American College of Sofia
ACSPart of Sofia American Schools, Inc., Secular
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IB DiplomaAccreditations
Middle States AssociationLanguages
EnglishThe American College of Sofia is one of the oldest American educational institutions outside the United States and a leading private college preparatory school in the Balkans. It provides a rigorous, bilingual, university-preparatory education that emphasizes critical thinking and intellectual independence.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school integrates the values and best practices of American pedagogy with the educational traditions of Bulgaria and Europe. It aims to develop critical thinking, lifelong intellectual curiosity, leadership, and collaboration among a diverse student body. The institution fosters an environment that encourages students to articulate their own opinions, deconstruct the views of others, and act with a strong moral compass.
Programmes
The school offers a rigorous university-preparatory curriculum taught primarily in English, with the exception of Bulgarian language, literature, and foreign languages. Bulgarian students follow the national diploma program with the option to earn an American high school diploma, while international students pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme alongside the American diploma. Specialized academic profiles are available in areas such as mathematics, software and hardware technology, humanities, foreign languages, natural sciences, and entrepreneurship.
Outcomes
Graduates are consistently accepted into prestigious universities in the United States and Europe. They are recognized for their critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills. Alumni are noted for their ability to set ambitious goals and contribute to global industries and their local communities.
Student support
Learning support
The Student Support Team consists of psychologists and social-emotional counselors who provide confidential individual and group counseling. They offer academic support groups, health courses, and mentorship for student clubs and events. The team works in close collaboration with faculty and families to support students' mental health and social-emotional development.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does American College of Sofia offer?
- American College of Sofia offers IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at American College of Sofia?
- Annual tuition at American College of Sofia is €10K–€21.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does American College of Sofia teach?
- American College of Sofia enrolls students aged 13 to 18.
- Is American College of Sofia a day or boarding school?
- American College of Sofia is a day school.
- What accreditations does American College of Sofia hold?
- American College of Sofia holds accreditations including Middle States Association and IB.
- Is American College of Sofia co-educational?
- American College of Sofia is a co-ed school.
- Where is American College of Sofia located?
- American College of Sofia is an international school in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Bulgarian Students | — | €10K |
| International Students | — | €21.7K |
| Bulgarian Students Transferring from International Schools Abroad | — | €21.7K |
Other fees(1)
| Boarding· Dormitory fee for Bulgarian citizens. Covers three meals a day in the school cafeteria on weekdays, internet, laundry, room cleaning, and more. | €6.1K |
|---|
Admissions
The American College of Sofia is a highly selective, private, university-preparatory school. It admits both Bulgarian and international students based on entrance exam results, with year-round admissions available for international applicants depending on space and academic performance. The school offers a tuition reduction program based on demonstrated financial need, with nearly 85% of applicants receiving support for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Calendar
The school year typically begins in early September. The academic calendar includes various events such as an annual Arts Fest, science fairs, and student performances, alongside standard school holidays and breaks.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Gipson Library, academic laboratories, and a dedicated Student Computer Innovation and Fabrication Institute (SCIFI). Students have access to sports facilities and a dormitory that provides meals, laundry, and cleaning services. The school also provides students with personal Chromebooks to support their learning.
Co-curriculars
The school emphasizes holistic education through a wide range of extracurricular activities, including performing arts, sports, and student-led clubs. Students participate in the Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) program, which encourages volunteering, leadership, and personal development. Notable initiatives include the Student Computer Innovation and Fabrication Institute (SCIFI), the Student Council, and various student-led projects supported by the Student Activities Fund.
- Emily Sargent BeasleyPresident
Emily Sargent Beasley is the President of the American College of Sofia. She is a doctoral candidate with a PhD in International Leadership from the University of San Diego and holds multiple degrees in literacy and education.
- Maria AngelovaDeputy Director
Maria Angelova serves as the Deputy Director of the American College of Sofia. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Piano Performance and a minor in Organ Performance from the University of the District of Columbia.
- Paddy GillilandDean of Students
Paddy Gilliland is the Dean of Students at the American College of Sofia. He is a certified school administrator and holds a Master of Arts in School Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education.
- Timothy VanderpoolDean of Faculty & Staff Development
Timothy Vanderpool serves as the Dean of Faculty & Staff Development. He holds a Master of Science in Instructional Design & Technology, a certificate in School Management & Leadership from Harvard University, and is a National Board Certified teacher.
- Slaveja MilanovaDirector of Accounting and Business
Slaveja Milanova is the Director of Accounting and Business at the American College of Sofia. She holds a Master in Economics with a major in Accounting and Control and is also a qualified editor and translator.
- Dr. Georgi MetodievDirector of Planning and Institutional Advancement
Dr. Georgi Metodiev is the Director of Planning and Institutional Advancement. He holds a PhD in Comparative Political Science from Sofia University and manages the Development Office, serving as the point of contact for institutional partnerships and campus development.
- Aneta StefanovaDirector of Communications
Aneta Stefanova is the Director of Communications at the American College of Sofia. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Relations from the UK’s Chartered Institute of Public Relations and a BSc in International Relations from the University of London - LSE.
- Zlatina MitovaDirector of Events
Zlatina Mitova is the Director of Events at the American College of Sofia. She holds a BA in English Philology from Sofia University and has over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and advertising.
- Tanya AssenovaRegistrar
Tanya Assenova is the Registrar at the American College of Sofia. She holds a Master of Science in Engineering with a major in Automatic and Information Technologies from the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia.
- Nandi BlanchardDepartment Coordinator / Social-Emotional Counselor / Child Protection Officer
Nandi Blanchard is the Department Coordinator, Social-Emotional Counselor, and Child Protection Officer. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Arts in Psychology, and is a Nationally Certified School Counselor.
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