Discover Montessori School vs Zlatarski International School of Sofia

	D Discover Montessori School Sofia, Bulgaria	Z Zlatarski International School of Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €7,400 - 7,800	Fees / year €200 - 12,680
Age range	Age range 1 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Montessori Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 120	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 17
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2012	Opened 1995
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Discover International School is located in Sofia, Bulgaria, with two campuses: 6 Bolgrad Str., Sofia 1421, and 43 Episkop Protogen Str., Sofia 1408. The school serves students from toddlers through high school across Preschool, Primary Years, Middle Years, and High School. Instruction is in English and the school combines Montessori principles with IB programmes; an Extended Day Program is available.	Location 49 Kliment Ohridski blvd, Sofia 1756, Bulgaria. The school is located in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria.
Stages	Stages Toddlers; Early Years; Pre-school; Primary Years; Middle Years; High School	Stages Lower Secondary School (Grades 5-7): national programme enriched by the Cambridge Lower Secondary; Middle School (Grades 8-10): national programme enriched by the Cambridge Checkpoint and IGCSE; Upper Secondary School (Grades 11-12): IB Diploma Programme and/or the national programme; International students in Grades 5-12 can choose to follow only the international pathway.
School type	School type IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP); Montessori approach	School type International secondary school offering the national programme alongside Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge Checkpoint, IGCSE and the IB Diploma Programme. IB World School since 2003; Cambridge International School since 2010; established in 1995 as an English-language secondary school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix Nationalities represented: 15 (Bulgaria, Netherlands, Hungary, India, Israel, Russia, United Kingdom, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey, United States, Georgia, Korea, Syria, China); most common nationality: Bulgarian; local to international ratio: 90% to 10% (9:1).
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Bulgaria	Country affiliation Affiliation with Bulgaria's national education system; authorisation by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure Early Years: core day by 4:00 pm; Primary and Middle Years: core day by 4:30 pm; High School: core day by 1:30 pm; Extended day until 5:30 pm	School day structure Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details School bus service is available for children aged 5 and above; operated by a subcontractor; additional transport fee (2,500 EUR for the 2025/2026 academic year, payable in up to two installments); discounts apply for one-way use (35%) or for a second child from the same address (60%).	Bus service details School transport is available: 20-30% of students use school transport; buses to the school serve lines 69, 70, 88, 123, 280, 294; minibuses serve lines 5, 27, 29.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and Enrollment Fees - Student Admission Fee (one-time, payable upon enrolment): EUR 650 for Preschool; EUR 750 for PYP, MYP and DP. - Registration Fee (annual, payable upon enrolment): EUR 550 for all programmes. - Deposit: A deposit equal to 15% of the annual tuition is payable on signing the educational contract. The deposit secures the child's place and is refunded from the first paid instalment of the tuition for the academic year. Tuition fees — school year 2026/27 (annual and payment-plan breakdowns) All figures below are quoted in euros (EUR). - Early Years — Pre-school 1 (age/grade shown on admissions materials): - One payment (annual): EUR 7,400. - Two payments (termly): 2 × EUR 3,900 = EUR 7,800. - Monthly / instalment plan (10 payments structure shown): initial instalment EUR 2,600 and 9 monthly instalments of EUR 656 (total shown EUR 8,500 under the school's published plan). - Primary / Elementary (Pre-school 2 – Grades 1–7): - One payment (annual): EUR 7,650. - Two payments (termly): 2 × EUR 4,025 = EUR 8,050. - Monthly / instalment plan (10 payments structure shown): initial instalment EUR 2,600 and 9 monthly instalments of EUR 689 (total shown EUR 8,800 under the school's published plan). - Middle Years and High School (Grades 8–10): - One payment (annual): EUR 7,400. - Two payments (termly): 2 × EUR 3,900 = EUR 7,800. - Monthly / instalment plan (10 payments structure shown): initial instalment EUR 2,000 and 9 monthly instalments of EUR 723 (total shown EUR 8,500 under the school's published plan). - Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12): - One payment (annual): EUR 7,800. - Two