Compare IB Curriculum International Schools in Istanbul, Turkey

The British International School Istanbul (BISI) offers a British-led international education for ages 2–18. The Pre-School follows the UK Early Years Foundation Stage; Primary and Secondary use the Cambridge Curriculum to IGCSE, with Key Stage 3 adapting the English National Curriculum. Key Stage 4 offers Cambridge IGCSE, and Key Stage 5 delivers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. BISI, a division of The British School Istanbul, holds triple accreditation from CIS, COBIS and MSA-CESS—the first in Türkiye. It emphasizes languages—German, Spanish, French and Turkish—with English as a Second Language support. The Zekeriyaköy Campus serves ages 2–18 and includes four teaching blocks, two libraries, six science laboratories, a 210-seat theatre and BIS Botanic Garden. Outdoor spaces include rubberised play areas and a running track; facilities include three gyms, an all-weather pitch, a basketball/tennis court and a heated 25 m pool. Extra-curriculars cover drama, photography, guitar and choir, plus CAS, MUN and debate.

ALKEV Private Schools, located in Büyükçekmece, Turkey, operate as coeducational day schools offering IB Diploma Programme, Chinese National Curriculum, and a bespoke curriculum. The school uses German and English as languages in line with CEFR standards and enriches learning with experiences and holistic content. The Early Childhood Education Program (approved by Turkish Ministry in February 2024) follows a child-centered approach with GEMS, Orff method, forest pedagogy, and Montessori system, preparing children for the next level of education and fostering cultural awareness. ALKEV opened in 2000 and became an IB World School in 2018, with German-language Diploma (DSD) status achieved in 2015. 30-acre campus in Büyükçekmece houses 12,000 m2 of indoor space, 18,000 m2 of green area, and 1,250 m2 dedicated to sports facilities, including gyms and outdoor fields. The school emphasizes science-enabled learning, arts workshops, and clubs such as World Citizens Club, Model United Nations, and TEDx Youth events globally.

The BIS Schools in Istanbul deliver a multi-campus, bilingual international education for ages 3 to 18 across three campuses: Zekeriyaköy, Bahçeşehir and Çamlıca Hill. The group combines British educational tradition with international frameworks, offering curricula including the British Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme (as a candidate), AP, Thai and CBSE options, alongside a Turkish National Curriculum with international standards. The Zekeriyaköy campus provides an international environment enriched by sports, nature, gardens and outdoor learning, while the Bahçeşehir and Çamlıca campuses offer bilingual English–Turkish programs and strong science rooms, computer suites, gyms and pools. A dedicated STEAM School at the Etiler campus highlights science, technology, engineering, arts and math. English education sits at the core, with a second foreign language option available. Beyond academics, BIS runs extensive clubs and a Summer Camp, including Model United Nations, Chess, Drama, Music and Art, and sports, promoting intercultural understanding across Turkish and international students today.

British International STEAM School Istanbul is a private school offering a British-style education for ages 2 to 18. The STEAM Campus in Etiler serves Pre-School and Primary and follows the Cambridge Pathway through Lower and Upper Secondary, with Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma offered in later years. The curriculum supports English as a First or Second Language and aligns English, Mathematics and Science with Cambridge, while Art, History, Geography, PSHE, PE and Music follow the National Curriculum. The Cambridge-based STEAM programme integrates science, technology, engineering, arts and maths to prepare students for IGCSE and IB. Facilities include year-group homerooms, Project Rooms, a Science Lab, an Art Room, a Music Room, a Multi-Use Hall, a canteen, a courtyard, a garden terrace and a basketball court, with an outdoor climbing frame. After-school activities include Genius Hour, Winter Show, Talent shows, PTA involvement and a pastoral care program for students and families.

