The American College of Sofia vs Zlatarski International School of Sofia

	T The American College of Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria	Z Zlatarski International School of Sofia Sofia, Bulgaria
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €10,040 - 28,600	Fees / year €200 - 12,680
Age range	Age range 13 - 18 years	Age range 11 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum American Curriculum, IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Cambridge (Secondary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 954	Pupils 300
Typical class size	Typical class size 19	Typical class size 17
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Bulgarian	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1860	Opened 1995
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The American College of Sofia is in Sofia, Bulgaria, at Floyd Black Lane, Mladost 2, 1799. The campus is located in the Mladost district and is accessible by public transport. By bus, take #76 or #111 with a transfer if needed, and follow local landmarks such as the HIT store and the yellow gate at the end of the street to reach ACS. The campus is near the MVR Police Academy Simeonovo area as a reference point.	Location 49 Kliment Ohridski blvd, Sofia 1756, Bulgaria. The school is located in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria.
Stages	Stages Grades 9–12. All students pursue the USA High School Diploma Programme (Grades 9–12). Bulgarian students in Grades 11–12 enter the Bulgarian Diploma Programme (academic stream) with profiles such as Humanities, Foreign Languages, Mathematics & Physics, Software & Hardware Sciences, Natural Sciences, or Entrepreneurship. International students participate in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.	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 Private, coeducational, language high school. The college is described as a private, language-based American-style preparatory school offering American and Bulgarian/IB diplomas.	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 Bulgarian students make up about 96% of the student body, with international students comprising about 4%.	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 Student Support Team provides counseling and programs for social-emotional development and mental health. Services include Confidential Individual Counseling, Group Counseling, Academic Support Groups, Health Courses, and mentorship for clubs and events; the team collaborates with faculty and families.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Affiliated with the United States as the oldest American educational institution outside the USA.	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 —	School day structure Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 8am - 4pm.
Bus service details	Bus service details Public transit serves the campus area. Bus routes include #76 (to Mladost) and #111; a subway connection can be used with a transfer to reach ACS. Directions note landmarks and a gate at the end of the street for campus entry.	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 fees - ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) registration: USD 160, payable by credit card directly to the Educational Records Bureau (ERB). - Historic/legacy application fee noted in ACS application materials for international applicants: EUR 350 (appears on ACS published application requirements document). Tuition fees (annual amounts by student category) - Bulgarian students (standard Bulgarian-student rate): EUR 10,040 per academic year (BGN 19,636.54). - International students (International Student Program): EUR 21,700 per academic year (BGN 42,441.52). - Bulgarian students transferring from international schools: charged at the International Student rate (EUR 21,700 per academic year). Per-term detail - The published figures are stated as annual tuition rates (see amounts above). A per-term (semester/term) breakdown is not published alongside those annual rates in the College's tuition materials; families should expect the headline amounts to represent the total tuition for the full academic year. Boarding / dormitory fees - Dormitory fee for Bulgarian citizens (2025/2026 academic year): EUR 6,100 per year. - Dormitory fee for international students (2025/2026 academic year): EUR 6,900 per year. - The dormitory fee covers three weekday meals in the school cafeteria, internet, laundry, room cleaning, and related residential services. Other costs and fees (what is included / excluded) - The annual tuition covers instruction, academic and extracurricular activities, study materials (including a personal Chromebook), and access to school laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, and college-counseling services. - The following are not included in the listed tuition and are charged separately where applicable: meals for day students, transportation, school trips and excursions, certain school supplies, and IB exam fees. - Elective clubs and extracurricular participation are stated as having no separate participation fee. Billing schedule and payment terms - Annual tuition is published as the total yearly charge by student category. Specific public-facing materials do not publish a detailed per-term invoice schedule or payment-due dates alongside the headline annual amounts; billing and enrollment paperwork (distributed after admission) define exact