payments (termly): 2 × EUR 4,100 = EUR 8,200. - Monthly / instalment plan (10 payments structure shown): initial instalment EUR 2,000 and 9 monthly instalments of EUR 772 (total shown EUR 8,950 under the school's published plan). Billing schedule and payment terms - Payment schedule options offered: one payment, two equal payments, or a monthly/instalment plan (presented as a 10-payment arrangement). - Deadlines given for the payment options: - One-payment option due by 1 June. - Two-payment option due by 1 June and 1 September. - The instalment / 10-payment option is scheduled across the school year (payments commence from 1 September and include instalments through the academic year). - A deposit of 15% of the tuition is payable on signing the contract and is applied against the first instalment. Boarding - No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed for the school; all published fee items and services refer to day-school provision, transport, meals, clubs and extra activities. Transport (school bus) - Transport service is offered for children aged 5 and over and is provided by a subcontractor; the transport fee is charged in addition to tuition. - Transport fee published for academic year 2025/2026: EUR 2,500 (payable once or in two instalments before the beginning of each term — September and January). - Discounts: one-direction travel receives a 35% discount; if there is a second child from the same address, a 60% discount on the transport price is applied. Meals, learning resources and other recurring costs - Meals (annual charges by age/grade group): - Early Years (Pre-school 1): EUR 1,350 (morning and afternoon breakfast, fruits/vegetables, lunch). - Primary Years (Pre-school 2, Grades 1–4): EUR 1,450 (fruits/vegetables, lunch). - Middle Years and High School (Grades 5–12): EUR 1,550 (fruits/vegetables, lunch). - Learning Resources Fee: a Learning Resources Fee is due annually to cover art/craft materials, extra learning resources, supplies and books (amount not itemised in published fee schedule). - Tuition expressly excludes the following items which incur additional charges: clubs (robotics, photography, dancing, digital skills, theatre, music lessons, etc.), sports (swimming, tennis, football, yoga), ski and green camps, school trips outside Sofia, classes with a speech therapist, uniforms, bus service (transport), digital resources, and for MYP & DP: IB exam fees, legalisation of the Diploma, MYP eAssessment, ISA and some curriculum resources. Extracurriculars and summer provision - Clubs and extracurricular activities are charged separately and vary each year; they form part of the Extended School Day programme. - Summer School runs from mid-June to late August and is charged per week. Discounts and contract discounting - Sibling discounts: second child receives a 5% discount on annual tuition; third child and twins receive a 7% discount. - Signing a 3‑year contract provides a 5% discount on tuition. Refunds and cancellation-related information - The deposit (15% of tuition) is refunded by being credited against the first paid instalment of the tuition for the academic year. No other specific refund or cancellation terms are itemised in the published fee material. Fee payment methods and practical notes - The published fee information specifies payment schedules (one, two or instalment plans) but does not itemise accepted payment methods (for example credit card or bank transfer) in the published fee schedule. Payment method options should be confirmed directly with admissions or the finance office.	Fee details Scope and academic year The following fees apply to the 2025/2026 academic year. Application / registration fee - Registration fee (for all candidates): EUR 200. Annual tuition fees by year group (annual and per term) - Grades 5–7 - Annual: EUR 8,890 (students from Bulgarian schools). - Annual: EUR 10,890 (international students). - Per term (school year divided into two terms): EUR 4,445 and EUR 5,445 respectively. - Grade 8 - Annual: EUR 8,980 (students from Bulgarian schools). - Annual: EUR 10,980 (international students). - Per term: EUR 4,490 and EUR 5,490 respectively. - Grades 9–10 - Annual: EUR 9,200 (Zlatarski International School students — returning/current Zlatarski students). - Annual: EUR 10,200 (students from Bulgarian schools). - Annual: EUR 11,200 (international students). - Per term: EUR 4,600; EUR 5,100; EUR 5,600 respectively. - Grades 11–12 - Annual: EUR 9,680 or EUR 10,680 for Zlatarski School students (amount depends on the chosen education pathway). - Annual: EUR 11,680 (students from Bulgarian schools). - Annual: EUR 12,680 (international students). - Per term: EUR 4,840 or EUR 5,340; EUR 5,840; EUR 6,340 respectively. Additional / optional charges - School transport (optional): EUR 2,100 per year; payable in two installments (EUR 1,050 per installment). - Cafeteria meals (optional): EUR 345 per