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Discover Montessori School

Bulgaria, Sofia

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €7,400 - 7,800
Ages 1 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 120
Type Co-educational
Opened 2012
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Montessori Curriculum
Taught languages English, Bulgarian, Spanish, German, Russian
Strengths Outdoor Education, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Leadership and Professional, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Discover International School in Sofia, Bulgaria, offers an IB continuum anchored in Montessori principles for ages 1 to 18. Preschool through Grade 12 spans Primary (1–4), Middle Years (5–10) and High School (11–12). The school provides IB PYP, MYP and DP, with the Diploma available in Grade 11. As a flagship institution of the Montessori Society Bulgaria, affiliated with AMI, it blends Montessori methods with IB inquiry-based learning. The school operates on two Sofia campuses, with core hours 8:00 am–4:30/5:00 pm and Extended Day to 5:30 pm. A licensed kitchen serves a nutritionally balanced menu. Students engage in daily outdoor activity year-round—nature walks, park and mountain trips, and seasonal camps. Graduates earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian diploma, supporting access to universities worldwide. The MAGIC Programme fosters leadership and global collaboration. Languages are a strength, with English and Bulgarian instruction supporting multilingualism. Its bilingual environment supports learners.

g.k. Lozenets, ul. "Bolgrad" 6, 1421 Sofia, Bulgaria

The Essentials

Discover Montessori School has 120 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
The Discover International School is located in Sofia, Bulgaria, with two campuses: 6 Bolgrad Str., Sofia 1421, and 43 Episkop Protogen Str., Sofia 1408. The school serves students from toddlers through high school across Preschool, Primary Years, Middle Years, and High School. Instruction is in English and the school combines Montessori principles with IB programmes; an Extended Day Program is available.

Stages
Toddlers; Early Years; Pre-school; Primary Years; Middle Years; High School

Type
IB World School offering Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP); Montessori approach

Country affiliation
Bulgaria

School day structure
Early Years: core day by 4:00 pm; Primary and Middle Years: core day by 4:30 pm; High School: core day by 1:30 pm; Extended day until 5:30 pm

Bus service
School bus service is available for children aged 5 and above; operated by a subcontractor; additional transport fee (2,500 EUR for the 2025/2026 academic year, payable in up to two installments); discounts apply for one-way use (35%) or for a second child from the same address (60%).
Diving Deeper

House System
Chilcren's House is a community within the school used for grouping and activities.
Fees

Annual tuition at Discover Montessori School ranges from EUR 7,400 to EUR 7,800 for 2026/27.

Application and Enrollment Fees

- Student Admission Fee (one-time, payable upon enrolment): EUR 650 for Preschool; EUR 750 for PYP, MYP and DP.
- Registration Fee (annual, payable upon enrolment): EUR 550 for all programmes.
- Deposit: A deposit equal to 15% of the annual tuition is payable on signing the educational contract. The deposit secures the child's place and is refunded from the first paid instalment of the tuition for the academic year.

Tuition fees — school year 2026/27 (annual and payment-plan breakdowns)

All figures below are quoted in euros (EUR).

- Early Years — Pre-school 1 (age/grade shown on admissions materials):
- One payment (annual): EUR 7,400.
- Two payments (termly): 2 × EUR 3,900 = EUR 7,800.
- Monthly / instalment plan (10 payments structure shown): initial instalment EUR 2,600 and 9 monthly instalments of EUR 656 (total shown EUR 8,500 under the school's published plan).

- Primary / Elementary (Pre-school 2 – Grades 1–7):
- One payment (annual): EUR 7,650.
- Two payments (termly): 2 × EUR 4,025 = EUR 8,050.
- Monthly / instalment plan (10 payments structure shown): initial instalment EUR 2,600 and 9 monthly instalments of EUR 689 (total shown EUR 8,800 under the school's published plan).

- Middle Years and High School (Grades 8–10):
- One payment (annual): EUR 7,400.
- Two payments (termly): 2 × EUR 3,900 = EUR 7,800.
- Monthly / instalment plan (10 payments structure shown): initial instalment EUR 2,000 and 9 monthly instalments of EUR 723 (total shown EUR 8,500 under the school's published plan).

- Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12):
- One payment (annual): EUR 7,800.
- Two payments (termly): 2 × EUR 4,100 = EUR 8,200.
- Monthly / instalment plan (10 payments structure shown): initial instalment EUR 2,000 and 9 monthly instalments of EUR 772 (total shown EUR 8,950 under the school's published plan).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Payment schedule options offered: one payment, two equal payments, or a monthly/instalment plan (presented as a 10-payment arrangement).
- Deadlines given for the payment options:
- One-payment option due by 1 June.
- Two-payment option due by 1 June and 1 September.
- The instalment / 10-payment option is scheduled across the school year (payments commence from 1 September and include instalments through the academic year).
- A deposit of 15% of the tuition is payable on signing the contract and is applied against the first instalment.

Boarding

- No boarding provision or boarding fees are listed for the school; all published fee items and services refer to day-school provision, transport, meals, clubs and extra activities.

Transport (school bus)

- Transport service is offered for children aged 5 and over and is provided by a subcontractor; the transport fee is charged in addition to tuition.
- Transport fee published for academic year 2025/2026: EUR 2,500 (payable once or in two instalments before the beginning of each term — September and January).
- Discounts: one-direction travel receives a 35% discount; if there is a second child from the same address, a 60% discount on the transport price is applied.

Meals, learning resources and other recurring costs

- Meals (annual charges by age/grade group):
- Early Years (Pre-school 1): EUR 1,350 (morning and afternoon breakfast, fruits/vegetables, lunch).
- Primary Years (Pre-school 2, Grades 1–4): EUR 1,450 (fruits/vegetables, lunch).
- Middle Years and High School (Grades 5–12): EUR 1,550 (fruits/vegetables, lunch).
- Learning Resources Fee: a Learning Resources Fee is due annually to cover art/craft materials, extra learning resources, supplies and books (amount not itemised in published fee schedule).
- Tuition expressly excludes the following items which incur additional charges: clubs (robotics, photography, dancing, digital skills, theatre, music lessons, etc.), sports (swimming, tennis, football, yoga), ski and green camps, school trips outside Sofia, classes with a speech therapist, uniforms, bus service (transport), digital resources, and for MYP & DP: IB exam fees, legalisation of the Diploma, MYP eAssessment, ISA and some curriculum resources.

Extracurriculars and summer provision

- Clubs and extracurricular activities are charged separately and vary each year; they form part of the Extended School Day programme.
- Summer School runs from mid-June to late August and is charged per week.

Discounts and contract discounting

- Sibling discounts: second child receives a 5% discount on annual tuition; third child and twins receive a 7% discount.
- Signing a 3‑year contract provides a 5% discount on tuition.

Refunds and cancellation-related information

- The deposit (15% of tuition) is refunded by being credited against the first paid instalment of the tuition for the academic year. No other specific refund or cancellation terms are itemised in the published fee material.

Fee payment methods and practical notes

- The published fee information specifies payment schedules (one, two or instalment plans) but does not itemise accepted payment methods (for example credit card or bank transfer) in the published fee schedule. Payment method options should be confirmed directly with admissions or the finance office.
Academics

Discover Montessori School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Montessori Curriculum for students aged 1 to 18.

Curriculum
Discover International School is an IB World School offering a continuum of programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). The IB continuum emphasizes academic and personal growth, challenging students to excel in their studies and development. Since 2012, the school has focused on aiding the natural development of every learner. Curriculum levels include Preschool, Primary Years (Grades 1–4), Middle Years (Grades 5–10), and High School (Grades 11–12), with the Diploma Programme available in Grade 11. Graduates earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian secondary school diploma, opening pathways to top universities worldwide.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates earn an internationally recognized IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian secondary school diploma, opening pathways to top universities worldwide.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The learning spaces are centred around the child, promoting holistic growth and self-direction in all learning areas. This includes cultivating work ethic and mental and social competencies such as focus, self-discipline, time management, conflict resolution, independence, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively. The school places emphasis on social, moral, and emotional development as part of preparing children to be socially and emotionally prepared for real life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has a Child Psychologist and a Speech Therapist on staff to observe and respond to each child's individual needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school offers English, Spanish, German, Russian and Bulgarian as foreign languages.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a focus on social, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. The educational environment aims to cultivate these aspects and to prepare students to navigate today's challenges with curiosity, resilience, and cooperation.

Safeguarding
A Child Psychologist is part of the team, providing safeguarding and wellbeing support for students.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 2012, Discover International School began as a diverse international community where multilingualism, cultural diversity, and inquiry-based learning lie at the heart of daily life. It offers a complete educational pathway from early years through Grade 12 and is an IB World School with the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP). Discover is a flagship institution of the Montessori Society Bulgaria, affiliated with AMI, applying Montessori principles in line with AMI standards. The school integrates IB programmes with Montessori education across preschool to high school, supported by ongoing international professional development for staff.

