American English Academy vs St. George International School & Preschool

	A American English Academy Sofia, Bulgaria	S St. George International School & Preschool Sofia, Bulgaria
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €55 - 15,600	Fees / year €11,467 - 19,313
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Advanced Placement (AP)
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils 750
Typical class size	Typical class size 10	Typical class size 18
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Bulgarian	Instruction language English, Bulgarian
Opened	Opened 1992	Opened 1996
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 47 Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Blvd, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria. The school is located in the city center of Sofia. The building moved to this site in 2016.
Stages	Stages Pre-kindergarten through Grade 12.	Stages Preschool 2–5 years; Primary 0–4th grade; Lower secondary 5th–7th grade; Cambridge IGCSE (8th–10th grade); Cambridge A-level (11th–12th grade)
School type	School type Day, coeducational international school.	School type Private international school and preschool in Sofia, Bulgaria. Cambridge International Education programmes (Cambridge Primary, IGCSE, and A-levels) are used. The official languages are English and Bulgarian.
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 Bulgaria
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school day starts at 8:15 AM and ends between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM, depending on age.
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details Yes. The school works with a subcontractor that provides transport. It is available to children aged 3 and above and runs on school days from September 15 to May 31; transport is not offered during school holidays.
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 Application / admission fee - The admission fee is a one-off, non-refundable payment due when parents express a desire to apply. The admission fee covers document review, the candidate's trial day (including food), the entry exam and related administrative processing. The admission fee is not charged for applicants to Grade 5 and Grade 8. Guarantee deposit - A guarantee deposit of EUR 1,000 is payable when signing the tuition contract. This is a one-off payment that secures the student's place and may be used to cover damage or late payment; any remaining balance is refundable after completion of tuition. Tuition fees (annual / per-term information and instalment rules) - Annual tuition fees are quoted in euro and are shown as annual amounts when paid in a single (one‑off) instalment. When parents select staggered payment plans, additional charges apply: paying in 2 instalments adds 3%, in 3 instalments adds 8%, and in 10 instalments adds 10% to the tuition total. For the 10-instalment plan the first instalment amount is specified (EUR 4,000 for full‑day CIE students; EUR 2,500 for half‑day Bulgarian-diploma students) and the remainder is split into nine equal payments. New students pay their first instalment within 7 days of signing the contract; returning students' first instalment for the following year is due by 31 May. Deadlines for the 2026/27 payment-plan options include 31 May (single instalment) and a schedule of dates for 2, 3 or 10 instalments (for example: 31 May, 10 Nov, 10 Mar or monthly dates when 10 instalments are selected). Tuition fees by year group (per-grade amounts / per-term breakdown) - The school publishes a grade-by-grade table of annual tuition fees (amounts shown in euro for single-payment settlement). The protected fee table itself was not accessible for extraction while preparing this overview, so specific per-grade numeric tuition amounts (per term or per year group) cannot be reproduced here. The school's published fee structure confirms that the listed annual amounts are the reference figures and that instalment surcharges and the first-instalment rules above apply when parents choose staggered payments. Billing schedule and payment terms (how and when fees are billed and due)n- Payment plans available: one, two, three or ten instalments. Instalment surcharges apply as above (2/3/10 instalments = +3% / +8% / +10%). - Typical due dates shown for the 2026/27 plan: 1 instalment: 31 May; 2 instalments: 31 May and 10 Nov; 3 instalments: 31 May, 10 Nov and 10 Mar (dates shown in the published payment plan); 10 instalments: 31 May then successive 10th-of-month dates across the academic year. New-student first instalment due within 7 days of contract signature; returning-student first instalment due by 31 May for the next academic year. Additional charges and rules (penalties) are set out in the school's general terms. Boarding fees - No boarding fees are listed because the school's published materials do not show a boarding provision; transport, meals and day-school extras are described as separate, optional services. Boarding fees are therefore not applicable. Other compulsory or additional costs - Educational resources fee: set annually, payable with the first instalment according to the chosen payment plan; paid separately from tuition and not refundable. This covers subscriptions to online platforms, textbooks, basic stationery packs and devices where specified (a personal tablet is provided for students in certain grades). - Exam fees: determined annually, payable with the first instalment; paid separately from tuition and non-refundable. External and Cambridge examination fees (Checkpoint, IGCSE, AS/A‑Level) and additional exam-related practical component charges (where applicable) are charged in addition to tuition. - Food / catering: calculated and billed separately from tuition. For full‑day students (CIE): food with first‑morning breakfast is shown at EUR 13.90 per school day for Primary (Grades 1–4) and EUR 15.30 per school day for Lower/Upper Secondary (Grades 5–12). Food without the first morning breakfast is shown at EUR 12.80 per day for Primary and EUR 14.20 per day for Grades 5–12. Fresh juice (optional) is charged (EUR 2.30 per day). Food may be paid annually or in two instalments; a year‑end recalculation reimburses unused food fees for medically documented absences. A mandatory small morning snack for certain grades is charged as an annual fee (Grade 1: EUR 230; Grades 8–9: EUR 255). - Transport: provided by an independent licensed