quarter. - Uniforms, notebooks and other school supplies are additional; uniforms are supplied through the listed vendor (Interstudies 2005 Ltd). - The tuition fee covers instruction, all textbooks, insurance, medical care, security, participation in organised cultural events, extracurricular activities (arts and sports) and use of school facilities. Outside the admissions schedule dates the annual tuition fee is equal to the fee for international students. Billing schedule and payment terms - The school year is divided into two terms; tuition is presented on an annual basis and per-term amounts are calculated on a two-term year. - The school's published schedule references first and second instalments; financial obligations for the first and second instalment (with a specified deadline for those instalments) must be settled by the start of the year as indicated in the admissions/start-of-year information. (Transport instalments are explicitly stated as two instalments.) Boarding - Zlatarski International School operates as a day school and does not charge boarding fees; there are no boarding facilities. Refunds and cancellation - No general published tuition refund or cancellation policy is provided among the school's publicly listed fees and admissions information; specific refund or cancellation terms are not set out on the published fees pages. Fee payment options and bank details - Accepted methods listed: bank transfer and cash payments at the school finance department. Credit-card payment is not listed among published payment options. - Bank transfer details provided for tuition payments (examples as published): - Tuition fees for students in Grades 8–12 (Private Secondary School “Prof. Dr. Vassil Zlatarski” Ltd): Payments in euro IBAN: BG55 BUIN 9561 1000 5837 16 — BIC: BUINBGSF. - Tuition fees for students in Grades 5–7 (Private Primary School “Prof. Dr. Vassil Zlatarski” Ltd): Payments in euro IBAN: BG39 BUIN 9561 1000 6096 12 — BIC: BUINBGSF. - Additional services (application fee, transport, notebooks, school lunch, uniforms): Payments in euro IBAN: BG68 BUIN 9561 1000 2159 49 — BIC: BUINBGSF. Notes on optional billing frequencies - Transport is explicitly payable in two instalments; cafeteria requests are made before each quarter and the cafeteria fee is quoted per quarter, indicating quarterly billing for meals. Tuition figures are published annually and the school structures the academic year as two terms.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement All students wear uniform attire. On the first day, official attire is white shirts/blouses, dark trousers/skirts, and dark shoes. From September 16, 2025, established uniform is a polo shirt with a dark blue cardigan/pullover/hoodie and dark trousers or skirt. Additional uniform sets are available for purchase at the school canteen on September 10–12, 2025, from 8:00am to 2:00am (until supplies last).
Food options	Food options —	Food options A catering service is available. The catering service starts on September 16, 2025, and lunch is organized by class mentors who will explain the arrangement. Catering can be requested via the school's financial office before each term.
House system	House system Chilcren's House is a community within the school used for grouping and activities.	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Discover International School is an IB World School offering a continuum of programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB continuum emphasizes academic and personal growth, challenging students to excel in their studies and development. Since 2012, the school has focused on aiding the natural development of every learner. Curriculum levels include Preschool, Primary Years (Grades 1–4), Middle Years (Grades 5–10), and High School (Grades 11–12), with the Diploma Programme available in Grade 11. Graduates earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian secondary school diploma, opening pathways to top universities worldwide.	Curriculum details Zlatarski International School of Sofia offers an international curriculum integrated with the English National Curriculum and their own contemporary teaching approach. The school is fully authorised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education, the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and Cambridge Assessment International Education. It integrates the Bulgarian educational system with the international IB framework and the British programmes – IGCSE and A Levels. The curriculum is structured across three stages: Cambridge Secondary (grades 5-8), IGCSE (grades 9-10) and International Baccalaureate / A Levels (grades 11-12). Graduates receive both the Bulgarian Diploma and an international IB or A Levels diploma. English is the main language of instruction.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio Student/Teacher ratio: 5:1. Average class size: 16.
