The Aprilov National High School (Национална Априловска гимназия) in Gabrovo is the first modern secular school in Bulgaria. It was opened on 2 January 1835, when Bulgaria was still part of the Ottoman Empire, with the financial help of Vasil Aprilov, Nikolay Palauzov, Vasil Rasheev and other wealthy Bulgarians and was based on the Bell-Lancaster method.

Formed as the Gabrovo School, it took the name of its primary benefactor, Vasil Aprilov, in 1889. The school still exists today, having returned to its historic building in 1992 and it is one of the most prestigious high schools in Bulgaria.

Education

The school is ranked among the most elite secondary schools in the Bulgaria. Currently, it enrolls students in 3 language and 2 humanitarian classes. The main foreign languages studied are English and German, and in addition to them, French and Greek are taught as second languages. The humanitarian profiles are Bulgarian language and literature and history. Many specialized and extracurricular forms of education are also offered.

Over the years, graduates of the school have been winners of prestigious national and international student competitions. According to data, 95% of the school’s graduates continue their education in universities.

Traditions

April Days of Culture

Since the early 1990s, the school has been the organizer of the April Days of Culture, which are held annually in the second half of May. The event includes student seminars, theater performances, concerts and literary readings. Traditionally, the days of culture end with the graduation of 12th grade students.

Aprilovtsi return

The initiative „Aprilovtsi return“ is a continuation of the idea that arose on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of the Aprilov High School, to organize an annual Alumni Ball, which will meet the past and present of the high school through informal, festive, creative and working meetings of graduates from different grades of the school. Successful and accomplished students of the Aprilov High School return to tell about their path, the meaning of what they have achieved and the effort they have put into their careers.