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Deutsche Schule Sofia

Bulgaria, Sofia

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The school at a glance
Instructs in German
Fees €6,540 - 6,740
Ages 5 - 18 years
Type Co-educational
Opened 2008
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum German Curriculum
Taught languages German, Bulgarian, English, French
Strengths Languages, STEM, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

Deutsche Schule Sofia is a German-Bulgarian joint school in Sofia serving ages 5 to 18 with the German Curriculum. The school offers grades 1–12 under the German general education system, and preschool for three- to six-year-olds. Instruction in German follows German curricula and standards; after twelve years students take the Abitur, enabling access to higher education in Germany and Bulgaria. Bulgarian-speaking students study Bulgarian language and literature, history, and geography under adapted Bulgarian curricula. The Ministry of Education coordinates oversight, and the school is operated by the Association of Parents of the German-Bulgarian Encounter School Sofia. Facilities include a library, biology and chemistry rooms, a computer room, an art room, a music room, a canteen, and a school staff room, plus on-site preschool and a schoolyard. The school maintains a digital concept and runs iPad-based teaching. Distinctive programs include Erasmus+ exchanges, Model United Nations, and a November conference held annually.

g.k. Izgrev, ul. "Zhetvarka" 5, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria

The Essentials

Deutsche Schule Sofia has instruction in German.

Location
Zhetvarka Str. 5, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria. The address is listed in Impressum as the school's contact address. The school is located in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Stages
Preschool; Primary School; Sekundarstufe I (Lower Secondary); Sekundarstufe II (Upper Secondary)

Type
German-Bulgarian joint school in Sofia

Additional learning support
A pedagogical counselor provides support for the educational process and for students with special needs.

School day structure
Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (18:00 with after-care). The preschool day runs from 9:00 to 11:45 and from 13:30 to 15:50 after a midday rest, with arrivals from 7:45 to 8:15.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Meals are provided on site by Furisto. In preschool, meals include breakfast, raw vegetables in the morning, a 3-course lunch, and an afternoon snack. For Grundschule, Sekundarstufe I and II, a 3-course lunch is provided and a weekly meal plan is published; questions about menus or dietary restrictions can be directed to Frau Liliya Vezneva in Administration.

Governance and Ownership
The school is run by the Verein VedbBs association. Governance includes a Board (Vorstand), a Steering Group (Steuergruppe), a Student Council (Schülerbeirat), a Parents' Council (Elternbeirat) and a Teacher Council (Lehrerbeirat). Parents may participate as board members or in the Parents' Council; students participate in the Student Council; the Steering Group works on school development.
Fees

Annual tuition at Deutsche Schule Sofia ranges from EUR 6,540 to EUR 6,740 for 2026/27.

Application fee
- Aufnahmegebühr für neu aufgenommene Schüler: EUR 2,000.

Tuition fees by school year (annual totals and semi‑annual option)
- Vorschule:
- Jahresbetrag bei einmaliger Zahlung: EUR 6,540.
- Jahresbetrag bei halbjährlicher Zahlung (Gesamtjahr): EUR 7,194 — zahlbar in two equal instalments of EUR 3,597 each.
- Grundschule:
- Jahresbetrag bei einmaliger Zahlung: EUR 6,580.
- Jahresbetrag bei halbjährlicher Zahlung (Gesamtjahr): EUR 7,238 — zahlbar in two equal instalments of EUR 3,619 each.
- Sekundarstufen (Sekundarstufe I / II):
- Jahresbetrag bei einmaliger Zahlung: EUR 6,740.
- Jahresbetrag bei halbjährlicher Zahlung (Gesamtjahr): EUR 7,414 — zahlbar in two equal instalments of EUR 3,707 each.
- Gastschüler (temporär): Tagesgebühr pro Schultag: EUR 80,00.

What the tuition covers and what is excluded
- Inklusive in den Schulgebühren: Unterrichtskosten; Schulbücher und Arbeitshefte; Hausaufgabenbetreuung; Arbeitsgemeinschaften und sportliche Aktivitäten während der Schulzeit; Projektwochen, soweit im Curriculum enthalten.
- Nicht in den Schulgebühren enthalten: Verpflegungskosten (Mittagessen), Fahrtkosten für den Schulweg sowie Angebote in der Ferienzeit.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Die veröffentlichte Gebührenordnung nennt zwei Abrechnungsvarianten: einmalige Jahreszahlung (einmalige Zahlung) oder halbjährliche Zahlung (Abzahlung in zwei gleichen Raten); für die halbjährliche Option sind die im Text genannten Jahresbeträge als Gesamtjahr angegeben und können demnach in zwei gleichen Teilbeträgen entrichtet werden (jeweils die Hälfte des angegebenen halbjährlichen Jahresbetrags). Konkrete Fälligkeitstermine, Zahlungsfristen oder Verzugsregelungen sind in der veröffentlichten Gebührenübersicht nicht angegeben.

