 55. - Capital fee (new students only): EUR 1,950, payable with the contract signing; this is a one‑time fee and is non‑refundable. The capital fee covers educational materials (books, models, etc.) for the student's entire period at AEA. Annual tuition fees (school year 2026/27) and standard term breakdown All tuition figures are stated per academic year. The school uses a standard payment plan of three installments (50% / 30% / 20%) with due dates shown in the Billing section below. Per‑installment amounts shown here follow that split. - Kindergarten K3–K5: Annual tuition EUR 10,500. Installments: Payment 1 (50%) EUR 5,250; Payment 2 (30%) EUR 3,150; Payment 3 (20%) EUR 2,100. - Advanced Kindergarten (K6): Annual tuition EUR 12,200. Installments: Payment 1 EUR 6,100; Payment 2 EUR 3,660; Payment 3 EUR 2,440. - Grade 1–7, International Program: Annual tuition EUR 14,500. Installments: Payment 1 EUR 7,250; Payment 2 EUR 4,350; Payment 3 EUR 2,900. - Grade 1–7, Dual Language Program: Annual tuition EUR 15,600. Installments: Payment 1 EUR 7,800; Payment 2 EUR 4,680; Payment 3 EUR 3,120. - Grade 8: Annual tuition EUR 14,600. Installments: Payment 1 EUR 7,300; Payment 2 EUR 4,380; Payment 3 EUR 2,920. - Grades 9–10: Annual tuition EUR 12,200. Installments: Payment 1 EUR 6,100; Payment 2 EUR 3,660; Payment 3 EUR 2,440. - Grades 11–12: Annual tuition EUR 13,400. Installments: Payment 1 EUR 6,700; Payment 2 EUR 4,020; Payment 3 EUR 2,680. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard payment plan: three installments — 50% due by March 31, 30% due by June 30, and 20% due by December 15. Returning students' first installment is scheduled for March 31. New students' first installment is due within one month after enrollment. - For more than one child enrolled, the family receives a 5% discount on the fee with the lower amount. All fees listed are VAT inclusive. Boarding fees - AEA is a day school (coeducational day international school); there are no boarding services or boarding fees. Other costs and optional services (typical annual fees) - School meals (breakfast and lunch): K6–Grade 3: EUR 1,656; Grades 4–7: EUR 1,808; Grades 8–12: EUR 1,992. A lunch‑only option is available: K6–Grade 3: EUR 1,368; Grades 4–7: EUR 1,532; Grades 8–12: EUR 1,700. A 10% discount applies if the full school‑meals program is prepaid for the entire academic year. - Transportation (annual): round‑trip EUR 2,570 per student (fee is updated annually); one‑way EUR 1,740 per student. - After‑school activities: charged separately; fees are set according to the activity and local Sofia market rates. - AP exam costs and certain examination or exam‑preparation fees: AP courses and some AP exam administration are included in the weekly schedule for high‑school students, but additional fees apply if students self‑prepare for more than the mandatory AP exams. Field trips, ski trips, and certain overseas trips are charged separately. - Uniforms, textbooks, and educational materials are provided as part of the tuition/capital fee coverage; parents are not charged a separate standard uniform fee. Specific optional personal or replacement items remain the parents' responsibility. Partial‑year enrolment and early withdrawal (refund treatment and pro‑rata) - Tuition for partial‑year enrolment or early withdrawal is calculated on a prorated basis according to the enrollment quarter: students enrolled in the 1st quarter are charged the full annual tuition; 2nd quarter enrolment is charged 75% of the annual tuition; 3rd quarter enrolment 50%; 4th quarter enrolment 25%. Application and capital fees are non‑refundable. Payment methods and billing notes - Admissions procedures reference payment by bank transfer (bank transfer receipts) or cash receipt for application and capital fee payments; bank transfer is the standard method documented in admissions steps. The school issues invoices and schedules payments according to the standard plan. No general credit‑card acceptance for tuition is specified in the published admissions/fee documents. VAT and inclusions - All listed fees are VAT inclusive. The tuition fee is described as all‑inclusive for educational provision (access to facilities, tests, selected exam administration, student insurance, counseling, and provision of uniforms/textbooks/materials), while optional non‑pedagogical services (meals, transport, after‑school activities, trips) are charged in addition.	Fee details Academic year covered - Published fee schedule for the 2025–2026 academic year. Application fee - Application fee: EUR 100 when an installment plan that includes an application fee is selected. The application fee is waived if the family chooses the single (one-installment) annual payment option. Tuition fees by school year (amounts shown per year and per payment option) - Kindergarten (ages 4–6) - Annual tuition: EUR 8,000 per year. - Payment of 1 installment (annual): EUR 8,000 (application fee waived). - Payment of 2 installments: EUR 4,100 per installment + EUR 100 application fee. - Payment of 10 installments: EUR 810 per installment + EUR 100 application fee. - Primary and Middle School (Grades 1–8) - Annual tuition: EUR 8,200 per year. - Payment of 1 installment (annual): EUR 8,200 (application fee waived). - Payment of 2 installments: EUR 4,150 per installment + EUR 100 application fee. - Payment of 10 installments: EUR 830 per installment + EUR 100 application fee. Billing schedule and payment terms - Families may choose one of three billing schedules: a single annual payment, two instalments, or ten instalments (monthly-style). The single annual payment option carries no application fee; the two- and ten-instalment options include an application fee of EUR 100. Specific due dates, late-payment penalties, and invoice timing are not stated in the published fee schedule. Boarding fees - No boarding programme or boarding fees are listed in the published fee information. Other costs and fees (uniforms, materials, extracurriculars, transport, etc.) - The published academic fee schedule lists only the tuition amounts and the application-fee rule tied to payment option. No separate amounts are published for uniforms, textbooks, materials, school lunches, extracurricular activities, transport, or capital/development levies. Refund information - No refund policy, refundable/deposit rules, or partial-refund terms are published alongside the fee schedule. Fee payment options (methods) - Specific payment methods (for example credit card, bank transfer, direct debit, or other processors) are not specified in the published fee schedule. Brief summary of findings and remaining items not published - The published materials provide clear annual tuition amounts for Kindergarten and for Primary/Middle (Grades 1–8) and specify three billing schedules with the application-fee rule. The published materials do not provide boarding fees, uniform or other ancillary-fee amounts, refund terms, detailed payment-methods, exact billing dates, or late-payment terms; those items are not listed in the available fee schedule.