International schools in Istanbul are popular among expat parents. These private institutions teach curricula from around the world in various languages, giving expat children the chance to learn in a familiar environment with their mother tongue as the language of instruction. This eases the transition into life in Turkey and is especially useful for families who are only in the country for a limited period of time.
Tuition fees at international schools in Istanbul are typically high, so parents will need to ensure that their budget can accommodate this expense. Other potential costs include various levies or building fees, textbooks, school lunches and extracurricular activities. Most parents feel that the quality of teaching, school facilities and overall convenience make up for the cost of international schooling.
Below is a list of the most prominent international schools in Istanbul.
International schools in Istanbul
British International School (BIS)
BIS is a small international school of around 600 students, offering a British education combined with the well-respected International Baccalaureate. The school's diverse student body is made up of 55 different nationalities, including a number of local Turkish students. BIS's average class size of 12 ensures that children receive individualised attention.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum and Cambridge IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate
Ages: 2.5 to 18
Website: www.bis.k12.tr
Istanbul International Community School (IICS)
A globally minded school with a high standard of teaching, IICS offers the full International Baccalaureate Programme from ages three to 18. Most of the school's 500 students hail from countries such as the US, the UK, Germany and South Korea. Attendance is limited to holders of non-Turkish passports.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.iics.k12.tr
Istanbul International School (IIS)
IIS is a British curriculum school that prides itself on its multicultural, close-knit learning community. The school's student-centred approach helps children develop into well-rounded young adults ready for the next step in their life cycle.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: British (English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE and A-levels)
Ages: 4 to 18
Website: www.istanbulint.com
Keystone International School (KIS)
With a small student body of just 200, KIS is focused on providing children with the skills to become confident and self-disciplined, independent world citizens. KIS is Istanbul's only Canadian curriculum school and offers a high standard of education.
Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Canadian (Toronto)
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.keystoneschools.com.tr