Admission Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You may have many questions as you begin to think about applying to AAS. We can help you at any time through the process. Below are some common questions prospective parents and students ask us.
If you have other questions as an AAS Parent, you can view more FAQs on our Parent FAQs page.
Does AAS accept students only at the beginning of the academic year?
No. AAS accepts students throughout the whole school year, provided there is space available in these grade levels.
Is there a deadline for application?
There is no deadline for applications. Having said that, please bear in mind that the system for application acceptance is “first come, first served”. Therefore, if you know that you want your child to start school at the beginning of the academic year (August), we strongly suggest that you submit a completed application before March 1.
How long does it take before I know if my child's application has been approved?
For entry during the school year, the admission review process takes about ten days, provided all the application documents are in place and no further assessment of an applicant is needed.
New appications are either approved, rejected, or continued for futher review. Please note that an approved application does not guarantee admission for the child.
Does my child need to be fluent in English to attend AAS?
Does AAS accept students with special learning needs?
Yes, AAS has resources to deal with special needs students effectively. Students with special needs should submit a recent “Individual Educational Plan” and Psycho-educational assessment report along with any other pertinent records describing past educational plans and services.
Our Special needs team then determines if AAS has all the necessary resources to support the applicant’s needs. We can also assist by referring families to learning specialists for diagnostic testing, speech therapy and psychological support.
How is AAS accredited?
AAS is accredited by the Council of International Schools, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, an authorized International Baccalaureate World School and an associate member of The Council of British International Schools.
What degree do graduates earn from AAS?
The most successful AAS graduates are awarded the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) and are offered acceptances in colleges and universities in countries all over the world. Please refer to our brief School Profile for our graduates’ university acceptances.
All AAS graduates are awarded the AAS Diploma, accredited by the Council of International Schools, which is compatible with the US and UK Educational systems.
How long is the school day?
The regular school day at AAS starts at 8:30 a.m., and ends at 3:30 p.m., except for Wednesday, when the classes end at 3:00 p.m.
Are parents encouraged to be involved with the school?
How do children get to and from school?
What are your class sizes?
Approximate class sizes are:
Preschool: one class with 18 students
Kindergarten: two classes with 18 students each
Grade 1 to 12: 20 students per class
Every class in Elementary school (Kindergarten to Grade 5) has one homeroom teacher and a teacher assistant. In Preschool, we have one homeroom teacher and two assistants.
What are the demographic guidelines?
AAS has students from over 40 nationalities. Our school developed as an international school in Bulgaria and is widely regarded as the premier international school in the region. We aim to be 67% international students and 33% Bulgarian students. This balance allows for an enriched international experience where our international students gain a greater appreciation and understanding of Bulgaria. Likewise, our students from Bulgaria gain a greater international perspective.
Where can I go to find more answers about the IB program, parent questions, and employment at AAS?
Please refer to these pages: