School Profile
The American English Academy (AEA) is a day coeducational international school which offers a full U.S. standards-based educational program from pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. Based on international Best Practices and accreditation requirements, the school’s curriculum follows the U.S. Common Core Educational Standards. The learning program is in English language, student-centered, and includes a wide range of after-school activities and sports.
In addition to its American International Program, AEA offers an optional Dual Language Program especially designed for the specific educational requirements of Bulgarian students from the age of 5 to Grade 12. Provided in collaboration with the adjunct Abraham Lincoln Private School, the program fully meets the requirements of the Bulgarian Ministry of Education.
The American English Academy is fully accredited by U.S. Middle States Association – Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). The school year at AEA starts on September 15 and ends on June 30.
AEA is an independent, secular, private school without affiliation to any religious, political or interest group.
Mission
At the American English Academy, we motivate young individuals to explore their path toward success. Our students expand their creativity and knowledge in a secure and welcoming environment where meaningful relationships are built through empathy.
Philosophy
At the American English Academy, we are dedicated to providing an environment that is safe, supports critical thinking, and invites a sharing of ideas. We believe that each child is a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially. Our focus is to help students meet their fullest potential in these areas by creating opportunities for individual discovery and construction of knowledge.
History
1992
The American English Academy was established by Frank and Ruth Munsey in 1992 as one of the first international schools founded in Bulgaria. Initially a school following the ABeka curriculum, AEA now provides a U.S. standard-based Common Core curriculum and Advanced Placement program. Established to teach just a few international students, currently the school has a total population of 200 students, coming from over 35 countries and representing different races, ethnicities, and cultures.
2014
In addition to its international program, AEA is unique in offering an optional Dual Language Program based on both the U.S. and Bulgarian educational standards. Although it was originally aimed towards the specific educational requirements of local Bulgarian children when established in 2014, now the Dual Language Program also attracts international students interested in studying the Bulgarian language and culture. The AEA Dual Language Program is delivered in cooperation with the conjunct Abraham Lincoln School and is fully accredited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education.
2014
AEA opened its new state-of-the-art campus in 2014 located in the outskirts of the capital city of Sofia and granted with the prestigious “Building of the Year” National Award.
2015
As of 2015, the school is privately owned by Markan Holding AD, Bulgaria.
Markan Holding, established in 2014, manages an investment portfolio of interests in over 15 companies from various sectors of the economy. The holding is committed to being a responsible company and the team conducts its activities in accordance with the applicable ethical, professional and legal standards, relying on high quality services, accuracy and professionalism.
Markan Group has more than 25 years of expertise in establishment, development, governance and sale of various companies and concentrates significant expert skills and knowledge in the design, construction, project development and property management.
Team
The AEA Board and Leadership team is dedicated to developing the American English Academy as an innovative and modern educational institution of the 21st century. We are oriented towards the future while also drawing inspiration from the highest achievements and teaching methods of educators all over the world.
Our missions is to train global citizens who are passionate about all the aspects of life and learning. Our entire team is dedicated to prepare our students for a successful life and career in our ever-evolving world by teaching them values, critical thinking and leadership.
The AEA teachers are qualified and entrusted to bring a wealth of ingenuity and excitement to their classrooms while at the same time contributing to the mission and objectives of the school. Our teaching staff is comprised of teachers from the United States, Bulgaria, Canada, India, United Kingdom, and Macedonia. The variety of educational and experiential backgrounds support an atmosphere of learning, community spirit and mutual respect.
School Board
AEA Leadership
Team
Campus
The American English Academy is located in a beautiful open area near Lozen, just outside of Sofia. From our green roof terrace you can admire the slopes of Vitosha Mountain, the city of Sofia from a distance, and even the peaks of the Balkan mountain range.
Our purpose-built premises won Bulgaria’s prestigious Building of the Year Award in the category of educational facilities. The campus boasts an area of 7,400 square meters and contains some of the finest and most exclusive school facilities in the country.
Classrooms
Learning spaces have been designed in a way that is suitable for each age group, to motivate and enhance student engagement, and to foster communicative interaction between students and teachers. All classrooms at AEA are equipped with Promethean Smartboards incorporating digital technologies into the learning process on a daily basis. Temperature, ventilation, lighting, noise levels and seating arrangements are adjusted to ensure a pleasant atmosphere.
Library
The school library includes a modern approach to its design and takes into account the recent trends in student study habits as well as reading atmosphere. Desktop computers are available for students’ access to online resources such as electronic database systems for research and scholarly work. Leisure reading, nonfiction, periodicals, and many other materials are at students’ disposal and both private and restful seating areas are provided. The interactive Promethean Table makes finding books fun through its multi-touch screen capabilities. The library caters to all grade levels and emphasizes the importance of reading, writing, and research.
Cafeteria
The AEA cafeteria is a specious and well-lit area where both students and teachers have their meals. It is accompanied by a marvelous mountainous view on one side and healthy food suggestive inscriptions on the walls on the other side. Each student is provided with freshly cooked on-site food that has been prepared based on the daily health and diet requirements. A lunch menu is provided for each student to select their meal of choice.
AEA Campus is located outside the city of Sofia, in the foothills of the Lozen Mountain. We are proud of our natural surroundings and committed to preserve, protect, and replenish them as much as possible. At AEA, we believe that being a “green” school by integrating sustainable facilities, healthy operations and environmentally friendly curricula can result not only in financial and environmental savings but it can also benefit the health of both students and staff, as well as improve academic results. Here is our Green Policy!
Accreditation and License
The American English Academy is fully accredited by U.S. Middle States Association – Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS).
Students who graduate from the American English Academy receive an American High School Diploma recognized around the world. Upon the successful completion of a grade level, students receive a certificate of promotion.
American English Academy offers an optional Dual Language Program designed for the specific educational needs of local Bulgarian students. The program meets the requirements of a standard Bulgarian education and it is delivered in cooperation with the Abraham Lincoln Private School, fully licensed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education. Students of the AEA Dual Language Program receive double certification – in accordance with the American and Bulgarian standards.