payment deadlines and any installment arrangements. - The College allows tuition to be invoiced and paid by a juridical person (legal entity) when parents request this arrangement; such arrangements require an additional trilateral agreement among parents, the College, and the paying company. Refund information - Publicly available admissions and tuition materials do not publish a detailed general tuition-refund or standardized withdrawal-refund schedule alongside the headline tuition figures; families complete enrollment paperwork and any applicable admission/enrollment agreements that set out specific refund or cancellation terms. Fee payment options - ISEE registration is paid by credit card to ERB (the test administrator). - The College can invoice a legal entity for tuition (see above); invoicing implies accepted electronic or bank payment methods for third-party payers under the trilateral arrangement, with specific payment instructions provided on the invoice or enrollment agreement. Practical notes for parents (concise) - Headline annual tuition: Bulgarian students EUR 10,040; International students EUR 21,700. - Boarding (dorm) is an additional annual charge: EUR 6,100 (Bulgarian citizens) or EUR 6,900 (international students) for the 2025/2026 figures published by the College. - The ISEE test registration fee (required for admissions testing) is USD 160, charged by ERB and payable by credit card. Brief note on scope and missing public details - The College's public tuition materials state annual tuition and dormitory amounts and describe what the tuition covers and excludes, and they confirm the ISEE registration charge; those materials do not publish a public per-term fee breakdown, a standard public billing-calendar with installment due dates, or a standard public refund table alongside the headline rates. For precise invoice dates, installment options, payment methods (bank details, card acceptance for tuition), and formal refund terms, families receive and sign the College's enrollment documents and invoices after admission.	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 Perske House Dormitory is on campus and can accommodate 28 students in four double bedrooms, four rooms with three beds, and two rooms with four beds. Two dormitory supervisors oversee operations, and the facility includes laundry, luggage storage, ski equipment storage, a computer room, and a lounge with a TV, refrigerator, and microwave. The dormitory fee covers three meals a day at the school cafeteria on weekdays, as well as internet access and room cleaning.	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 The America for Bulgaria Campus Center houses the Cafeteria and kitchen facilities and the campus cafe. A 2019-2020 ACS brochure notes the cafeteria serves fresh and warm options, including vegetarian choices. The dormitory fee covers three meals a day at the cafeteria on weekdays.	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 —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership ACS is governed by a Board of Trustees. It is operated as Sofia American Schools, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation chartered in Massachusetts since 1926.	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details English is the primary language of instruction. Grades 9–10 Bulgarian and international students follow almost the same ACS curriculum. In Grades 11–12 Bulgarian students pursue the Bulgarian Diploma Program with advanced profiles, while international students are admitted to the two-year IB Diploma Programme. International students begin the IB Diploma Programme in 11th grade and can earn the American High School Diploma by completing ACS coursework and the CAS portfolio. The IB Diploma Programme has been offered since 2005. Bulgarian Diploma Profiles cover Humanities, Foreign Languages, Mathematics and Physics, Software & Hardware, Natural Sciences, and Entrepreneurship; all profile courses are advanced honors, and every student completes a 75-hour CAS portfolio.	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 SAT middle 50%: 1310-1470; Highest SAT score: 1580. Scores for SATs were reported for 102 students in the class of 2024, August 2022–October 2023. National Exams (matura) were taken by more than 50% of ACS students (class of 2023). On average, 92% of ACS seniors apply to non-Bulgarian colleges and universities, and typically 100% earn the American Diploma and either the Bulgarian or IB Diploma.	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 ACS graduates attend universities around the world. On average, 92% of ACS seniors apply to non-Bulgarian colleges and universities. Institutions attended include Brown University, Columbia University, NYU, and University of California campuses, among others. Bulgarian universities such as Medical University of Sofia and Sofia University also enroll ACS graduates.	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 Bulgarian Diploma Profiles are advanced honors programs with concentrations in Humanities, Foreign Languages, Mathematics & Physics, Software & Hardware, Natural Sciences, and Entrepreneurship. International students on the IB Diploma Programme undertake English A Literature and other higher-level subjects. All students complete a 75-hour CAS portfolio.	