High School

16 – 18 years (Grades 11–12)

His love for his environment suggests what work he should choose. Something calls to him to fulfil his mission. Man then works with a true spirit of sacrifice and by his work transforms the environment, creating another world that pervades all of nature. This world is something more than nature, for to build it man uses everything that exists in nature. Man creates a supernature. And man’s supernature is different from ordinary nature.

Dr Maria Montessori

Welcome to our Upper Secondary (High School) Program: A unique educational journey for future leaders with an international mindset, ready to change the world.

Discover School opens its first year of upper secondary (high school) with IB Diploma Program (DP) in September 2025. Based on a 2-year programme, the International Baccalaureate curriculum issues the only international diploma recognised at more than 2 000 institutions worldwide.

In Grades 11 and 12, our students take the IB Diploma Program, which is recognised by universities worldwide.

The IB Diploma Program (for students aged 16 to 18) is the gold standard for university entrance qualifications worldwide. In many cases, IB graduates are offered direct entrance into universities in European countries, the UK, and the USA without the need to take additional admissions tests.

As it is a challenging programme with externally assessed examinations, admission is based on a student’s school record and admissions tests for external candidates. 

Discover School is an IB World School for the Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Middle Years Program (MYP) and is in the process of getting the status of a candidate school* for the Diploma Program (DP).

The implementation of the Diploma Program (DP) is expected to strengthen further the school’s commitment to holistic, inquiry-based, and internationally-minded education, seamlessly building upon the foundation established by the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP). The PYP fosters curiosity, creativity, and foundational transdisciplinary skills, while the MYP deepens conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning. The DP will extend this progression by providing a rigorous academic framework that challenges students to think creatively and critically, to apply their knowledge in complex, real-world contexts, develop research and self-management skills, and engage in meaningful reflection through the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS). 

This continuity ensures that students graduate as independent, globally-minded thinkers, well-prepared for university and beyond, while reinforcing the Discover School’s mission of lifelong learning and personal development.

Subject Specialisation: CHOOSING THE RIGHT COMBINATION

The range of subjects enables students to study potentially any discipline at the university level (depending on their higher-level subjects). Three of the subjects are studied at the higher level, and students obtain greater depth in these choices.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program curriculum is built around 6 academic areas enclosing a central core. 

Within the academic areas, students will choose their subjects from the following list:

  • Language & Literature: English, Bulgarian or mother tongue
  • Language Acquisition: Spanish, German or Russian
  • Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
  • Individuals & Societies: History, Geography, Environmental systems and societies, Economics.
  • Mathematics: Applications & Interpretation or Analysis & Approaches
  • Electives: students have the option to study a second subject from the other groups.

In each of the academic areas, students have flexibility in making their choices, which means they can choose subjects that particularly interest them and that they may wish to study further at university.

Three subjects (and not more than four) are taken at a higher level (HL), and the others are taken at a standard level (SL). Subjects at HL are studied in greater depth and breadth than at SL. Many skills are developed at both levels, especially critical thinking and analysis.

At the end of the course, students’ abilities are measured by means of external and internationally standardised assessments.
It is this comprehensive range of subjects that makes the DP a demanding course of study designed to prepare students effectively for university entrance and, above all, success in life beyond.

Sample Routes

The examples below show some of the recommended combinations for our students. There are many more possibilities, but it is important to note that some countries and universities have specific requirements depending on the course.

Arts & Languages

English Lit HL

Bulgarian L&L HL

Art History SL

Environmental systems and societies SL

Maths Applications and Interpretation SL

Visual Arts HL
Sciences & Engineering

English Language & Literature SL

Bulgarian L&L SL

History SL

Chemistry HL

Maths Applications & Interpretation SL

Physics HL
Languages & Business

English L&L HL

Bulgarian L&L SL

History SL

Chemistry SL

Maths Analysis & Approaches HL

Language Acquisition HL
Bio Medical

English L&L HL

Bulgarian L&L HL

Economics HL

Biology HL

Maths Applications & Interpretation SL

Chemistry HL
Engineering

English L&L SL

Bulgarian L&L SL

Economics SL

Physics HL

Maths Analysis & Approaches HL

Chemistry HL

The Core: THREE REQUIRED COMPONENTS

In addition to the compulsory subjects, students in the programme complete three key components: 

  • Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – A subject that encourages students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and the different ways in which we acquire it.
  • Extended Essay (EE) – An independent research project in which students analyse a chosen topic in depth, developing university-level academic skills.
  • Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) – A program that stimulates personal and social development through artistic, athletic, and volunteer initiatives.

