The tradition of academic excellence in the arts, culture, mathematics, and science in Bulgaria that was set aside under communism remains the goal of the Bulgarian government with legislation designed to replace the ideological doctrine subordinating education under a totalitarian regime and to restore Bulgaria's historical tradition. The new law on school education recognizes the right of every citizen or, if under age, the parents to free choice of school and the type of education preferred. The law also lays down that schools are state-maintained, municipal, or independent. Following a description of the present systems for elementary and secondary education, there is a discussion of the three-block organization of curriculum with general compulsory instruction, compulsory elective instruction, and optional instruction. Despite declarations in favor of choice and variety, few established independent schools exist in Bulgaria. The problems independent schools face in setting up schools stem from: (1) the contradiction between legal sanctions for independence and the centralization of power; (2) the far from prosperous economy and low living standards; and (3) the fact that the variety of educational goals and methods that stem from independence based on religious beliefs does not have a base in Bulgaria. Financial support and public awareness of the schools in Bulgaria needs to be heightened. (CK)