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What are the English Schools in Turkey?
So What are the English Schools in Turkey? If you plan to live in Turkey as a foreign parent and try to find a school for your English-speaking children, don’t worry! Some private primary schools in Ankara or Istanbul offer a bilingual learning technique where they teach classes in English alongside Turkish.
There are, however, some English schools in Turkey -which means they teach classes only in English- and they are mainly some private high schools and some universities. These schools offer either complete or near-complete education in English. In this article, you’ll find a list of the best English schools in Turkey.
Here is an article that might interest you further; “Best High Schools in Turkey.”
Education in Turkey
Turkey’s education system consists of a state-funded and operated network of primary and secondary institutions. Schooling is free and compulsory for a period of Twelve years known as “4+4+4.” This entails four years of elementary school (first level), four years of secondary school (second level), and five years of secondary school. The majority of the time, students are taught in Turkish.
Following their sixth or seventh birthday, children start primary school in the first month of September. At the age of fourteen, an elementary education diploma is issued. Students receive a Secondary School Diploma (Lise Diplomasi in Turkish) at the end of secondary school, allowing them to take the board exams and apply for higher education (university).
Educational Accreditation in Turkey
The Council of International Schools (CoIS) is a non-profit organisation that provides educational accreditation, teacher and leadership recruiting services, linkages to higher education, governance support, and aid in establishing new schools. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) is a non-profit organisation that accredits American curriculum schools in other countries. The European Council of International Schools (ECIS) accredits international schools that meet a European standard.
You can always hire an experienced guide to guide you through all the processes or a law firm in Turkey to handle all of your affairs in Turkey.
English Schools in Turkey
Here is a list of some of the best English Schools in Turkey (high schools).
Uskudar American Academy, Istanbul
Established in 1876, Uskudar American Academy (UAA) is one of the oldest private schools in Turkey. UAA has a one-year mandatory English preparatory class. Except for the cultural classes taught in Turkish such as history, geography, and Turkish Language and Literature, the school offers other classes completely in English. 25% of the teachers are native English speakers, and UAA expects their students to speaking as a native language by graduation. The school also offers elective language classes such as German, Spanish and French. It has only one campus, and it’s in Uskudar, Istanbul.
Web: UAA
The Robert College of Istanbul
Robert College is the oldest American educational institution that was built outside the United States of America. It was established in Istanbul in 1863. Just like Uskudar American Academy, Robert College also has a one-year mandatory English preparatory class. Except for the cultural classes taught in Turkish such as history, geography, and Turkish Language and Literature, the school offers other classes completely in English. The school has a built-in dorm and can bed up to ninety female and a hundred male students. Robert College has over a hundred extracurricular activities students can attend and offers elective language classes in French and German. The school is located in Besiktas, Istanbul.
Web: Robert College
Tarabya British Schools, Istanbul
Tarabya British Schools is one of the first schools to offer education both in Turkish curriculum and Cambridge international examinations’ curriculum. Every class except Turkish Language and Literature is taught in English. The maximum student capacity of a single class is fifteen students. Tarabya British Schools has four different campuses in Istanbul. These are located in Tarabya, Yenikoy, Çengelkoy, and Etiler.
International British Schools, Istanbul
International British Schools is one of the most well-known and recognised international schools in Turkey. They offer a modified English curriculum, and the classes are in English. They also offer classes in German, Spanish and French and have two campuses in Istanbul, located in Etiler and Zekeriyakoy.
Web: International British Schools
Istanbul International School, Istanbul
With students over fifty nationalities and teachers over twenty nationalities, Istanbul International School is truly one of the most diverse English schools in Turkey that offers classes in English. Istanbul International School has two campuses located in Uskudar.
Web: Istanbul International School
For further reading, you can check out our article on; “Can International Students Work in Turkey?”
