Bulgarian Education Center is established in 2015 as independent non-profit organization to provide classes to children with interests in learning Bulgarian language, culture, traditions, music, national holidays, History and Geography. By teaching students their mother's language and getting to know other culture and traditions, the Bulgarian School on Nantucket helps them develop a strong sense of belonging which is substantial in finding a place in the world in the future. BEC preserves language, national culture and personal identity. We are ready to take part in all activities that benefit the whole island community. A great challenge was finding a space to rent for the classes, setting up the organization as a legal entity and obtaining the appropriate insurance, not to forget creating learning plans for all ages depending on their language level.
In October 2015 IRS issued a determination letter, recognizing Bulgarian Education Center Co., Inc. as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)(3).
The school is officially licensed by the Bulgarian Ministry of Education and Science as of August 2016.
On November 1st, 2016, Bulgarian National Enlighteners' Day, the day when we honor the founders of Bulgarian Education and Culture, Bulgarian School on Nantucket became a member of the Association of Bulgarian Schools Abroad! We were warmly welcomed by the Board of the Association and were very excited to join efforts with them in order to keep preserving the Bulgarian literacy, language, and culture on the island!
Bulgarian language is now accepted as a foreign language in the program 'Seal of Biliteracy' in Massachusetts. The Seal of Biliteracy recognizes bilingual students and provides universities and employers with a method to identify and give credits to them! Since 2023 the Bulgarian School on Nantucket is an official administrative center and a host in Cape & islands area to provide an exam with Sofia University in Bulgaria so the students are able to certify knowledge and proficiency in Bulgarian language and to obtain a Seal of Biliteracy.
The Bulgarian School on Nantucket became a fact thanks to the whole-hearted trust and unconditional support of our students' parents. Together, we have created a warm, professional and loving learning environment for our children. We are very proud of what we have done and are committed to working towards improvement every day. Our greatest reward is our students' desire and satisfaction of coming to school every Saturday and leaving with a smile.
When there is love, there is a success too! Our reward is our kids' smile, willing to learn and enthusiasm.