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results Excellent results in IB exams, national state exams, International GCSEs and Cambridge Checkpoint. Graduates continue their education at leading universities worldwide, including Oxford University, Princeton University, LSE, Imperial College London, Caltech, McGill University, Warwick University, King's College London, UCL, City University, Durham University, Queen Mary University, University of Vienna, Erasmus University, Bocconi University, Sciences Po, and more.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian secondary school diploma, opening pathways to top universities worldwide.	Higher education progression Graduates go on to study at leading universities worldwide, including Oxford University, Princeton University, LSE, Imperial College London, Caltech, McGill University, Warwick University, King's College London, UCL, City University, Durham University, Queen Mary University, University of Vienna, Erasmus University, Bocconi University, Sciences Po, and more.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented Oxbridge and Medical school preparation and Universities and College Counselling are available to support high-achieving students.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The learning spaces are centred around the child, promoting holistic growth and self-direction in all learning areas. This includes cultivating work ethic and mental and social competencies such as focus, self-discipline, time management, conflict resolution, independence, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The school places emphasis on social, moral, and emotional development as part of preparing children to be socially and emotionally prepared for real life.	Social & emotional learning The school has a supportive, trust-filled community with dedicated teachers who provide individual attention. The teaching team is highly qualified, with many holding doctoral degrees and educated at prestigious international universities. They impart academic knowledge and foster values such as mutual respect, tolerance, and collaboration. In a culture of trust and openness, students express themselves, share ideas, and learn from one another. Extracurricular activities occupy a central place in the school community, enriching social development through sport, dance, music, field trips, charity initiatives, public speaking, and exchanges with students abroad.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) The school has a Child Psychologist and a Speech Therapist on staff to observe and respond to each child's individual needs.	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers English, Spanish, German, Russian and Bulgarian as foreign languages.	English as an additional language The school offers Bulgarian for foreigners, English language test preparation, and language programmes abroad.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through a focus on social, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. The educational environment aims to cultivate these aspects and to prepare students to navigate today's challenges with curiosity, resilience, and cooperation.	Mental wellbeing The school supports mental wellbeing through a supportive environment, trust and openness, and opportunities to engage in sports, arts, and community service that foster social connections.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding A Child Psychologist is part of the team, providing safeguarding and wellbeing support for students.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has two campuses in Sofia: 6 Bolgrad Str., Sofia 1421 and 43 Episkop Protogen Str., Sofia 1408. The Core School Day runs from 8:00 am to 4:30/5:00 pm, with an Extended School Day available until 5:30 pm. A nutritionally balanced school menu is prepared by a licensed kitchen with sanitary permits. Students engage in daily outdoor activity year-round, including nature walks, trips to parks and mountains, and seasonal camps. Learning spaces are centered around the child, promoting holistic growth and self-direction across all learning areas.	Facilities overview Zlatarski International School of Sofia is situated in Darvenitsa, Sofia. The two school buildings include spacious classrooms, laboratories, a library, a computer laboratory, administrative offices, a gym, a school shop and a cafeteria. On the outdoor campus there are playgrounds, outside basketball and volleyball courts and a soccer field. The campus supports everyday learning and student life across indoor and outdoor spaces.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities On-site sports facilities include a gym, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, and a soccer field. The gym supports physical education and intramural activities. Outdoor courts and green spaces enable team practice and competitive sports.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Two school buildings house spacious classrooms, laboratories, a library and a computer laboratory. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards StarBoard. The school uses digital content from IGCSE Science and IB Science to support learning in Biology, Physics and Chemistry, and Mathematics. The facilities are designed to support a curriculum that combines the English National Curriculum with Zlatarski's own approach to teaching.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities MAGIC Programme; Sport; Math; Chess Club.	Extra curricular facilities Extracurricular activities are central to the school community. Students participate in sports, music, art and drama, and community service. Activities include school trips, projects, charity events, public speaking, and student leadership roles such as ambassadors or exchanges with peers abroad. The school encourages involvement in a variety of activities beyond the classroom to develop talents and interests.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 2012, Discover International School began as a diverse international community where multilingualism, cultural diversity, and inquiry-based learning lie at the heart of daily life. It offers a complete educational pathway from early years through Grade 12 and is an IB World School with the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Discover is a flagship institution of the Montessori Society Bulgaria, affiliated with AMI, applying Montessori principles in line with AMI standards. The school integrates IB programmes with Montessori education across preschool to high school, supported by ongoing international professional development for staff.	History Zlatarski International School, Sofia was founded in 1995 as an English language secondary school. It is the largest and most experienced IB World School in Bulgaria and was authorised as the country's first IB World School in 2003. The school is accredited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education, the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and Cambridge International Education. It educates Bulgarian and international students aged 11–18 in the national programme and the Cambridge Secondary, Checkpoint, IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme. The curriculum covers Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics and the Arts.
Community	Community Discover International School has a multinational team of AMI and IB trained teachers. The school serves about 120 students from 23 nationalities across pre-school to Grade 12. Four foreign languages are offered. The school uses an online information platform and distributes weekly and monthly communications to families (Week Ahead and Monthlink).	Community The school community benefits from dedicated teachers, individual attention and a supportive environment, where students build friendships for life. The teaching team includes professionals many of whom hold doctoral degrees and have studied at prestigious international universities, and they promote values such as mutual respect, tolerance and collaboration. Students learn in a climate of trust and openness, where they can express themselves, share ideas and learn from one another. Extracurricular activities are central to life at Zlatarski, with sport, art, music, drama, and community service alongside trips, charity events, public speaking, and student ambassadors.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school is a fully authorised IB Continuum World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Graduates earn an internationally recognised IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian secondary school diploma.	Academic & intellectual The school offers Cambridge Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE, IB Diploma, and Bulgarian Diploma. It is an IB World School since 2003 and a Cambridge International School since 2010. The school operates as an English-language school authorised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education in 1995. Students are aged 11–18 and come from Bulgaria and several other countries.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The school supports creative expression through group presentations, dramas, art exhibits, musical productions, and science projects.	Arts & creative The school hosts theatre productions, including Romeo and Juliet, for charity. It runs art and science workshops and exhibitions, such as 3D molecular models and edible jelly cell models during the Science Fair. An annual Zlatarski Got Talent showcases student and teacher talents. Creative projects are integrated into events such as martenitsi workshops and international exchanges.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language The school has an international community with multilingualism and cultural diversity at heart. The staff includes an English Language Teacher and a Bulgarian Language & Literature Teacher.	Cultural & language The school runs global and cultural activities, including the Global Community Series and Model United Nations events. International exchanges and collaborations with partner schools in Norway, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Greece support cultural programs. Zlatarski hosts European-focused events such as the Zlatarski Youth Forum for Europe on Europe Day. Language-related initiatives include visits by Spanish teachers and multilingual exchange projects.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Every day, students participate in physical activities. The Extended Day program offers clubs and classes such as sports games, football, tennis, swimming, dancing, and yoga.	Social & hobbies Sports facilities include a sports hall, basketball, volleyball and football fields. Students participate in team sports such as football, table tennis, badminton and athletics, with regional and national achievements. Zlatarski Got Talent is an annual talent show that features students and teachers. Social and hobby activities include charity initiatives such as Donate a Toy and In Favour of Our Children.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service Students organize and participate in charity and community service activities. The school hosts campaigns such as Donate a Toy and the In Favour of Our Children initiative. Students have supported Red Cross relief efforts and other humanitarian projects, including Haiti relief in 2010. Sustainable Development Week engages students in cross-curricular service and environmental awareness activities.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Movement for Activating Global Impact through Collaboration (MAGIC Programme) supports leadership and collaborative initiatives. The school also employs IB coordinators and language teachers who collaborate on professional development; teachers attend IB courses yearly.	Leadership & professional Students participate in leadership-oriented activities such as Model United Nations participation, including Zlatarski IB students at the Thessaloniki Forum 2012. The Zlatarski Youth Forum for Europe develops student leadership through Europe Day debates and committee work. The Euroschool program provides opportunities to visit the European Parliament. Excursions and summer programmes expand career and personal development.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The Core School Day runs from 8:00 am to 4:30/5:00 pm with Extended Day until 5:30 pm. The school provides a nutritious menu prepared by a nutritionist, featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables, water, and herbal tea. Students engage in daily outdoor play all year round, with nature walks, trips to parks and mountains, nature hikes, horse riding adventures, and occasional camps in mountainous or coastal settings.