International Schools in Turkey
Expat students (multinational corporate executives, children of diplomats, NGO employees) in Turkey may find international schools to be the ideal answer. Although there may be some local students, the schools are designed for international students. Primary instruction may be in any language (and multiple languages are usually taught), but it is usually in English. Schools generally follow a curriculum model from the United States, the United Kingdom, or France, and primary instruction may be in any language (and multiple languages are usually taught).
Many schools worldwide have similar educational standards, allowing students to easily move between schools whether they are in France or Vietnam. Internationally recognised accreditation, such as the international baccalaureate (IB), is frequently provided by schools.
The admissions and registration procedures differ from one institution to the next. Because space is typically limited, students may be given priority depending on their origin. Tuition is typically pricey by local standards, but it provides high learning standards, smaller class numbers, first-rate facilities, and extracurricular activities. Some schools provide boarding facilities, although the majority solely offer day programs.
English Schools in Turkey, Istanbul
Here is a list of some of the best English Schools in Turkey, Istanbul.
Istanbul International Community School
International multi-cultural education from kindergarten through high school. It is one of the world’s oldest international schools, having been founded in 1911. It is a private, non-profit, co-educational school that caters to the requirements of expatriates. Language classes in Finnish, Korean, and Spanish are also available, and Cambridge University International Exams. The CIS and the NEASC have given it international recognition.
Web: IICS
Eyuboglu Educational Institutions
The school was established in 1887 by Dr Rustem Eyuboglu, and all classes are taught in English except for Turkish and Social Studies. The elementary and secondary schools are in Kadikoy and Camlica, respectively, while the high school is in Umraniye. French and German are optional beginning in sixth grade. Students who meet the standards set by the school administration can enrol in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program after ninth grade. The school is IBO and CIS certified.
Web: Eyuboglu Schools
Koc Private Elementary School and High School – The Koc Schools
Private elementary and secondary schools are available. Except for Turkish and Social Studies, all classes are taught in English. French and German are optional beginning in sixth grade. Students who meet the standards set by the school administration can enrol in the IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma program after ninth grade.
Web: Koc Schools
Private Access Kindergarten – Terakki Foundation Schools
An international school offering an English language program to children aged 2-6. Also, have a comprehensive program for infants.
Web: TFS
Eden’s Garden International Preschool
Early childhood education for children ages 2 to 6, a nursery program for children ages 1.5 to 3, a pre-school program for children ages 3-6, and a summer discovery camp for children ages 2 to 8 are all available. The entire program is taught in English.
Web: Eden’s Garden International Preschool
Keystone International School
Keystone International Schools (KIS) was founded in Istanbul with three campuses to serve students from three to High School Grade 12 with an English-speaking, comprehensive educational environment. The Canadian Prince Edward Island (PEI) Curriculum is used at KIS, along with project-based learning activities. Mommy & Me, Playgroup, Preschool, and Kindergarten programs are also available.
Web: KIS
English Schools in Turkey, Ankara
International Pre-school and Kindergarten
Offers early childhood education programs for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten-age children.
Web: IPSK
British Embassy School Ankara
BESA is a British school in Ankara, Turkey, located on the grounds of the British Embassy. The National Curriculum in England and the International Early Years Curriculum, International Primary Curriculum, and International Middle Years Curriculum are all followed. We are a co-educational school with around two hundred students ages three to Fourteen from over thirty nations. We are renowned as a welcoming and compassionate British school that emphasises a comprehensive approach to teaching.
Web: BESA
Buyuk Koleji Ankara
Buyuk Koleji was established in 1951 as Buyuk Dersane. It has evolved into one of Turkey’s leading educational institutions. In the 1986-87 academic year, the school launched elementary and middle schools, and in 1990, it expanded with the addition of a high school. Hundreds of students have graduated since then, many of whom have gone on to have extremely successful professions. The school’s facilities have developed along with it.
The school constructed a new facility across from the main building in 1996 to suit the requirements of children in the Early Years and first grades. The Büyük Science High School, established in 2011, was the school’s first new division. The school is committed to becoming a leader in science, and the establishment of this new division is only the first step in that direction.
