Private Schools - Istanbul

Bosphorus International Schools

Private schools offer the Department of National Education curriculum. They are supervised by that department's inspectors, and employ teachers trained and licensed by the state.

Before choosing a private institution, collect information from your friends and relations, write to a few schools and make appointments with the principals. The fees they charge will not necessarily translate into teaching quality.

There is a general private school examination for Turkish residents and this exam determines which of the schools the children may attend. Each child makes a list of the schools in order raning from their first to last choice and the points they receive determines their future school.

This is not applicable to foreigners but a general exam to determine the level of foreign students is customary.

There are several private high-schools in Istanbul that have foreign language based education. Rather, other than Turkish Grammar, Literature and Social Studies lessons all curriculum is in a foreign language. Please simply check with these schools for entrance conditions and fees. The following is the alphabetical list of these schools.

The addresses and phone numbers are given in Yellow Pages

Alman Lisesi - German High School
The school a long, esteemed history in Turkey and is well respected. Education is in German except Turkish Literature and Social Studies. English is the second foreign language.It is located at the heart of city; Beyoğlu

Amerikan Robert Lisesi - Robert College
Robert College, located at Arnavutköy is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Turkey. Education is in English except Turkish Literature and social studies.

The British International School Istanbul
This private, non-sectarian, coeducational school provides high quality educational choices for the children of foreign families living in İstanbul. The school offers English National Cirruculum IGCSE and I.B. Courses. BISI accepts students from age 2 to 19 and the student body is composed of over 40 nationalities and has campuses at Alkent, Levent (primary and pre-primary), Etiler and Zekeriyaköy (pre-primary to secondary).

Bosphorus International Pre-school
It is an independent school serving both preschool (ages 2-5). English is the language of instruction and the school follow an international calendar. A Turkish bilingual program is available to serve the needs of the bi-national students. Pre school is located in Emirgan overlooking the Bosphorus.

Eyüboğlu Eğitim Kurumları - Eyüpoğlu Educational Institutions
Dr. Rüstem Eyüboğlu founded the school in 1985 and education is in English except Turkish and Social Studies lessons. The primary school is in Kadıköy and Çamlıca while the high school is located in Ümraniye. As of 6th grade French and German is elective. At the end of 9th grade it is possible for the students carrying the criteria specified by the school management attend to IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma program.

Gaileo Galilei Italian School
Located in Beyoğlu, Galileo Galilei Italian School was established in 1870 and is among the prestigious schools of Turkey. Education at pre- school and primary school is in Italian. In high school, education is in Italian with the exception of Turkish Literature and Social Studies.

Istanbul International Community School
Founded in 1911 to educate the children of professors at Robert College, the school has a long tradition of academic excellence. It is a non-profit, co-educational, private school serving the international community in Istanbul. The parents of the students are mostly from the international business and diplomatic communities. IICS has two campuses: The Hisar campus on the Bosphorus for children ages 3-9, and the Marmara campus near Büyükçekmece for children ages 3-18. . The students must carry a foreign passport.

Istanbul International School
İstanbul International School provides education for Turkish citizens and foreign nationals on its Çamlıca campus ; grades 1-8. The School also has preschool education in English only for children age 3-5 in Çamlıca and its new campus on Bağdat Caddesi, Çiftehavuzlar. Established in 2002 the school has grown steadily and is planning to extend its preschool services in several locations.

Koç Özel İlköğretim Okulu ve Lisesi- The Koç School
This private primary and high school at Tuzla was established with the efforts of famous businessmen Vehbi Koç. Education is in English except Turkish and Social Studies. As of 6th grade French or German are elective. At the end of 9th grade it is possible for the students carrying the criteria specified by the school management attend to IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma program.

MEF Okulları - MEF Schools, MEF International School
Provides international education to the foreign community in Istanbul. It is housed in its own building on a 40-acre campus at Ortaköy shared with MEF Schools' national section.

Özel Erişim Anaokulu
Former ABC International at Baltalimanı. An international school offering an English language program to childern aged 2-6. Also have a comprehensive program for infants.

Pierre Loti School
Former "Papillon" school at Beyoğlu. It is an establishment independent from the Turkish national education system. All lessons are in French from kindergarten through high school. The second language is English. The diploma given is French Baccalaureate, which allows students to attend state universities in France.

Saint-Joseph Fransız Lisesi - Saint-Joseph French High School
One of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Turkey. It is located in Kadıköy. Education is in French except Turkish Literature and social Studies. English is being taught as a second foreign language.

St. Georges Avusturya Lisesi - St. Georges Austrian High School
Located at Karaköy St. Georges is again one of the most established and prestigious schools of Turkey. Education is in German with the exception of Turkish Literature and Social Studies.

Sainte Pulcherie Fransız Lisesi - Sainte Pulcheri French High School
Sainte Pulcherie Highschool was founded in 1846 by the Congregation Sisters of The Charity. It's a coeducational bilingual school where medium of instruction is French, which accommodates approximately 400 students. Duration of education is five years, the first year intensive French and four years of high school. The diploma of the school that allows the student to study at universities in France or other foreign countries is equivalent to the IB certificate.

Üsküdar Amerikan Lisesi - Üsküdar American High School
Established in 1876 at Bağlarbaşı. Again one of the oldest and most prominent schools in Turkey. Education is in English with the exception of Turkish Literature and Social Studies.

The Zeynep Mutlu Education Foundation (K-12) Independent School
Bilingual education 2-18 (early years – high school) English immersion preschool (Maple Bear-Kemer Kids), IBO primary candidate status (PYP), globally authorized Canadian dual diploma (High School), extensive suburban campus close to city center, universally relevant Canadian curriculum supports education in 2+ languages. Graduates are informed global citizens committed to change.

Also See:

Higher Education	Private Universities
State Universities	Student Permit
Private Schools - Ankara	Private Schools - Istanbul
Accommodation	Home Sweet Home
For the Official Status	Documents to Carry With
Embassies and Consulates	Personal Security Precautions
Working in Turkey	Studying in Turkey
Turkish Legal System	Financial System
Communications	Translation Services
Speaking Turkish	Taxation
Customs Regulations	Pets
NGO's

Would you like to add your comment about this article? Click here!

Business Pages

High Schools
Primary Schools
Preschool and Kindergarten

Editor's Picks

Easy Pogaca Zeyda's delicious and easy recipe for Pogaca. Afiyet olsun! more...

Dentists Some Turkish phrases which may be useful when you visit a dentist at least once a year. more...

Izmir Wildlife Park Izmir Wild Life Park (Izmir Doğal Yaşam Parkı) lies on 425,000 sq.mt land in Çiğli Salalı and was opened in November 2008. more...

Modoko There are thousands and thousands of styles of furniture sold in 350 stores spread out over an area of 150.000 sq.mt. that caters to different... more...

Selamiçeşme Özgürlük Park This park has one soil and one asphalt jogging route. Moreover there are two concrete basketball fields, more...

Mourning Rituals The funerals, after death ceremonies, prayers and offerings of different religions are quite assorted in Istanbul. more...