company; the transport fee is calculated and billed separately and parents contract directly with the carrier. - Extracurricular activities (sports, music, applied / performing / fine arts, technology, design etc.): charged separately and are non‑refundable once paid; enrolment and payment follow an additional schedule through the school's electronic platform. - School uniform: required for Grades 1–10; uniform items are charged separately and are not covered by tuition or discounts. Discounts and sibling policy - Sibling discounts on the tuition fee: second child from one family receives a 5% tuition discount; each subsequent child receives a 10% discount; for twins, a 15% discount is applied to one twin. Discounts do not apply to the guarantee deposit, admission fee, educational resources fee, exam fees, school trips, uniform, food, transport, or extracurricular blocks outside the compulsory programme. Refunds and termination / leave before end of year - If parents terminate a tuition contract with the required one-month notice before the end of the school year, the tuition fee is reimbursed according to the school's published schedule: leave dated from 15 September to 30 October – 25% (reimbursement basis shown); from 1 November to 31 January – 20%; from 1 February to 31 March – 15%. The educational resources fee, admission fee and exam fees are not refundable. The general terms also set a contractual penalty in specific withdrawal windows (an amount of EUR 2,500 is referenced in the school's general terms for certain unilateral contract terminations in the period between signing a payment plan and the start of lessons; this penalty may be partially deducted from the guarantee deposit up to the smaller amount). Fee payment options - Accepted payment methods include bank transfer and card payments at a POS terminal; payments may also be made by debit or credit card and by bank transfer to the account specified in the tuition contract. Fees are payable to the school account details shown on invoices and in the payment plan enclosed with the tuition contract. Brief note on unavailable per‑grade numeric tuition amounts - The school's published 2026/27 fees page indicates a grade-by-grade tuition table (annual amounts in euro) and the instalment and billing rules, but the numeric tuition table itself could not be extracted from the published page during this check (the page presents the fee table as protected content). Specific per-grade tuition figures and per‑term breakdowns therefore could not be reproduced in this overview. The school's published materials do, however, set out the guarantee deposit, instalment surcharges, payment deadlines, food charges, educational resources and exam fees, sibling discounts and the refund / termination schedule summarized above.
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 The school has a three-part uniform: formal, casual, and sportswear. The formal uniform is compulsory for formal events and is available to purchase online. Items vary by year group, and Grades 11–12 do not have a prescribed uniform, with students expected to wear smart business-like attire.
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 All meals are prepared on-site in the school kitchen from environmentally friendly products with documentation. Meals are prepared in accordance with the Bulgarian Institute for Standardization and the Bulgarian Agency for Food Safety, using techniques such as steaming and braising or frying with little oil; daily meals include breakfast, a morning snack, lunch with a choice of dishes, an afternoon snack, and optional fresh juice on request.
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 St. George International School and Preschool operates under Bulgarian entities St. George School EOOD and St. George Preschool EOOD, with tuition contracts between each entity and parents. The school is registered as Cambridge Primary School and Cambridge International School under ISN BG032 and is an Accredited COBIS member, reflecting its governance and accreditation framework. The school's address is 47 Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Blvd, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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 follows the Cambridge International Education programme for Primary and Lower Secondary education, preparing students for IGCSE, AS, and A-level certificates, in addition to the State Educational Standards of the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 1:4 teacher-student ratio; average class size is 12 students.	Student teacher ratio Class sizes range from 15 to 18 in the primary stage and up to 22 in higher levels. The school has about 715 students and around 190 teachers and supporting staff.
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 attend universities worldwide, including Edinburgh, Oxbridge, Kings College, UCL, St. Andrews, Hong Kong University, Stanford, Durham, EPFL, Sofia University Kliment Ohridski, Medical University Sofia, and others.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented The school offers full or partial scholarships for upper-secondary students with demonstrated talents in sports, music, mathematics, or the arts.
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 runs a Parent-Teacher Association that organises safe, developmentally appropriate social and cultural activities that enrich each student's educational experience. The PTA's mission revolves around the belief that successful young individuals begin their educational journey within a diverse and inclusive community. With more than 36 nationalities under one roof, every child and member is valued, supported, and cherished. The Student Council provides student leadership with representatives from each grade and works on school projects with teachers and management. These structures support students' social development and active participation in school life.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) Language support and special needs are considered during admissions.	Special educational needs (SEN) There is a programme for gifted and talented students and students with special educational needs. St. George International School and Preschool is committed to developing confident, motivated, self-disciplined learners who can realise their full potential. These learners are supported to make responsible contributions to the world.
