Handbook for New Residents (Part 5): Family in the Mountains – Kindergartens, Schools and Freedom

Very digital nomads and young families choose Bansko for the sake of their children. Here, the little ones get something that is a luxury in the big city: freedom.

The air is clean, distances are short, and crime is almost zero. Children can play outside until late, ride bikes safely, and grow up surrounded by nature.

Here's what you need to know about education and activities for the little ones.

An illustration that shows how free and safe children live in Bansko – outdoor games, proximity to nature and accessible kindergartens, schools and sports activities.

1. Kindergartens and Nurseries

In Bansko there is no problem with a "shortage of places", as in Sofia.

State kindergartens

The main kindergarten is DG “Zdravets”.

• Base: Renovated, with large yards for playing.
• Reception: There are usually free places. Registration takes place at the Municipality or directly with the director.
• Fees: From April 2022, state kindergartens in Bulgaria are free for parents.

Private and Alternative Options

Due to the large expat community, alternative forms of daycare (Co-kids spaces) are also emerging in the city, organized by parents in the coworking community. This is a great option if you want your child to grow up in an English-speaking or multicultural environment.

2. Schools: From first grade to high school

Education in Bansko is at a good level, with a focus on tourism and professional training.

Primary and Secondary Education

• National University “St. Paisius of Hilendar”: Elementary school (grades 1-4). Cozy atmosphere, ideal for younger children.
• SU "Neofit Rilski": The largest secondary school in the city. Offers education from grades 1 to 12. The facility has been renovated, has sports fields and STEM classrooms.

Vocational high schools

• PGT “Aleko Konstantinov” (Tourism Gymnasium): It prepares personnel for the hotel and restaurant industry - chefs, administrators, mountain guides.
• PGEE (High School of Electronics and Energy): A technical school with traditions.
• Forestry High School: For professions related to forestry and woodworking.

3. Sports and Activities (After School)

Here, Bansko has no competition. Children play active sports all year round.

Winter sports

• Ski Club "“Yulen“": Local children practice skiing and snowboarding professionally at preferential prices.
• Free programs: There are often “Learn to Ski” programs for students from the municipality.

Summer sports

• Swimming: Hotel pools often offer swimming lessons for children.
• Football: The St. Peter City Stadium has excellent surfaces and is open for training.
• Climbing and Cycling: The mountain is the largest sports hall. There are mountain biking and orienteering clubs.

Arts and Culture

The Nikola Vaptsarov Community Center is extremely active. It hosts schools in:

• Folk dances (A very strong local tradition).
• Music (Piano, accordion, tambourine).
• Drawing and applied arts.

4. Community for parents

Being a parent in a new city can be lonely, but not here.

• International Parents in Bansko: There are active Facebook groups and chats where mothers and fathers (Bulgarians and foreigners) organize “playdates”, exchange children's clothes and help each other with childcare.
• The park: The city park is the social hub. In the afternoon it's full of children and parents. There's a pond with fish, large climbing frames, and bike paths.

5. Medical care for children

• Pediatrician: There are good pediatricians at the polyclinic.
• Pharmacies: There are 24/7 pharmacies in season, and in off season they work until late. All basic medicines are available.

Conclusion of the New Residents series Bansko is perhaps the best compromise between the tranquility of the village and the conveniences of the city. For digital nomads and young families, this is a place where “work-life balance” is not just a phrase, but an everyday reality.

Welcome home!