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 Student Support Team prioritizes student well-being and provides counseling and programs to support social-emotional development and mental health. The team comprises psychologists and social-emotional counselors. Services include confidential individual counseling, group counseling, academic support groups, health courses, and mentorship for clubs and events. They work closely with faculty and families to support students' academic and personal journeys. Contact: studentsupport@acsbg.org.	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) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language The school offers Bulgarian for foreigners, English language test preparation, and language programmes abroad.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental health support is provided through confidential counseling, group counseling, and health education. The team includes psychologists and social-emotional counselors. They address adolescent development and mental health needs. They collaborate with families and faculty to support student well-being. For support, contact: studentsupport@acsbg.org.	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 The school has a Child Protection Officer as part of the Student Support Team. The Student Support Team includes highly trained professionals, including psychologists and social-emotional counselors. Safeguarding work is conducted in collaboration with faculty and families to protect students. Confidential individual counseling and group counseling are among the safeguarding and wellbeing services. For support, contact: studentsupport@acsbg.org.	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The American College of Sofia sits on a multi-building campus with seven academic buildings and 62 classrooms. The campus includes four computer labs and three science labs for STEM teaching. A 380-seat theater and an 180-seat concert hall host performances and assemblies. A 28-bed student dormitory and a large 1,276-square-meter multi-purpose gymnasium anchor indoor life. Outdoor facilities include a tennis court, a basketball court, and playing fields; the America for Bulgaria Campus Center houses Gipson Library, the Cafeteria and kitchen facilities, the campus cafe, spaces for student activities, the Ferren Meeting Room, and the Jim Clayton Writing Center.	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 A spacious 1,276-square-meter multi-purpose gym anchors indoor athletics. Two small sport rooms in the basement of Djerassi Hall are for fitness and gymnastics, and Abbott Hall houses three small sport rooms for fitness, table tennis, and gymnastics. Outdoor facilities include a tennis court, a basketball court, and playing fields. The Bubble hosts ACS Open tournaments on campus.	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 Seven academic buildings offer 62 classrooms. There are four computer labs and three science labs. The Gipson Library occupies about 300 square meters and supports study and research. The Jim Clayton Writing Center provides academic writing support, and the Ferren Meeting Room and other Campus Center facilities support student collaboration.	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 The American College of Sofia offers a broad range of clubs and activities beyond the classroom. Arabian Culture Club explores cuisine, calligraphy, language and arts of the Arab world. Art Club organizes schoolwide art activities; Chemistry Club conducts science-related projects. Muzeiko Volunteering Club connects students with weekend volunteering at Muzeiko; New Hope Club fosters national pride and charitable events; Photography Club provides creative and technical training.	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 1860, The American College of Sofia is one of the oldest American educational institutions outside the United States. The College traces its roots to a boys' school opened in Philippopolis by American missionaries for the 1860–61 school year and a girls' school opened three years later in Eski Zagra. The schools were relocated to Samokov in 1871, later merged into Sofia American Schools, Inc., and moved to a new Simeonovo campus in the 1920s. World War II and its aftermath led to the campus's confiscation in 1947, and the campus became the headquarters of the Bulgarian state police. The College reopened in Sofia in 1992, and in 2025–2026 celebrates the 165th anniversary of its founding.	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 ACS operates on a park-like campus with eight renovated classical buildings on 28 acres, including a 380-seat theater and a 180-seat concert hall, and a 28-bed student dormitory. Campus life includes ACS Clubs, a Student Council, Sports, and a vibrant Performing Arts program that features Bulgarian-language theater and collaborations with Sofia Opera and Ballet. Gipson Library provides extensive resources with about 16,500 volumes and access to online databases.	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 ACS has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA). Parents may participate through the ACS PTA to support student activities and school initiatives. There is also a Parent Ambassador program and an Annual General Meeting as part of parent involvement, per ACS communications and reports. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's education, including parent–teacher meetings.	