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Anglo-American School of Sofia

Bulgaria, Sofia

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Albanian
Fees €12,008 - 25,619
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 538
Type Co-educational
Opened 1967
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Bulgarian, French, Spanish, German
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Anglo-American School of Sofia is a Pre-K through 12 international school serving students aged 3–18. The High School core is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), delivered in English, with a comprehensive AAS High School Diploma pathway. The Pre-K–12 program is bespoke and emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on, experiential learning, aligned to CCSS, NGSS, CEFR, and other standards. In Elementary, Bulgarian, French, and Spanish are offered as world languages, with EAL support as needed. The campus sits on about 8 hectares near Mount Vitosha, with most land preserved as green space, and features a 350-seat Rila Renaissance Centre theatre, a large on-site library with over 30,000 titles, and CEESA- and ECIS-affiliated athletics and arts programs. The school holds CIS and NEASC accreditation, is an IB World School, and operates LEED-design buildings with water recycling, solar hot water, and a wastewater treatment plant. Extracurriculars include robotics, MUN, debate, drama, community service, and service projects.

Панчарево, ul. "Siianie" 1, 1137 Sofia, Bulgaria

The Essentials

Anglo-American School of Sofia has 538 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English, Albanian.

Location
The Anglo-American School of Sofia is located in the Detski Grad area near Pancharevo village, Sofia, Bulgaria. The campus sits on almost 8 hectares in the foothills of Mount Vitosha. The postal address is 1 Siyanie St., Pancharevo, Sofia 1137, Bulgaria. The campus is best reached by car or taxi.

Stages
Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) – Grade 12.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Two-thirds of the student body are international; one-third are Bulgarian.

Additional learning support
Student Support Services include Counseling, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and Learning Support. The program differentiates instruction and provides individual and small-group support within the regular classroom, coordinated by the Student Support Team (SST).

Bus service
Bus Service is available. The Transportation Manager is Zhivko Vichkov; contact zvichkov@aas-sofia.org or +359 889 901 916.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
An on-site cafeteria is run by Liberty Food Services (LFS) and provides hot meals, snacks and drinks for all preschool to grade 12 students, staff, parents, visitors and guests on campus. Fresh and healthy ingredients are used; most items are made on site by qualified chefs and bakers, bread is baked on site, minced meat is ground on site, and no deep-fried foods are prepared; vegetarian or vegan options are offered at every meal, and ingredients are listed to help those with food allergies. A cashless electronic payment system is used. The MS/HS Café is operated by Fuudisimo Ltd., Taste Place, offering a nutritious menu prepared daily.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a not-for-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors with nine voting members. The American Ambassador appoints four board members including the Chair; the British Ambassador appoints four board members including the Vice-Chair; the ninth member is a parent-nominated and Board-approved member. Ex-officio non-voting members include the Director, the Director's secretary, the PTO President, and an elected Staff Representative.
Fees

Annual tuition at Anglo-American School of Sofia ranges from EUR 12,008 to EUR 25,619 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fees
- Registration fee (new students only): EUR 1,102.
- No separate application fee is listed; the registration fee is the one-time charge identified for new admissions.

Annual Tuition (2026–2027) — by year group
- Pre‑Kindergarten: EUR 12,008 per year.
- Kindergarten – Grade 5: EUR 22,300 per year.
- Grade 6 – Grade 8: EUR 23,983 per year.
- Grade 9 – Grade 12: EUR 25,619 per year.

Per-term / per‑semester tuition (billing practice)
- Tuition is invoiced by semester (two invoices: one for the 1st semester and one for the 2nd semester). Because invoices are issued per semester, the amount on each semester invoice corresponds to approximately half of the annual tuition listed above (i.e., annual tuition ÷ 2). This follows from the school's stated invoicing schedule and the fact that invoices are issued for the 1st and 2nd semesters.

Capital and Entrance Fees (same for all grades)
- Annual Capital Fee (all students): EUR 3,402 per year.
- Entrance Capital Fee (new students only, one-time): EUR 1,707.

