Zlatarski International School

Zlatarski International School of Sofia, Bulgaria, is the first school in the country to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB). The English-using school was founded in 1995, and became an authorized IB school in 2003. The first IB examinations took place in 2005.The school joined the IBO to apply international standards to Bulgarian education, to develop in its students the confidence and skills the modern world requires and to prepare its graduates for university entry in Bulgaria and abroad. The authorisation committees of the IBO gave a high grade for the academic standard, the highly qualified teachers, the campus facilities and the warm atmosphere of the school.

The first IB school in Bulgaria Founded in 1995 Zlatrski International School of Sofia has evolved into a thriving international school, which offers a balanced and integrated program of studies for boys and girls aged 14-19. Today 300 students from grades 8 to 12 attend the school. The 2006/2007 school year marks the graduation of the school's eighth graduating class.

The Road to an IB World SchoolThe school was founded as an English language high school. On 11 February 2003 "Prof. Vassil Zlatarski" Private School became the first authorised school in Bulgaria in the large family of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The school joined the IBO to apply international standards to Bulgarian education, to develop in its students the confidence and skills the modern world requires and to prepare its graduates for university entry in Bulgaria and abroad. The authorisation committees of the IBO gave a high grade for the academic standard, the highly qualified teachers, the campus facilities and the warm atmosphere of the school.

Key facts about Zlatarski School

Founded: 1995Accredited by the IBO: 2003Accreditation: Zlatarski School is fully accredited by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

Enrolment for 2005/2006: There are 230 students, ranging in age 14-19. 90 % are Bulgarian students and 10 % are international students coming from Australia, Czech Republic, China, Hungary, Israel, Korea, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovenia, Syria, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Diplomas: Students receive two diplomas - the Bulgarian Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma

Results: The International Baccalaureate Diploma was earned by 95% of those who were full candidates in 2005 and 99% of all Zlatarski School students went on to higher education.

Faculty and Staff: There are 43 teachers and 11 staff from Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Russia and the United States.

Class sizes: Class sizes range from 14-20, allowing for significant personal attention.

Campus: The School is housed in a newly reconstructed, purpose-built facility, situated in a beautiful park in Durvenitsa, Sofia. There are spacious classrooms, laboratories, a library, a computer laboratory, administrative offices, a gym, a cafeteria, playgrounds, outside basketball and volleyball courts and a soccer field.

Student/teacher ratio: 5 to 1

Support Services: Bulgarian for Foreigners is offered to non-Bulgarian students, who wish to enhance their understanding of the Bulgarian language. English Language Support (ELS) is available for non-native speakers. University counseling is available.

Extra-curricular activities: The School runs an after-school activity programme for all grades. A wide variety of activities is offered on Mondays and Fridays. Students can choose up two activities a week, depending on their interests.

Transportation: There are 6 school buses, which operate throughout the year. Zlatarski School is also easily reached by public transport: buses: No 88, 123, 280, 413 and minibuses: 1, 5, 6, 23, 27, 29, 36, 45 and 47.

Security: Zlatarski School has a professional security force operated at all times.

External links

* [http://www.zlatarskischool.org/ Official Website of Zlatarski International School of Sofia]