The best international schools in Istanbul city offer academic excellence on all levels. Often sought out by expatriate families, international students learn global skills alongside impeccable educational experiences. Expats in Turkey typically choose international education over public schools because the curriculum and qualifications are vastly different.
Turkish state qualifications are not globally recognised, but private education teaches international curriculums, so should that child or their expat family decide to leave Turkey later, their qualifications will still be recognised in other countries. Additionally, class sizes are smaller, and more time is spent on extracurricular activities.
Thanks to their inclusive learning environments, the Istanbul schools have a worldwide reputation as the best, encouraging critical thinking from an early age. With that in mind, here is our guide to potential schools for foreigners in Istanbul.
Istanbul International Community School (IICS) was the first to offer all three international baccalaureate programs, which led to universities' acceptance of global qualifications worldwide. First opening in 1911, they provide the K–12 USA education. With roughly 600 pupils from more than 60 nationalities attending the Hisar and Marmara campuses, this establishment is worth looking at. The first campus in Sariyer, one of the most prestigious districts, takes students to grade 3. The latter campus in Buyukcekmece covers 40 acres. English is the primary language of instruction, and students are taught Turkish. Part of their sponsorship comes from the USA Department of Overseas Schools, ensuring a high level of tuition.
Offering a modified British Curriculum, the Cambridge IGCSE and the International Baccalaureate School Programme, this British curriculum school is accredited by the Council of International Schools, Council of British International Schools and Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools. They have three programmes: pre-school from ages 2.5 to 4, primary education from 5 to 11, and secondary from ages 12 to 18. To prove their worth, some students have gone on to the University of Cambridge and Berkley. Also, in the Sariyer district, they run extra extracurricular activities and field trips alongside British tuition.
As the most prestigious school in Turkey, this is the oldest USA education establishment outside the states, opening in 1863. Sitting in the Besiktas district, they take credit for educating many prominent people, including politicians, journalists, artists, and global prime ministers. They are a member of the G30 group and are accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. Only accepting up to 220 students yearly, the maximum number of students in a term is 1000, with a small amount making advantage of boarding status. Encouraging children to make informed decisions, modern facilities, and average class sizes boost their professional development and reputation.
Sitting in the Ortakoy district of Besiktas and opening in 1998, modern foreign languages are a key point of the national curriculum at MEF International. This is a school with its roots in Turkey. The founder wrote ten books and also founded the big Yurtici cargo company. Turkish classes take place alongside other interests ranging from the early centre program to high school tuition. Academic growth is a core theme, and they encourage students to excel in sports and make time for their studies. Additional language courses are available in French or Spanish, and clubs provide an environment for students to further their interests after lessons.
While many individual schools with international curriculum options are on the European side, this one sits on the Asian side in Uskudar. The curriculum ranges from the early years for foundational skills to A levels for personal development, and term fees are structured around this. There are no boarding options, although there is a bus for daily runs for additional costs. They say they offer the potential for success at affordable fees, and their teaching staff consists of 20 different nationalities. Following the Cambridge University curriculum program, they assist with college applications and university admissions.
This prospective school that offers learning experiences for French students is named after the famous writer who spent time in the city. It has a hill and cable car named after him. Encouraging personal growth, experienced educators teach students from pre-kindergarten to high school grades. It isn't a multicultural environment for students, but more specialised towards French pupils. Still, they will find a well-rounded tuition plan, focusing on future success, making crucial decisions and individual growth.
Known as Deutsche Schule Istanbul, the German School of Istanbul, in English or Özel Alman Lisesi in Turkish, this educational institution is based in the Beyoglu district and excels in foreign-language instruction. Opening in 1868 for German and Swiss pupils, students could apply to universities in Switzerland, Germany, or Austria after completing their tuition. Also, reporting to the Ministry of National Education of Turkey, classes are taught in Turkish, English, and German, with students having the option of choosing French as their optional choice. With roughly 90 teachers, Deutsche Schule accepts up to 700 students and contains a library, chemistry labs, music studios and sports facilities. They excel in after-class activities and provide students with opportunities for the future.
Offering 11 education programmes from preschool to university, this Turkish school is based all over the country. The cosmopolitan city of Istanbul has campuses in Atasehir, Avcilar, Bahcesehir, Tuzla, and Sariyer. First opening in 2002, they came under the brand of Can Education Group, which is connected to the renowned University of Istanbul Bilgi. Özel Doga emphasises communication skills on a global basis, as well as digital literacy skills and online learning platforms. In addition to having comprehensive sports facilities, one of their core aims is social integration; every year, students get involved with community service projects.
This range of schools operates in four locations in Istanbul: Ataşehir, Bahçelievler, Bahçeşehir, and Beylikduzu. They follow four programs from kindergarten to secondary tuition and specialise in bilingual education. Their philosophy is that childhood tuition equips students for the future, and with comprehensive support services, they are a suitable choice for those looking for an established Turkish education sector.
The Koç School, founded by the prominent Turkish businessman Vehbi Koç, is a private, coeducational institution offering a bilingual education in Turkish and English. Located near Tuzla, they are comprised of both high and elementary schools. The high school pioneered the International Baccalaureate (IB) program in Turkey, providing students with a rigorous academic curriculum. Admission is competitive, based on nationwide examinations, but there are extensive facilities, including modern classrooms, sports centres, and art studios.
Academic Curriculum: Does the institution follow a specific philosophy? For example, Montessori, IB, or classical tuition, and are academic standards well-structured? Are there Advanced Placement (AP), Baccalaureate (IB), or other specialised programs, and what is their history of test scores and college placement rates?
Culture and Location: Enquire about the mission and philosophy and whether they align with your family’s values and beliefs. Also, find out what their discipline procedures are. Think about location and how your children will get there. Some educational facilities offer transport to and from campuses, but at additional costs.
Facilities and Support: Ask to see the library, classrooms, and sports facilities. Are they up-to-date and well-equipped? Is there a strong safety and security policy? How are social-emotional development and mental health handled, and are there resources for students with learning differences or special needs?
Reputation & Reviews: How long has the school operated, and what is its reputation? Do they have independent rankings or accreditation by external bodies? Can they provide contact details of other parents you can talk to?
With private education taking up much of your budget, enquiring about the fees and what they include should be your first port of call. What are tuition fees and annual inflation, and how are they paid? Are scholarship opportunities or financial aid available, and what are additional costs? These usually are books, uniforms, trips, extracurriculars, and field trips. What are the admission criteria and deadlines, and are there entrance exams or interviews to prepare for? How competitive is the application process? Some schools require children to sit exams, while the more prestigious schools have waiting lists.
Find out teachers' qualifications and experience levels and the student-to-teacher ratio. Pupils are known to excel in smaller class sizes. What programs are available for after-lessons, and are they something that your child would be interested in? Think arts, music, drama, and sports. Also, enquire about other specialised support services for students like counselling or emotional health development.
Best Istanbul Neighbourhoods: The long list of Istanbul neighbourhoods runs into hundreds, and this is no surprise given that it is Turkey’s largest, most populated city. As a hub of everything and anything, including business, tourism, health, and economy, people flock from all over the world to boost the local population of Turks. Many Istanbul expats are working professionals, while others like an urban lifestyle. All have one thing in common, though: to live somewhere decent.
Why Buy Property: Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia, offers stunning architecture and rapidly growing real estate markets. For foreign buyers investing in property, Istanbul has attractive propositions and plenty of properties for sale. Indeed, Istanbul ticks all the boxes by easily matching European countries and major cities for every aspect of investing and daily life.
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