All high school students – IB DP, actively participate in the three components that make up the core of the programme. Reflection on all these activities is a principle that lies at the heart of the thinking behind the Diploma Program.

Theory of Knowledge

The Theory of Knowledge course encourages students to think about the nature of knowledge, to reflect on the process of learning in all the subjects they study as part of their Diploma Programme, and to make connections across the academic areas.

Extended Essay

The extended essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a paper. It enables students to investigate a topic of special interest that they have chosen themselves and also encourages them to develop the skills of independent research that will be expected at university.

Creativity, Action, Service

Creativity, Activity, Service involves students in experiential learning within the community through a range of artistic, sporting, physical and service activities. The three strands of CAS, which are often interwoven with particular activities, are characterized as follows:

  • Creativity – arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking.
  • Activity – physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, complementing academic work elsewhere in the DP.
  • Service – an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student.

IB Diploma Program (DP)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) is open to any student aged 16-19. The DP is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education. It addresses students’ intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being and is respected by universities across the globe. continued academic achievement and a fulfilling life and support the development of students within the IB Diploma Program.

Discover School supports the commitment of the IB to the development of students according to the attributes outlined in the IB learner profile.

We strive to provide a holistic preparatory experience with an emphasis on our core values of care, scholarship, creativity, integrity and independence, all of which lay the foundation for future success.

The advantages of the high school program at Discover School

  • Customised learning profiles – Students can tailor their studies to their interests and future career goals.
  • University and Career Preparation – Our program in the upper secondary stage develops critical thinking, research and communication skills that make students competitive candidates for leading universities around the world.
  • Comprehensive Development – In addition to academics, students participate in Creativity, Action, Service (CAS), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE), which prepares them for the global world and leadership roles.
  • Experienced tutors and one-on-one support – Our teachers provide one-on-one mentoring and guidance so that each student reaches his or her full potential.

Languages

As part of the programme in upper secondary school, students take at least one subject from the language and literature curriculum. Taking two courses in language and literature in different languages is one way of obtaining a bilingual diploma.

The courses offer a wide range of texts and students begin to appreciate the complexity, richness and subtleties of language in different contexts. Students follow their studies in a language in which they are academically competent.

Through each course, students can develop:

  • a personal appreciation of language and literature;
  • critical thinking skills as they interact with a range of texts from different periods, styles, text types and forms of literacy;
  • an understanding of the formal, stylistic and aesthetic qualities of texts
  • the ability to express themselves both in writing and orally;
  • appreciation of cultural differences in perspective;
  • an understanding of how language challenges and supports ways of thinking.

Through the study of language and literature, the program aims to develop the student’s interest in language and literature and a lifelong love of the richness of human expression.

Pathway to Global Opportunities: CAREER AND UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING

The IB Diploma Program (DP) is recognised by leading universities and institutions around the world. It provides students with a strong academic foundation, key skills and a global perspective that are essential for success in future education and careers.

Discover School provides a highly experienced and passionate team of university counsellors, allowing students to benefit from a wealth of knowledge on tertiary education pathways across the globe.

We are building future leaders, thinkers and innovators! 

Ready to take the next step?

Join the second high school stage of the Discover School and unlock endless possibilities!

* IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging international education, which Discover School believes is essential for our students. Only schools authorised by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorisation will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org

Discover School is like an island of hope that something meaningful can happen in our educational system, as long as there is a willingness to make it happen. And I haven’t lost hope that in the next 10-20 years, more children will have the opportunity to learn in this way – one that is relevant to the times we live in and focused on the greater goal of shaping citizens who are critical thinkers, proactive, and empathetic.

K.U., a parents of a student at Discover School

Schedule a tour

We invite you to visit us and meet our team before submitting your Registration for enrolment.”