Web: Buyuk Koleji
English Schools in Turkey, Izmir
American Collegiate Institute (“Ozel Izmir Amerikan Koleji” in Turkish)
The American Collegiate Institute (also known as “Ozel Izmir Amerikan Koleji” in Turkish) is a private co-educational high school in Goztepe, Izmir, Turkey, founded in 1878. The nonprofit foundation SEV, Salk ve Egitim Vakfi, created the American Collegiate Institute (ACI) and currently runs it. “Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve” is the school slogan, and the school hymn is “Hail Alma Mater Fair.”[1]
Web: American Collegiate Institute
Tarsus American College, Izmır (TAC)
Tarsus American College is an educational institution established in the Tarsus district of Mersin in 1888 by the United States Board of Trustees forensic missionary organisation. The purpose of establishing the school, as can be understood from the slogan “Leaders for Turkey, leadership for the world”, is to train trained leader candidates. There are many important TAC graduates in the world and Turkey. It is known as Tarsus American High School, although its name is Private Tarsus American College, approved by the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Turkey. In daily conversation, it is referred to as “TAC”, which consists of the initials of Tarsus American College in English.[2]
Web: TAC
International Schools and Education in Turkey
Parents of primary and secondary school pupils and university students, who are seeking foreign schools in Turkey, will be pleasantly pleased by the wide range of options available, particularly if they plan to live in one of the larger cities such as Istanbul. Expatriate students frequently enrol in international schools right away since they have a shared interest with other students. Because the curriculum is aligned with those of other international schools worldwide, the learning transfer for students is simple and smooth.
Although English is the predominant language in many schools, others educate in various languages to accommodate pupils of all backgrounds. The price gap between international and local schools is the most evident distinction for anybody looking at foreign schools. Extracurricular activities, fewer classes, and a better level of learning are just a few of the advantages.
Global accreditations are quite important when picking a school, and there are two that are commonly utilised. International Baccalaureate Schools and CIS are the two types of widely used accreditations.
International Baccalaureate Schools in Turkey
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is based on a unique teaching and learning methodology. The program’s goals are to inspire students to think independently, take responsibility for their education, acquire a second language to broaden their cultural awareness and receive certification that will allow them to attend some of the world’s top institutions.
The IB accrediting approach is based on emotional, social, and academic qualities. They have four programs that allow students to discover and create their own cultural identity and individual ideas.
- Children aged 3 to 12: Primary Years (PYP)
- Students aged 11 to 16: Middle Years (MYP)
- Students aged 16 to 19: Diploma (DP) and Career-Related (CP)
There are now sixty-seven International Baccalaureate Schools in Turkey that teach; English, German, Turkish, and other languages. IBO can help you find an IB school in Turkey.
CIS Schools in Turkey
The Council of International Schools is a non-profit organisation dedicated to elementary and secondary education across the world. Their goal is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to become global citizens who comprehend other cultures. They promote the study, discussion, and action on personal, local, and global concerns and respect for diversity across societies by focusing on global citizenship as a set of life skills.
Another certification that promotes the acquisition of second languages is the CIS. They also promote living a sustainable lifestyle. They now have 733 schools worldwide, making it even easier for students with internationally mobile parents to switch. Turkey has twenty-seven of these schools. Fifteen in Istanbul, one in Bursa, three in Ankara, five in Izmir, and three in Adana. COIS has further information.
What schools are The Best International Schools in Turkey?
International Schools in Istanbul, Turkey
Safir International School
This is the most well-known school among Arab residents. The international program of Safir International School is built on American standards. They instruct in both Arabic and English on Islamic topics. Additionally, pupils are taught three languages: English, Arabic, and Turkish.
Web: Safir International School
ALKEV Private Schools
ALKEV Private Schools (Alman Liseliler Kultur ve Egitim Vakfi) was founded in Buyukcekmece in 1996. It’s Istanbul’s German school. The major language of instruction is German. They also provide instruction in English.
