About ACS
Excellence in Education
Mission and Essence
The American College of Sofia (ACS) is one of the oldest American educational institutions outside the United States. ACS is among the top private college preparatory schools in the Balkans. Admission is highly selective. Integrating the values and best practices of American pedagogy with the rich educational traditions of Bulgaria and Europe, we seek to develop critical thinking, lifelong intellectual curiosity, leadership, and collaboration among multi-talented students of various social, cultural, economic, and geographic backgrounds.
Holistic Education
Students benefit from small class sizes, individualized support, and a bilingual learning environment, where English is the primary language of instruction. Beyond academics, ACS offers extracurricular programs, international student exchanges, and a state-of-the-art campus, ensuring a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in an ever-changing world.
Graduates
ACS graduates a and are valued critical thinkers and problem solvers able to set clear goals and achieve them. They are accepted into some of the most prestigious universities in the U.S. and Europe where they consistently excel, to then proceed to working and contributing to global industries and making an impact in their communities.
Shaping the Future
Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan
Our Mission
The American College of Sofia integrates the values and best practices of American pedagogy with the rich educational traditions of Bulgaria and Europe. We seek to develop critical thinking, lifelong intellectual curiosity, leadership, and collaboration among multi-talented students from various social, cultural, economic, and geographic backgrounds.
ACS Strategic Plan 2027
The ACS Strategic Plan 2027 is a comprehensive roadmap developed through rigorous collaboration among the ACS community to address current obstacles, set key development goals, and craft a vision of excellence for the future. It focuses on six fundamental areas: Program, Faculty and Staff, Community, Finances, Spaces, and Networks, all aimed at ensuring the happiness and success of students during and after their time at ACS.
Innovating Education
The American College of Sofia (ACS) is recognized as an Innovative School by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science for its forward-thinking projects, such as integrating technology through Chromebooks and Google Classroom, and the creation of the Student Computer Innovation and Fabrication Institute (SCIFI). ACS continues to lead in educational innovation with initiatives like 20% Online Learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring students are well-prepared for the future.
Accreditations
The American College of Sofia is accredited in Bulgaria by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science.
In the United States, the American College of Sofia has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools since 2005.
The American College of Sofia has also been certified by the International Baccalaureate Organization as an IB World School since 2004.
Your Guide to ACS
Your Journey Starts Here
At the American College of Sofia, campus life is vibrant and diverse, offering students a well-rounded experience beyond academics. From the Gipson Library to the Student Computer Innovation and Fabrication Institute (SCIFI), and a wide range of extracurricular activities and sports, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Philanthropic giving has been essential to ACS's success since its inception, funding scholarships, faculty development, and capital improvements. Donations of all amounts are welcome and can be made online, via wire transfer, check, or in person. Your support helps ACS continue to provide high-quality education and opportunities for all students.
History
The American College of Sofia is one of the oldest American educational institutions outside the United States. It traces its roots to a school for boys opened in Philippopolis by American missionaries during the 1860-61 school year. Led by Dr. James F. Clarke, these missionaries opened a school for girls at Eski Zagra three years later, and the two schools eventually grew into the American College.
In 1871, the two schools were moved to Samokov, where they flourished for the next half-century. In 1926, Sofia American Schools, Inc. was established with the sole purpose of providing education for Bulgarian youth. The organization agreed to merge the two schools and build a new campus at a pre-selected site in Simeonovo.