Uskudar American Academy

The school's educational philosophy is rooted in its 150-year history and guided by its core principles ("Yönlendirici İlkelerimiz"). It aims to foster academic excellence and prepare students for global citizenship by balancing rigorous academics with holistic personal development. The institution emphasizes guiding students to discover their individual talents and interests through structured support.

The academic offering includes a preparatory year ("Hazırlık Sınıfı") followed by a four-year high school curriculum. Students can opt for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which features specialized courses such as Computer Science (CS) and Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS). The curriculum is supported by dedicated academic departments and an Assessment and Evaluation Unit ("Ölçme ve Değerlendirme Birimi").

Graduates achieve strong placement results, with the international university counseling department hosting over 150 university representatives annually to guide students. In a representative graduating class of 164 students, 45% applied to overseas universities, with 30% enrolling in international institutions across the United States (38%), Canada (24%), and the United Kingdom (22%). Students regularly secure early acceptances and scholarships to prestigious institutions, including Columbia University, Northwestern University, Tufts University, and Amherst College.

The school provides comprehensive student support through its Guidance and Psychological Counseling department ("Rehberlik ve Psikolojik Danışmanlık") and Academic Support Departments ("Akademik Destek Bölümleri"). Additionally, students receive specialized guidance from dedicated domestic and international university counseling departments ("Yurt İçi ve Yurt Dışı Üniversite Danışmanlığı") to assist with their higher education pathways.

Admissions to the preparatory class ("Hazırlık Sınıfı") are subject to strict quotas for both girls and boys, which were fully filled for the 2025-2026 academic year. The school provides financial aid through various scholarship opportunities ("Burs Olanakları"). Tuition fees and registration details are updated and announced annually by the administration.

The 2025-2026 academic year begins on September 8, 2025, and concludes on June 26, 2026, starting with a preparatory class orientation on September 4-5. The calendar features mid-term breaks in November and March, a semester break from mid-January to early February, and several national and religious holidays. Grade 12 IBDP mock exams are held in early September, while final IBDP CS and ESS exams are scheduled for May.

The campus in Üsküdar features a school library ("Kütüphane") and dedicated event spaces, including a conference hall and multi-purpose halls ("Konferans Salonu & Çok Amaçlı Salonlarımız"). The school also offers a 360-degree virtual tour for visitors to explore the campus grounds and facilities remotely.

Extracurricular life is coordinated by an active Student Union ("Öğrenci Birliği") and a variety of student clubs. Students participate in diverse activities and trips, such as the "U Solve It 2026" program, an annual trip to Ankara, and an Austrian ski camp ("Avusturya Kayak Kampı").