Boarding / accommodation fees
- Boarding ist nicht aufgeführt; die Deutsche Schule Sofia betreibt Tagesbetrieb (Tagesablauf und Schulstruktur werden als Tagesschule dargestellt), es werden keine Internats- oder Unterbringungsgebühren in der Gebührenordnung ausgewiesen.

Other costs and typical additional expenses
- Verpflegung: Mittagessen wird nicht durch die Schulgeldposition gedeckt; die Schulverpflegung wird durch einen externen Caterer organisiert. Kosten für Verpflegung sind gesondert zu tragen.
- Schulmaterial / persönliche Arbeitsmittel: Eltern müssen die in den Materiallisten aufgeführten persönlichen Materialien selbst beschaffen (z. B. Rucksack, Federmäppchen, Hefte, Sportbekleidung, Schürze für Kunst). Diese Materiallisten sind nach Klassenstufen verfügbar.
- Versicherungen / medizinische Kosten: Die Schule stellt eine schulische Versicherung für Aufenthalte auf dem Schulgelände und bei schulischen Veranstaltungen bereit; bei anfallenden Behandlungskosten sind Nachweise bzw. Belege erforderlich. Zusatzkosten für medizinische Versorgung können anfallen.
- Uniform: Es ist keine verpflichtende Schuluniformgebühr in der Gebührenordnung ausgewiesen; in den Materiallisten werden dagegen Sportbekleidung und Arbeitskleidung (z. B. Schürze) genannt.

Refund information
- In der veröffentlichten Gebührenübersicht sind keine detaillierten Rückerstattungs‑ oder Stornobedingungen aufgeführt. Bei Aufnahme ist ein Schulvertrag zu unterzeichnen; spezifische Regelungen zu Kündigung und Rückerstattung werden im Schulvertrag bzw. in der Gebührenordnung/Vertragsunterlage geregelt (nicht im zusammengefassten Gebührenblatt ausgewiesen).

Fee payment options and bank details
- Als Zahlungsoption ist ein Banktransfer möglich; in den Kontakt-/Impressumsangaben sind Bankkonten mit IBANs aufgeführt (ProCredit Bank Bulgaria EAD und ProCredit Bank AG). Kreditkartenakzeptanz oder andere konkrete Karten- oder Online‑Zahlungswege sind in der veröffentlichten Gebührenübersicht nicht genannt. Die aufgeführten Kontodaten lauten u. a.: IBAN BG62PRCB92301045509801 (ProCredit Bank Bulgaria EAD) und IBAN DE69502108000092400000 (ProCredit Bank AG).

Kurzübersicht der wichtigsten Beträge (jährlich, je Gesamtjahr)
- Vorschule: Einmalzahlung EUR 6,540 / halbjährliche Jahresgesamtbelastung EUR 7,194 (2 × EUR 3,597).
- Grundschule: Einmalzahlung EUR 6,580 / halbjährliche Jahresgesamtbelastung EUR 7,238 (2 × EUR 3,619).
- Sekundarstufen: Einmalzahlung EUR 6,740 / halbjährliche Jahresgesamtbelastung EUR 7,414 (2 × EUR 3,707).
- Aufnahmegebühr (einmalig): EUR 2,000.
- Gastschüler-Tagesgebühr: EUR 80,00 pro Schultag.

Hinweis zu fehlenden Detailangaben (kurze Zusammenfassung)
- Die veröffentlichte Gebührenübersicht enthält die oben stehenden Beträge und die beiden Zahlungsvarianten (einmalig / halbjährlich) sowie Angaben zu Inhalten und Ausnahmen; konkrete Fälligkeitstermine, Zahlungsfristen, Verzugszinsen, detaillierte Rückerstattungs‑/Kündigungsregelungen und eine Aufstellung akzeptierter Karten‑ oder Online‑Zahlungswege sind in den veröffentlichten Seiten nicht ausdrücklich aufgeführt. Für diese vertraglich relevanten Details werden die schriftlichen Vertragsunterlagen und die Verwaltungskontakte genannt.
Academics

Deutsche Schule Sofia teaches German Curriculum for students aged 5 to 18.

