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American School of Bulgaria

Bulgaria, Varna

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €2,600 - 10,000
Ages 4 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2015
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Bulgarian, Spanish, German
Typical class size 12
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Located in Varna, ASB operates two campuses: High School for grades 8–12 in the Greek Quarter and Foundation School for grades 1–7 in the Sea Garden. Both campuses are visitable by appointment. ASB offers English-only K-12 education since 2015. It is Cognia-accredited (2025), the first and only English-only Cognia-accredited school in Bulgaria. The High School leads to a four-year diploma; admission requires at least a B1 level of English, with ESL support if needed. The curriculum covers English Literature, Mathematics, American and World History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Arts and humanities, Physical Education/Health, and general electives, with AP/Honors courses in grades 11–12. A Hybrid Program allows earning both a local diploma and an American High School Diploma, often via summer US coursework. NUFFIC has accepted ASB diplomas over 30 times. The school also offers a distance-learning option and emphasizes student wellbeing. Extracurriculars include Drama and Music Clubs, science fairs, charity drives, and volunteering. A focus on wellbeing and clubs enhances daily life. Support is available.

The Essentials

American School of Bulgaria has typical class sizes of 12, instruction in English.

Location
Varna, Bulgaria. The ASB High School (grades 8-12) is located in the Greek Quarter; the Foundation School (grades 1-7) is located in the Sea Garden. Visits during the school year are by appointment only.

Stages
Elementary (grades 1-4), Middle (grades 5-7), High School (grades 8-12)

Additional learning support
Academic counseling; student guidance and support; stress management.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
Dr. Suhair Melehani is the founder and current President of ASB, which was established in 2015; Cognia accreditation was achieved in 2025.
Fees

Annual tuition at American School of Bulgaria ranges from EUR 2,600 to EUR 10,000 for 2026/27.

Application & administration fees
- A one-time administration fee applies to enrollments: EUR 150.
- A specific fee applies when an application is submitted for the purpose of obtaining a visa: EUR 12,000. If a visa is not granted, the amount paid will be refunded minus a EUR 500 administration charge upon presentation of official proof of the denial.

Tuition fees by program and year group (per year / per term billing structure described below)
- Full High School Diploma Program (grades 8–12): EUR 7,900 per year, invoiced in the year of enrollment, plus an additional EUR 1,580 invoiced in February of the following year. A one-time EUR 150 administration fee applies. Additional Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available at EUR 1,500 per course.
- Full Middle School Program: EUR 7,590 per year (covers a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 subjects per year). A one-time EUR 150 administration fee applies. An additional 10% (EUR 759) is invoiced in February of the following year.
- Full Elementary School Program (day program, typical day 09:00–14:30): EUR 6,900 per year, invoiced in the year of enrollment. An additional 5% (EUR 345) is invoiced in February of the following year. After-school care (14:30–16:30) is an additional EUR 1,200 per year. A one-time EUR 150 administration fee applies.
- Pre-school program (introduced in 2026): EUR 5,000 per year.
- Hybrid Program (two subjects per year): EUR 2,600 per year.
- Distant (distance-learning / online) Full High School Program: charged at the same annual rate as the regular on-site program; same payment conditions apply.
- Semester-only enrollment: EUR 5,000 for primary-school semester enrollment; EUR 6,000 for grades 5–12 per semester.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard billing: the main tuition amount is invoiced in the year of enrollment; a smaller additional portion is invoiced in February of the following year. The additional portion varies by program: High School additional amount EUR 1,580 (equivalent to 20% of EUR 7,900), Middle School additional 10% (EUR 759), Elementary additional 5% (EUR 345). For certain grades (example: grade 8 in 2026) the follow-up invoice percentage may differ (6% noted for that grade in 2026). All invoiced amounts are specified in euros.
- Invoices and payments are required according to the invoicing schedule; proof of full payment is required before issuance of proof of enrollment for visa purposes, and visa-related enrollments are subject to different fee conditions (see visa fee above).

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not listed as a standard offering with a listed boarding fee. No regular boarding fee is provided in the tuition schedule. (Graduation and ceremony items below are listed separately.)

Other costs and additional fees
- Advanced Placement (AP) courses (beyond any AP included as part of the program): EUR 1,500 per AP course; AP coursework is delivered remotely when offered as extra options. A one-time EUR 150 administration fee is charged in relation to AP course enrollment where applicable.
- After-school program (elementary, 14:30–16:30): EUR 1,200 per year.
- English Foundation Course (summer, preparatory): EUR 1,600 (48 hours over 9 weeks).
- Math Foundation Course (summer, preparatory): EUR 1,600 (48 hours over 9 weeks).
- Apostille service (if requested): EUR 300 if requested by June 1; EUR 600 if requested after June 1. The apostille process duration is listed as eight weeks.
- Graduation gown rental: EUR 100 (cap and tassel provided as gifts).
- Graduation Gala Fee: EUR 150 (covers the graduate and two guests; includes graduation processing, diploma in a cover, printed and digital transcripts, and professional photography).
- Meals and transportation: not included in tuition charges; these services are offered and billed separately. Details and plans for meals and transportation are provided to families in September of each academic year.

Refund information
- Visa-related application: when an application fee is paid for the purpose of obtaining a visa and the visa is refused, the fee paid will be refunded less a EUR 500 administration charge upon presentation of official proof of the visa denial. No other routine refund schedules are specified in the published fee schedule.

Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods include cash and bank transfer as recorded in the school's admissions and billing processes. Invoicing and payment records (including deposits and outstanding balances) are maintained as part of standard financial administration. No explicit public statement lists credit-card acceptance; payment by bank transfer or cash is indicated.
Academics

American School of Bulgaria teaches American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
The American School of Bulgaria offers English-only K-12 education in Varna, Bulgaria since 2015. ASB is Cognia-accredited and the only Cognia-accredited English-only school in Bulgaria. The High School program begins in 9th grade and leads to a fully-accredited four-year diploma, with admission requiring at least a B1 level of English and ESL support if needed. The curriculum includes English Literature, Mathematics, American and World History, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, Arts and humanities, Physical Education/Health, and general electives. AP/Honors courses are offered in 11th-12th grade and are internationally recognized for college credit; AP exams can be taken, and the program plans to become an AP Testing Center in 2027. The Hybrid Program enables earning both a local diploma and an American High School Diploma by adding required US courses, usually during the summer; NUFFIC has accepted ASB diplomas over 30 times.

Student Teacher Ratio
Small class sizes.

Higher Education Progression
College or university readiness is the ultimate goal for all students. Transcripts are equalized in the USA after graduation when requirements are met, and ASB diplomas are recognized by universities worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ASB places student wellbeing at the heart of its approach. Academic counseling and student guidance and support are available to students. A Stress Management course is offered as part of Campus Life. Extracurricular activities include after-school clubs, the Student President and School Council Committee, and Drama and Music Clubs to foster social development. Anti-bullying programs and community-service activities support a safe, inclusive social environment.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ASB provides English-only education for grades 1-12. Admission requires a minimum English level of B1 for non-native speakers; applicants with lower English proficiency are assessed and may be placed in ESL programs. Students who do not speak English will be required to take ESL courses in the summer or during the academic year at an additional cost. The Elementary and High School programs include English-language support, and the entire curriculum is taught in English. College or university readiness is the ultimate goal for all students.

Mental Wellbeing
ASB prioritizes student wellbeing as part of its culture. The school offers a Stress Management course and provides academic counseling plus student guidance and support. Extracurricular activities include clubs and programs that promote emotional and social development. Anti-bullying initiatives and community-service opportunities contribute to a safe, respectful environment for mental wellbeing. The wellbeing emphasis is integrated across campus life and student services.
Parent Experience

History
The American School of Bulgaria is located in Varna, Bulgaria. It was founded in 2015 by Dr. Suhair Melehani, who serves as the school's President. ASB is the first and only Cognia-accredited English-only education in Bulgaria. Cognia accredited ASB in 2025, and the school offers both on-site programs and a Distance-learning program.

Community
ASB emphasizes a diverse, inclusive community and prioritizes student wellbeing. Campus Life includes after-school clubs, Student President and School Council Committee, Drama and Music Clubs, PE at nearby facilities, academic counseling, and student guidance and support, including a Stress Management course. Events and field trips include international celebrations, local holiday and traditions celebrations, holiday bazaars, science fairs, art exhibitions, holiday performances, educational and fun field trips, and family engagement socials. Community Services include charity drives and fundraising, nature-awareness activities, volunteer projects, environmental clubs, anti-bullying programs, collaboration with community, and disease, drug and abuse awareness programs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The American School of Bulgaria operates two campuses in Varna: the High School for grades 8-12 is located in the Greek Quarter, and the Foundation School for grades 1-7 is located in the Sea Garden. Both campuses can be visited during the school year by appointment. The school provides English-only education since 2015 and is Cognia-accredited in 2025. The school serves grades 1-12 with a distance-learning program. ASB emphasizes student wellbeing as the heart of its approach.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Extracurricular Activities include after-school clubs; a Student President and School Council Committee; Drama and Music Clubs; Physical Education at nearby sports complexes; Academic counseling; Student guidance and support; and a Stress Management course.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Academic counseling supports course planning and study skills. Science fairs provide hands-on inquiry and project work as part of ASB events. After-school clubs broaden opportunities for academic exploration beyond class.

Arts & Creative
Drama and Music Clubs are part of campus life. Art exhibitions showcase student work during events.

Cultural & Language
International celebrations and local holiday/traditions celebrations are part of campus life.

Social & Hobbies
After-school clubs and school-wide events offer social opportunities. Family engagement socials provide community connection.

Community & Service
Charity drives and fundraising events support local communities. Nature-awareness activities and environmental clubs promote service and stewardship. Volunteer projects and collaboration with the community are complemented by anti-bullying and health-awareness programs.

Leadership & Professional
Student President and School Council Committee provide leadership roles. Students participate in governance and planning through these bodies.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
A Stress Management course supports wellbeing, and student guidance and support are available. Physical education is conducted at nearby sports complexes. Wellbeing is central to ASB's approach.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for grades 1–12. The school offers English-only education in Varna, Bulgaria since 2015. A distance-learning program is available.
Reputation

Accreditations
ASB is Cognia-accredited and is described as the only Cognia-accredited school in Bulgaria as of 2025. The accreditation was announced on June 25, 2025.
Admissions

Admissions
1. For high school admission, English proficiency must be at least B1 and a certificate showing success in prior schooling must be presented. If English is below B1, an ESL course is required in the summer or during the academic year at additional cost. The diploma is Cognia-accredited, and its recognition is supported by NUFFIC in the Netherlands, which has accepted the diploma many times across Europe. (turn7view0) 2. Submit an online application through the ASB eApplication (GDPR-Minimized Version). Ensure the email and biographical details are accurate, as this information secures future correspondence and access to official school documents. Until enrollment, communicate only with the designated contact email. Review and accept the Privacy Policy before continuing. (turn1view0) 3. Meetings with school leadership can be arranged by appointment to discuss admission. To meet with the Director or Assistant Director, book an appointment via the Appointments page. School visits are available by appointment after school hours from 2:30 to 4:00, and the premises can be visited during the school year by appointment only. (turn2view0, turn0view0)
School Events
The school has not added events
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