Frank and Ruth Munsey have resided in the Chicago/north-west Indiana area for the past 56 years. They have four children, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Before coming to Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1991, they founded and operated a private school in north-west Indiana for 15 years. Observing the economic and social devastation of Eastern Europe, the Munseys were drawn to Bulgaria particularly. During their very first visit, as they observed so many needs, they organised efforts to bring supplies to the medical community and other humanitarian needs. At the same time, other American and international families were re-locating to Sofia. These families had a desire to continue their children’s education in English. The American English Academy (AEA) was born during that time – in 1993. The love for the Bulgarian people, and the vision to fulfil a need in the community, was the driving force enabling them to overcome culture shock, language barriers and the many obstacles that the Munseys faced. Ruth Munsey says: “During the past 17 years, we have developed so many wonderful friendships with Bulgarian people and consider this our second home. We enjoy the culture, the beauty and the rich history that this country offers. When you combine all that with the wide span of cultures and nationalities that our students, teachers and parents bring to AEA, it makes for a very vibrant environment here in Sofia.”

They currently have firm plans to expand the school, which involves purchasing land, designing and building their own school facilities.

The goal for AEA is to educate its students through quality academic disciplines. The school is an American school, with all subjects taught in English. We have students from K3 (three years old) to 12th grade, and of 32 different nationalities. ESL (English as a second language) is also offered to students who are not proficient in the English language. They use the Abeka curriculum, which was written from a Christian perspective and carefully prepared by scholars who were well rounded in the practical aspects of teaching. Their curriculum prepares our students to excel in higher education. Students graduate with an American diploma that is accepted at universities and colleges in the United States, Europe and the rest of the world.

In addition to normal schooling, AEA also offers extra-curricular activities like drama, dance (ballet and modern), spelling bees and science fairs.

“We serve the diplomatic and military families from the international and Bulgarian communities,” Ruth says. “Most of our students’ families wish for their children to have an English-language education. We are able to deliver that education through the commitment of staff from America and English-speaking Bulgarian teachers. Many of our teachers have been employed for more than 10 years with AEA.”

All documentation for registration can be downloaded from the internet at aea-bg.com or can be completed in the school. A copy of the child’s birth certificate and small photo are also necessary, along with academic transcripts from schools previously attended. AEA can also be contacted by e-mail at aeaoffice@gmail.com.
The school also holds two summer school sessions, one in June and the other in July. These run daily from 9am till 2pm, with lessons and fun activities. Ruth says that this is a very good introduction to the English language and the school. More information can be found at www.nespirai.com.

If anybody would like to visit, they are welcome to come during the school hours (8.50am to 3.05pm), and it is not necessary to make an appointment.

The Munsey’s desire is for their students to learn to have an understanding and appreciation of other cultures. “We teach our students to embrace and practise justice, mercy and peace in society and their families in general,” she says.

“Our impact on Bulgaria begins with the individual students. We aim to instil in our students a love of learning and moral values that impact their homes and the community in which they live.”

American English Academy
10  Tsvetan Lazarov Blvd
5th floor, Drouzhba borough, Sofia
Tel: 02/ 978 01 36
aea-bg.com

Published as part of the Education in Bulgaria special feature of The Sofia Echo, May 23 2008