I SO agree with you, Carolyn. It breaks my heart to hear such sad and disheartening statistics about a country I love so much. I am often shocked at how smart and well rounded my husband (a product of the Bulgarian public school system) turned out based on how he was taught and the crazy things that went on in his classrooms (the more colorful tales involve bribing the teachers with alcohol and chocolates for passing grades). In fact, all of my Bulgarian friends know at least two languages (if not 3, 4, or even 5!) and hold multiple degrees. They are some of the most brilliant people I know. In my mind, this definitely shows how hard working many Bulgarians are and how much they value education; even when faced with less than ideal circumstances and a failing system. I have to assume it is due in large part to self-study and sheer determination. My husband actually has a Masters in Mathematics education and Computer Science, but has no intentions of ever teaching in Bulgaria because the salaries are downright laughable. 

If we ever have children in Bulgaria, I would most definitely want them to attend  private schools such as ACS. And what's sad about that is that is does nothing to help the underlying problem. 

Thanks for the post. I think the more attention this topic gets the better. 

W.