Web: ALKEV
Manara Canadian Academy
Olive Grove School has a branch in Ontario, Canada, called Manara Canadian Academy. With Arabic and English as their first languages, the school provides a wonderful and safe atmosphere for kids to study and develop. Both Libyan and Canadian Accredited Curriculum are adapted in the learning system. The school is in Istanbul’s Bahcesehir neighbourhood.
Web: Manara
Sainte-Pulchérie French High School
Sainte Pulchérie is located in Beyoglu, near Taksim Street and the French Cultural Center. A total of fifty educators make up the educational staff (63 per cent of which are French-speaking and 40 per cent of French nationality). Students can pursue their studies in any institution of their choosing, both in Turkey and abroad, thanks to teaching three languages (French, Turkish, and English).
Web: Sainte-Pulchérie
Pushkin International Russian School
The Sultangazi district is home to the International Russian School. The school’s major goal is to preserve the Russian language and culture and teach Russian-speaking youngsters living abroad how to understand the heritage of great Russian history, literature, music, and other fields of knowledge and art. Recognising that learning the Turkish language is a must for children living in Turkey, the education program has been designed to make every effort to provide a high-quality Turkish, Russian, and English education.
Web: Pushkin
Notre-Dame de Sion French High School
Lycée Notre Dame de Sion Istanbul is a private French high school in the Harbiye area of Istanbul. It was established in 1856. The applied curriculum is the recognised French high school curriculum. Turkish and French are the two languages used in education. English is taught as a foreign language to students.
Web: NDS
International Schools in Bursa, Turkey
TED College in Bursa
The Baccalaureate Certificate is held by TED Bursa College, which has been in operation since 2006. They provide kindergarten, primary, and high school placements and teach Turkish, English, and German. International Baccalaureate Schools (IBO), Council of International Schools (CIS), European Council of International Schools (ECIS), and Eco-Schools are all accreditations of this college.
Web: TED College
Emine Ornek Educational Foundations in Bursa
Emine Ornek Schools (basic and secondary high school) opened in Bademli in 1998. The school provides instruction in more than one foreign language. It belongs to international organisations such as the CIS and the ECIS.
Web: EOEF
International Schools in Antalya, Turkey
International Community College of Antalya (ICCA)
Anyone considering relocating to Antalya has several options, but the ICCA (International Community College of Antalya) is the most well-known. They offer preschool, primary, and lower secondary education in English and Turkish at two schools in the area. For students aged three to fourteen, the school provides a well-established and effective education.
Web: ICCA
TED College in Antalya
The Baccalaureate Certificate is held by TED Antalya College, which has been in operation since 2006. They provide kindergarten, primary, and high school placements and teach Turkish, English, and German. International Baccalaureate Schools (IBO), Council of International Schools (CIS), European Council of International Schools (ECIS), and Eco-Schools are all accreditations of this college.
Web: TED College
Antalya ISTEK Schools
In 2008, ISTEK Schools was founded. Turkish, English, and German are all taught at the institution. Turkish teachers and native-speaking English teachers teach English classes. A native-speaking English teacher is in charge of the instruction.
Web: ISTEK Schools
For more information, you can always contact us.
We hope that this article on “English Schools in Turkey” will help guide you through the process of choosing a proper school for your children. As a prospective and responsible parent, you must always think about what’s best for your children; and education is one of the most important things to consider.
Would you like to check out our other articles about living and investing in Turkey? Here are some helpful links for you:
- Can I Get My Diploma Degree in Turkey, and will it be Equivalent in Other Countries?
- Are You Legally Authorised to Work in Turkey?
- How Long Does it Take to Obtain a Turkish Student Visa?
- Turkish Language Courses
- Do I Have To Know Speaking Turkish in Turkey?
- Master’s Degree in Turkey
References
- American Collegiate Institute. (2021, April 27). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Collegiate_Institute
- Wikipedia contributors. (2006, January 15). Tarsus Amerikan Koleji. Vikipedi. https://tr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsus_Amerikan_Koleji
