Anglo-American School of Sofia vs British School of Sofia

	A Anglo-American School of Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria	B British School of Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €12,008 - 25,619	Fees / year €600 - 17,900
Age range	Age range 3 - 18 years	Age range 2 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, IB (PYP), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), IB (DP), IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme)
Pupils	Pupils 538	Pupils 450
Typical class size	Typical class size 18	Typical class size 15
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Albanian	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1967	Opened 2009
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Anglo-American School of Sofia is located in the Detski Grad area near Pancharevo village, Sofia, Bulgaria. The campus sits on almost 8 hectares in the foothills of Mount Vitosha. The postal address is 1 Siyanie St., Pancharevo, Sofia 1137, Bulgaria. The campus is best reached by car or taxi.	Location Sofia, Vitosha district, with a Plovdiv campus. WonderWorld Kindergarten is at 15 Ivan Radoev Street for 2–9-year-olds, and British School and College is at 20 Georgi Raichev Street for 10–18-year-olds. Plovdiv campus is at 45 Tsar Ivan Asen II Street.
Stages	Stages Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) – Grade 12.	Stages WonderWorld - Kindergarten; Grades 1-4 (2–9 years). British School and College (10–18 years).
School type	School type —	School type British international day school with three campuses (Sofia two campuses and Plovdiv) and IB World School status.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix Two-thirds of the student body are international; one-third are Bulgarian.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Student Support Services include Counseling, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and Learning Support. The program differentiates instruction and provides individual and small-group support within the regular classroom, coordinated by the Student Support Team (SST).	Additional learning support EAL (English as an Additional Language) classes are offered. Additional language classes in Spanish, French, German, and Chinese are available. Learning support includes extra Maths and Science lessons; digital tools such as Fast ForWord and Clear Fluency support language and literacy development.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation British international school located in Bulgaria (Sofia and Plovdiv campuses).
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure Kindergarten day runs 8:00–16:00, with Welcome and breakfast 8:00–9:00; Story Time 9:00–9:15; breaks 10:00–11:30 and 12:00–12:40; nap/quiet time 13:00–15:00; 16:00–17:00 free play and pick-up. Young Engineers (6–14) day runs 8:00–17:00 with breaks at 10:20–10:50 and 12:10–13:10, and a 16:00–17:00 pick-up window.
Bus service details	Bus service details Bus Service is available. The Transportation Manager is Zhivko Vichkov; contact zvichkov@aas-sofia.org or +359 889 901 916.	Bus service details Door-to-door transport in Sofia with either round-trip or one-way options; three zones: Zone 1 Inner Ring, Zone 2 Middle Ring, Zone 3 Outer Ring. 2024–2025 transport fees apply. Admissions: +359 886 510 510; office@bssofia.bg.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application / Registration Fees - Registration fee (new students only): EUR 1,102. - No separate application fee is listed; the registration fee is the one-time charge identified for new admissions. Annual Tuition (2026–2027) — by year group - Pre‑Kindergarten: EUR 12,008 per year. - Kindergarten – Grade 5: EUR 22,300 per year. - Grade 6 – Grade 8: EUR 23,983 per year. - Grade 9 – Grade 12: EUR 25,619 per year. Per-term / per‑semester tuition (billing practice) - Tuition is invoiced by semester (two invoices: one for the 1st semester and one for the 2nd semester). Because invoices are issued per semester, the amount on each semester invoice corresponds to approximately half of the annual tuition listed above (i.e., annual tuition ÷ 2). This follows from the school's stated invoicing schedule and the fact that invoices are issued for the 1st and 2nd semesters. Capital and Entrance Fees (same for all grades) - Annual Capital