Total fees examples (2026–2027)
- Total for a new Pre‑K student (Tuition + Entrance Capital Fee + Capital Fee + Registration Fee): EUR 18,219.
- Total for a returning Pre‑K student (Tuition + Capital Fee): EUR 15,410.
- Total for a new Kindergarten–Grade 5 student: EUR 28,511; returning: EUR 25,702.
- Total for a new Grade 6–8 student: EUR 30,194; returning: EUR 27,385.
- Total for a new Grade 9–12 student: EUR 31,830; returning: EUR 29,021.

Optional and additional fees
- School bus (annual): Full service EUR 2,900; Part‑time (morning or afternoon only) EUR 1,885. A 10% discount is available for a third child using the bus.
- Learning Support fees (where applicable): Level 1: No fee; Level 2: EUR 1,500; Level 3: EUR 10,000; Level 4: EUR 20,000.
- EAL support (one‑time for qualifying new students in Grades 1–12): EUR 1,500.
- Additional school fees that may be charged as required: external examination fees, graduation fees, yearbook, costs for transportation for athletic/arts/activity trips and other similar items. These additional fees may be assessed in EUR, USD, or BGN and are payable in cash at the cashier's office or by bank transfer.
- Tuition Insurance: an optional tuition insurance policy is offered through an independent broker; details and contact are provided by the school and AAS does not receive commission.

Boarding
- Boarding is not applicable: the school's facilities and listings show day‑student provision (no boarding fee is listed).

Refund / partial enrollment policy
- Registration, Entrance and annual Capital Fees are non‑refundable.
- Tuition refunds (prorated) are handled as follows (semester = 90 school days):
- If a student is enrolled 1–45 school days of a semester: tuition is prorated on a daily basis.
- If a student is enrolled 46–90 school days of a semester: 100% of the semester's tuition is charged (no prorate).

Practical notes for parents (factual summary)
- The school's fee structure for 2026–2027 is broken into Tuition, Capital Fee, Registration Fee (new students) and an Entrance Capital Fee (new students). Tuition varies by grade level; the other three fees are fixed across grades.
- Bus, learning‑support, EAL, exam and trip costs are additional to the annual tuition/capital/registration fees and should be budgeted separately.

(Amounts, schedules and terms above are taken from the school's published 2026–2027 School Fees information and the downloadable fee schedule.)
Academics

Anglo-American School of Sofia teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
From Pre-K through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) forms the core of the curriculum, with a focus on teaching for understanding. The program is informed by CCSS, NGSS, C3 Social Studies Curriculum Framework, CEFR, AERO World Language Standards, NCAS, SHAPE PE standards, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). The language of instruction is English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. In Elementary School, Bulgarian (as a mother tongue or foreign language), French, and Spanish are offered as world language options. The High School offers the IB Diploma Programme and an AAS High School Diploma pathway; IB instruction is in English. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based, hands-on, and experiential learning across Pre-K–12.

Student Teacher Ratio
7:1

Exam Results
IB Diploma Pass Rate is 97%.

Higher Education Progression
100% of graduates are accepted to universities; graduates are accepted to universities in Europe, the USA, the UK and across the rest of the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social Emotional Learning is a specialist class within the Elementary School curriculum. The curriculum also includes Social Emotional Learning as part of its subject offerings alongside core subjects. Counselors plan and teach the Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum to support healthy development. The school provides counselors across divisions to support students through individual and small-group sessions, parent meetings, and liaison with the Learning Support Team. Student Support Services brings together Counseling, English as an Additional Language, and Learning Support in a multi-disciplinary SST to address the whole well-being of the child.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
AAS provides Learning Support from Pre-K through Grade 12. Student Support Services is a collaborative effort of Counseling, EAL, and Learning Support, forming the multi-disciplinary SST that leads efforts in each division to make the curriculum accessible. The Levels of Learning Support define four levels of service, from classroom-based support (Level 1) to more intensive, individualized instruction (Levels 2–4) with IEPs and, in some cases, specialized staff. Services include differentiation, consultation, classroom planning, and direct or small-group instruction, with an additional Learning Support fee that may apply (Level 2–4) and an EAL fee. Most students receive Level 1 support with no fee.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The language of instruction at AAS is English. The EAL program is provided for students who are non-native English speakers and are not able to participate fully in the academic program. All new students in Grades 1-12 who qualify for services are required to take the WIDA test to determine English proficiency and placement. Beginning and progressing EAL students benefit from an individualized program of language support designed to meet their academic needs, while participating in their academic classes as much as possible. The EAL service model is consistent in both Elementary and Secondary Schools and provides direct and indirect support from EAL specialists and mainstream teachers.

