The most important international schools in Istanbul

If you are interested in studying in international schools in Istanbul, this article will help you to find out all the details you need.

Together, we will explore the most important international schools in Istanbul, where we will take a deep look at each institution and what it offers in terms of educational environment and distinctive programs and together, we will review how these schools contribute to meeting the needs of students of different nationalities and cultures, and how they pave the way for a promising future full of opportunities and challenges.

Learn about the most important international schools in Istanbul

Here is a list of the most important international schools in Istanbul:

1- The Iraqi Knowledge Academy:

The Iraqi Knowledge Academy is one of the leading models of Iraqi schools that are officially recognized in Turkey and founded in 2015 and recognized by the Ministries of Education in Turkey and Iraq, the Academy provides distinguished educational services for all educational levels from kindergarten to high school, as it adopts two educational curricula: the Iraqi and the American.

2- Al-Fayez International Schools:

Since its inception in September 2015, Al Fayez International Schools has received wide recognition as the first licensed Arabic school in Istanbul, with another branch in the capital, Ankara and the schools are distinguished by the multinationality of their 24 nationalities, as they provide an innovative education based on the Arabic curriculum and the British curriculum, "Cambridge" and the different educational stages include: kindergarten, primary, preparatory, and secondary, in addition to the Cambridge stages.

3- Safir International Schools:

Safir International Schools was established in 2015, and offers a distinguished American educational program that includes all educational levels, from kindergarten to high school, with strict standards taken from the state of California and in addition, the school teaches Arabic and Turkish as two additional languages, in addition to teaching Islamic subjects in both English and Arabic and the school operates through its branches in Bahcesehir and Büyükçekmece regions.

4- Sultan Muhammad Al-Fatih School for the Gifted:

Sultan Mehmet Al-Fatih School for the Gifted is distinguished by its location in the famous Al-Fatih neighborhood, as it is concerned with establishing children and youth scientifically, cognitively and linguistically through advanced educational programs and the school relies on advanced educational methods and effective educational competencies, in addition to using the latest technologies and the school is concerned with developing children and preparing them for a bright future in a safe and stimulating learning environment.

5- Abjad International Schools in Istanbul

Located on the European side of Istanbul, it is distinguished by teaching English, Arabic and Turkish languages, and it is officially recognized by the Turkish government and Abjad Schools adopts American curricula approved by AdvancED and the American program is offered to students from grades 1 to 9 in the first branch located in Yenibosna and while the second branch in Basaksehir includes students from Kindergarten to the tenth grade, the schools also offer Cambridge programs for the tenth, eleventh and twelfth grades in the Basaksehir branch.

6- The Canadian Lighthouse Academy:

It is distinguished by teaching the Arabic language according to the Libyan curriculum, in addition to teaching English as a first language and this school is an official branch of Olive Grove School in Ontario, Canada and it is located in the Bahcesehir district of Istanbul.

7- Al-Aqsa International School:

Al-Aqsa International School is a place to teach curricula in Turkish and Arabic, in addition to offering English-language programs accredited by the American International Accreditation AdvancED and the school is recognized by the Ministry of Education in Turkey and Yemen and it also offers courses in the field of computer science and Islamic sciences, located in the Avcilar district of Istanbul.

8- Istanbul International School:

Located in a charming green area in Çamlıca on the Asian side of Istanbul, this school hosts students from more than 40 different nationalities, and teaches them in English.

9- St. Polchery French High School:

Sainte Pulchérie is located in the Beyoğlu district, next to the famous Taksim Street and the French Cultural Centre and the educational team that works in the school includes more than 50 teachers, of which 63% speak French and 40% are of French nationality and the school offers trilingual education (French, Turkish and English), giving students the opportunity to further their education at any university of their choice, both within Turkey and abroad.

10- Al-Ihsan International Schools:

Al-Ihsan International Schools adopts American curricula accredited by the State of California for science subjects at all levels and the school is characterized by providing integrated curricula in three main languages (English, Arabic and Turkish), and the educational plan is distinguished by its diversity to meet the needs of Arab students in Turkey:

Primary and kindergarten stage (50% English, 35% Arabic, 15% Turkish).

Middle and high school (60% English, 15% Arabic, 25% Turkish).

Advantages of buying a property in Istanbul near international schools

1. By buying a property in Istanbul near international schools, this means that your children can get to school easily and in the least amount of time possible and this reduces pressure on travel time and allows them to focus better on their studies.

2. Living near a school gives your children a safe and familiar environment, they can travel between school and home safely, which relieves parents of worries about their safety.

3. When students reduce their travel time, they can take advantage of additional time for social and educational activities, which enhances their personal and academic development.

4. Many families prefer to buy a property in Istanbul near international schools to facilitate the education experience for their children and to provide a suitable environment for their development.

5. Real estate in Istanbul near international schools often holds its value well over time and the constant demand for these properties can make them a good investment in the long run.

6. In many cases, properties in Istanbul that are located near international schools have additional facilities such as sports facilities and playgrounds, and this can contribute to a healthy lifestyle for children.

7. The proximity of international schools may facilitate the negotiation of the property due to the increasing demand from families who are looking for a place that suits their educational needs.

8. Living near international schools enables your children to build stronger social relationships with their classmates and expand their circle of friendships.

9. You can buy a property in Istanbul worth 400 thousand US dollars, obtain Turkish citizenship, and enjoy the rights of a Turkish citizen accompanied by your children

Common questions

1. What are the educational curricula adopted in these schools?

Schools in Istanbul differ in educational curricula, some adopt American curricula, some British (Cambridge), and some combine local and international curricula.

2. What languages are taught in these schools?

International schools in Istanbul rely on English as the primary language of instruction, and provide instruction in Arabic and Turkish as well in some cases.