Remember when daycare was just a place to park your little one? Not anymore. Daycares in Bulgaria are evolving. Private daycares, preschools, and kindergartens in Bulgaria – whatever you call them – offer a wider range of options than ever.
Whether you’re looking for extended hours to accommodate your work schedule, a bilingual program to give your child a head start on languages, or specialised activities like music or art, there’s something out there to fit your unique family.
Let’s explore the top 10 daycares in Bulgaria, uncover the questions you should be asking, and, most importantly, empower you to find the perfect fit for your little one and your family.
1. May Be Preschool
At May Be Preschool, your child will embark on a stimulating educational journey guided by two of the most respected programs – Oxford and Jolly Phonics. They go beyond academics, nurturing the whole child. Every day is filled with a delightful selection of fresh fruits and vegetables alongside well-balanced meals. The dedicated teachers at May Be are highly qualified and experienced — First Aid and CPR certified, so ensuring your child’s safety and well-being is always a top priority. May Be also offers fantastic activities to ignite your child’s passions. Whether it’s mastering strokes in the pool, perfecting swings on the tennis court, or finding inner peace through Yoga and Zumba, there’s something for every child.
Location: Trichkova mogila 23A, Sofia, Bulgaria
Curriculum: Oxford and Jolly Phonics.
Ages: 2 yrs – 6 yrs
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
2. International Children's Creativity Center
ICCC fosters a safe and secure environment where exploration and discovery are encouraged at every turn. The ICCC team believes in the inherent competence of young minds, empowering them to be independent thinkers and take initiative in their learning journey. Through age-appropriate activities, children are encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills. Their core curriculum, the International Early Years Curriculum, provides a strong foundation, while special programs like Jolly Phonics and Abacus add engaging layers of literacy and math development. They also incorporate nature walks and exploration, allowing children to connect with the natural world and embrace its wonders.
Location: 20 akad. Hristo Hristov , Sofia, Bulgaria
Curriculum: the International Early Years.
Ages: 2 yrs – 6 yrs
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
3. KidsVille
At KidsVille, the focus isn’t just on rote memorisation – it’s about igniting a passion for learning that goes beyond the classroom. They believe in fostering a love of discovery, where children are encouraged to explore their interests and delve deeper into the world around them. KidsVille’s dedicated team of professionals understands that the drive to learn is far more powerful than the desire for good grades. KidsVille graduates consistently gain admission to the most prestigious schools in Bulgaria and beyond.
Location: ul. “Akademik Sanders” 37, Sofia, Bulgaria
Curriculum: IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum)
Ages: 10 months to 7 years.
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
4. Bright Care Kindergarten
Bright Care fosters intercultural acceptance, nurturing a sense of global citizenship from a young age. Their philosophy is rooted in kindness and respect, using methods like Compassionate Communication and The Reggio Emilia Approach to create a warm and supportive environment. A team of pedagogues, psychologists, and nurses work together to support each child’s unique needs. Bright Care recognizes the importance of family involvement. Parents are encouraged to share their cultural heritage, personal values, and professional experiences, enriching the tapestry of learning within the centre.
Location: 109A Golqma mogila Str., Sofia, Bulgaria
Curriculum: Regio Emilia Approach
Ages: 1.5 yrs to 6 yrs
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
5. Montessori Children’s House
Following the Decalogue by Dr. Maria Montessori, Montessori Children’s House creates a nurturing environment that fosters respect, independence, and a love of learning. Here, your child will blossom into a confident, curious individual, equipped with the skills to become a successful and responsible citizen of the world. They believe in celebrating cultural, ethnic, social, and religious diversity, and nurturing a sense of responsibility and respect for others. The beautifully designed learning environment reflects the Montessori philosophy. Montessori Children’s House also offers free parent workshops, fostering a strong home-school partnership and ensuring you’re actively involved in your child’s journey.
Location: 6, Yana Yazova St., Vitosha Residential District, 1700 Sofia
Curriculum: Montessori Method
Ages: 14 months – 6+ years
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Contact Details: office@montessori-bulgaria.com
6. Discover Montessori
Founded in 2012, this pioneering institution has blossomed into a comprehensive school offering high-quality Montessori education from infancy through high school (Grade 12). Here, your child will be guided by AMI-qualified teachers who are fluent in both Bulgarian and English. Their innovative approach seamlessly integrates the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programs with the core tenets of Montessori education. This unique blend equips students with the critical thinking skills, intercultural understanding, and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in a globalised world.