Community
Discover International School has a multinational team of AMI and IB trained teachers. The school serves about 120 students from 23 nationalities across pre-school to Grade 12. Four foreign languages are offered. The school uses an online information platform and distributes weekly and monthly communications to families (Week Ahead and Monthlink).
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school has two campuses in Sofia: 6 Bolgrad Str., Sofia 1421 and 43 Episkop Protogen Str., Sofia 1408. The Core School Day runs from 8:00 am to 4:30/5:00 pm, with an Extended School Day available until 5:30 pm. A nutritionally balanced school menu is prepared by a licensed kitchen with sanitary permits. Students engage in daily outdoor activity year-round, including nature walks, trips to parks and mountains, and seasonal camps. Learning spaces are centered around the child, promoting holistic growth and self-direction across all learning areas.

Extra Curricular Facilities
MAGIC Programme; Sport; Math; Chess Club.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school is a fully authorised IB Continuum World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Graduates earn an internationally recognised IB Diploma alongside the Bulgarian secondary school diploma.

Arts & Creative
The school supports creative expression through group presentations, dramas, art exhibits, musical productions, and science projects.

Cultural & Language
The school has an international community with multilingualism and cultural diversity at heart. The staff includes an English Language Teacher and a Bulgarian Language & Literature Teacher.

Social & Hobbies
Every day, students participate in physical activities. The Extended Day program offers clubs and classes such as sports games, football, tennis, swimming, dancing, and yoga.

Leadership & Professional
Movement for Activating Global Impact through Collaboration (MAGIC Programme) supports leadership and collaborative initiatives. The school also employs IB coordinators and language teachers who collaborate on professional development; teachers attend IB courses yearly.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Core School Day runs from 8:00 am to 4:30/5:00 pm with Extended Day until 5:30 pm. The school provides a nutritious menu prepared by a nutritionist, featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables, water, and herbal tea. Students engage in daily outdoor play all year round, with nature walks, trips to parks and mountains, nature hikes, horse riding adventures, and occasional camps in mountainous or coastal settings.
Languages

Language Provision
Bulgarian and English are taught, with English as the main language of instruction in Primary Years. A second foreign language (Spanish or German) is studied in Middle Years and High School. A bilingual language program continues during Summer School.

Bilingual Teaching
The school has bilingual education in Bulgarian and English.
Admissions

Admissions
The school offers admissions for the 2026-2027 school year in Early Years (Preschool 1, born 2021, up to 5 years old); Primary Years (Preschool 2, born 2020 up to 6 years old; born 2019 up to 7 years old; Grade 1; Grades 2–4 with limited spots); Middle Years Programme (Grades 5–7 and 8–10); and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). Admissions procedure: 1. 2. Visit the School or Open Days: book an onsite meeting; Open Days were conducted on 28 November 2025 and 28 January 2026. 3. Submit an Application: complete the Application Form. 4. Reception Day and Family Meeting: the child participates in holistic assessment and a family meeting with the pedagogical leadership. 5. Decision and Enrollment: decisions are shared within one week; if accepted, an Enrollment Proposal with tuition and policies is provided, followed by signing the contract and paying a deposit. 6. Orientation and Welcome: an Orientation Program introduces the classroom, family sessions, and preparation guidelines. English language requirements by grade: Grades 1–4 accept all English levels; Grades 5–7 require CEFR A2 English proficiency for Grade 6 via an online admissions test and interview (test taken at the Middle & High School Campus); Grades 8–10 require minimum A2 English and a holistic assessment (at the Middle & High School Campus); Grades 11–12 IB Diploma Programme require B2 English proficiency (admissions test at the Middle and High School Campus). Required documents include transcripts for the past three years, academic awards, advisor/counsellor recommendations, birth certificate, and immunisation records. Tuition is annual and includes English as the main language of instruction, a second foreign language (Spanish or German) in Middle Years and High School, meals, learning resources, and activities; extra fees apply for clubs, bus service, and trips; 2026-27 tuition is published; discounts include 5% for a 3-year contract, 5% for a second child, and 7% for a third child or twins.

Scholarships
The school offers a limited number of scholarships and financial aid packages available to qualified candidates.
School Events
The school has not added events
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