A Guide to International Schools in Istanbul
As summer winds down, families across the globe are sharing photos of their children gearing up for the first day of school. In Turkey, September 6th marks the beginning of the academic year, with schools nationwide opening their doors for in-person learning.
For newly arrived expatriate families, deciding where to send their children to school is a crucial decision. Ensuring a bright academic future for your child is a top priority when relocating to Turkey. Fortunately, Istanbul is home to numerous renowned international and local schools. While other cities like Bursa, Ankara, Izmir, and Bodrum also have international schools, they do not offer the same variety as Istanbul due to their smaller size.
International Schools in Istanbul
Istanbul boasts international schools that use various primary languages of instruction, including Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, and lesser-spoken languages. These schools are spread throughout the city and are often easily accessible with provided transportation. Here's a brief overview of some of the best options to help you decide where to buy homes in Istanbul:
Arabic Language Education
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Al Fayez International School: Accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education, with campuses in Bahcesehir, Bagilar, Beylikduzu, and Kartal.
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Al Jazari: Located in Kucukcekmece and Fatih, accredited by the US and Turkey.
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Ihsan International School: Situated in Esenyurt, accredited by the State of California.
English Language Education
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Istanbul International Community School (IICS): One of the oldest international schools globally, offering IB programs with campuses in Rumeli Hisar (primary) and Buyukcekmece (middle and high school).
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MEF International: Popular with expat families, offering IB education from preschool to high school at its Ortakoy campus.
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British International School: Offers British curriculum and IB programs with campuses in Etiler and Sariyer.
French Language Education
German Language Education
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Deutsche Schule Istanbul: Located on a historical campus in Beyoglu with an active school community.
Italian Language Education
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Liceo Italiano: Founded in 1888, located in Beyoglu.
Conclusion
This is just a brief introduction to some of the options available as you search for the best school for your family. Turkey offers many choices for foreign language education with international curricula, which may influence where you search for Istanbul properties.