Fee (all students): EUR 3,402 per year. - Entrance Capital Fee (new students only, one-time): EUR 1,707. Total fees examples (2026–2027) - Total for a new Pre‑K student (Tuition + Entrance Capital Fee + Capital Fee + Registration Fee): EUR 18,219. - Total for a returning Pre‑K student (Tuition + Capital Fee): EUR 15,410. - Total for a new Kindergarten–Grade 5 student: EUR 28,511; returning: EUR 25,702. - Total for a new Grade 6–8 student: EUR 30,194; returning: EUR 27,385. - Total for a new Grade 9–12 student: EUR 31,830; returning: EUR 29,021. Optional and additional fees - School bus (annual): Full service EUR 2,900; Part‑time (morning or afternoon only) EUR 1,885. A 10% discount is available for a third child using the bus. - Learning Support fees (where applicable): Level 1: No fee; Level 2: EUR 1,500; Level 3: EUR 10,000; Level 4: EUR 20,000. - EAL support (one‑time for qualifying new students in Grades 1–12): EUR 1,500. - Additional school fees that may be charged as required: external examination fees, graduation fees, yearbook, costs for transportation for athletic/arts/activity trips and other similar items. These additional fees may be assessed in EUR, USD, or BGN and are payable in cash at the cashier's office or by bank transfer. - Tuition Insurance: an optional tuition insurance policy is offered through an independent broker; details and contact are provided by the school and AAS does not receive commission. Boarding - Boarding is not applicable: the school's facilities and listings show day‑student provision (no boarding fee is listed). Refund / partial enrollment policy - Registration, Entrance and annual Capital Fees are non‑refundable. - Tuition refunds (prorated) are handled as follows (semester = 90 school days): - If a student is enrolled 1–45 school days of a semester: tuition is prorated on a daily basis. - If a student is enrolled 46–90 school days of a semester: 100% of the semester's tuition is charged (no prorate). Practical notes for parents (factual summary) - The school's fee structure for 2026–2027 is broken into Tuition, Capital Fee, Registration Fee (new students) and an Entrance Capital Fee (new students). Tuition varies by grade level; the other three fees are fixed across grades. - Bus, learning‑support, EAL, exam and trip costs are additional to the annual tuition/capital/registration fees and should be budgeted separately. (Amounts, schedules and terms above are taken from the school's published 2026–2027 School Fees information and the downloadable fee schedule.)	Fee details Application / Enrolment fee - Kindergarten (Nursery, Reception): EUR 600 one-off enrolment fee for new students. - School (Grades 1–IGCSE Year 2) and College (IB DP Years): EUR 1,000 one-off enrolment fee for new students. For IB DP Year 1 & Year 2 the enrolment fee is shown as EUR 1,000. Tuition fees by year group (annual and instalments) - Nursery: Annual tuition EUR 9,980; two instalments of EUR 5,160; three instalments of EUR 3,630. - Reception: Annual tuition EUR 10,500; two instalments of EUR 5,550; three instalments of EUR 3,890. - Grade 1 & 2: Annual tuition EUR 13,000; two instalments of EUR 6,900; three instalments of EUR 4,830. - Grade 3 – 6: Annual tuition EUR 14,300; two instalments of EUR 7,600; three instalments of EUR 5,300. - Grade 7 – 9: Annual tuition EUR 15,300; two instalments of EUR 8,098; three instalments of EUR 5,680. - IGCSE Year 1 & Year 2: Annual tuition EUR 16,600; two instalments of EUR 8,800; three instalments of EUR 6,200. - IB Diploma Programme Year 1: Annual tuition EUR 17,900; two instalments of EUR 9,350; three instalments of EUR 6,560. - IB Diploma Programme Year 2: Annual tuition EUR 17,900; two instalments of EUR 9,350; three instalments of EUR 6,560. (All school tuition figures are quoted in EUR for an academic year that covers 10 months.) Billing schedule and payment terms (deadlines and instalment rules) - Parents may choose one annual payment, two instalments, or three instalments. The payment deadlines shown are: - One instalment: due by 30 June 2025. - Two instalments: due by 30 June 2025 and 30 January 2026. - Three instalments: due by 30 June 2025, 28 November 2025, and 27 February 2026. - Enrolment is for a full school year; students enrolling mid-year are charged pro rata for remaining school weeks (vacations