Dimcho Debelianov ORT Jewish School, Sofia

Founded in 1891, Dimcho Debelianov ORT Jewish School is a state-funded public school located in Sofia, Bulgaria. It has assumed the name of the Bulgarian poet Dimcho Debelianov since 1957 and became part of the World ORT network in 2003, marking the return of ORT to Bulgaria after nearly half a century.

The school’s mission is to deliver high-quality, modern education rooted in historical traditions while promoting tolerance, equality, and cultural cooperation. It aims to foster students’ self-confidence and moral development, preparing them to become capable individuals who contribute to a better world. As the only state school in Bulgaria offering Hebrew instruction, it emphasizes language education and cultural diversity.

Recognized as an innovative institution, the school boasts modern facilities including a media center and STEM spaces. It actively commemorates the rescue of Bulgarian Jews during World War II and is home to Bulgaria’s only monument dedicated to the Bulgarian Righteous Among the Nations, acknowledged by Yad Vashem.

The school follows Bulgaria’s national curriculum, offering both general and specialized education. In high school, students choose from three academic tracks: Foreign Languages, STEM, and Software & Hardware Sciences. The curriculum is complemented by Hebrew and Jewish studies, which are mandatory for all students from grades 1 through 12. These programs follow internationally recognized frameworks such as TalAm and Matah Bishvil HaIvrit, culminating in a Hebrew language certificate issued by the Jewish Agency for Israel upon successful completion in grade 12.

The school is accredited under Erasmus+, enabling it to participate in European educational exchanges and mobility programs. It also offers entrepreneurship and communication courses through its partnership with ORT and includes media-focused education developed in collaboration with leading Bulgarian media organizations.

Dimcho Debelianov offers 36 extracurricular elective courses spanning all school levels. These include Jewish traditions, Hebrew, visual arts, civic education, leadership and communication skills, technology, entrepreneurship, gaming concepts, vocal training, artificial intelligence, natural sciences, and history. Many of these are supported by European Union projects.

The school also partners with its School Board to offer professionally led sports and dance programs, such as football, kickboxing, and traditional Jewish and Bulgarian dance. A democratically elected Student Council represents student interests across the school, and leadership skills are fostered from an early age.

The Hebrew department works in partnership with the Netaim organization, which provides ongoing educational engagement and support for students. With over 10 languages spoken in the school community, multilingualism and inclusion are celebrated, while Bulgarian, Hebrew, and English serve as the primary languages of instruction.

The school takes a values-driven, competency-based approach across humanities, arts, sciences, and social sciences. A hallmark of its innovation is the use of interdisciplinary STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading/wRiting, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) lessons, which foster cross-curricular learning. Experiential learning is integrated through real, simulated, and hybrid experiences, including Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Mixed Reality, and AI-based technologies.

A major highlight is the Dr. Emil Kalo STEM Center for Technology in the Creative Industries. Its cutting-edge media studio enables students to gain hands-on experience in media editing, animation, 3D modeling, app design, and augmented reality. This studio supports interdisciplinary teaching in Hebrew, English, and STEAM subjects, helping students build essential digital, creative, and critical thinking skills aligned with real-world industry standards.

The school has hosted seven editions of the World ORT Digital Skills Academy and is considered a network leader in STEAM, media, and language education.

In terms of areas for development, the school is focused on strengthening its middle leadership layer to better implement senior leadership strategies. It is also looking to implement new systems to enhance project, time, and HR management and welcomes collaboration and support from other ORT institutions in these areas.

Educating for Life is a guiding principle deeply embedded in the school’s philosophy and activities. Interdisciplinary STREAM lessons combine scientific knowledge with creativity and practical application. STEM integration is a core practice in the curriculum and is enhanced through project-based and experiential learning.

Entrepreneurship education is also central. The school is an original participant in the World ORT Taub Young Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) and collaborates with Junior Achievement and Sofia Tech Park to offer a robust entrepreneurship curriculum that connects classroom learning with real-world challenges.

The school places strong emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, recognizing the importance of supporting students and teachers alike. Through the World ORT Mental Health & Wellbeing Program, the school implements a performative and holistic approach that links mental and physical health with sports, faith, adventure, and cultural identity. This initiative fosters emotional awareness, positive relationships, ethical decision-making, and resilience within the school community.

All students—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—participate in Jewish education. Hebrew instruction is mandatory from grades 1 to 12, ranging from 4 to 8 hours per week. The school celebrates all major Jewish holidays as well as those commemorating the State of Israel. It offers free introductory courses in Hebrew and Jewish culture to parents and families.

Student exchanges with schools in Israel are an integral part of the program, with approximately three trips organized annually. Teachers regularly attend Hebrew and Jewish education seminars in Israel and Europe, often in partnership with Netaim, which helps fund many of these opportunities.

Dimcho Debelianov actively participates in the World ORT Global Citizenship Program, which brings together students from across the network to explore global challenges, develop leadership skills, and work on initiatives with positive social impact. This program serves as the cornerstone of the school’s global citizenship education, enabling students to broaden their worldview and connect with international peers around issues of shared concern.