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers a broad extracurricular program with over 120 student clubs and activities. FISSION Club organizes an international student‑run science fair. The 3D Printing Club teaches 3D modeling and printing. The Robotics Club participates in the FIRST Robotics Competition, and the TEDxYouth@ACSofia and Fountain Journal Club provide platforms for public speaking, research, and publishing.	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 ACS provides extensive arts and creative activities, including a performing arts program that produces English-language plays and a major dance program linked to Sofia Opera and Ballet. Arts Fest showcases student performances and works. Clubs cover music, visual arts, film, and literary publishing, including Rock Band Club, Photography Club, Video Production Club, The Fountain Journal Club, and Yearbook Club.	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 Model United Nations is active, with ACS hosting MUN conferences and students participating in international MUN events. German language competitions and other language clubs are offered. The New Hope Club fosters national pride and cultural service activities.	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 The school offers numerous social and hobby clubs such as 3‑in‑1 Club, 3D Printing Club, Adventure Club, Animal Rescue Volunteers Club, New Hope Club, Photography Club, Podcast Club, Psychology Club, Red Cross Bulgarian Youth Club, Robotics Club, Rock Band, Running Club, Science Club, Sports Bridge Club, Swifties Club, Table Tennis Club, Teach For Bulgaria Club, TEDxYouth@ACSofia, Fountain Journal Club, TimeHeroes ACS, and Yearbook Club.	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 Students participate in community service through clubs such as TimeHeroes ACS and Teach For Bulgaria. TimeHeroes ACS coordinates ACS's volunteer efforts with Bulgaria's largest charity platform.	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 Leadership opportunities come from Model United Nations participation and club leadership roles; TEDxYouth@ACSofia develops public speaking and project management skills. Debates and entrepreneurship‑oriented activities are supported through dedicated clubs and scholarships.	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 Sports and fitness are central to life at ACS, with teams in volleyball, football, basketball, and table tennis. Additional activities such as tennis, golf, calisthenics, running, climbing, wrestling, and cheerleading are offered through the clubs program.	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 Instruction is in English except for other languages. In grades 9 and 10 all courses are taught in English except Bulgarian and foreign languages. In grades 11-12 Bulgarian language and literature, foreign languages, Bulgarian geography and philosophy (in grade 12) are taught in Bulgarian; other courses are taught in English. International students begin the IB Diploma Programme in grade 11; all students are enrolled in the USA High School Diploma Programme (grades 9-12); ACS is an authorized IB World School and has offered the IB Diploma Programme since 2005.	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 —	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 Innovative School designation by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science for forward-thinking projects.	Awards null
Accreditations	Accreditations Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science accreditation. Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation since 2005. International Baccalaureate Organization certified IB World School since 2004.	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 American College of Sofia is the oldest American educational institution outside the USA. In 2025, it celebrated its 165th anniversary. The College is a language high school with admissions after grade 7, accredited in Bulgaria by the Ministry of Education and Science, and in the USA by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB). The College also accepts Bulgarian students who have completed grade 8 in Bulgarian schools within the Republic of Bulgaria, after passing an entrance exam in English. The College welcomes applications from Bulgarian students who have studied at foreign schools (in Bulgaria or abroad) during the previous year, as well as applicants with foreign or dual citizenship. Admissions for these students are year-round and depend on available spots and academic results. We teach all subjects in English, with the exception of Bulgarian Language and Literature and foreign languages. We offer specialized education in mathematics, software & hardware technology, humanities, foreign languages, natural sciences, and entrepreneurship. We work with highly qualified teachers, 35% of whom are foreigners, primarily from the USA, Great Britain, and Canada. 934 students; 31% of faculty are international; 87% of financial aid applications approved. HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION. We admit students based on the academic results of the applicants, only after successfully passing the College's entrance exam. Once accepted, students embark on a challenging academic journey that emphasizes both the acquisition of knowledge and its practical application. In addition to rigorous academics, the College offers a well-rounded extra-curricular program designed to complement students' studies and foster their personal development. This holistic approach helps students build academic skills while also growing into well-rounded individuals. The College's high standards are maintained by a diverse faculty, consisting of both experienced Bulgarian and international professionals, who bring a variety of teaching methods and global perspectives to the classroom. These progressive educational practices, centered on interactive learning, form the foundation of the College curriculum. American College of Sofia graduates are equipped to think critically and solve complex problems. They set clear goals, achieve them, and are socially conscious, ready to compete with top students around the world.	