excluded). - The enrolment (application) fee is a one-off payment for new students, non-discountable and non-refundable. School meals and related billing - Kindergarten meals: 3,020 BGN annually (approx. EUR 1,540); two instalments 1,590 BGN (approx. EUR 810); three instalments 1,120 BGN (approx. EUR 570). - School & College meals: 3,315 BGN annually (approx. EUR 1,690); two instalments 1,745 BGN (approx. EUR 890); three instalments 1,235 BGN (approx. EUR 630). - Meal fees may be paid in one, two or three instalments using the same deadlines as tuition. Once a meal service is taken and paid for, refunds are not made for the academic year; if a meal service is cancelled during the year, only subsequent days (not prior days) may be credited. Transport fees (home–school–home) and zones - Transport fees are charged by zone and by one-way or two-way service. Examples shown (annual and instalment breakdowns are provided): - Zone 1: Two-way 3,430 BGN (approx. EUR 1,750); two instalments 1,805 BGN (approx. EUR 920); three instalments 1,275 BGN (approx. EUR 650). One-way 2,080 BGN (approx. EUR 1,060); two instalments 1,100 BGN (approx. EUR 560); three instalments 765 BGN (approx. EUR 390). - Zone 2: Two-way 4,570 BGN (approx. EUR 2,330); one-way 2,725 BGN (approx. EUR 1,390). - Zone 3: Two-way 5,705 BGN (approx. EUR 2,910); one-way 3,265 BGN (approx. EUR 1,665). - Transport service covers Sofia area and is optional; no discounts apply to transport fees. Transport invoices follow the same instalment deadlines as tuition. Boarding - The school's published information describes a day-school model with optional school meals and home–school transport; no boarding provision or boarding fees are listed in the school's published services. Other costs and additional fees - External examination fees are charged in addition to tuition where applicable: Cambridge Primary Checkpoint (Grade 6), Cambridge Secondary 1 Checkpoint (Grade 9), IGCSE Year 2 exam fees, and IB Diploma Year 2 exam fees are billed separately according to the relevant exam board rates. - Fast ForWord accelerated English support (when required for new students) is charged at EUR 100 per month; the duration depends on the student's needs. - A resources fee is included in the tuition and covers access to electronic learning materials and other compulsory curriculum-related materials. - Uniforms: students are required to wear school uniform; a separate uniform cost is not listed in the published fee schedule. - Sibling discounts: 5% discount for a second child and 10% discount for a third and any subsequent child from the same family (applied to tuition). Refund and late-payment policy - Tuition fees are non-refundable once paid. No refund is payable if cancellation is received seven (7) days or less before the school year/semester start date, or if a student withdraws or is withdrawn at any time after the academic year/semester commencement date. Fees are also not refundable for breaches of enrolment terms, disciplinary exclusion, or unsatisfactory academic progress. Refunds may be granted only at the school's discretion in exceptional circumstances. - If a student enrols mid-year, fees are calculated pro rata for the remaining academic weeks (vacations excluded). - Late payment: if a payment is overdue by more than seven (7) days, the school may not guarantee the student's place; continued non-payment may result in temporary suspension until outstanding balances are settled. No official documents or reports will be issued while amounts remain outstanding. Fee payment arrangements and instructions - Tuition, meal and transport fees are quoted in EUR (meals and transport are shown in BGN with EUR approximations). Parents choose between annual, two-instalment or three-instalment schedules and must meet the instalment deadlines given above. The school issues invoices and provides the payment instructions and billing arrangements to parents as part of the enrolment/billing process. (If you require the fees presented in another currency or need a different display format for database entry, the numerical figures above are given as published.)
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement Uniforms are ordered directly from the official supplier's online store. Kindergarten-Grade 6 and Grades 7-12 have separate ordering pages.
