Curriculum Guide
Our educational program is multifaceted and works to continually improve in being responsive to the needs of our students. Our program is informed by our Mission, Core Values, Definition of Learning, and accreditation agencies, as well as various national and international learning standards and outcomes. These include Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), C3 Social Studies Curriculum Framework, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), AERO World Language Standards, National Core Arts Standards (NCAS), SHAPE PE standards, and the International Baccalaureate (IB).From our Pre-Kindergarten program up through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) with an emphasis on teaching for understanding. Teachers use a variety of teaching techniques to best meet the unique needs of each student. At times students may be engaged in guided inquiry, collaborative learning or self-directed learning and, other times, they may work with a small group or receive one-to-one support.
Elementary School Curriculum
Curriculum Guide
![post-2]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1730971621/aassofiaorg/lds4sblmzvcqjxiwmwmf/placeholder494X477.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1730971621/aassofiaorg/lds4sblmzvcqjxiwmwmf/placeholder494X477.png","width":494}])
The language of instruction at AAS is English. The change in language of instruction may be a challenge for students who are not proficient in that language and these students might need language support.
In our K-12 language arts program, we seek to nurture the love of language arts and focus on the process of effective communication through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Through problem solving, reasoning, logic, and communication in a variety of situations, students come to appreciate the wider application and use of mathematics, both as a discipline in its own right and as a means of interpreting and understanding the world.
Music education contributes to many areas of children’s growth and can give them the joy of creating something uniquely their own, both individually and in groups.
The main focus of the elementary school Physical Education program is to keep the students active, build knowledge, skills and positive attitude and make students aware of the benefits of physical activity for health and recreation during a lifetime.
The ultimate goal of the ES Science program is to develop scientific thinking and understanding while nurturing a lifelong curiosity and awe for our world.
Our PK-12 social studies program is guided by our belief that social studies should explore content through student inquiries and civic responsibility.
Through a strong Visual Art program, students gain opportunities to become more aware of their environment and their relationship to it; learn artistic techniques and skills; enjoy and appreciate their own art and that of others; and make interactive studies of aspects of art history.
There are three language options in the Elementary School -- Bulgarian (as a mother tongue or as a foreign language), French, and most recently -- Spanish.
Middle School Curriculum
This course is one trimester long and for Bulgarian native speakers.
Students will explore dance improvisation, contemporary techniques, hip-hop techniques, and acrobatics.
In design and technology you will use both practical and technological skills in conjunction with creative thinking to design and make products that serve a purpose or solve a problem using the design cycle
In this class, students will have the opportunity to get familiar with various ensemble instruments.
From learning the basics of music theory to exploring music tech software, you'll discover how to create your own songs, record vocals, and instruments, manipulate sounds, edit, tracks, and produce a final freestyle piece that's ready to rock the stage!
3D & Sculpture is an introductory course. The course is designed to broaden the student’s concept of sculpture.
This year long course is intended for native Bulgarians who wish to develop speaking, writing and analytic skills in their mother tongue, and to expand their knowledge of Bulgarian culture.
In this elective, we’ll explore Lego Spike Prime programming and Lego building techniques.
The Dance elective aims to make you a better performer by developing your movement skills and dance experiences.
In design and technology you will use both practical and technological skills in conjunction with creative thinking to design and make products that serve a purpose or solve a problem using the design cycle
Students will have the opportunity to begin, or continue building performance technique on string instruments; woodwind and brass instruments; and percussion instruments.
Students will hone their hand-eye coordination skills throughout this trimester, and also engage in exercises that will foster the skills for life-long fitness.
If you enjoy learning about how science helps solve mysteries, this is the elective for you.
This course is an introduction to Graphic Design, we will explore the fundamentals of design, typography, color theory, and composition.
During this trimester length course students will learn and apply environmental sustainable practices such as composting, sustainable food production, recycling, and conserving natural resources.
Math Circles are places where students and teachers get to engage with mathematically deep thinking presented in unique ways that encourage hands-on discovery.
This class will teach you how to discover your singing voice and what is the difference between speaking and singing.
In MS Theatre Elective (‘Theatre Company’) you will be introduced to stories and plays from around the world and reflect on what you would do if you found yourself in the difficult situations some of the characters are in.
Students in the MS Performance Technology elective will receive an introduction to elements of theatre that enhance performance.
The class concentrates on the process of analyzing, organizing, creating and presenting video.
During this year-long elective, Grades 7 & 8 will delve deeper into drawing, painting, sculpting and designing.
