Comparing 3 schools side by side in USD.
İnonu Caddesi No:476, 35290 Göztepe/İzmir, Türkiye. The school is in the Göztepe neighbourhood of İzmir, a coastal city on the Aegean Sea. The campus sits in the heart of İzmir on a wooded 12-acre site overlooking the Aegean Sea. İzmir has excellent public transportation, and a car is not necessary to reach the campus.
The school provides a five-year high school education from Prep through Grade 12, with the Prep year compulsory. Students may enter the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grade 11, or continue with the Turkish national curriculum.
Private, co-educational day school. The languages of instruction are English and Turkish, and the school offers the IB Diploma Programme.
Guidance and Counseling provides individual and group counseling and supports students' academic, social, and emotional development; the program uses high-quality learning strategies and operates as part of a comprehensive guidance program.
The school has historical affiliation with the United States, founded in 1878 by the American Board Heyeti to serve as a cross-cultural link between Turkey and the United States. It is part of the SEV network governed by the Saglık ve Eğitim Vakfi (SEV).
Secular.
School starts at 08:30; ends at different hours according to grade; lunch break lasts 40 minutes.
Students may come to school by bus through an arrangement with a professional transportation firm; all service buses must be approved by Izmir Municipality's Traffic Department.
The school offers 7-day boarding for students who regularly live outside Izmir. There are two on-campus residential facilities: ACI Boys' Dorm, with a capacity of 81 male residents, located across from the campus; and the Taner Girls' Residency, with a capacity of 64 female residents. Residential life includes private rooms with desks, a reading room, common areas, a clinic, a computer lab with wireless internet, and 24-hour security, with evening and weekend activities for boarders. Meals are provided in the Taner Girls' Residency main cafeteria.
ACI students are obliged to wear uniforms. Full uniform is worn on Opening and Closing Days, National Celebration Days, when representing the school off-campus, and during exams; regular uniform can be worn on other days. Dress codes are stated in the Parent-Student Handbook.
The daily lunches are provided by a food services contractor chosen by the school. Students may eat at the cafeteria or at the canteen (Co-op). All of the school's canteens and food services are inspected by the Aegean University's Food Engineering Department.
The school is part of Health and Education Foundation (SEV), a network of SEV schools. Its sister SEV schools include Üsküdar American High School, Tarsus American College, SEV American College, İzmir SEV Schools, Üsküdar SEV Schools and Tarsus SEV Schools.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is offered and implemented in the final two years of secondary education. Students select six courses from the six IB groups, with three courses at Standard Level (SL) and three at Higher Level (HL); HL courses must total at least 240 hours and SL at least 150 hours over the two years. The core elements include Theory of Knowledge (TOK) in a 100-hour format, the Extended Essay (EE) up to 4,000 words, and the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) program. To earn the Diploma, students must obtain at least 24 points out of 45 and meet the other program criteria. ACI has been authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme since 2005 and was the first school to be authorized in the Aegean Region; instruction is in English for most classes, Turkish Language and Literature and Social Sciences are taught in Turkish, and second language options include German, Spanish, and French; IB group offerings include Turkish A, English A, Group 3 options (e.g., TITC, Economics/ITGS), Group 4 options (ESS or Physics), Group 5 Mathematics, and Group 6 Visual Arts/Film/Theatre/Psychology/Economics.
The school has 881 students and 123 teaching staff for the 2025–2026 school year, yielding a student–teacher ratio of approximately 7.2 to 1. Average class sizes are 22 in Grades 9–12 (13 in IB classes).
Graduates' preferred higher education fields include Engineering; Business Management & Economy; Law; Medicine. Turkish universities commonly attended include Koç University, Sabancı University, Boğaziçi University, and Ege University. About 85% of graduates pursue study overseas. The 2025 seniors received acceptances to various universities.
The school provides individual and group counseling and psycho-education services for students, teachers and parents, and conducts a guidance program; the guidance program is carried out in each class at guidance hours once a week under the leadership of class guidance teachers.
Intensive English is provided in the Prep year; apart from Turkish Language and Literature and Social Sciences, all classes are taught in English; students registering at ACI are not expected to know English; second language options are German, Spanish and French.
The school supports mental wellbeing through psychological counselors who provide individual and group counseling and psycho-education, and run the guidance program.
The school uses a professional security firm providing 24/7 security; the campus is self-contained with surrounding walls and closely monitored gate access; security personnel oversee and inspect visitors to ensure a safe and secure environment.
1. Review the admissions framework for the current academic year. The admission score for 2025-2026 will be announced according to the calendar in the Private Schools Registration Booklet. The prep year is compulsory, and the prep class quota and LGS-based admissions are defined there. The prep year includes an intensive English program, a second foreign language (German, French or Spanish), Turkish, Science, Mathematics, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Music, Information Technologies and Homeroom. Boarding is available for both female and male students, and campus visits can be arranged by calling the school.