Food options	Food options An on-site cafeteria is run by Liberty Food Services (LFS) and provides hot meals, snacks and drinks for all preschool to grade 12 students, staff, parents, visitors and guests on campus. Fresh and healthy ingredients are used; most items are made on site by qualified chefs and bakers, bread is baked on site, minced meat is ground on site, and no deep-fried foods are prepared; vegetarian or vegan options are offered at every meal, and ingredients are listed to help those with food allergies. A cashless electronic payment system is used. The MS/HS Café is operated by Fuudisimo Ltd., Taste Place, offering a nutritious menu prepared daily.	Food options The canteen offers a monthly menu aligned with the needs of growing children and provides hot meals at lunchtime with vegetarian options, salads, and fruit. Kindergarten meals occur three times a day: 10:00 fruit breakfast, 12:45 lunch, and 15:00 afternoon snack. In School & College, meals occur twice daily: 10:00 fruit breakfast and 13:00 lunch, and there is a cafeteria snack shop available for purchases.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a house system with four houses (Dragon, Phoenix, Kraken, Centaur). Pupils wear house membership T‑shirts and house competitions encourage social activities and teamwork.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The school is a not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors with nine voting members. The American Ambassador appoints four board members including the Chair; the British Ambassador appoints four board members including the Vice-Chair; the ninth member is a parent-nominated and Board-approved member. Ex-officio non-voting members include the Director, the Director's secretary, the PTO President, and an elected Staff Representative.	Governance and ownership The proprietor and principal is Mrs. Teodora Nenova; The chair of the board of governors is Mrs. Teodora Nenova.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details From Pre-K through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) forms the core of the curriculum, with a focus on teaching for understanding. The program is informed by CCSS, NGSS, C3 Social Studies Curriculum Framework, CEFR, AERO World Language Standards, NCAS, SHAPE PE standards, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). The language of instruction is English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. In Elementary School, Bulgarian (as a mother tongue or foreign language), French, and Spanish are offered as world language options. The High School offers the IB Diploma Programme and an AAS High School Diploma pathway; IB instruction is in English. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on, and experiential learning across Pre-K–12.	Curriculum details IEYC is used in the Early Years, Cambridge Primary Programme for ages 5–11, Cambridge Secondary, IPC, and IMYC. The school is licensed to offer the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and provides the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and the IB Career Programme (CP). Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) courses are taught, and IGCSE revision courses are offered in the summer. Art & Design is offered in IGCSE, and Visual Arts is offered in the IB Diploma Programme. English is the language of instruction with EAL support; Bulgarian is offered as a native language option, and there are IB language options including English, Bulgarian, and French among others.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio 7:1	Student teacher ratio Student to teacher ratio 5:1; average class size 15 students, maximum 20.
Exam results	Exam results IB Diploma Pass Rate is 97%.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression 100% of graduates are accepted to universities; graduates are accepted to universities in Europe, the USA, the UK and across the rest of the world.	Higher education progression IB Diploma is widely recognized by universities. Some IB students can receive university credits before enrolling; high IB scores can be accepted for credit or advanced standing by some universities. For example, Oxford commonly requires 38–40 points with 18 at Higher Level; Yale and New York University have accepted IB results as alternatives to certain standardized tests. Universities across Europe and the UK set various IB score expectations (e.g., University of Amsterdam 36, ETH Zurich 38, University of Copenhagen 30, Université PSL 33, Sorbonne University 33). Graduates from BSS have been admitted to universities such as Charles University, Bocconi University, University of Amsterdam, Warwick Business School, University of Manchester, and Concordia University, with many progressing to master's programs. The IB diploma is associated with enhanced access to scholarships and financial aid in some cases.