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 High-level proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite for accessing educational content in all subjects. At the beginning of the school year, tests assessing English language proficiency are conducted for all students. Depending on the results, the school provides support through consultations, individual work, or additional activities after the regular school day.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The environment is safe, caring, and stimulating, supporting students' emotional, intellectual, physical, and social growth.	Mental wellbeing The school promotes wellbeing through a diverse and inclusive community and safe, developmentally appropriate social and cultural activities organized by the PTA. The Student Council and other community activities encourage student voice and engagement, contributing to wellbeing.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding The school emphasizes a secure environment and safe practices, aligning with its mission to support students' emotional and social development.	Safeguarding The Safeguarding Children Policy and Procedures outlines safeguarding roles and responsibilities. Trained Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) are listed: Kremena Peneva (DSL); Andriana Chomakovska (DSL); Lilly Naydenova (DSL). Associate Designated Safeguarding Leads (ADSLs) are Tsvetanka Doganova and Alexandra Petraru. Safeguarding is the responsibility of every adult and student, and the policy applies to all staff, students, parents/guardians and others involved with the school; it is implemented to keep children safe and to promote their welfare. The policy is written in alignment with international and national guidance, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and related local laws, and is supported by detailed procedures for reporting concerns and taking prompt action.
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 Since the beginning of 2016, the School has moved to a new site in the city center of Sofia. The total built-up area is 24,385 square meters and the design meets all applicable norms in the Republic of Bulgaria and the European Union, with Cambridge International Examinations standards for theoretical and practical training. Infrastructure and equipment meet contemporary requirements for effective learning and arts and sports for students aged between 2 and 19 years. Access and safety are controlled by an up-to-date system for access control and video surveillance, and the premises feature interactive whiteboards, BMS systems, clock and sound systems, and a geothermal heating/ventilation system that provides fresh, filtered air. Water is supplied from a mineral water filtration system and drinking fountains, and a geothermal system supports energy independence and a comfortable learning environment.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities The Sport Complex includes a student pool (25 × 12.5 m) and a kindergarten pool (6.60 × 5.50 m). The School gym covers 1,025 square meters with movable tribunes and spaces for basketball, handball, volleyball and badminton, plus a second school gym of 500 square meters. Kindergarten gyms are 97 square meters each, and there are indoor and outdoor athletic running tracks, a track for long jump, a dance and gymnastics hall, a table tennis hall, a martial arts hall, and a two‑level fitness area. There are also separate outdoor playgrounds for different age groups and facilities such as locker rooms and indoor sport spaces. The buildings for the school, the kindergarten and the sport complex are connected yet function independently with separate entrances.
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 There are over 90 classrooms with sizes ranging from 40 to 94 square meters, including specialized rooms in Science, Humanities, Bulgarian, English, Foreign Languages, Mathematics, IT, Fine Arts, Music and Performing Arts, Design and Technology, Journalism and more. Three outdoor classrooms are available, along with a large multifunctional area for upper-secondary students (grades 11–12). Libraries include a 370 square meter School library and a separate Preschool library. An activity room supports psychologists and a speech therapist, complemented by relaxation areas and dedicated medical rooms for both the School and Preschool. A multifunctional hall for performing arts and projections seats about 330, plus backstage, makeup and dressing rooms, an 827 square meter event area, canteens for the School and Preschool with an on-site kitchen, and individual lockers for each child and teacher.
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 A range of spaces supports extracurricular activities, including a dance and gymnastics hall, a table tennis hall, a martial arts hall, and indoor sport play spaces within the sport complex. There are outdoor running tracks and separate outdoor playgrounds for different age groups to facilitate after‑school activities. The multifunctional hall for performing arts and projections supports drama, music and other performances, while the 827 square meter event area hosts school activities and gatherings. The School and Preschool libraries and the activity room provide spaces for clubs, reading groups and well‑being initiatives beyond standard lessons.
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 St. George International School and Preschool opened in 2004 as a private bilingual secondary school, and St. George Preschool began in 1995 as Wonder World Kindergarten. The school became an Edexcel International Training Centre in 2013 and joined COBIS in 2014. In 2016, it moved to a new complex and earned Cambridge International accreditation as a Cambridge Primary School. The institution later received the 2018 Building of the Year Bulgaria award, COBIS compliance in 2019, College Board membership in 2021, a Trinity College London exam centre in 2022, and COBIS Accredited Member status in 2025.