Keystone International Schools in Istanbul serves students from early childhood to Grade 12 with the Prince Edward Island Canadian Diploma program for Grades 1–12. Instruction is in English, with French taught as a second language. The school operates on two campuses, Küçük Çamlıca and Çekmeköy, and is accredited by WASC. PEI Ministry of Education students have access to the PEI online library and a Canvas-based learning platform supporting blended and asynchronous learning. The PEI curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and real-world application through project-based learning, while language development is fronted by English and Intensive French options via CEFR-aligned streaming. Facilities include a swimming pool, indoor/outdoor basketball courts, dance rooms, and a gym, plus a library with digital resources. Extracurriculars include field trips to historic sites, science museums, and cultural venues, and signature programs such as a France trip, a Toronto School Experience, and Round Square conferences.

Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul is an international school for ages 3 to 18 in Beylikduzu. It offers the Cambridge International School Program (Primary through IGCSE and A Levels) alongside the IB Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme. The school also delivers the CAP Innovative Program and Dual Foreign Language Education, operating under a 'Living School' model that aims to educate internationally conscious individuals who research, inquire, think, communicate, are informed, principled, open‑minded, caring, risk takers, balanced and reflective. Established in 1997, it pursues a World School vision and focuses on developing students' intellectual, social, emotional and individual talents, with internationally ambitious pathways. The Beylikduzu campus houses physics, chemistry and biology labs; IT and STEM facilities; an art workshop; a Music and Dance Academy; archery and an ice rink; a 3D hall; a conference hall; a library; a restaurant; and indoor sports halls, plus a 3000 m² open area. The Cambridge Accreditation Code is TR072, and SAT preparation is offered.

Private NÛN Schools, run by the NÛN Education and Culture Foundation in Turkey, serve students aged 3 to 18 and are affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. The curriculum embraces the International Baccalaureate across the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), with the PYP authorized and the DP program since March 2017. PYP units run in six-week modules and culminate in mini exhibitions that showcase inquiry-led learning. Differentiation and inquiry-based approaches underpin teaching, and classrooms are designed for about 20 students to support collaboration. The campuses feature well-stocked libraries, laboratories, observatories, and flexible spaces; an ecology lab and botanical garden reinforce hands-on science. Outdoor spaces, a forested campus, and a sustainable living program extend learning beyond the classroom. NÛN emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor education, and community service through activities like NÛN Volunteers and thematic programs such as Sefer-i NÛN and Inspiring Guests.

AKA Koleji is a private day IB World School in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, serving students aged 3 to 18. The language of instruction is English, with German and Spanish offered as additional languages, forming a multinational community. The school delivers an IB continuum—PYP, MYP, and DP—within an inquiry-based, student-centered framework. The Bahçelievler Campus supports active discovery through modern facilities that include smart-board classrooms, dedicated computer and science laboratories, robotics infrastructure, and arts and music studios. Sport facilities comprise a gym and a swimming pool. Unique spaces such as an observatory, a nature garden, and a winter garden enhance experiential learning. ECIS collaboration and Erasmus+ programs connect students to international standards and perspectives. Extracurriculars feature social responsibility projects, science and arts festivals, drama workshops, and clubs and excursions that extend learning beyond the classroom. The campus is designed to be safe, inclusive, and conducive to both academic achievement and social development.

ENKA Istanbul is a Pre-K through 12 day school on Istanbul's side. Founded in 1996, its first graduation was in 2008. It is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP, with MYP Candidate status) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP); the high school is bilingual and delivers the Turkish Ministry of Education diploma. The language of instruction is English; German and French are offered, and Turkish Language & Literature is taught in Grades 9–12 as part of the national curriculum. In Grades 9–10, Cambridge IGCSE First Language English is studied. From Grades 11–12, students pursue the IB DP with English as a DP subject, while SBS Turkish Social Sciences complements the program. ENKA is accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education, CIS and NEASC; 80–90% of graduates matriculate abroad. Facilities include libraries, equipped laboratories, technologies, Health Service, transportation and ISO 22000-certified canteen.