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school with no boarding.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement The school has a dress code. Students wear AEA-branded sweaters, tops, and t-shirts with the AEA logo.	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The school has an on-site cafeteria serving freshly cooked meals daily; a lunch menu is provided for students to choose from.	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is privately owned by Markan Holding AD. It is an independent, secular private school with a governing School Board.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details 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.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 1:4 teacher-student ratio; average class size is 12 students.	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 100% of graduates are admitted to university or college.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression All graduates are admitted to university or college. The AP program supports college readiness and offers on-site AP exams.	Higher education progression Graduates are prepared for universities or other higher learning.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The middle school develops self-confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset. Relationships are built through empathy in a secure and welcoming environment.	Social & emotional 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.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Language support and special needs are considered during admissions.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language 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.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The environment is safe, caring, and stimulating, supporting students' emotional, intellectual, physical, and social growth.	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school emphasizes a secure environment and safe practices, aligning with its mission to support students' emotional and social development.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The American English Academy is located in the Lozen area just outside Sofia. The campus covers 7,400 square meters and has been recognized with Bulgaria's Building of the Year award in educational facilities. From the green surroundings to mountain views, the campus provides a purpose-built environment. Classrooms are designed by age group and are equipped with Promethean Smartboards to integrate digital learning daily. The campus includes a modern library, an on-site cafeteria serving freshly cooked meals, and a campus-wide Green Policy.	Facilities overview Technology-enabled classrooms and access to state-of-the-art equipment and software support a technology-rich learning environment. The school uses e-learning resources to supplement instruction. It features internationally acclaimed programs used in reputable U.S. schools. The learning spaces focus on integrating digital tools into daily lessons. The school continually invests in research and development to curate a curriculum of high standards.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Learning spaces are designed to support age-appropriate engagement and collaboration. All classrooms are equipped with Promethean Smartboards, integrating digital technologies into daily teaching. The library provides desktop computers and access to online resources, with an interactive Promethean Table for searching and discovery. Temperature, ventilation, lighting, and seating arrangements are adjusted to create a comfortable learning atmosphere.	Academic facilities Technology-enabled classrooms and access to state-of-the-art equipment and software support a technology-rich learning environment. Project-based learning and inquiry-based approaches are used by our educators. The curriculum includes internationally acclaimed programs used in reputable U.S. schools. We harness e-learning resources and digital tools to expand learning beyond the classroom. The curriculum is continually refined through research and development to uphold high standards.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The school offers a wide range of after-school activities and sports. School Life features include Winter Musical Production, Anti-Bullying Week, International Culture Week, and a Science Fair. Students also publish the AEA Science Journal and participate in a Spelling Bee Contest. These activities complement the academic program and foster student engagement beyond the classroom.	Extra curricular facilities The student body is diverse, with cultures from the U.S., Vietnam, Israel, Ukraine, Italy, and more. Extracurricular activities and tutoring are offered, and clubs provide additional opportunities to bond. Clubs are an additional avenue for students to connect with their community. The international community fosters opportunities to share cultural differences.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The American English Academy was established in 1992 by Frank and Ruth Munsey as one of the first international schools in Bulgaria. Initially the school followed the ABeka curriculum and now offers a U.S. standards-based Common Core curriculum and an Advanced Placement program. The school currently serves about 200 students from more than 35 countries. Since 2014, the Dual Language Program based on U.S. and Bulgarian standards has been offered, delivered in cooperation with Abraham Lincoln Private School and fully accredited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education. In 2014 AEA opened a new state-of-the-art campus outside Sofia, which won the Building of the Year Award. As of 2015 the school is privately owned by Markan Holding AD. The school year starts on September 15 and ends on June 30.	History Change the World Schools began in 2008 with a focus on education that is high in quality, low in cost, globally accessible, and relevant to today's world, with the aim of growing World-Changers. In 2022, after-school and tutoring programs opened in Sofia, Bulgaria, laying the groundwork for an international school. The international school opened for the 2023-2024 school year. The founder and Head-of-School is Andrew Faber.
