Compare Premium 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.

Hisar School operates a Göktürk campus in Istanbul, offering a K-12 bilingual Turkish–English program. The curriculum blends the national MoNE framework with a school-designed curriculum to enrich learning and develop bilingual proficiency from Preschool through Grade 12. In Preschool, instruction is evenly split between Turkish and English; in Primary, English is taught for about 10 hours weekly with integrated listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. The High/Scope-inspired Plan–Do–Review approach and Movement Education support active, student-centered learning. In Middle and High School, English-language content is strengthened, AP courses are available, and the school acts as an AP exam center. The Innovation Center and STEAM-focused facilities stimulate interdisciplinary inquiry. The campus is accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education (MEB) and NEASC, ensuring international recognition. A broad clubs program—including CS Programming & Robotics, MUN, and writing and journalism activities—encourages inquiry, collaboration and service within a global context. Preparing students for global impact.

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.

Kilittaşı Schools offer a K–12 dual curriculum that integrates the Turkish MEB program with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Founded in 2013 by Keystone International Schools, the Kilittaşı campus in Çekmeköy, Istanbul serves students from Kindergarten through Anatolian High School. On graduation, students receive both the MEB and the OSSD, expanding options in Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond. The Early Years Program uses English; English continues in the early grades, French is introduced as a second language, and by Grade 5 students study an intensive French program, with bilingual Turkish–English education continuing and French developing as a third language. Kilittaşı is a DELF–DALF examination center and supports French through international exam opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and problem-solving, and aligns with Round Square ideals and WASC accreditation. Kilittaşı is a Round Square member with activities in debate, MUN, robotics, field trips, and France trips to broaden perspectives.

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.

Kilittaşı Schools offer a K–12 dual curriculum that integrates the Turkish MEB program with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Founded in 2013 by Keystone International Schools, the Kilittaşı campus in Çekmeköy, Istanbul serves students from Kindergarten through Anatolian High School. On graduation, students receive both the MEB and the OSSD, expanding options in Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond. The Early Years Program uses English; English continues in the early grades, French is introduced as a second language, and by Grade 5 students study an intensive French program, with bilingual Turkish–English education continuing and French developing as a third language. Kilittaşı is a DELF–DALF examination center and supports French through international exam opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and problem-solving, and aligns with Round Square ideals and WASC accreditation. Kilittaşı is a Round Square member with activities in debate, MUN, robotics, field trips, and France trips to broaden perspectives.

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.

Ihsan International School in Turkey delivers education accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education. Core subjects are taught in English, with support for Arabic, Turkish, Islamic Studies and Holy Quran. The curriculum relies on Pearson and Cambridge textbooks, complemented by interactive activities and online platforms. A British A-level curriculum is available for high school students. Electives for Grades 11 and 12 include Art & Design, Computer Science, Business, Humanities, Engineering and Medicine. University preparation programs feature AP, SAT and YOS intensive training, and the school operates an accredited SAT & AP exam center with 300 seats in Esenyurt and 150 seats in Atakent. The campus accommodates up to 1,250 students, with 20–25 per section from Grade 1 to 12, representing 35 nationalities. Cognia and Turkish MoE approve the program, with College Board recognition as an SAT/AP center. The pedagogy is student-centered, with teachers as coaches; assessments are formative and summative.

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.

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.

Milestone International School in Turkey offers Kindergarten through Grade 12 education under the Oxford curriculum, licensed by the Turkish Ministry of National Education. English, Turkish, Arabic and French are used in instruction, supporting a multilingual community that prepares students for global citizenship. The Oxford K-12 framework anchors the academic program, with dedicated spaces for learning including a Library, MIS Technology lab and a Robotics Coding lab. Additional facilities support International Education, School Activities and student events, including a Conference Hall for lectures and gatherings. The school provides instruction across Kindergarten, Primary, Middle and High School, ensuring continuity and progression. A wide range of Milestone Courses underpins the extracurricular offering: Basketball, Volleyball, Ballet, Martial Arts, Robotics and Gymnastics. A leadership program and a life skills program with social-emotional learning promote personal growth and well-being. The multilingual environment and emphasis on cross-cultural communication prepare students for success in a multicultural world today.

Notre Dame de Sion French High School in Istanbul is a private secondary school affiliated with the Turkish education system. Founded in 1856 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion to educate girls from Ottoman minority communities, it has evolved into a secular, co-educational institution open to all. The school follows the Turkish national curriculum through bilingual education in French and Turkish. Turkish language, literature and history are taught in Turkish, while geography and philosophy are taught in Turkish; other social sciences and physical education are taught in both languages. The entire curriculum carries the FrancEducation label of excellence, and the FrancEducation-certified curriculum provides direct access to higher education in France. The school offers a high-level academic and cultural programme and is noted for its diverse microcosm reflecting Türkiye's staff and pupils, with notable alumni in science, government, and the arts. It welcomes international families seeking a French-linked path.