Mental Wellbeing
Counselors plan and teach the Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE) curriculum to support the healthy development of all students. They provide additional support through small-group sessions, one-to-one counseling, parent meetings, and liaison with the Learning Support Team. The AAS counselors are dedicated to building trust and privacy, following the ethical guidelines of the American School Counselor Association. They support students through transitions associated with international schooling life. Each division has a dedicated counselor to support students' academic, social, and emotional needs.

Safeguarding
AAS has a Child Protection Policy to safeguard children and promote welfare. Staff sign the Code of Professional Conduct and police checks are carried out on all employees. Designated Child Protection Officers exist across divisions (Preschool–Grade 5 and Grade 6–12) and the Director; these officers disseminate policy and handle concerns. The PSHE curriculum includes regular opportunities to equip children with safety skills, and staff are trained to respond to concerns. The policy is reviewed annually by the Board Governance Committee.
Parent Experience

History
AAS was established in 1967 for the children of the United States and United Kingdom embassies in Sofia, starting in a downtown building with fewer than 15 students. As enrollment grew, the school moved to the Knyazhevo area and expanded to serve a wider international community. In 1998 it rented space at the American College of Sofia, and in 2006 it moved to the current Pancharevo campus to become a Pre-K to Grade 12 school. In 2012 the MS/HS Wing opened, doubling capacity, and in 2019 the Rila Renaissance Centre opened with a 350-seat theatre and expanded arts spaces. The school is fully accredited by CIS and NEASC, is an IB World School, and is a member of CEESA and ECIS. (source: turn3view0)

Community
The AAS Sofia community is diverse, with more than 50 nationalities represented and a 7:1 student-teacher ratio. Beyond academics, student life includes extensive after-school programs, field trips, leadership opportunities, and a variety of clubs that foster student agency and global citizenship. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) supports community life with social events and fundraising; all parents are automatically members, and the PTO International Fair is the school's biggest community event. (source: turn1view0; turn2view0; turn5view0)

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is strong and highly active, providing support and a social network for international families. All parents and guardians whose children attend AAS are automatically members of the PTO. The PTO is an active, diverse, all-volunteer organization that supports community life through volunteer work and fundraising for the school. The goals of the PTO are to develop positive communication between the school and the AAS community; reinforce the AAS mission and core values; support all students, faculty, staff, families, and newcomers; and raise funds for the benefit of all AAS students. The PTO International Fair is the biggest community event, held on a Saturday in June. To join, email pto@aas-sofia.org; the PTO office is inside the library; meetings are announced in the weekly AAS newsletter; you can also join the PTO Facebook Group or ClassList; a Welcome Booklet is available. (source: turn5view0)
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Vitosha, the campus covers almost 8 hectares, with 70% of the land kept as green space. The grounds feature energy‑efficient design and LEED recognition, natural light optimization, occupancy sensors, solar heating for hot water, and the Rila Renaissance Centre heated by agricultural waste materials. The school operates its own wastewater treatment plant to recycle water and collects rainwater in reservoirs to flush toilets and irrigate green areas. A detailed campus map and a campus tour video provide on‑site context, and the on‑site cafeteria serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks for preschool through 12th grade with fresh ingredients and dietary options. The AAS Library is a central learning hub with a collection of over 30,000 titles and extensive digital resources, available to students and staff during the school day and beyond.

Sports Facilities
AAS offers ES, MS, and HS athletics and activities with CEESA participation in volleyball, swimming, basketball, cross‑country running, tennis, and football. A tennis facility on campus supports programs and camps. CEESA events also feature robotics and other competitions as part of the athletic and activities program. The athletics program hosts team and individual activities across grade levels throughout the school year.

