Anglo-American School of Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria

About Anglo-American School of Sofia: The Anglo-American School of Sofia (AAS) serves the international community in Sofia along with local, internationally minded Bulgarian families. The school offers an international and multi-sourced curriculum that is concept-driven and inquiry-based. AAS is located on a beautiful campus at the foot of Vitosha Mountain. 

School Mission: The school aims to engage, support and prepare each student for today and tomorrow by:

  • fostering a love of learning, healthy living and international community
  • developing the knowledge, skills and values to communicate
  • find solutions and innovate
  • enhancing critical thinking, resourcefulness and creativity.

Head to the school website for more details.

ITF Review
(Based on Independent Research)

Would you recommend this school to other teaching families?

Yes – the package appears to be very family friendly with a competitive salary (for Eastern Europe), full tuition for kids, annual flights and housing. While many students are likely to be Bulgarian, research indicates English levels are high and children can integrate relatively easily.

Overall compensation package rating

All salaries are paid in Euro and are competitive for the region – particularly with the reasonable cost of living in Bulgaria. Salaries are provided tax-free for the first five years of your contract. After five years you’ll need to pay 10% on salary and benefits.

Tuition benefits

Tuition, registration and all capital fees are covered for teacher children.

Housing

All housing is provided and assigned by the school. They also cover 50% of utility costs.

Flights

Overseas hires are provided a round-trip economy class home leave airfare at the end of their initial contract, and every year thereafter. In the first year of a two year contract, teachers receive a flight allowance to support home travel. 

Healthcare

Worldwide health coverage is provided as part of the teaching package. Does not include dental or vision – however our research indicates these are reasonable in Sofia.

Adjustment for kids

The school has around 600 students with over 50 different nationalities represented. The majority are likely to be Bulgarian, but English is widely spoken. If your kids are older they may take some time to adjust and integrate. Students can choose from over 20 extracurricular activities.

Average class sizes

The average class size across all year levels is 20 students.

Teaching experience required

You’ll need at least 2-4 years experience teaching before applying at this school. Preferences for teachers include a Bachelor or Masters degree, along with relevant teaching qualification/certification.

Curriculum

American, International Baccalaureate (DP).

Retirement/pension benefits

Teachers are provided with an annual lump sum each year and given access to a professional financial planner.

School history & stability

AAS was established in 1967 for the children from the embassies of the US and UK.

Anglo-American School of Sofia – Additional Benefits

  • School transport
  • Shipping allowance (one per contract)
  • Visa and work permit costs covered
  • Long and short-term disability, group life and accident insurance
  • Settling in allowance
  • Meal allowance
  • School laptop
  • PD (internal and external)

What Teachers are Saying About Anglo-American School of Sofia

I wouldn’t recommend coming here if you have young kids not at school. Finding childcare has been tricky for many teachers. 

EX INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, AAS

The payscale isn’t shared and it’s getting more expensive to live in Bulgaria. The location of the school is lovely, but because it’s outside the city it’s challenging if you don’t have a car.

EX-TEACHER AT AAS

Leaders get defensive when given feedback or when you ask questions with good intentions. Even if you’re trying to make things better you’re often seen as negative.

EX-TEACHER AT AAS
  • Stunning front view of Rila Monastery in Sofia, Bulgaria
  • Scenic view of a tranquil lake surrounded by misty mountains in the Rila mountains of Bulgaria
  • View of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia, Bulgaria - expect to see this if you work at Anglo-American School of Sofia

They pay is good but not amazing. While you can live well in Bulgaria don’t expect to be able to afford family holidays in the rest of Europe. The worst part is that taxes kick in after five years – when many teachers leave.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, AAS

I’ve heard that many families have been very concerned when returning to their home countries (e.g. the US) about how far behind their kids are academically.

INTERNATIONAL TEACHER, SOFIA, BULGARIA

A few teachers have experienced issues with visas which meant they’ve been unable to leave the country until sorted. HR haven’t been overly helpful. The experience with housing is also mixed. Be sure to ask where you’ll be placed or the commute can be a nightmare.

TEACHER AT AAS

Safety, Adaptability & Cost of Living

  • Safety: Fair – Like many European capitals, Sofia requires some awareness, particularly in less central areas. Most expat families live comfortably in neighbourhoods like Lozenets, Iztok, or Boyana.
  • Adaptability: High – Sofia is a diverse, welcoming city with a growing international community. Families can enjoy easy access to parks, playgrounds, and Vitosha Mountain for hiking and skiing. The city also offers museums, weekend markets, and a lively café culture. While Bulgarian is useful (and some signs are still in Cyrillic), English is widely spoken in expat circles, and language lessons are available.
  • Cost of Living: Moderate – Housing, childcare, and daily essentials are relatively affordable compared to Western Europe but costs are increasing. Imported goods and certain international brands are more expensive. With the allowances provided by the school, most families can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in Sofia.

General Overview for Teaching Families

The Anglo-American School of Sofia (AAS) is a well-established, not-for-profit international school in Bulgaria, founded in 1967. It serves around 600 students aged 4–19 from over 50 countries, though the majority of students are Bulgarian. It offers a broad, inquiry-based curriculum that includes the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside the school’s own high school diploma. AAS is committed to developing principled, globally minded graduates who go on to attend top universities worldwide.

The school is located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain on a purpose-built campus featuring sustainable design, and state-of-the-art facilities (including a performing arts centre, sports fields, and creative arts spaces). AAS emphasises a holistic approach to balance strong academic achievement with creativity, physical activity, and personal growth.

Teachers at AAS are expected to have significant teaching experience (ideally four years but a minimum of two) and recognised teaching qualifications. Initial contracts are usually for two years, and the school states it supports new staff with visa assistance (though feedback has been mixed). Teacher benefits include tax-free salaries for the first five years, worldwide medical insurance, relocation and shipping allowances, accommodation with utilities subsidies, retirement contributions, full tuition for dependent children, and flights.

Do you currently teach at AAS? We’d love to get your insights. Please get in touch to tell us about your experience or complete our teacher survey.

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