Curriculum
The school covers the education tracks of grades 1–12 of the German general education system; preschool education for three- to six-year-old children can also be offered. Instruction in German is based on German curricula and German standards. After twelve years, students receive a German general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur). Bulgarian-speaking students study Bulgarian language and literature, history and civilization, and geography and economy in Bulgarian under adapted Bulgarian curricula; no transfer examination is required for these subjects when transferring. The Abitur certifies completion of Sekundarstufe II and enables admission to higher education in Germany and Bulgaria under applicable laws. The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Bulgaria designates an official to coordinate between the ministry and the school, and the school is operated by the Association of Parents of the German-Bulgarian Encounter School Sofia.

Higher Education Progression
The Abitur enables admission to higher education in Germany and Bulgaria under applicable laws.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Five development areas are social, emotional, cognitive/creative, sensory, and motor. The main emphasis is on learning the German language, and social and emotional development is central to the program. The school values children's ideas and perspectives and incorporates them into yearly planning. Pedagogical support is based on individual learning progress across these domains. Bulgarian language lessons, Bulgarian dances, art, and music are also part of the timetable. In the preschool, Yoga is taught for one hour per week; Bulgarian language is taught two hours weekly for preschool groups and four hours weekly for preschool classes; Bulgarian dances are one hour weekly; Art is two hours weekly; Music is one hour weekly; Swimming lessons are two hours weekly for preschool classes outside school. Pickup from 15:50 to 16:00 takes place in the group rooms; from 16:00 to 18:00 children are supervised by assistants and may enroll in additional activities offered by external providers.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school employs a Pedagogical Counselor who plays a central role in supporting the educational process and student development, connecting pedagogical expertise with an individual approach and supporting both teachers and students. The counselor contributes to teachers' professional development, advises on curricula, analyzes data, collaborates with the school leadership, and supports students with special needs. The counselor also organizes educational events and develops methodological materials, contributing to the ongoing improvement of teaching practices. The counselor is essential for achieving a high standard of education at the school.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Englisch is taught as a subject within the Grundschule curricula. The Grundschule curricula page lists Englisch alongside Bulgarisch als Muttersprache, Deutsch, Deutsch als Fremdsprache and MNK. The language of instruction in Grundschule is German, and Bulgarian language and culture are studied as well.

Mental Wellbeing
The school provides educational counseling to support student development and wellbeing. The pedagogical counselor works to enhance the learning process, provides curriculum guidance, analyzes data, collaborates with the school leadership, and supports students with special needs. The counselor's work is integral to delivering high-quality education at the school. Contact: Frau Zora Russinova, Block S, 2nd floor, Room 8; Email: zrussinova@ds-sofia.bg; appointments by arrangement.
Parent Experience

History
The idea to establish a German school in Sofia was born in November 2007 at a meeting of German‑speaking parents with the cultural attaché of the German Embassy. In June 2008 the Bulgarian Ministry of Education supported the project; initial plans envisioned up to 60 children for the first year. Overwhelming interest led to additional space and capacity, and 105 pupils and 24 preschool children were welcomed at the start of the school year. The project received backing from the Central Agency for German Schools Abroad (ZfA), the German Embassy, and the German Foreign Office, with Bulgarian authorities also supporting the plan. In 2013 the school, under its first head Ernst Wellner, earned the Gütesiegel “Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule”; a jubilee magazine was published in June 2023 to mark the 15th anniversary.

Community
The school participates in national and international projects. Projects include Jugend Musiziert, Jugend Debattiert, and Känguru der Mathematik. The school also runs or participates in events such as Raus aus dem Schulhaus, Martinsfest, Weihnachten, and Buchstabenfest. These activities reflect the school's engagement in arts, debate, mathematics, and cultural festivities within the DS Sofia community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The school has a parent association named Verein der Eltern der deutsch-bulgarischen Begegnungsschule. The association provides access to all necessary documents for members, including minutes, reports, and planning materials from member meetings. Topics for the ongoing improvement of the school are discussed at member meetings. Active participation is encouraged, and there is a membership application. There is a login for members.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has a library, biology room, chemistry room, and computer room. There is a canteen, multiple classrooms, an art room, a staff room and a music room. Outdoor space includes a schoolyard. Preschool is on site for younger children.

