Istanbul International School
Secular, Founded 1997
Updated July 2026
Cambridge PrimaryAccreditations
Languages
EnglishIstanbul International School is a private institution providing an accredited, international education for students aged 4 to 18. It serves a diverse community of over 60 nationalities, offering a curriculum that prepares students for global challenges.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to a child-centred, secular curriculum that encourages curiosity, reflection, and questioning rather than competition. It aims to incorporate the diverse cultural perspectives of its international student body while facilitating their transfer to other national or international schools.
Programmes
The school follows the Cambridge International Curriculum from Primary through High School. The Early Years programme balances child-initiated and teacher-facilitated activities, while the Primary School (Grades 1–4) focuses on environmental studies, life skills, and expressive arts. The Middle School (Grades 5–8) serves as a bridge to the High School, which offers the IGCSE curriculum for Grades 9–10 and AS/A Levels for Grades 11–12.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs counselors who evaluate students to determine if the curriculum suits their individual needs. The faculty is trained to recognize that each child progresses at their own pace, and the school will deny entry if it cannot confidently support a child's specific learning needs.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Istanbul International School offer?
- Istanbul International School offers Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Istanbul International School?
- Annual tuition at Istanbul International School is $21.5K–$32.8K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Istanbul International School a day or boarding school?
- Istanbul International School is a day school.
- What accreditations does Istanbul International School hold?
- Istanbul International School holds accreditations including Cambridge International.
- Is Istanbul International School co-educational?
- Istanbul International School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Istanbul International School located?
- Istanbul International School is an international school in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Early Years | 4–5 | $21.5K |
| Grade 1 | — | $26.4K |
| Grade 2 | — | $26.4K |
| Grade 3 | — | $26.4K |
| Grade 4 | — | $26.4K |
| Grade 5 | — | $26.8K |
| Grade 6 | — | $27.9K |
| Grade 7 | — | $27.9K |
| Grade 8 | — | $28.3K |
| Grade 9 | — | $30.2K |
| Grade 10 | — | $31.8K |
| Grade 11 | — | $32.6K |
| Grade 12 | — | $32.8K |
Other fees(3)
| Placement test· Any prior payment made for placement tests is reduced from annual fees. | — |
|---|---|
| Meals· Lunch is included in the annual tuition fees. | — |
| Materials· Books and materials are included in the annual tuition fees. | — |
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 5%
- Sibling discount: 5% - 15%
Admissions
The admissions process requires an online inquiry followed by an initial application. Applicants must provide school reports from the previous two years and undergo an evaluation by a school counselor, which includes an entrance examination or placement test for high school candidates. The school assesses developmental, emotional, and academic readiness to ensure appropriate placement, and successful applicants are notified by the department head.
Calendar
The school operates on an academic calendar that includes specific periods for registration and assessment. The academic year concludes with Cambridge examinations for students in Grades 5, 8, 10, 11, and 12.
Facilities
About the campus
The school operates on two campuses in the Çamlıca district. Campus A (ages 4–12) features 20 classrooms, an ICT lab, a science lab, an indoor sports gym, a library, an outdoor sports court, a primary outdoor area, an early years playground, a vegetable garden, and a multi-purpose room with an eatery. Campus B (ages 13–17) includes 12 classrooms, four science labs, an ICT lab, a mathematics lab, a library, an auditorium, a recreational room, and an eatery.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a range of extra-curricular activities designed to complement the academic programme. These activities are integrated into the school experience to support the all-round development of students.
- John LeesCo-founder
Born in Scotland and trained in the UK, John Lees co-founded Istanbul International School in 2002. He is an English language specialist with a background in bilingualism and serves as the Vice Chairman of the board for the International Schools Association.
- Dr. Mustafa KaradenizCo-founder
Dr. Mustafa Karadeniz is a paediatrician who co-founded Istanbul International School in 2002, taking responsibility for the management aspects of the institution. He is also a volunteer doctor and serves as the head of the Üsküdar, İstanbul Office for the Turkish Red Crescent.