Sofia Christian Academy Sofia Christian Academy Sofia Christian Academy Sofia Christian Academy Sofia Christian Academy Sofia Christian Academy
 

FAQs



Q:

Why SCA?

A:

Sofia Christian Academy exists to serve the missionary community of Sofia by providing a quality education at an affordable price for missionary kids. It is our hope that through our ministry to MK’s, that the missionary community and Church in Sofia will grow stronger and more united so that God’s glory can be seen in the Church throughout Bulgaria.

Q:

What is SCA?

A:

Sofia Christian Academy is a small school family, committed to an excellent academic tradition based on the schooling system of the USA.  A classical Christian education is the foundation of what we offer and in which our students are trained.  Parents and volunteers are actively involved in all aspects of SCA whose undergirding principle is to come alongside parents as they nurture, disciple, and train their children.  Parental involvement runs the spectrum, from full time teaching, teaching one class, from participating on the Board to assisting a full time teacher, from covering the lunch and recess break to teaching PE, and from handling the school’s finances to making sure all supplies are stocked!

Q:

Who teaches at SCA?

A:

Most of our teachers are also missionaries who raise their own support, and who God has called to serve Sofia’s missionary community. Qualified teachers from within the Bulgarian community join us as needed. The SCA family is committed to encouraging, valuing, and supporting each other and our teachers in every way possible.

Q:

What subjects are taught?

A:

The core subjects taught are generally language arts, mathematics, science, history, geography, Bible, and Bulgarian language.  Depending on the grade level, units in humanities, art, health, physical education, and music are also taught.

Q:

What are the school hours?

A:

SCA operates on a four-day school week, Tuesday through Friday, from 8:45 AM to 3 or 4  PM(depending on whether students are enrolled in the lower or upper school).  Mondays are designated as homework days. SCA observes the Bulgarian national holidays as well as major US holidays. We publish an annual calendar before the start of each school year.

Q:

How does SCA form curricula for each class?

A:

SCA’s educational philosophy is to provide a “classical Christian education,” and the curriculum we follow for language arts and history is from the Tapestry of Grace, a multi-level four-year program.  The mathematics curriculum is Saxon. In early elementary, the curriculum for language arts and mathematics is Abeka and the history curriculum is the Story of the World. Depending on the class and the need, we may curate curricula from other sources as well.

Q:

What is the student body size and what grades are taught?

A:

The numbers of students and the grade levels at SCA vary from year-to-year, depending on the needs of the missionary community. The student body has been as large as 32 and as small as 4. Classes range from Pre-K through grade 12.

Q:

Do teachers have the opportunity to engage in the broader Bulgarian and English-speaking community?

A:

There are numerous opportunities for ministry in Sofia, and a four-day school week ensures that teachers also have time to invest in the local church and in ministry.  One way to develop relationships is through attending English clubs and English events.  Teachers will find that many Bulgarians are looking for opportunities to speak and develop relationships with native English speakers!

Q:

What about teacher salary?

A:

As a teacher at SCA, you also are a missionary, ministering to missionary children and enabling their parents to be free for ministry. This is a very important and invaluable opportunity to impact the lives of children and youth.  As such, teachers at SCA do not receive a salary, but are expected to raise missionary financial support. We can recommend a number of sending agencies that can help you in this endeavor. We are also happy to walk with you through this process.

Q:

Do I need to speak Bulgarian?

A:

No, you don't. All of our classes are taught in English, and many people in Sofia speak English as well. With that being said, if you are going to be living here, we do recommend that you learn Bulgarian. It will make your life easier and will be greatly appreciated by the Bulgarians you encounter. There are many ways to begin learning once you are here, and we will be happy to help.