The language of instruction at AAS is English. The change in language of instruction may be a challenge for students who are not proficient in that language and some of these students might need language support.
We believe that every teacher is a literacy teacher; through our inquiry-based approach, we work to empower our K-12 students to access and synthesize information in order to construct meaning from different perspectives and in various contexts.
Based on season and venue availability, these field sports could include sports like spikeball, badminton, kick ball, volleyball, table tennis, basketball, dodgeball, softball and benchball.
At AAS-Sofia, we strive to instill a sense of wonder, a deep appreciation, and growing confidence about mathematics in our diverse world by providing a differentiated and challenging program.
Music education is an agent for the recognition, preservation, refinement and transmission of cultural heritage. Through the study of music, students gain the knowledge, values and creative expression of different cultures.
Physical and Health Education is designed to encourage a commitment to a life-long, healthy lifestyle by promoting personal, social, intellectual, mental, and physical wellbeing.
Our science program is guided by our belief that students should develop and utilize a mixture of cognitive abilities, social skills, personal motivation, conceptual knowledge and problem-solving competencies within an inquiry-based learning environment.
In support of our mission, our social studies program is guided by our belief that social studies should explore content through student inquiries and civic responsibility.
Through a strong Visual Arts program students have opportunities to become more aware of their environment and their relationship to it; to gain knowledge of techniques and skills; to enjoy and appreciate their own art and that of others; and to make interactive studies of some aspects of art history.
Students are provided a foundation to use their language learning immediately, in day-to-day situations and later for continued study and use.
High School Curriculum
Physical and Health Education provides the opportunity to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes needed to maintain and enhance personal health and physical development.
HS World Languages include Bugarian, French, Spanish, and German Ab Initio.
Students are provided a foundation to use their language learning immediately, in day-to-day situations and later for continued study and use.
Students will generate new work through free-writing, completing an independent writing project each trimester, and working with various forms, including poetry and the personal essay.
Media Studies looks at the history, development and theories about media. The class is open to students at all levels of ability
The yearbook course develops many skills and interests including copywriting, photography, graphic design, and publishing.
This course is intended for native Bulgarians who wish to gain support and develop speaking, writing and analytic skills in their mother tongue, and to expand the knowledge about the Bulgarian culture – in particular history, folklore and national character.
The class covers singing techniques, reading music, exploring musical styles and their backgrounds, including today’s popular hits.
Each semester students learn basic movement skills in three of the following dance styles: Hip-Hop / K-Pop + Jazz, Contemporary Dance, Musical theatre, and World Dance Cultures.
Students will learn and use creativity, the design cycle, materials, and manufacturing techniques in the Design and Technology Center.
Emphasis is placed on self-directed projects using the design cycle to create projects based on problem solving and design opportunities.
String Orchestra is a course designed for students who already have experience in playing a string instrument such as violin, viola, violonchelo, double bass and harp.
The advanced Theatre Elective (Theatre Artists) is for Grade 10 students who have completed the standard level Theatre Elective (Theatre Players) in Grade 9.
Becoming a member of Theatre Players is an opportunity to improve further as a theatre performer and practitioner.
The underlying goal of Art Expression is to further develop students’ technical and imaginative skills both for their own enrichment and in preparation for those who will pursue IB Visual Arts, beginning in grade 11.
The underlying goal of the course is to develop students’ basic technical capabilities for their own enrichment and in preparation for those who will pursue IB Visual Arts beginning in grade 11.
This course is designed for students who enjoy drawing and painting and would like to explore these techniques in the digital workspace.
The language of instruction at AAS is English. The change in language of instruction may be a challenge for students who are not proficient in that language and some of these students might need language support.
In our K-12 language arts program, we seek to nurture the love of language arts and focus on the process of effective communication through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Students will have the opportunity to begin, or continue building performance technique on string, woodwind and brass instruments .
Through problem solving, reasoning, logic, and communication in a variety of situations, students come to appreciate the wider application and use of mathematics, both as a discipline in its own right and as a means of interpreting and understanding the world.
Grade 9-10 science is anchored in scientific inquiry and strong content. Grade 11-12 science courses offered are: Biology (SL, HL), Chemistry (SL, HL), Environmental Systems & Society, and Physics (SL, HL).
The K-10 Social Studies program at AAS is informed by the AERO Social Studies Curriculum Framework and the Common Core Standards. IB Individuals and Societies Courses offered are: Business Management (SL, HL), Environmental Systems & Societies, Geography (SL, HL), History (SL< HL), and Psychology.