Educational System in Bulgaria

Relocating to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to understanding the educational system for your children. This guide aims to provide digital nomads and expats with a comprehensive overview of the educational system in Bulgaria. It covers the main stages of education, the process of enrolling children in school, language requirements, the availability of bilingual schools, types of private schools, homeschooling, and online schooling options. The goal is to help you make informed decisions about your children's education in Bulgaria.

What are the main stages of education in Bulgaria? The Bulgarian educational system is divided into four main stages: pre-school (?????? ???????), primary school (??????? ???????), secondary school (????????), and higher education (????? ???????????). Pre-school is for children aged 3 to 6, primary school is for ages 7 to 10, secondary school is for ages 11 to 18, and higher education is for students aged 19 and above. Each stage focuses on different areas of learning and development, with a strong emphasis on Bulgarian language and literature, mathematics, and sciences.

How does a newcomer from a different country enroll their kids in school? To enroll a child in a Bulgarian school, parents or guardians must provide a birth certificate, proof of immunizations, and proof of residence. If the child has previously attended school in another country, academic transcripts or records may also be required. It's advisable to contact the school directly for specific enrollment procedures as they may vary.

Can my children enroll in a public school if they are still learning Bulgarian? Yes, children who are still learning Bulgarian can enroll in public schools. However, they may need additional language support. Some schools offer Bulgarian as a Second Language (BSL) programs to help non-native speakers. It's important to check with the school about their language support services.

Are there public bilingual schools in Bulgaria? Yes, there are public bilingual schools in Bulgaria, particularly in larger cities like Sofia and Plovdiv. These schools offer instruction in both Bulgarian and a foreign language, typically English, German, or French. Admission requirements vary, so it's best to contact the school directly for information.

What types of private schools are common in Bulgaria? Private schools in Bulgaria often offer international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British GCSE and A-levels. There are also bilingual private schools and those that focus on specific languages or religious education, such as Catholic schools. These schools typically have smaller class sizes and more diverse extracurricular activities.

Do digital nomads and expats typically send their children to public or private school? Many digital nomads and expats in Bulgaria choose to send their children to private international schools due to the language of instruction and the international curricula. However, some digital nomads and expats prefer public schools to immerse their children in the local culture and language.

How expensive are Private schools in Bulgaria? Private school fees in Bulgaria can vary widely, depending on the school and the curriculum. On average, annual tuition fees can range from 3,000 to 10,000 Euros. It's advisable to contact the school directly for accurate fee structures.

Are you allowed to homeschool while living in Bulgaria? Homeschooling is not officially recognized in Bulgaria. All children are required to attend school from the age of 7 to 16. Exceptions may be made for children with special educational needs, but these are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

May kids attend online school instead of a local school while living in Bulgaria? Online schooling is not widely recognized in Bulgaria. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have adapted to online learning. It's best to check with the Ministry of Education or the local school for the most current regulations regarding online schooling.

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