Community	Community AEA has a diverse international community with more than 35 nations represented and about 200 students from around the world. The student body comprises a 40:60 ratio of international to local students. The staff speaks 12 languages, the teacher-student ratio is 1:4, and the average number of students per class is 12. All graduates are admitted to university or college, and 55% of teachers have 7+ years of experience. School life includes events such as a Winter Musical Production, Anti-Bullying Week, International Culture Week, a Science Fair, the AEA Science Journal, and Spelling Bee Contests.	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a wide range of opportunities to challenge students beyond the core curriculum, spanning performing arts, athletics, technology, and community responsibility. These activities enable individual discovery and personal growth outside academic subjects. The yearly calendar features events where students showcase knowledge, creativity, and social responsibility to teachers and families. The extracurricular program supports students in reaching their fullest potential through engagement outside the classroom.	Academic & intellectual The school uses project-based and inquiry-based approaches to engage students in meaningful discussions and collaborative work. The school fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration through active participation. The curriculum includes internationally acclaimed programs used in reputable U.S. schools. The school integrates technology with e-learning resources and state-of-the-art equipment to develop digital fluency.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Winter Musical Production is the school's annual performing arts event that involves the whole student body and the parent community. Students participate in acting, dance, solo singing, choir, props, makeup, and stage lighting. Through this project-based activity, students develop presentation and communication skills, teamwork, and time management. Participation yields memorable experiences and practical skills applicable to future endeavors.	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language International Culture Week celebrates the school's cultural diversity. The Culture Week aims to create a multicultural environment and educate global citizens. Events help students experience the richness of different nationalities at AEA and develop a broader understanding of the world. These activities align with the school's mission to educate global citizens.	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies The Spelling Bee Contest is conducted in front of the parent community. It provides a platform for students to demonstrate spelling skills and perseverance. The contest serves as a public showcase of knowledge, character, and dedication.	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service Anti-Bullying Week creates a safe and positive atmosphere for all students. It emphasizes instruction on the personal and social aspects of aggression and bullying. The school promotes mutual respect and tolerance to support a healthy school climate.	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The School Life program provides opportunities in athletics, performing arts, technology, and community responsibility. These activities support physical and social well-being by encouraging teamwork, self-expression, and active participation beyond the classroom. Participation helps students develop balanced, healthy lifestyles and resilience.	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The standard program is taught in English (U.S. standards-based). An optional Dual Language Program provides instruction in Bulgarian and English from age 5 to Grade 12, following both U.S. and Bulgarian standards with double certification; aims to develop bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturality.	Language provision Bulgarian language learning is offered after school as Bulgarian 101. It teaches speaking, writing, and reading Bulgarian and is adapted for non-native Bulgarian speakers. The program is available for 1st–5th Grade (approximately 6–11 years old). Sessions are on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., taught by Ms. Yanna, at a cost of 60 Leva per month.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching Dual Language Program available; Bulgarian and English instruction from pre-school through Grade 12; licensed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education; follows both the U.S. Common Core and Bulgarian standards; students receive double certification after each grade.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations MSA-CESS accreditation from the Middle States Association – Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools.	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 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.	Admissions An Application Form is available for applications. The school is located in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Scholarships	Scholarships 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.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist If a grade level is full, a student may be placed in the wait pool upon parental request.	Waitlist —
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