Under1Roof is one of those seemingly magical places where children not only feel good, but also naturally and holistically discover the world, others and themselves. At this kindergarten, set at the foot of the Vitosha, children enjoy not only fresh air and plenty of opportunities for play and learning, but also a structured, scientifically grounded approach to education and upbringing.
The name of Masha Ilieva needs no introduction. With countless leading roles on Bulgaria's greatest stages, she embodies the very idea of a prima ballerina. At her ballet school, she and her fellow teachers pass on their love of dance while nurturing discipline, confidence and teamwork.
How is Masha Ilieva Ballet School different from simply taking "ballet lessons"?
One of the clearest signs that higher education is changing can be found in the classroom itself. Professors are looking beyond polished writing to understand how students reason, question, and connect ideas, because today, a flawless essay can easily be generated by AI in seconds.
Students too are beginning to reject AI-generated feedback from professors, as it feels generic and lacking emotion. They want to be challenged by another mind they revere.
When we talk about quality education, we most often think of school: the curriculum, grades and preparing children for the future. Over the years, however, I have found myself asking one question more and more often: when does quality education actually begin?
Today, the answer is clear to me. It begins much earlier, in early childhood, and continues throughout the pre-school years.
This is why Alliance Language Centre is one of the most respected names in foreign language education in Bulgaria. For more than eight decades, it has combined academic tradition with a modern approach, proving that quality education is the soundest investment in the future.
When Gyuler Ahmedova from Sofia founded La Scuola Language Centre, she set herself a clear goal: for students to complete their courses confident, capable and ready to meet any challenge. A passionate linguist, Ms Ahmedova has devoted her career not only to mastering Italian and Turkish but also to developing effective, modern teaching methods. Today, La Scuola's team of experienced professionals teaches a wide range of languages both in person and online, through flexible programmes and small groups suited to modern lifestyles.
After ten years at Instituto Cervantes Sofia, her path took her to Barcelona. There, as both a mother and a professional, she found the inspiration for Culturadas, a boutique Spanish language academy for children in Sofia. After five years in Spain, she returned to Bulgaria in 2021 to work in education, including as a brand manager for Lego Education. Today, Culturadas is a project that develops not only children's language skills, but also their creativity.
What is Culturadas?
It later evolved through founding an education center and a child-focused event space and developing educational projects of her own. Her latest venture is CATBRIDGE, a new bilingual kindergarten in the heart of Sofia. There, business vision meets a deep belief in the unlimited potential of early childhood development.
How does CATBRIDGE translate the idea of early childhood as a fundamental period in development into practice?
It is one of the ways they discover the world, learn what their bodies can do and develop the confidence to try something new. And when movement is combined with music, play and a nurturing environment, it can become a powerful part of early child development.
In technology, talent does not simply emerge – it is shaped. It grows at the intersection of academic foundations, real-world experience and the guidance of professionals who understand where the industry is heading next. In a world where artificial intelligence, big data and machine learning are redefining entire business sectors, the question is no longer whether young professionals will need to adapt, but how well prepared they are to do so.
University of Mining and Geology "St. Ivan Rilski" is an example of education that combines the development of science and young specialists with practical application and modern technologies for the optimal use of natural mineral resources. The university develops strong partnerships with companies and international academic organisations; its graduates are valued and sought after on the local and international labour market. The rector of UMG, Prof. Ivaylo Koprev, PhD, tells more.
There are many ways for children and adults to learn English. Arina Lessons is a place where the process becomes engaging, inspiring and deeply personalised.
The boutique language school was created as a space for inspiration and knowledge. Here, students of all ages are welcomed, encouraged and guided to grow, discovering a mastery of the language that opens the doors of the world.
Its philosophy places motivation, individual attention and inspiring teachers at the heart of everything it does. The centre is led by
Antoaneta Ivanovski and Daniel Ivanovski – specialists with extensive academic backgrounds in philology, information technology, economics and pedagogy that gives them a broad and in‑depth perspective on contemporary education and student development.
"We do not learn for school, but for life" – in times of an uncertain economy, rapidly developing technologies and global instability, the University of Telecommunications and Posts offers an education that embodies the idea of the old Roman saying and gives its graduates an excellent start in life. UTP works in close collaboration with business, offers specialisations with development prospects and is increasingly attractive to both Bulgarian and international students. Much of these achievements are due to its rector; a woman who is a true leader in the field of education – Prof.
The Sun Ray Private Eco School builds upon this philosophical principle to nurture the confident, knowledgeable, and responsible individuals of the future. At Sun Ray, children discover the world – and their own talents – in a safe, encouraging environment filled with music, art, and engaging activities. The school’s founder, Mrs Maria Paeva, tells us more.
Because quality education is holistic, focusing on children’s emotional world and on humanity’s bond with nature?
The University of Telecommunications and Post is an exemplar educational institution that has successfully adapted its century-long traditions with the most advanced concepts for modern learning. A pioneer in dual education in Bulgaria, the UTP gives its students opportunities to gain valuable real-life work experience and to become competent in different fields, allowing them to connect the dots between academic expertise and practical knowledge – a strategy that paves the way for them towards tomorrow's success. Behind the UTP's formidable journey is a woman. Prof.
You might be an expat, a manager, or a digital nomad. Whatever the reason that brought you to Bulgaria, you have probably already realised that mastering Bulgarian is key for you to enjoy the country and talk freely with its people as much as possible. "But Bulgarian is hard!", you might say. Yes, the language has a lot of peculiarities. But with the help of Edno School, you will be able to find your way through it.
Flexible, personalised and at your own tempo – the one-to-one online German training at German With Petya is designed for anyone who wants real results, not just to tick boxes or pass tests. Founded in 2021 by Petya Georgieva – an experienced, passionate and inspiring German teacher – the school stands out with its clear focus on individual learning, innovative teaching methods, the ability to identify each student's needs, and to support them in systematically mastering the German language.
Learning a new language is not a task – it is a journey. With this idea in mind, Theodora Valcheva, founder of Bloomer Academy, has created an outstanding experience that inspires and motivates both children and adults to master new languages.
Bloomer Academy offers online courses in English, French, and Spanish, as well as online classes that prepare students for their state exams in Bulgarian language and literature, and foreign languages.
Founders Presiana Shisheva and Svetoslava Koynova share more.
How does Jolly Kids succeed in supporting young children's natural ability to acquire languages through effective learning?
Presiana: Our bespoke programme is designed specifically for the youngest learners, aged 1 to 7, and simulates a natural language environment. The children do not "study" the language – they absorb it through a variety of everyday activities, from handwashing routines to arts and crafts, storytelling, songs and even scientific experiments.