Academic Facilities
Biology and chemistry rooms support science teaching, and a computer room supports technology lessons. Classrooms, an art room, a music room, a library and a staff room provide spaces for a broad curriculum. A canteen serves meals on site. There is a schoolyard and on-site preschool for younger children. The school maintains a digital concept and continues iPad classes to integrate technology into teaching.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school offers student projects and Erasmus+ exchanges as part of school life. Events are organized for students, and an alumni network is maintained. Clubs are available for student participation, including ZIP programs. These extracurricular activities complement classroom learning and foster engagement beyond lessons.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model United Nations (Model UN) is a student simulation of United Nations work. Participants take on the role of diplomats from UN member states and debate political, economic, and social topics, drafting resolutions as potential solutions. Since 2017, the DS Sofia Model UN team has attended international conferences in Nürnberg and, previously, Geneva, Maastricht, and Luxembourg, often returning with prizes. Since 2017, DS Sofia also hosts its own conference every November, inviting delegates from other schools in Sofia and from abroad.

Cultural & Language
Sprach- und Kulturaustausch (language and culture exchange) is part of Erasmus+ projects. The programme also includes exchanges such as with Morbach. Sicher in der digitalen Welt (Safe in the digital world) and Demokratische Werte und Erziehung (Democratic values and education) are included in the programme. Fortbildungen (trainings) and Studienberatung und Austausch (study guidance and exchanges) support teachers and students, including an exchange with Morbach.

Social & Hobbies
Digitale Helden connects about 150 schools across Germany and several European countries, including Bulgaria. The project's main goal is to improve online communication culture and to disseminate in-depth knowledge in data protection, sexting, and bullying. As digital media permeate more of life, topics such as online conduct, responses to bullying, and legal help in such cases become increasingly important. The project includes rules for the use of school chat groups, covering language use, no spam, respectful behavior, privacy, and consent for sharing photos or videos.

Community & Service
Schulsanitäter (school first-aiders) are DS Sofia students who have completed training and possess practical skills for emergencies. They apply their knowledge at school events such as Green Week, Ski Week, class trips, and experiential days, equipped with first-aid kits, and are on duty during the school day under the supervision of the nurse. After training, the Schulsanitäter become recognizable, trustworthy peers who care for minor injuries and sometimes physical and emotional discomfort; younger students seek them out as role models. Social projects at DS Sofia include charitable activities such as the Christmas market proceeds donated to general charitable organizations, the World AIDS Day ribbon sales supporting prevention and education groups, and Saint Martin's Day drives providing food and hygiene items; teachers' Christmas activities bring joy to Lovetch day center, with bake sales and a parents' flea market supporting causes.

Leadership & Professional
Erasmus+ projects include Sprach- und Kulturaustausch (language and culture exchange), Sicher in der digitalen Welt (Safe in the digital world), and Demokratische Werte und Erziehung (Democratic values and education). Fortbildungen (trainings) and Studienberatung und Austausch (study guidance and exchanges) are part of the programme, including an exchange with Morbach. The activities broaden language skills, digital literacy, and civic awareness for students and staff, providing international experience and cross-cultural understanding.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Schulsanitäter train to provide on-site first aid during school activities, including Green Week and Ski Week, under nurse supervision. The program supports student wellbeing and safety, and trained peers serve as positive role models for peers. Young students seek out the Schulsanitäter for help, reinforcing a sense of responsibility and community. The school's charitable and service-oriented activities also contribute to a caring, wellbeing-focused school culture.
Languages

Language Provision
German is the language of instruction in the Grundschule, and Bulgarian language and culture are also taught. Bulgarian is taught as a mother tongue for Bulgarian native speakers (6 hours), while Bulgarian as a foreign language is offered for German native speakers (2 hours). English is taught as a subject in the curriculum.

Bilingual Teaching
The language of instruction is German. Bulgarian language and culture are taught. Bulgarian is taught as a mother tongue for Bulgarian native speakers, and Bulgarian as a foreign language for German native speakers; English is taught as a subject. In Vorschule, the main focus is the learning of the German language.
Admissions

Admissions
Admission to Deutsche Schule Sofia is normally conducted through an admission procedure that depends on the child's age and the department to be joined. The main principles apply to Vorschule (preschool), Grundschule (primary), Sekundarstufe I, and Sekundarstufe II. When a child is admitted, guardians pay an admission fee and sign a school contract with the school board. Applications for the coming school year take place in the first three weeks of January and must be submitted via the electronic form (Anmeldeformular). Children registered through the form are invited to the admission procedure. If the results after the admission procedure are satisfactory and there are available places, admission may take place; otherwise a waiting list is established. If the results are not sufficient, admission is refused.

Waitlist
Waiting list: If there are no available places after the admission procedure, or admission cannot be offered immediately, a waiting list is established.
School Events
The school has not added events
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