ONE! International School Istanbul is a private international school for ages 2 to 12 that blends Montessori methods in Kindergarten with the ONE! Educational Standard. The program integrates the IB Curriculum framework (PYP), a bespoke curriculum, and the ONE! approach to digital personalisation alongside an entrepreneurship course. Students study Mathematics and Foreign Languages in depth within an extended academic block. The campus offers spacious classrooms, modern sports facilities, a well-stocked library, state-of-the-art science laboratories, and a swimming pool for swimming lessons, all supporting premium personalised learning environments. The networked school model includes eight other campuses in Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, with around ten years of educational experience. Two new Istanbul campuses were announced for September 2024, with further plans for 2025. Owned by North-West Education Center LLC, ONE! places emphasis on preparing students for admission to the world's top-100 universities and, where possible, direct employment in the IT industry, supported by partnerships with leading tech companies and a teacher training centre.

Istanbul International Community School (IICS) is a private, non‑profit, secular, coeducational day school for ages 3–18 with two campuses on either side of Istanbul's Bosphorus. It delivers the International Baccalaureate across the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, all taught in English. A U.S. High School Diploma pathway is available through CIS and NEASC accreditation, with AP courses offered alongside IBDP certificate courses and options for dual enrollment or honors-level study as part of College Ready offerings. Founded in 1911, IICS is among the city's oldest international schools and maintains a 1:1 laptop program. The Marmara Campus (16 hectares) houses facilities including a 335 m² library, three science labs, a 264 m² theatre with 320 seats, a large soccer pitch, a visual arts building and extensive sports and dining spaces. The Hisar Campus provides additional athletic and arts spaces. IICS participates in CEESA and offers strong college guidance and service programs.

Istanbul International Community School (IICS) is a private, non‑profit, secular, coeducational day school for ages 3–18 with two campuses on either side of Istanbul's Bosphorus. It delivers the International Baccalaureate across the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, all taught in English. A U.S. High School Diploma pathway is available through CIS and NEASC accreditation, with AP courses offered alongside IBDP certificate courses and options for dual enrollment or honors-level study as part of College Ready offerings. Founded in 1911, IICS is among the city's oldest international schools and maintains a 1:1 laptop program. The Marmara Campus (16 hectares) houses facilities including a 335 m² library, three science labs, a 264 m² theatre with 320 seats, a large soccer pitch, a visual arts building and extensive sports and dining spaces. The Hisar Campus provides additional athletic and arts spaces. IICS participates in CEESA and offers strong college guidance and service programs.

ONE! International School Istanbul is a private international school for ages 2 to 12 that blends Montessori methods in Kindergarten with the ONE! Educational Standard. The program integrates the IB Curriculum framework (PYP), a bespoke curriculum, and the ONE! approach to digital personalisation alongside an entrepreneurship course. Students study Mathematics and Foreign Languages in depth within an extended academic block. The campus offers spacious classrooms, modern sports facilities, a well-stocked library, state-of-the-art science laboratories, and a swimming pool for swimming lessons, all supporting premium personalised learning environments. The networked school model includes eight other campuses in Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, with around ten years of educational experience. Two new Istanbul campuses were announced for September 2024, with further plans for 2025. Owned by North-West Education Center LLC, ONE! places emphasis on preparing students for admission to the world's top-100 universities and, where possible, direct employment in the IT industry, supported by partnerships with leading tech companies and a teacher training centre.

SEV American College is a private high school in Istanbul, Turkey, established in 2014 as part of the SEV network of schools. It is an IB Diploma Programme World School, offering the IB DP with six subjects from six disciplines, three at Higher Level, plus the programme's core requirements. In the upper grades, students select courses from sciences, languages, individuals and societies, mathematics, the arts, or other groups, with emphasis on cross-disciplinary learning and multilingual study. English is the language of instruction; Turkish Language and Literature and Social Sciences are taught in Turkish, with German, Spanish and French available as second languages. The campus covers 14,500 square meters in Çekmeköy and includes 40 equipped classrooms, science laboratories, an art center, a music center, two computer labs, an auditorium and a library with 28,000 books. SAC is pursuing AP Exam Center status for 2026-27 and offers AP courses in upper grades.

