The Bulgarian school "Vasil Levski" in San Diego is a nest of Bulgarian culture and language away from the motherland, enabling our kids to preserve a part of their national identity. The school is actively driven by the teachers with classes on Bulgarian language and literature, history, and geography. Extracuricular activities develop attachment to the authentic Bulgarian traditions and culture. We are proud with the active participation of the parents, who support the learning process and make the school a better place.
2019-2020 School Year
Group 1
Teacher: Irina Tomova
At the beginning of the school year, there are 5 students enrolled in the class, aged 4.5 to 6 years old, though age is not critical for enrollment. The children are absolute beginners in written Bulgarian language, but they do have adequate vocabulary to make simple sentences and convey their thoughts in Bulgarian. For some of the students, Bulgarian language is not the main language spoken at home. The teacher works with the students on fine hand motor skills, application of senses, songs singing, and reading short and interesting texts. Primary objective is accumulation of vocabulary that is appropriate to the age and environment of each child. Study and play are closely intertwined, utilizing a variety of teaching methods and recourses. Children learn to recognize and spell the Bulgarian alphabet, get used to the phonetic features of the language and develop their listening, writing, and speaking skills. Class communication is primarily in Bulgarian, but if and where necessary, the teacher also clarifies some concepts in English. Class work is supported with many pictures, flash cards, illustrations, books and materials.
Classes are every Saturday, 11:30am to 1:45pm, with a short break for lunch and play between classes.
Group 2
Teacher: Irina Tomova
At the beginning of the school year, there are 6 students enrolled in this class, aged 5 to 9 years old. Age is not a determining factor for enrolling a new student in this group. The program is adapted by the teacher, such that the children continue for a second year together with the accumulation of vocabulary and expressions, and their application to writing, speaking, and all kinds of communication. The program provides a deeper understanding of national identity, with emphasis on historical and geographical facts. Students are introduced to the works of Bulgarian and foreign authors of books, tales, and songs; significant time is dedicated to musical and art activities, along with Bulgarian traditions, holidays, and cultural monuments. Many of the topics are developed in the form of games and crosswords, texts are short and at an age-appropriate comprehension level, accounting for the fact that Bulgarian language is secondary for some of the students. One of the primary objectives of the curriculum is that at the end of the school year the students should be comfortably reading short texts with good comprehension, and applying phrases and words in everyday communication.
Classes are every Saturday, 9:00am to 11:15am, with a short break for lunch and play between classes.
Group 3
Teacher: Mariana Marinova
There are 3 students in this class at the beginning of the school year. Students are advanced and the level of instruction is respectively high. The age of the students is between 10 and 12 years, but this is not the determining factor for a child to enroll in this class. The program is building up on prior academic years - enhancement of vocabulary, spelling and speaking skills, grammar structures and their application to everyday life, striving for overall fluency in Bulgarian language. The curriculum is broken down into subjects: Bulgarian language, Literature, Pronunciation, Writing, History, and Geography and last but not least - homework. General focus on enhanced understanding of basic historical facts, as well as peculiarities of Bulgarian culture, traditions, and customs.
Classes are every Saturday, 9:00am to 11:15am, with a short break for lunch and play between classes.
Group 4
Teacher: Mariana Marinova
At the beginning of the school year, 6 students are enrolled in this class, aged 5 to 9 years old. Age is not a determining factor for enrolling a new student in this group. The program is adapted by the teacher with primary objectives of developing spoken language, reading of short texts, and basic grammar rules of the Bulgarian language. Lessons are short and entertaining, with lots of pictures to illustrate and support the learning process. Some of the lessons are related to Bulgarian history, geography, and culture.
Classes are every Saturday, 11:30am to 1:45pm, with a short break for lunch and play between classes.