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 Social Emotional Learning is a specialist class within the Elementary School curriculum. The curriculum also includes Social Emotional Learning as part of its subject offerings alongside core subjects. Counselors plan and teach the Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum to support healthy development. The school provides counselors across divisions to support students through individual and small-group sessions, parent meetings, and liaison with the Learning Support Team. Student Support Services brings together Counseling, English as an Additional Language, and Learning Support in a multi-disciplinary SST to address the whole well-being of the child.	Social & emotional learning The school delivers social-emotional learning through planned Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) lessons as part of the curriculum. It includes the Youth Effectiveness Programme (YET), circle time, and themed assemblies linked to the school's values and the informal curriculum. The approach emphasizes developing social skills, collaboration, ethical understanding, and the ability to work with others. The school fosters holistic development with social and emotional learning integrated across formal teaching and everyday school life.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) AAS provides Learning Support from Pre-K through Grade 12. Student Support Services is a collaborative effort of Counseling, EAL, and Learning Support, forming the multi-disciplinary SST that leads efforts in each division to make the curriculum accessible. The Levels of Learning Support define four levels of service, from classroom-based support (Level 1) to more intensive, individualized instruction (Levels 2–4) with IEPs and, in some cases, specialized staff. Services include differentiation, consultation, classroom planning, and direct or small-group instruction, with an additional Learning Support fee that may apply (Level 2–4) and an EAL fee. Most students receive Level 1 support with no fee.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The language of instruction at AAS is English. The EAL program is provided for students who are non-native English speakers and are not able to participate fully in the academic program. All new students in Grades 1-12 who qualify for services are required to take the WIDA test to determine English proficiency and placement. Beginning and progressing EAL students benefit from an individualized program of language support designed to meet their academic needs, while participating in their academic classes as much as possible. The EAL service model is consistent in both Elementary and Secondary Schools and provides direct and indirect support from EAL specialists and mainstream teachers.	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Counselors plan and teach the Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum to support the healthy development of all students. They provide additional support through small-group sessions, one-to-one counseling, parent meetings, and liaison with the Learning Support Team. The AAS counselors are dedicated to building trust and privacy, following the ethical guidelines of the American School Counselor Association. They support students through transitions associated with international schooling life. Each division has a dedicated counselor to support students' academic, social, and emotional needs.	Mental wellbeing Pastoral care focuses on the physical and emotional welfare of each student and aims to promote mental wellbeing. It supports personal and social development, with a counsellor and a network of staff across the school. The welfare of every pupil is safeguarded as part of daily teaching and school life, ensuring they feel safe, happy, and able to learn. SMSC development is a core expectation and is supported by relationships among staff and the pastoral programme.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding AAS has a Child Protection Policy to safeguard children and promote welfare. Staff sign the Code of Professional Conduct and police checks are carried out on all employees. Designated Child Protection Officers exist across divisions (Preschool–Grade 5 and Grade 6–12) and the Director; these officers disseminate policy and handle concerns. The PSHE curriculum includes regular opportunities to equip children with safety skills, and staff are trained to respond to concerns. The policy is reviewed annually by the Board Governance Committee.	Safeguarding Promoting and safeguarding the welfare of every student underpins everything we do. The school aims to create the safest environment within which each pupil can achieve their potential. Pastoral care supports physical and emotional welfare and helps monitor progress to keep students safe and supported. The school has a counsellor and a strong network of staff who work together to identify and address concerns, ensuring students are happy, safe, and learning.