2. Arrange a campus visit and complete pre-registration. You can visit the campus by calling to schedule an appointment. Registration takes place at the school, and detailed procedures are published in the annual Guidelines for Private Schools Admissions. There is no separate gender quota.
3. Complete enrollment. The enrollment is finalized by signing the enrollment contract. If someone other than the parents completes enrollment, a power of attorney from the legal parents is required. If the parents are divorced, the parent with legal custody must complete registration.
4. Handle tuition and on-site logistics. Tuition is paid at the school via Yapı Kredi Bank with options for cash payment, bank transfer, or credit card. Installments are available for Worldcard credit cards, and the bank overdraft option can be used. Information about uniforms, meals and service buses is communicated by email during the registration period.
5. Understand scholarships as part of admissions. Financial Support (needs-based) scholarships are available, awarded according to the relevant regulations, and applications must be submitted during the first pre-registration period via the Apply for scholarship option. This is a one-year scholarship, and renewal is required to continue beyond one year. Scholarship decisions are made by the school's scholarship committee.
Financial Support (needs-based) Scholarships are available and awarded based on eligibility and the SEV scholarship regulations. Applications must be submitted during the first pre-registration period by clicking Apply for scholarship on the pre-registration form. This is a one-year scholarship; renewals are required each year, and continuation depends on advancing to the next grade level and maintaining good disciplinary standing. Scholarships are allocated at rates from 10% to 100% of tuition based on demonstrated financial need.
High School merit-based scholarships are offered at ACI High School. Graduates of ACI Middle School with an average of 85%–89.99% receive 25%; 90%–94.99% receive 50%; above 95% receive 75%. All high school students can earn scholarships based on final GPA and positive behavior. For incoming high school students, a one-year scholarship of 25% is awarded to those scoring 85% or higher on the entrance assessment, and 50% to those scoring 90% or higher.
Located in Gaziemir, Izmir, near Izmir airport. The campus is in a residential area with convenient access to local transport. Transportation to and from MEF IS Izmir is provided by a contracted service bus (Özaltın Turizim).
Reception to Grade 12; ages 3–18.
Co-educational day international school; offers the IB Diploma Programme; Cambridge International Programmes (CAIE) for Primary, Lower Secondary and IGCSE.
There are over 36 nationalities represented in the student body, with approximately 190 students enrolled.
Learning Support includes English Language Learning (ELL) and Additional English Support (AES). ELL is provided in classrooms and through pull-out sessions for beginners; in-class support and differentiated instruction are available for non-native English learners.
Turkey
School hours are 8:40–15:25. The day comprises seven 45-minute lessons with two recess breaks and one lunch break.
A contracted service bus is provided by Özaltın Turizim for transportation to and from school.
Day school; no boarding facilities.
There is no everyday school uniform; a uniform is issued for PE and sporting events.
Hot lunch is provided daily, including soup, a main dish, a side, and salads. Turkish and international dishes are served; morning and afternoon snacks are provided. All food is prepared on site under the supervision of the Head Chef and Food Engineer.
House Day competitions are held; House Ephesus is one of the houses.
The school is owned by Arıkanli Holding (Arıkanli Holding).
MEF International School Izmir delivers a Reception to Grade 12 English-medium international education. The curriculum is Cambridge International Examinations (CAIE) with Cambridge Checkpoint in Middle School and Cambridge IGCSE in Upper Secondary. In Grades 11–12 students may pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or IB Course Certificate route, and the school was accredited as an IB World School in May 2022 to offer the Diploma. The school is a Cambridge CAIE Centre and Host Country Studies are taught in French, Spanish and Turkish alongside English instruction. The focus in the curriculum is to develop enquiring minds, global citizenship and cross-cultural understanding.
Average class sizes: Reception 1 16; Reception 2 18; Year 1 20; Years 2–6 22; Years 7–13 24. The overall teacher-to-student ratio is 1:6; primary class sizes range from 10 to 16 and secondary 10 to 15.
Guidance Counseling provides college and overseas university advising. A full-time counselor works with students, parents and teachers to support college planning and transition.
Learning Support provides ESL, literacy remediation and enrichment/extension opportunities for students, supporting those with minor learning needs.
The MEF International School Izmir has a full-time social-emotional counselor who supports students, teachers and parents. The counselor runs individual and group sessions, addresses emotional concerns, and provides transition support for new and leaving students. Mediation is used to resolve conflicts, and the counselor also works in classrooms to develop social skills and coping strategies such as effective communication, time management and study skills. An open-door policy and parent support ensure timely communication and safe spaces for students needing help.
Learning Support and Counselling are available. MEF IS will admit a student only if it has the resources, expertise and facilities to provide a meaningful education for the child's cognitive, physical, social and emotional needs; the school does not automatically register students with identified learning difficulties requiring specialist staffing. Students with mild learning difficulties can be supported in a standard classroom with the Learning Support teacher, though time for support may be limited and there is no guarantee of the level of support.
