Academics

The curriculum at AEA follows the U.S. Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a set of high-quality academic requirements that define the knowledge and skills students should gain throughout their K-12 education.

The standards draw on the most important U.S. and international models, as well as research and input from educators, state departments of education, scholars, professional organizations, parents and students. Among the key reasons to develop the Common Core standards in the United States was to ensure that students receive a good education, even if they change schools.

The standards establish guidelines for English Language Arts (ELA) as well as for literacy in history/social studies, science, and technical subjects. Because students must learn to read, write, speak, listen, and use language effectively in a variety of content areas, the standards promote the literacy skills and concepts required for college and career readiness in multiple disciplines.

The Common Core Math Standards are built on the best of high-quality math education across the United States. The math standards endeavor to follow the design envisioned by William Schmidt and Richard Houang, by not only stressing conceptual understanding of key ideas, but also by continually returning to organizing principles such as place value and the laws of arithmetic to structure those ideas.

In addition to the schools located on the territory of the United States, Common Core Educational Standards are widely adopted by the most reputable American international schools worldwide, serving the purpose of preparing international students for successful transition to university, career, and life.

The standards were designed to ensure students are prepared for today’s entry-level careers, freshman-level college courses, and workforce training programs. The Common Core focuses on developing the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills students will need to be successful. Forty-three states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) have voluntarily adopted and are moving forward with the standards.

In addition to the International Program, the American English Academy offers an optional Dual Language Program designed to meet the specific needs of local Bulgarian students from Pre-school to Grade 12. The program is fully licensed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and offers a curriculum in alliance with the national educational standards for the respective grade level.

Students who choose this program are being taught in Bulgarian and English language of instruction. They follow both the U.S. Common Core and the Bulgarian national academic standards receiving double certification after the successful completion of each grade.

The Dual Language Program aims to develop children’s bilingualism, biliteracy, and biculturalism. It provides students with the opportunity to benefit from their national curriculum enriched with the global perspective of an international education. AEA trains the Dual Language Program students to become global citizens well-prepared and equipped to pursue higher education and career opportunities both in Bulgaria and worldwide.