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview Nestled in the foothills of Mount Vitosha, the campus covers almost 8 hectares, with 70% of the land kept as green space. The grounds feature energy‑efficient design and LEED recognition, natural light optimization, occupancy sensors, solar heating for hot water, and the Rila Renaissance Centre heated by agricultural waste materials. The school operates its own wastewater treatment plant to recycle water and collects rainwater in reservoirs to flush toilets and irrigate green areas. A detailed campus map and a campus tour video provide on‑site context, and the on‑site cafeteria serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks for preschool through 12th grade with fresh ingredients and dietary options. The AAS Library is a central learning hub with a collection of over 30,000 titles and extensive digital resources, available to students and staff during the school day and beyond.	Facilities overview Since moving to the new Main Building in 2019, the British School of Sofia offers a modern campus with a wide multifunctional sports field and a vibrant Primary School playground. The classrooms are well lit with large windows, furnished, and equipped with interactive whiteboards and an audio system. A brand-new science lab, a MAC Lab, and a Windows Lab support science and technology learning, while a Robotics Room and a Lego Room enable hands-on design and coding activities. An Art Room, a gymnasium for PE, and a large hall provide space for creativity, performances and events, while the library supports reading and research. The school uses iPads in classrooms, with every student having a device to enhance learning.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities AAS offers ES, MS, and HS athletics and activities with CEESA participation in volleyball, swimming, basketball, cross‑country running, tennis, and football. A tennis facility on campus supports programs and camps. CEESA events also feature robotics and other competitions as part of the athletic and activities program. The athletics program hosts team and individual activities across grade levels throughout the school year.	Sports facilities The school has a multifunctional sports field suitable for football, volleyball, basketball and tennis. The gymnasium supports PE classes whenever outdoor activity is not possible. Table Tennis is available as an extracurricular activity.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities The Library houses over 30,000 titles and materials and provides online databases and subscriptions for use at school and at home, along with access to the Follett library catalogue. The library is open during the school day and offers borrowing policies and hours, and it provides digital resources such as Britannica, JSTOR, PebbleGo, Kanopy, Turnitin, and more. The library also provides equipment for checkout, including USB microphones, Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, and voice recorders. The library supports student learning across PreK–12 with regular classroom visits and daily library use for study and research.	Academic facilities The school has a brand-new science lab for Chemistry, Physics and Biology. The MAC Lab and Windows Lab support computing and digital learning. A Robotics Room and a dedicated Lego Room support coding and engineering activities. An Interactive Classroom uses iPads, with every student having a device to enable learning. The library supports reading and research.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The ES program offers after‑school activities such as robotics, art, gardening, science club, rhythmic gymnastics, dance and musical activities, taekwondo, chess, ballet, and pottery. The MS CEESA Athletics and Activities calendar includes volleyball, swimming, basketball, cross‑country running, tennis, football, robotics, Math Counts, cultural arts, Knowledge Bowl, MS choir, MUN, and speech and debate. The HS CEESA calendar features volleyball, swimming, basketball, cross‑country running, tennis, tech robotics, Math, Knowledge Bowl, choir, UN Model United Nations (MUN), and speech and debate.	Extra curricular facilities Lego Room and Robotics Room host Lego and Robotics classes that teach coding, building instructions, and programming missions. The Art Room provides space for creative projects, and the Hall hosts performances and dance classes. The Library supports reading and independent study, and Table Tennis is available as an after-school activity.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History AAS was established in 1967 for the children of the United States and United Kingdom embassies in Sofia, starting in a downtown building with fewer than 15 students. As enrollment grew, the school moved to the Knyazhevo area and expanded to serve a wider international community. In 1998 it rented space at the American College of Sofia, and in 2006 it moved to the current Pancharevo campus to become a Pre-K to Grade 12 school. In 2012 the MS/HS Wing opened, doubling capacity, and in 2019 the Rila Renaissance Centre opened with a 350-seat theatre and expanded arts spaces. The school is fully accredited by CIS and NEASC, is an IB World School, and is a member of CEESA and ECIS. (source: turn3view0)	History Established in 2009, the British School of Sofia has grown to a multi-campus presence. In 2019, due to growth, the school moved to newly built premises, occupying three buildings in close proximity. In summer 2025, construction began on a new BSS campus to expand its facilities.