Location: 6, Sofia, Bulgaria
Curriculum: Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), International Baccalaureate (IB), Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP)
Ages: 14 months – 18 years
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
7. Private Kindergarten "Tuti"
What began as a small house brimming with warmth in 1997 has blossomed into a purpose-built haven for young learners. At Private Kindergarten “Tuti,” your child will embark on a bilingual journey that opens doors to a world of opportunity. Tuti’s mission statement, “Nurturing Skills and Community for Life,” isn’t just words on a page – it’s the cornerstone of their philosophy. Their dedicated team believes in fostering a sense of community and equipping children with the skills they need to thrive in the world. Academically, Tuti expertly blends the Bulgarian curriculum with best practices from around the world, ensuring your child receives a well-rounded education. Tuti also understands that healthy bodies fuel curious minds. Hence, they prioritise healthy eating habits and provide delicious meals throughout the day.
Location: 28, Sofia, Bulgaria
Curriculum: Play-based curriculum
Ages: 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 year olds
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
8. Private Kindergarten Germani
Germani is a licensed private school that takes its commitment to German language learning seriously. They utilise the best German educational programs, Kikus and Hans Hase, creating a stimulating environment where German becomes the language of play, exploration, and discovery. While German is at the heart of the Germani experience, the school also emphasizes well-rounded development. Your child will have opportunities to explore other subjects, nurture creativity, and develop essential life skills.
Location: Sofia, 1797 “Malinova dolina” Str.16, Nr 6B, PO box 40
Curriculum: German Curriculum
Ages: 1.6 yrs to 6 yrs
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
9. St. George International Preschool
St. George International Preschool utilises the highly-regarded Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Going ahead, they also integrate elements of the Cambridge Primary program. While academics are important, St. George International Preschool understands the importance of a holistic approach. Your child will have ample opportunities to explore their creativity, develop social skills through collaborative play, and foster a lifelong love of learning in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Location: 47 Nikola Vaptzarov blvd, Sofia 1407
Curriculum: EYFS and Cambridge Primary program
Ages: 2 yrs to 7 yrs
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
10. ABC Kinder Care Center
At ABC Kinder Care Center, your child will embark on an extraordinary educational adventure that celebrates diversity and ignites a passion for learning about the world. Since 2008, ABC Kinder Care Center has grown into a vibrant community of learners, welcoming children and families from over 20 nationalities. They foster a strong community of like-minded parents who share a commitment to their children’s education and global understanding. Their collaboration with Sofia University and participation in European educational programs demonstrate their commitment to staying at the forefront of early childhood education. Being a member of COBIS (Council of British International Schools) is a true testament to their world-class standards.
Location: g.k. Lozenets, bul. “Hristo Smirnenski” 27, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
Curriculum: International Primary Curriculum- IPC
Ages: 2 yrs to 6 yrs
Timings: Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Now that you have the list of top preschools in Bulgaria, all you need to do is pick one.
How to choose the perfect daycare for your child in Bulgaria?
Consider your child's needs and interests:
- Age and development: Think about your child’s age and developmental stage. Do they thrive in structured environments or benefit more from play-based learning?
- Learning style: Is your child a visual learner, a hands-on explorer, or someone who flourishes through social interaction?
- Interests: Does your child have a particular passion for science, music, or the arts? Look for a preschool that caters to their interests and helps them discover new ones.
Explore your priorities:
- Curriculum: Do you prioritise a traditional Bulgarian curriculum, an international approach, or a focus on specific philosophies like Montessori?
- Language immersion: Is learning a second language important to you? Consider bilingual or multilingual programs.
- Activities and extracurriculars: Does the preschool offer activities that pique your child’s curiosity and support their holistic development?
- Schedule and flexibility: Do you need full-time care, part-time options, or extended hours to accommodate your work schedule?
Research and visit:
- Read online reviews: Read parent reviews and get a feel for the overall atmosphere of each preschool.
- Schedule visits: Most preschools offer tours or information sessions. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, observe the classrooms, and understand the environment. Bring your child along if possible!
- Talk to current parents: Connect with parents whose children attend preschool. Their firsthand experiences can be invaluable.
Trust your gut:
Ultimately, the best preschool for your child is the one where you feel a sense of comfort and trust.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer! With so many incredible preschools in Bulgaria, you’re sure to find the perfect environment where your child can learn and grow into a confident, curious, and well-rounded individual.
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