St. George International School & Preschool and Zlatarski International School of Sofia are both in Sofia, about 4 km apart. Both schools offer Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels programmes. St. George International School & Preschool also offers EYFS, Cambridge (Primary), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE and Advanced Placement (AP), and Zlatarski International School of Sofia also offers IB. Published annual fees are €11,467 - 19,313 at St. George International School & Preschool and €200 - 12,680 at Zlatarski International School of Sofia, which puts St. George International School & Preschool roughly 139% higher. St. George International School & Preschool takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Zlatarski International School of Sofia from 11 to 18. St. George International School & Preschool is the larger school, with around 750 pupils to Zlatarski International School of Sofia's 300. Typical class sizes are 18 at St. George International School & Preschool and 17 at Zlatarski International School of Sofia.
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St. George International School & Preschool
Sofia, Bulgaria
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Zlatarski International School of Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria
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Fees / year
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Fees / year €11,467 - 19,313 | Fees / year €200 - 12,680 |
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Age range
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Age range 2 - 18 years | Age range 11 - 18 years |
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Type
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Type Co-educational | Type Co-educational |
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Curriculum
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Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE, Advanced Placement (AP) | Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels |
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Pupils
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Pupils 750 | Pupils 300 |
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Typical class size
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Typical class size 18 | Typical class size 17 |
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Instruction language
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Instruction language English, Bulgarian | Instruction language English |
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Opened
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Opened 1996 | Opened 1995 |
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Bus service
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Bus service No | Bus service No |
| Essentials | Essentials | |
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Location
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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. | Location 49 Kliment Ohridski blvd, Sofia 1756, Bulgaria. The school is located in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. |
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Stages
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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) | 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. |
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School type
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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. | 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. |
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Pupil nationality mix
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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). |
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Additional learning support
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Additional learning support — | Additional learning support — |
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Country affiliation
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Country affiliation Bulgaria | Country affiliation Affiliation with Bulgaria's national education system; authorisation by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education. |
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Religious affiliation
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Religious affiliation — | Religious affiliation — |
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School day structure
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School day structure The school day starts at 8:15 AM and ends between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM, depending on age. | School day structure Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm. |
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Bus service details
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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. | 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 | |
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Fee details
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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. | 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 | |
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Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements — | Boarding arrangements — |
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Uniform requirement
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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. | 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). |
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Food options
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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. | 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. |
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House system
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House system — | House system — |
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Governance and ownership
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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. | Governance and ownership — |
| Academics | Academics | |
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Curriculum details
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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. | 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. |
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Student teacher ratio
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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. | Student teacher ratio Student/Teacher ratio: 5:1. Average class size: 16. |
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Exam results
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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. |
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Higher education progression
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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. | 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. |
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Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented The school offers full or partial scholarships for upper-secondary students with demonstrated talents in sports, music, mathematics, or the arts. | Gifted and talented Oxbridge and Medical school preparation and Universities and College Counselling are available to support high-achieving students. |
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Academic calendar
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Academic calendar — | Academic calendar — |
| Wellbeing & support | Wellbeing & support | |
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Social & emotional learning
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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. | 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. |
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Special educational needs (SEN)
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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. | Special educational needs (SEN) — |
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English as an additional language
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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. | English as an additional language The school offers Bulgarian for foreigners, English language test preparation, and language programmes abroad. |
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Mental wellbeing
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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. | 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. |
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Safeguarding
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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 — |
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Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy — | Safeguarding policy — |
| Facilities | Facilities | |
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Facilities overview
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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. | 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. |
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Sports facilities
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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. | 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. |
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Academic facilities
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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. | 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. |
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Extra curricular facilities
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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. | 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 | |
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History
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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. | 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. |
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Community
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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. | 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. |
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Parent teacher association
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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. | Parent teacher association — |
| Extra-curricular | Extra-curricular | |
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Academic & intellectual
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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. | 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. |
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Arts & creative
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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. | 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. |
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Cultural & language
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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. | 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. |
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Social & hobbies
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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. | 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. |
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Community & service
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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. | 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. |
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Leadership & professional
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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. | 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. |
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Lifestyle & wellbeing
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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. | 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 | |
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Language provision
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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. | 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. |
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Bilingual teaching
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Bilingual teaching — | 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. |
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Immersion programs
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Immersion programs — | Immersion programs — |
| Reputation | Reputation | |
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Awards
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Awards — | Awards null |
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Accreditations
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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 | |
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Admissions
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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. | 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)” } )> ?> |
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Scholarships
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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. | Scholarships — |
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Waitlist
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Waitlist — | Waitlist — |
| View full profile → | View full profile → | |
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