Schooling is a major concern for families when they move to Turkey. Most want to enroll their children in international schools. There is a wide range of schools from which to pick in Turkey. If you’re wondering about the best education in Turkey for international students, then this blog will help you.
Foreign students living in Turkey tend to go to international schools. They share common interests with other students. Thus, the learning transition is simple and smooth. There is an overall better level of learning in these schools
Despite the high cost of international schools in Turkey, the benefits are worth it. Here is why:
• The education system is bilingual. Every school's primary language of instruction is different. However, English is the primary language in many schools to accommodate students of all backgrounds.
• There are different globally recognized curricula based on each school. It is a similar system to other international schools around the world.
• Provides a global and multicultural environment. There are many students from different countries.
• Some schools offer both local and international accreditations. Parents have the option of choosing the syllabus they want for their children.
• The number of students in a class is small so there is the focus put on each child.
• Students can enjoy quality facilities and stay motivated with extracurricular activities.
Istanbul is the city where these schools are most common. You can find them in other cities as well, such as Ankara, Bursa, and Antalya. All of them are accredited by well-known organizations. The main organizations are NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) or the ECIS (European Commission on International Studies).
Accreditation of International Schools in Turkey
There are two global accreditations that are regularly used in Turkey:
1- International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate program is based on a unique teaching and learning model. The aim of the program is to motivate children to think for themselves and be responsible.
In this program, second languages are taught for cultural awareness. Students get certificates that enable them to get into the best universities.
The IB accrediting model has four programs. These programs allow students to discover and build their own cultural identities.
• Primary Years Program: Children aged 3 to 12
• Middle Years Program: Students aged 11 to 16
• Diploma and Career-Related Program: students aged 16 to 19
In Turkey, there are 95 IB schools teaching English, German, Turkish, and other languages. Find an IB school here.
2- Council of International Schools (CIS)
CIS is the world's largest membership organization for international schools. The membership is dedicated to shaping international education.
The council promotes community diversity. It encourages research, discussion, and personal action on local and global issues.
Global citizenship is the center of everything done at CIS. Their goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to become global citizens.
CIS is another accreditation that promotes the learning of second languages. There are 733 CIS schools around the world. Making it even easier for students with globally mobile parents to transition.
Turkey has 27 of these schools. There are 15 in Istanbul, 1 in Bursa, 3 in Ankara, 5 in Izmir, and 3 in Adana.
International School Tuition Fees in Turkey
Tuition rates for international schools in Turkey vary greatly based on the curriculum and level of education. Generally, it might range from as little as 12,000 TL (Turkish lira) to as much as 250,000 TL.
The typical international school price in Turkey is roughly estimated as:
25,000 TL for kindergarten,
35,000 TL for primary school,
45,000 TL for middle school,
and 55,000 TL for high school.
Note: The prices shown are for the year 2021 and are subject to alter year to year.
List of the Best International Schools in Turkey
International Schools in Istanbul Turkey
• The British International School Istanbul Turkey
The facility in the Sarıyer district's Zekeriyaköy offers a modified English curriculum. In addition to English, they also teach in German, Spanish, and French. Among the curricula available are a modified English National Curriculum, IGCSE, and IB Program.
• Istanbul International Community School
This school only educates foreign nationals. Only English is used as a medium of instruction. IICS has two campuses. One in Rumeli Hisar, near the Bosphorus for children aged 3 to 9. The second Marmara Campus in Büyükçekmece, for children aged 3 to 18.
An American International School Turkey. It uses English as the primary medium of instruction and follows an American-style curriculum. It is one of Turkey's most prominent and oldest schools.
• Tarabya British Schools (TBS)
This is Turkey's first school to combine Turkish and British national curriculums. All subjects are taught in English, except for Turkish Language and Cultural Courses. The school has four campuses.
• Safir International School
This is the most well-known school among Arab citizens. The international program of Safir International School is built on American standards. They instruct in both Arabic and English on Islamic topics. Students are also taught three languages: English, Arabic, and Turkish.
• Alfayez International School
Alfayez International School was established in July 2015. It is the first Arab school in Istanbul authorized by the Turkish Ministry of National Educations. This school has students from over 24 different countries. English and Arabic are the languages of instruction.
ALKEV Private Schools (Alman Liseliler Kültür ve Eitim Vakfı) is a German school in Istanbul. The primary language of instruction is German. They also provide instruction in English.
MEF International School is a co-educational day school for students in Preschool through Grade 12. This school includes students from over 57 different countries.
On a 40-acre campus, the school has multi-purpose facilities. Turkish and English are the main languages. They also provide French and Spanish lessons.
• Notre-Dame de Sion French High School
The Lycée Notre Dame de Sion Istanbul is a private French high school in Istanbul's Harbiye district. The applied curriculum is that of a typical French high school. The two languages used in schooling are Turkish and French. Students are taught English as a foreign language.
• Pushkin International Russian School
The school's principal goal is to preserve the Russian language and culture. Additionally, to grasp the other fields of knowledge and art among Russian-speaking youngsters living abroad. The education provides a high-quality Turkish, Russian, and English education.
International Schools in Antalya Turkey
TED Antalya College began as a primary school in 2006. They offer kindergarten, primary, and high school placements and teach in Turkish English and German. IBO, CIS, ECIS, and Eco-Schools are some of the international organizations that this college belongs to.
ISTEK Schools was founded in 2008. Turkish, English, and German are all taught at the institution. Turkish teachers and native-speaking English teachers teach English classes.
Primary, middle, and high school curricula are offered in both Turkish and international programs. Students take IGCSE lessons in the 9th and 10th grades, and the (IBDP) lessons in the 11th and 12th grades.
• Alfayez International School -Antalya Branch
Alfayez International School has established in July 2015. This school has students from over 24 different countries. English and Arabic are the languages of instruction.
Antalya Koleji was founded in 2009. The school, which has three different campuses in Antalya, offers kindergarten, primary, secondary, and high school education. Turkish and English are education languages. The school is a member of PASCH. Cambridge International Primary, Cambridge International Secondary, and IGCSE are available curriculums.
International Schools in Bursa Turkey
TED Bursa College offers kindergarten, primary, and high school placements. The languages taught are Turkish, English, and German. IBO, CIS, ECIS, and Eco-Schools are some of the international organizations that this college belongs to.
Çakır Schools offers placements in primary and secondary school. It is the first and only school in Bursa authorized by the IBO to administer the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP).
• Private Egeberk School (Özel Egeberk Anaokulu)
This is another school in Bursa authorized by IB and provides Primary Years Program (PYP) program. Turkish is the main language spoken. English foreign language lessons are given to the students in every age group with increasing hours as they get older.