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Facilities include a sports hall, basketball, volleyball and football fields. Students participate in team sports such as football, table tennis, badminton and athletics, with notable achievements. Excursions and summer programmes promote experiential learning and balance with academics. Sustainable Development Week engages students in wellbeing, environmental learning and cross-curricular activities.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Bulgarian and English are taught, with English as the main language of instruction in Primary Years. A second foreign language (Spanish or German) is studied in Middle Years and High School. A bilingual language program continues during Summer School.	Language provision English is the main language of instruction. Bulgarian language and literature is studied as part of the core curriculum, with Bulgarian Diploma available alongside international qualifications. A second foreign language starts in Grade 8 (German or Spanish), and Latin is taught. In the IB Diploma Programme, Bulgarian A1 and English A1/A2 are available, and German and Spanish may be studied as IB subjects; Bulgarian for Foreigners is offered as language support.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school has bilingual education in Bulgarian and English.	Bilingual teaching English is the main language of instruction. Bulgarian language and literature is taught as part of the core curriculum, beginning in grade 8. A second foreign language starts in grade 8 (German or Spanish), and Latin is also taught. In the IB Diploma Programme, Bulgarian A1 and English A1/A2 are available, and German and Spanish may be studied as IB subjects; the school awards the Bulgarian Diploma in addition to the international IB or A Levels diplomas.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations The school is the largest and most experienced International Baccalaureate (IB) School in Bulgaria, authorised as the first IB World School in the country in 2003. The school is Cambridge International Education authorised since 2010 and extended to primary education in 2018.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions The school offers admissions for the 2026-2027 school year in Early Years (Preschool 1, born 2021, up to 5 years old); Primary Years (Preschool 2, born 2020 up to 6 years old; born 2019 up to 7 years old; Grade 1; Grades 2–4 with limited spots); Middle Years Programme (Grades 5–7 and 8–10); and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). Admissions procedure: 1. 2. Visit the School or Open Days: book an onsite meeting; Open Days were conducted on 28 November 2025 and 28 January 2026. 3. Submit an Application: complete the Application Form. 4. Reception Day and Family Meeting: the child participates in holistic assessment and a family meeting with the pedagogical leadership. 5. Decision and Enrollment: decisions are shared within one week; if accepted, an Enrollment Proposal with tuition and policies is provided, followed by signing the contract and paying a deposit. 6. Orientation and Welcome: an Orientation Program introduces the classroom, family sessions, and preparation guidelines. English language requirements by grade: Grades 1–4 accept all English levels; Grades 5–7 require CEFR A2 English proficiency for Grade 6 via an online admissions test and interview (test taken at the Middle & High School Campus); Grades 8–10 require minimum A2 English and a holistic assessment (at the Middle & High School Campus); Grades 11–12 IB Diploma Programme require B2 English proficiency (admissions test at the Middle and High School Campus). Required documents include transcripts for the past three years, academic awards, advisor/counsellor recommendations, birth certificate, and immunisation records. Tuition is annual and includes English as the main language of instruction, a second foreign language (Spanish or German) in Middle Years and High School, meals, learning resources, and activities; extra fees apply for clubs, bus service, and trips; 2026-27 tuition is published; discounts include 5% for a 3-year contract, 5% for a second child, and 7% for a third child or twins.	Admissions Admissions Zlatarski International School – Leading school in Sofia for students in grades 5 through 12. The admission procedure for students aged 11 through 18 is open for September 2026. Admissions are based on the results of the entrance exam, school reports, and an interview. The school is licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science, the International Baccalaureate Organization, and Cambridge International Education. It educates about 300 Bulgarian and international students in grades 5–12. Students graduate with two diplomas – Bulgarian and international. The school was founded in 1995 as an English-language high school, and in 2003 became the first IB World School in Bulgaria. In 2010 the high school became the first Bulgarian school authorized