Academic Facilities
The Library houses over 30,000 titles and materials and provides online databases and subscriptions for use at school and at home, along with access to the Follett library catalogue. The library is open during the school day and offers borrowing policies and hours, and it provides digital resources such as Britannica, JSTOR, PebbleGo, Kanopy, Turnitin, and more. The library also provides equipment for checkout, including USB microphones, Chromebooks, iPads, laptops, and voice recorders. The library supports student learning across PreK–12 with regular classroom visits and daily library use for study and research.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The ES program offers after‑school activities such as robotics, art, gardening, science club, rhythmic gymnastics, dance and musical activities, taekwondo, chess, ballet, and pottery. The MS CEESA Athletics and Activities calendar includes volleyball, swimming, basketball, cross‑country running, tennis, football, robotics, Math Counts, cultural arts, Knowledge Bowl, MS choir, MUN, and speech and debate. The HS CEESA calendar features volleyball, swimming, basketball, cross‑country running, tennis, tech robotics, Math, Knowledge Bowl, choir, UN Model United Nations (MUN), and speech and debate.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers a rigorous, multifaceted curriculum with after-school programs that extend learning beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities include drama productions, debate teams, and community service projects that foster collaboration and personal growth. Elementary after-school options include Basketball, Robotics, Art, Gardening, Science Club, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Dance and Musical, Taekwondo, Chess, Ballet and Pottery.

Arts & Creative
Arts and design are central to student life, with drama productions and music opportunities. Elementary after-school activities include Art, Ballet, Dance and Musical, Pottery, and other creative pursuits; secondary programs also engage students in CEESA arts events.

Cultural & Language
CEESA activities promote international understanding, including Middle School Model United Nations (MUN), Knowledge Bowl, and CEESA arts events. The CEESA program emphasizes global awareness through cultural exchanges and student leadership.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of after-school clubs supports hobbies and social connections, including Basketball, Robotics, Art, Gardening, Science Club, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Dance and Musical, Taekwondo, Chess and Pottery.

Community & Service
Community service projects are a component of after-school life, with students taking part in service initiatives and charity events. The Student Activity Leadership Team (SALT) develops leadership and organizes events that involve community engagement.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is cultivated through the Student Activity Leadership Team (SALT), which leads athletics, events and hosting responsibilities and sponsors charitable activities. Students participate in CEESA events and school trips that build organizational and collaboration skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Athletics and activities provide extensive opportunities for physical development, fitness and teamwork. Middle and High School CEESA tournaments include Volleyball, Swimming, Basketball, X-Country Running, Tennis, and robotics competitions, supporting a culture of sport and well-being.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction at AAS is English. Bulgarian can be studied as a mother tongue or as a foreign language, while French and Spanish are offered as foreign language options. In Elementary School, there are three language options: Bulgarian (mother tongue or foreign language), French, and Spanish. English Language Arts is part of the K-12 language arts program, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) provides language support for non-native speakers.
Reputation

Accreditations
CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges)
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1: Prepare Documents. The Admissions uses an online application system. Before beginning, have a recent student photo (JPG) and passport details for the student and both parents or guardians. Also provide latest end-of-year progress reports and prior years' progress reports as separate PDFs; include email addresses for the homeroom teacher and Counselor/Principal (preK–grade 5) or English, Math, Counselor/Principal (grades 6–12). Include Special Needs Documentation and any related assessments; learning support records are considered as part of the application and spaces are offered only if space allows. Step 2: Complete Online Application. The school uses an online system for all new applications. Applications are reviewed only after all documents have been received, and all student records should be translated into English. The admission procedure may include placement tests and/or interviews. Decisions are based on the applicant's needs and qualifications, space availability, and the aim to enroll a well-balanced and diverse class; the school reserves the right to deny admittance if requirements are not met. Step 3: Application Decision. Your child's file is reviewed by the Principal of the relevant division and the educational team once the application and documents are complete. For early applicants, reviews may occur in March or April for the following school year. If you have not received a decision within four weeks after the file has been submitted for review, contact admissions by phone or email. Delays may occur during busy periods, but the school works to admit students as promptly as possible. Step 4: Offer of A Place. If accepted, you will receive an official email with the decision. You must confirm the offer of acceptance within five working days. If the application is approved but placed in the wait pool, a formal offer will not be sent at this time. Spaces open up for many reasons and timing is difficult to predict; you will be contacted immediately if a place becomes available.

Waitlist
The school uses a wait pool after review; a formal offer is not sent while in the wait pool. Spaces open up for many reasons and timing is difficult to predict. The school will contact you immediately if a place becomes available.
School Events
The school has not added events
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