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 Who Have Successfully Passed the Entrance Exam after Grade 7. The College offers full scholarships for newly admitted students who successfully pass the Grade 7 entrance exam. The scholarships are granted once and cover the full tuition fee for the five years at the American College. All families of Bulgarian students who successfully pass the grade 7 entrance exam and are invited to enroll in the College may apply for the scholarships. The Committee is guided by several criteria when awarding them, with financial need being the most important. CRITERIA FOR AWARDING FULL SCHOLARSHIPS: 1. Approved documents for the tuition fee reduction program. 2. Essay results - essay answer to a question. Candidates will be invited to write the essay at the College. 3. Interview with candidates selected based on essay results. 4. Total score from the entrance exam. FULL SCHOLARSHIPS. The Polansky and Oberbauer Scholarships were established in 2008, and the Gipson Scholarship in 2018. They cover the full tuition fees for students who demonstrate a high academic level throughout their course of study. Polansky Scholarship; Oberbauer Scholarship; Gipson Scholarship; Sts. Cyril and Methodius Scholarship. The Domuschiev Impact Foundation established the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Scholarship, which covers the full tuition fee for five Bulgarian students from the Class of 2030 at the American College of Sofia for the entire five-year period of study. The scholarship is awarded with priority to students with a single parent/guardian who have also demonstrated high financial need. Recipients of the Sts. Cyril and Methodius Scholarship who are from outside Sofia may be accommodated in the College dormitory as part of the financial support provided by the Domuschiev Impact Foundation. The Sunrise Scholarship was established in 2021 by an alumnus who wished to remain anonymous. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee for three Bulgarian students for the five years of study. The Sunrise Scholarship is awarded with preference to a student from Plovdiv whose family demonstrates financial need. Bulgarian students from outside Sofia who are awarded the Sunrise Scholarship also receive the opportunity to use the College dormitory free of charge. Recipients of the scholarship must maintain a minimum average grade of 5.25 each semester and exemplary behavior during the five-year term of study at the American College of Sofia. The Robin Mittenthal Scholarship was created in 2023 by Daniela Mole, a 1997 graduate from the first class after the school's restoration, in memory of her late husband. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee for one Bulgarian student for the entire five-year term of study. The first recipient of the Robin Mittenthal Scholarship was an 8th grader in the 2023-24 academic year. The scholarship will be offered again in 2028 to a student from a minority, from a single-parent household, or living outside Sofia, whose family has high financial needs. Scholarship recipients who are not from Sofia receive the opportunity to reside in the College dormitory free of charge. Recipients of the scholarship must maintain a minimum average grade of 5.25 each semester and exemplary behavior during the five-year term of study at the American College of Sofia. Partial Scholarships. Teodora and Darina Spasovi Scholarship. The Teodora and Darina Spasovi Scholarship, the first scholarship from Bulgarian citizens, is named after the sister-alumnae of the College, from the Classes of 2004 and 2005, respectively. The scholarship was established in 2005 and aims to partially support the neediest girl from the respective graduating class who maintains a minimum average grade of 5.00 and excellent behavior throughout the entire course of study. Boris Lozanov and Maria Vladimirova Scholarships. The Boris Lozanov Scholarship was established during the 2021-2022 academic year by a parent of a College student, Lyubomir Lozanov, in honor of his father. This scholarship grants 5,000 euros annually to an excellent student for each of the five years of study at the American College of Sofia. To be eligible, the student's family must demonstrate significant financial need, and the student must maintain an average grade above 5.00 and have no disciplinary issues throughout their stay at the College. In 2024, Mr. Lozanov introduced a second scholarship – the Maria Vladimirova Scholarship – in honor of his mother. This scholarship follows the same application procedure and criteria as the Boris Lozanov Scholarship. We express our sincere gratitude to all the donors for their generous contribution to education in Bulgaria and their long-standing support for the American College of Sofia."	Scholarships —
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