Community	Community The AAS Sofia community is diverse, with more than 50 nationalities represented and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. Beyond academics, student life includes extensive after-school programs, field trips, leadership opportunities, and a variety of clubs that foster student agency and global citizenship. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) supports community life with social events and fundraising; all parents are automatically members, and the PTO International Fair is the school's biggest community event. (source: turn1view0; turn2view0; turn5view0)	Community BSS has welcomed international families from more than 45 countries, who now make up around 65% of the school community; local families account for about 35%. Teachers bring international experience, and official exams have been offered in nine languages with past student exchanges. The community is extended through Lead Class Parents who bridge class teachers and the parent community, partnerships with local charitable foundations and a meals provider, and memberships in COBIS and British Schools Overseas.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is strong and highly active, providing support and a social network for international families. All parents and guardians whose children attend AAS are automatically members of the PTO. The PTO is an active, diverse, all-volunteer organization that supports community life through volunteer work and fundraising for the school. The goals of the PTO are to develop positive communication between the school and the AAS community; reinforce the AAS mission and core values; support all students, faculty, staff, families, and newcomers; and raise funds for the benefit of all AAS students. The PTO International Fair is the biggest community event, held on a Saturday in June. To join, email pto@aas-sofia.org; the PTO office is inside the library; meetings are announced in the weekly AAS newsletter; you can also join the PTO Facebook Group or ClassList; a Welcome Booklet is available. (source: turn5view0)	Parent teacher association Lead Class Parents act as a bridge between the class teacher and the parent community.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a rigorous, multifaceted curriculum with after-school programs that extend learning beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities include drama productions, debate teams, and community service projects that foster collaboration and personal growth. Elementary after-school options include Basketball, Robotics, Art, Gardening, Science Club, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Dance and Musical, Taekwondo, Chess, Ballet and Pottery.	Academic & intellectual The school runs the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme as part of its extracurricular offering. It also provides competitions to challenge students beyond the classroom and a Mental Arithmetic club to develop numerical skills. An Arabic Language extracurricular is available to support language development. These activities extend learning opportunities beyond standard timetables.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts and design are central to student life, with drama productions and music opportunities. Elementary after-school activities include Art, Ballet, Dance and Musical, Pottery, and other creative pursuits; secondary programs also engage students in CEESA arts events.	Arts & creative The school offers Vocal Group, Piano, Guitar, Modern Dance and Applied Arts as after-school activities. These clubs enable students to develop performance, craft and creative expression outside lessons. Participation provides opportunities to collaborate with peers and showcase work.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language CEESA activities promote international understanding, including Middle School Model United Nations (MUN), Knowledge Bowl, and CEESA arts events. The CEESA program emphasizes global awareness through cultural exchanges and student leadership.	Cultural & language The school provides Arabic Language as an extracurricular activity. This supports language development and cultural awareness. The program complements the school's broad language offerings.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies A wide range of after-school clubs supports hobbies and social connections, including Basketball, Robotics, Art, Gardening, Science Club, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Dance and Musical, Taekwondo, Chess and Pottery.	Social & hobbies The program includes Sports & Fun as a general recreational activity, with specific options such as Football and Taekwondo. These activities promote teamwork, physical activity and social interaction. Students can explore interests beyond academics.
Community & service	Community & service Community service projects are a component of after-school life, with students taking part in service initiatives and charity events. The Student Activity Leadership Team (SALT) develops leadership and organizes events that involve community engagement.	Community & service The Duke of Edinburgh Award is part of the extracurricular programme. House Systems foster a sense of community across year groups. School Trips and Ski Week expand community experiences beyond the campus.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership is cultivated through the Student Activity Leadership Team (SALT), which leads athletics, events and hosting responsibilities and sponsors charitable activities. Students participate in CEESA events and school trips that build organizational and collaboration skills.	Leadership & professional Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award builds leadership and project-management skills. House Systems provide leadership opportunities within the student body. Competitions offer opportunities to lead and collaborate with peers.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Athletics and activities provide extensive opportunities for physical development, fitness and teamwork. Middle and High School CEESA tournaments include Volleyball, Swimming, Basketball, X-Country Running, Tennis, and robotics competitions, supporting a culture of sport and well-being.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports & Fun, Taekwondo and Football support physical fitness and well-being. Dance and music activities promote mental well-being through creative expression. The broad range of activities encourages a balanced lifestyle.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The language of instruction at AAS is English. Bulgarian can be studied as a mother tongue or as a foreign language, while French and Spanish are offered as foreign language options. In Elementary School, there are three language options: Bulgarian (mother tongue or foreign language), French, and Spanish. English Language Arts is part of the K-12 language arts program, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) provides language support for non-native speakers.	Language provision The language of instruction is English. Native languages include English, Bulgarian, Chinese, German, and Russian. Foreign languages offered include English, Bulgarian, Spanish, French, German, and Russian.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges)	Accreditations Department for Education: The school is the only British School in Bulgaria registered with the Department for Education (DfE) of the British Ministry of Education with the unique number URN 142484 as a British School Overseas. BSO accreditation: The school is the only Bulgarian school inspected by PENTA, an accredited body for inspecting British Schools Overseas; the inspection report is supplied to the British Ministry of Education. Bulgarian Ministry of Education: A British School of Sofia diploma is recognised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education. Cambridge International School: The school is an accredited Cambridge International School that offers Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, and Cambridge Upper-Secondary, with students receiving a Cambridge Diploma for their Secondary education. IB Diploma Programme: The school has been an accredited IB Diploma International School since 2016; in 2021, after an inspection by the IB DP authorities, it retained its status as an IB World School. IB Career-related Programme: The school is an IB World School offering the IB Career-related Programme. IB Primary Years Programme: The school became a fully licensed IB PYP school in 2025. Council of the British International Schools: The school is accredited by COBIS (The Council of the British International Schools).