to offer Cambridge programs (IGCSE and A Levels), and in 2017 it received a license for the Cambridge Secondary program. In 2018 Zlatarski International School opened to 5–7 grades. The school uniquely integrates the Bulgarian educational system with IB and Cambridge programs – Cambridge Secondary, IGCSE and A Levels. Thanks to well-structured curricula and thorough teaching, students achieve strong results. This opens doors to prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United States, Switzerland and more. Zlatarski International School marks 30 years since its founding. International Education: The school has the most experience in Bulgaria with IB and Cambridge IGCSE, providing solid academic preparation. Our achievements in numbers: 25 cohorts and over 1,400 graduates with excellent and very good results on state matriculation; 20 IB cohorts with over 800 graduates: 450 with IB diplomas and 350 with IB certificates; 13 cohorts with Cambridge IGCSE and over 600 students with IGCSE certificates; 7 cohorts with Cambridge Checkpoint and over 340 students with Checkpoint certificates. Excellent results: Students achieve excellent results in IGCSE, IB and matriculation, opening doors to top universities worldwide. Graduates are admitted to universities such as Oxford, Princeton, Imperial College London, LSE, Caltech, Delft, Bocconi, St Andrews, Sciences Po, and more. School life: Students develop through sport, arts, music, drama and community activities — in the classroom and beyond. Extracurricular activities occupy a central place and play a key role in the school community — whether participating in school sports, performing on stage in dance or music, discovering an artifact on an educational excursion, developing an innovative project, taking part in charitable initiatives, the art of public speaking, representing the school as a school ambassador, or exchanging ideas with students from abroad. School community: With the help of qualified teachers and a supportive environment, students form lifelong friendships. The teaching staff consists of motivated professionals, many with doctoral degrees and education from prestigious international universities. They impart academic knowledge and shape values such as mutual respect, tolerance and cooperation. In a climate of trust and openness, students feel free to express themselves, share ideas and learn from each other. Admission: Application process Secure your child's future with international education and a supportive school environment. For students in grades 5–12. Admission procedures for 5–7 grades; Admission procedure for 8th grade; Admission procedure for 11th grade: IB Diploma Programme; Open days; Admission for the 2026/2027 academic year. Deadlines for 2026/2027: Registration for entrance exam – online registration Open days: December 4 (Thursday) 15:00–17:00; January 29 (Thursday) 15:00–17:00; February 26 (Thursday) 15:00–17:00; March 26 (Thursday) 15:00–17:00 Entrance exam date I: February 2 (Monday) 10:00–12:00 Results announced by February 12, 14:00 Meetings with the admissions committee: February 16–20 Enrollment: February 20–28 Entrance exam date II: March 7 (Saturday) 10:00–12:00 Results announced by March 14, 14:00 Meetings with the admissions committee: March 16–20 Enrollment: March 20–30 Entrance exam date III: April 4 (Saturday) 10:00–12:00 Results announced by April 10, 14:00 Meetings with the admissions committee: April 14–20 Enrollment: April 20–30 Admission of international students: On an individual schedule English placement test for admitted students: June 4 (Thursday) 15:00–16:30 How to choose a school? When you need to make an important decision about which school to choose, answer these questions: Is there enthusiasm among students and teachers? Does the school have high academic results? Are students attentive in class? Does the school have adequate facilities – library, laboratory, modern computers, multimedia? Does the school offer extracurricular activities that are interesting and well attended? Is the campus infrastructure independent? Where have graduates of the school been admitted? Are the school buildings, dining areas, and playing fields well maintained? What is the atmosphere at the school? How many students study at the school? Does the school share your values? How much freedom is given to students in each class? Does the school encourage parental involvement in the educational process and clearly define the parent's role? To participate in Zlatarski International School's admission process, fill in the online registration form. Registration: Zlatarski International School Student information First name Middle name Surname Date of birth Nationality School Class in school Student email Student phone Parent/Guardian First name Last name Parent email Parent phone Security measures Enter two digits Example: 12","waitlist":null,"scholarships":null}} }00000000? (Note: The trailing characters are removed for display)” } )> ?>
Scholarships	Scholarships The school offers a limited number of scholarships and financial aid packages available to qualified candidates.	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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