English Language Learning support is provided for students whose first language is not English to enable them to function socially and academically in English.
Guidance Counseling addresses mental wellbeing; the counselor provides emotional support, transition assistance, and coping strategies; sessions include group or individual work, with parent involvement and timely communication.
Child Protection procedures are in place, including Anti-Bullying procedures and a Child Protection Policy.
1. Admissions requirements and grade placement: MEF IS Izmir places a student in the next grade level only if the previous grade has been completed. The Academic Year starts in August for the 2026-2027 school year and runs from September to June; some Southern Hemisphere calendars are treated differently. A proficient level of English is required for enrollment in Grades 9–12, and entry into Grades 10–12 is considered on a case-by-case basis. Applications are considered only after the application fee has been paid. 2. Application form: The MEF IS Application Form for new students is available as a PDF and must be completed with consent. 3. Documents required: Documentation must be provided in English (notarized translations are required for documents in other languages). Required items include the Application Form, report cards/transcripts for the last two years, a passport-sized student photo, passport copies of the student and parents, residency/work permit information, a bank statement showing payment of the application fee, custody documents if parents are divorced, PDPL documents signed by the legal guardian, and a Confidential School Recommendation Form sent directly to the Admissions Office. For Early Childhood Centre entries, a separate ECC Confidential School Recommendation Form is required. 4. Evaluation and decision: After submission, all documentation is forwarded to the School Principal for consideration, who reviews academic, social and emotional development; the Learning Support Team is consulted if the student has special educational needs. Final enrollment decisions are ratified by the Principal after relevant consultations, and the Admissions Office informs families of the outcome. 5. Enrollment and start: When enrollment is confirmed, families receive an email to pay the placement fee to secure the place. Upon payment, the student can begin typically within two working days.
The contract notes that a student may be eligible for a scholarship offered by the school; if eligible for a full or partial scholarship, the tuition fee will be refunded to the parent/guardian within two months after the start of the academic year. The contract also states that if Educational Support/Scholarship from the Ministry of Education is received, the parent/guardian is responsible for paying the remaining tuition.
There is currently no waiting list for entry.
Izmir Cigli Campus is located in Izmir's Cigli district.
Preschool through High School (Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School).
International school offering Cambridge programs with 100% English-language instruction.
Guidance and psychological counseling services.
Turkey
The school has a restaurant on campus.
Gökkuşağı Izmir Cigli Campus delivers Cambridge International Education across preschool through grade 12, with 100% of programs taught in English. Cambridge Primary School Certificate and Cambridge Certificate are part of the program. Levels include Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, and High School. The curriculum emphasizes international and digital literacy through CAP – Innovative Program, DofE International Award, ECO School, STEM and Robotics Coding, and Informatics and Coding, along with Dual Foreign Language Education (English plus German or Spanish). Additional support and enrichment include Guidance and Psychological Counseling, Career Planning, Social Responsibility and Becoming a Global Citizen. A range of facilities supports learning, including physics, chemistry, biology laboratories, an IT laboratory, a visual arts workshop, a music and dance academy, a life skills workshop, a mind games workshop, archery, a kickboxing and fitness workshop, a STEM workshop, indoor and outdoor sports halls, a restaurant, a conference hall, a library, and an infirmary.
Graduates have been accepted to world universities, including Türkiye's Istanbul Technical University, Yeditepe University and Istanbul Gelisim University; the United Kingdom's University of Manchester and University of Sussex; and the United States' Campbellsville University and University of Georgia, among others in Australia, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Spain and Poland. Cambridge and IB Diploma programs support university admissions.
CAP Innovative Program focuses on creativity and activity, teaching teamwork and social skills. Olympiad Studies prepare students for national and international competitions in mathematics, science, and computer science.
Guidance and Psychological Counseling services support students emotionally, socially, and academically. Career Planning guidance helps students set goals for their futures. Social Responsibility and Community Service programs raise social awareness and encourage active participation. Becoming a Global Citizen is promoted through interactions with different cultures and international projects. These elements contribute to students' personal development and well-being.
Education is delivered 100% in English across international programs. The Cambridge International Education Programs provide subjects such as science, mathematics, and languages in English. Dual Foreign Language Education provides English and either German or Spanish to develop high-level language proficiency. Cambridge Primary School Certificate is offered, supporting progression from primary through high school. Online Learning provides flexible and accessible options.
Guidance and Psychological Counseling services support students emotionally, socially, and academically. Life Skills Workshop and Mind Games Workshop are offered to build resilience and well-being. Career Planning guidance supports self-awareness and future readiness. The program emphasizes student well-being through counseling and skill-building activities.
The Izmir Ciğli Campus provides an Information Request Form to obtain quotas, registration fees and other details. The form collects Parent Name – Surname, E‑Mail, phone number (entered without the country code), Campus, and Current Class. When the form is sent, it is considered acceptance of the Clarification Text and the Explicit Consent Text regarding Personal Data. There are admissions options including Book an Appointment and APPLY.