Schedule

Tuitions

Tuitions of Discover Montessori School are revised on an annual basis. The tuition includes:          

  • Holistic Education according to 
    • Bulgarian state requirements.
    • International standards for holistic Montessori education.
    • Primary years programme (PYP) and Middle years programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB).
    • Bespoke individualised program responding to the child’s needs.
    • English language program as a main language of instruction.
    • Intensive study of a second foreign language (Spanish, German, or Russian) in Middle Years and High School.
  • Core and Extended School Day
    • Early Years (Pre-school): Core school day: by 4:00 pm. Extended day: by 5:30 pm.
    • Primary and Middle Years (1. – 7. grade): Core school day: by 4:30 pm. Extended day: by 5:30 pm.
    • High School (8. – 12. grade): Core school day: by 1:30 pm. Extended day: by 5:30 pm.
  • Extra Curricular Activities:
    • Early Years (Pre-school): arts.
    • Primary and Middle Years (1. – 7. grade): sports games.
    • High School (8. – 12. grade): theatre club.
  • Meals: fruits and vegetables
  • Visits to theatre or music productions, activities in a museum or gallery, architectural and natural attractions, and practices in Sofia.
  • Medical professional attention includes morning checks, first aid, and prevention measures.
  • Annual “Accident” insurance.

Extracurricular activities, which require additional payment:

  • Clubs (robotics, photography, dancing, digital skills, handwork, theatre, piano, handwork, sports math, writing workshop, chess club).
  • Sports (swimming, tennis, football, yoga).
  • Ski and green camps (for children over six years old).
  • Trips and educational activities outside Sofia.
  • Classes with a speech therapist.

Tuition for School year 2025-26:

Program  Age/Grade One payment Two payments Monthly payments
Primary Early Years  Pre-school 7 400 2 х 3 800 = 7 600 1 х 2 600 and 9 х 585 = 7 865
Primary /Elementary Years
Grades 1 – 7
 7 650 2 х 3 925
= 7 850		 1 х 2 600 and 9 х 610 = 8 100
Middle Years and High School
Grades 8 – 12
 7 200 2 х 3 900 = 7 800 1 х 2 600 and 9 х 633 = 8 306

Discounts:

  • Signing a 3-year contract provides a 5% discount.
  • For a second child in the family, a 5% discount is applied to their annual tuition fee.
  • For a third child and twins in the family, a 7% discount is applied to his annual tuition fee.

School Year:

  • Primary Yearly Years (Pre-school): 1 September – 31 July.  
  • School: 15 September – 15/30 June.

Terms of Payment:

1 payment
by 1st June
2 payments
by 1st June and 1st of September
Monthly payments
from September till June

Deposit:

A deposit of 15% of the tuition is payable upon signing the educational contract. The deposit guarantees the child’s place in the program and is refunded from the first paid instalment of the tuition for the academic year.

Enrolment:

Upon signing the contract, the enrollment fee is 500 EUR for preschool and 750 EUR for primary and middle years.

Learning Resources:

The learning resources fee is paid once for the entire academic year: 400 EUR for preschool and 500 EUR for primary and middle years.

Meals:

  • Early Years (Pre-school): breakfast, fruits and vegetables, lunch, afternoon snack: 1 200 euro.
  • Primary Year (1. – 4. grade): fruits and vegetables, lunch: 1300 euro.
  • Middle Years and High School  (5. – 12. grade): breakfast, fruits and vegetables, lunch: 1 500 euro.

Extracurricular Activities:

Clubs and extracurricular activities are part of the Extended School Day program, which is offered every day of the week. They play an important role in school life, providing children with a wide variety of activities. The list of clubs and activities is updated every school year.

Transport:

The service is offered for children who have reached the age of 5, according to the schedule of the students of Otkrivatel Montessori School (from 15.09. to 15.06.). A subcontractor performs the service, and a transport fee is charged in addition to the tuition. The transport fee for the academic year 2024/2025 is 2 500 euros and can be paid once or in two instalments before the beginning of each term – September and January. If the transport is used in one direction only, a discount of 35% of the price is used. If there is a second child from one address, a discount of 60% of the price is applied.

Summer School:

From June 15 to August 25, students can attend Summer School, where a bilingual language program continues in all subjects. The Summer School fee is per week.

All figures are in euro.

For more information, please contact us: hello@montessorischools.bg