Üsküdar American Academy is a private high school in Istanbul affiliated with SEV, Health and Education Foundation. Founded in 1876, the school operates a lycee-model with English-language science and math and a Turkish diploma path. The IB Diploma Programme is offered for Grades 10–12, with six subjects across groups, Higher and Standard Level options, and core requirements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service. In Grades 11–12, students may pursue the Turkish diploma path with Honors and AP options. All science and math courses are taught in English; German or French is offered as a second language. Facilities include Özdemir Sabanci Sports Hall, outdoor courts, an artificial turf field, two computer labs, and a Learning Resource Center with 22,000+ volumes. Classrooms have interactive smart boards and wireless internet; every full-time teacher has a laptop. Extracurriculars include drama and music productions, Student Council, CALP, and a Social Entrepreneurship Club.

Aljazari International School of Science and Technology offers a multi-curriculum programme designed to support diverse student pathways. The primary-year program follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), encouraging inquiry-based learning that connects subjects through real-world questions. For older students, the Australian Curriculum provides a standards-based framework across core subjects, ensuring consistency with widely recognised national expectations. In addition, Advanced Placement (AP) courses are available to provide opportunities for college-level study and to challenge high-achieving learners. This blended approach enables students to experience international-mindedness through IB concepts while also engaging with rigorous standards and assessment patterns common in Australian education and AP offerings. The school's name and focus reflect an emphasis on science and technology, preparing students for further study in STEM fields and related disciplines through structured, inquiry-driven learning experiences and pathways.

Eyüboğlu Educational Institutions in Istanbul integrate the Turkish National Education Curriculum with International Baccalaureate programmes across K‑12. The IB Primary Years Programme is used in the primary years, the IB Middle Years Programme in the middle years, and the IB Diploma Programme in the high school, with Math and Science taught in English from middle school. Multilingual education is central, with English as the main language of instruction and German and Spanish offered as additional languages to foster global citizens. The network operates seven campuses across Istanbul, comprising 15 schools (six kindergartens, four primaries, three middle schools, two high schools). Distinctive features include observatories and a planetarium integrated into science learning; five libraries totaling 150,000 volumes; a dedicated Research Center at Çamlıca Primary School; and access to databases such as EBSCOhost and Follett Destiny. Eyüboğlu earned CIS accreditation as the first Turkish school and maintains the largest CIS-accredited network worldwide.

MEF International School Istanbul provides education for ages 3 to 18, offering IB Primary Years Programme, IB Diploma Programme, and Cambridge Secondary with IGCSE. The nine-acre campus is in Ortaköy, shared with MEF National School. The Early Childhood Center serves Preschool to Kindergarten separately; the Primary School occupies the lower floors and the Secondary School the upper floors. Facilities include a Whole School library, a dedicated reading library, fully wired computer labs and science laboratories, MEF Tech with a makerspace, iMac Lab, Lego Robotics, Greenbox Studio, plus wireless infrastructure and smartboards. Sports facilities comprise two outdoor pitches, a tennis court, a 25m heated pool with stadium seating, an indoor gym, a dance studio and playgrounds. The program features a broad co-curricular offering, including Math Olympiad, MUN and Code Monkey; Arts studios and music spaces; service-learning and a Student Council. IB DP includes CAS, EE and TOK as core components today.

IMI Istanbul is a private Italian lyceum (Özel İtalyan Lisesi) in Beyoğlu, Istanbul, affiliated with Italy. It offers a combined Scuola Media and Liceo Scientifico programme aligned with the Indicazioni Nazionali for Italian lyceums abroad. For Italian students, the curriculum runs four years, with a second biennium option (Turco‑Matematico) prioritising humanities. Turkish students study largely in Italian with Turkish guidance; two-thirds of lessons are in Italian and one-third in Turkish, with English available for conversation or advanced study in certain subjects. The school includes a preparatory year and CLIL and ICT components, with emphasis on multilingualism and competency certification. Facilities include laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Informatics and CAD, a 110-seat theatre, two outdoor sport fields and a covered gym; classrooms feature touch-screen monitors, wifi, and a tablet program. Extras include after-school clubs, counseling, university and study-abroad assistance, summer programs, and exchanges. Extracurriculars span theatre, MUN, sports, music, ecology, and travel exchanges.