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 The PTA leads safe, developmentally appropriate social and cultural activities that enrich each student's educational experience. Its mission centers on the belief that successful young individuals begin their educational journey within a diverse and inclusive community. More than 36 nationalities come together under one roof, and the PTA is committed to ensuring that every child and member feels valued, supported, and cherished. Student Council represents Secondary School students, with a Chairman and a representative from each grade, coordinating school events and student feedback with school management and teachers.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The PTA's primary objective is to organise safe, developmentally appropriate social and cultural activities that enrich each student's educational experience. Its mission centers on the belief that successful young individuals begin their educational journey within a diverse and inclusive community. More than 36 nationalities come together under one roof. The PTA is committed to ensuring that every child and member feels valued, supported, and cherished.
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 Exams and external examinations are conducted in line with Cambridge International Education. High-level English proficiency is required to access subjects, with ESL support available for students who need it. Career guidance focuses on university applications, portfolio development, and structured internships across fields such as medicine, law, auditing, media, and industry. The school prepares students for admission to prestigious universities worldwide.
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 The Extracurricular activities offer a wide range of arts and creativity options. Architectural workshops, applied arts, LEGO robotics, Minecraft programming, and a cooking club are available. Music and dance are represented with Ballet, Modern and Folk dance, and a variety of musical instruments including piano, guitar, violin, percussion, trumpet, and singing.
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 Visits to cultural and historical sites are part of student activities. The community comprises more than 36 nationalities, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The PTA coordinates social and cultural activities to enrich each student's educational experience. English as a Second Language and Bulgarian as a Second Language programs support language development.
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 A broad selection of sports and hobby groups is available, including swimming, basketball, soccer, functional workouts, athletics, squash, Taekwondo, karate, and tennis. Students can also engage in architectural workshops, applied arts, LEGO robotics, Minecraft programming, and cooking clubs. Dance styles and chess are among the activities offered, alongside a range of other creative and digital literacy options.
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 The PTA's primary objective is to organise safe, developmentally appropriate social and cultural activities that enrich each student's educational experience. The school hosts a diverse community with more than 36 nationalities, ensuring that every member is valued and supported. The Student Council coordinates school events and student feedback, working on projects with peers, teachers, school management, and parents. Career guidance activities include visits to cultural/historical sites and charitable events.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The Student Council includes student representatives from the Secondary School who coordinate events and relay feedback to management. Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award ceremonies have recognized the commitment of students from Grades 9–12. Career Advice supports university applications, portfolio development, and planning for future careers, including internships in medicine, law, auditing, media, and industry. The school also prepares students for admission to prestigious universities worldwide.
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 Extracurricular activities include functional workouts, swimming, basketball, soccer, athletics, squash, Taekwondo, karate, and tennis. Dance and music options, such as Ballet, Modern and Folk dance, and various musical instruments, contribute to overall wellbeing. Wellbeing events, including yoga sessions organized by the PTA, promote relaxation and community belonging.
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 English is required for access to educational content in all subjects, with ESL support available after the start of the school year if needed. Bulgarian as a second language is offered for non-native Bulgarian speakers through a foreign language programme. The school follows Cambridge International Education for exams and Bulgarian state standards. There is a Bulgarian Programme for Grade 8.
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 Admission and enrollment information is provided to help parents and students make an informed decision about St. George International School and Preschool; information meetings with the Admission and Communication department are organized. Admission begins with filling in the online application. For the 2024-2025 school year, admission exams are required for students entering preparatory, first, fifth, or eighth grade. Fees are published on the school's website and updated annually by March; tuition differs for returning and new students, and there are additional costs such as a guarantee deposit, educational resources, exams, meals, uniforms, transportation, and other charges. Scholarships may be available for upper secondary education, with opportunities for full or partial scholarships for students with demonstrated talents in sports, music, mathematics, and/or the arts who may not have the means to pay regular tuition. Admissions for the next academic year take place in January, February, and March according to a schedule set by the school; admissions during the current academic year are possible depending on availability, with an individual examination session. The admission procedure lasts about 20 days from the admission date. Informational tours are regularly organized, with contact numbers and email addresses provided for admissions. Preschool admissions for children aged 2 to 5 are year-round and subject to available places; the preschool operates in English, with Bulgarian used in Bulgarian contexts; group sizes in preschool and school settings are published, and uniforms are available for all age groups. The school is located at 47 Nikola Y. Vaptsarov Blvd, 1407 Sofia.
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 Scholarships are available for upper secondary education; there are opportunities for full or partial scholarships for students with demonstrated talents in sports, music, mathematics, and/or the arts, who may not have the financial means to pay regular tuition.
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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