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions Step 1: Prepare Documents. The Admissions uses an online application system. Before beginning, have a recent student photo (JPG) and passport details for the student and both parents or guardians. Also provide latest end-of-year progress reports and prior years' progress reports as separate PDFs; include email addresses for the homeroom teacher and Counselor/Principal (preK–grade 5) or English, Math, Counselor/Principal (grades 6–12). Include Special Needs Documentation and any related assessments; learning support records are considered as part of the application and spaces are offered only if space allows. Step 2: Complete Online Application. The school uses an online system for all new applications. Applications are reviewed only after all documents have been received, and all student records should be translated into English. The admission procedure may include placement tests and/or interviews. Decisions are based on the applicant's needs and qualifications, space availability, and the aim to enroll a well-balanced and diverse class; the school reserves the right to deny admittance if requirements are not met. Step 3: Application Decision. Your child's file is reviewed by the Principal of the relevant division and the educational team once the application and documents are complete. For early applicants, reviews may occur in March or April for the following school year. If you have not received a decision within four weeks after the file has been submitted for review, contact admissions by phone or email. Delays may occur during busy periods, but the school works to admit students as promptly as possible. Step 4: Offer of A Place. If accepted, you will receive an official email with the decision. You must confirm the offer of acceptance within five working days. If the application is approved but placed in the wait pool, a formal offer will not be sent at this time. Spaces open up for many reasons and timing is difficult to predict; you will be contacted immediately if a place becomes available.	Admissions The Admissions section provides access to Financial Terms 2025 - 2026, Entry Requirements, FAQ and Book a Visit. Financial Terms cover the Enrolment Fee and multiple payment options (Annual, Two Payments, Three Payments) for Kindergarten, School and College, with specific payment deadlines. School meals and door-to-door transport are available for an additional fee, and a Resources fee applies to learning materials; external examination fees may apply for Cambridge and IB assessments. English proficiency support is available via Fast ForWord at €100 per month if required, and a family discount reduces fees for a second (5%) and a third or subsequent child (10%). Fees are quoted in euros for a 10-month academic year and can be paid in one, two, or three instalments with deadlines such as 30 June 2025, 30 January 2026, 28 November 2025 and 27 February 2026. Entry Requirements describe documents and steps for Kindergarten, School and College enrolment (online apply, birth certificates, parent IDs; medical documents for younger children; placement tests in English and Maths for older cohorts; English-language level targets and use of Fast ForWord if needed). For College, entrance exams in English and Maths and an interview are arranged during trial days. The FAQ confirms BSS covers ages 2–18, outlines curriculum pathways (British National Curriculum, IEYC, Cambridge Primary/Lower Secondary/IMYC, IGCSE, IB DP), notes English as the language of instruction, and describes school meals and transport, uniform expectations, application timing (January–June, with summer entry possible), and how to apply (contact the Admissions team by email or phone). It also notes the school is the only accredited British School Overseas in Bulgaria, and provides details on nationalities, class sizes, and student body as part of the FAQs.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist The school uses a wait pool after review; a formal offer is not sent while in the wait pool. Spaces open up for many reasons and timing is difficult to predict. The school will contact you immediately if a place becomes available.	Waitlist —
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