Choosing A School

Ask the right questions.
Make the right choice.

Among the many anxieties we all face when we move to a new country is whether we’ll be able to find the RIGHT SCHOOL for our children. Our children’s education is something none of us are willing to compromise in order to work overseas. We come from many different cultures with different ideas about education, so we all have unique expectations from a school.

It’s not always easy to know what criteria to use when judging a school or what questions should be asked to find out if a school fits the family’s needs.

HOW CAN YOU JUDGE HOW GOOD A SCHOOL IS?
WHERE DO THE TUITION FEES GO?
HOW CAN YOU BE SURE ABOUT THE CONTINUED QUALITY OF A SCHOOL?
ARE THE NEEDS OF YOUR CHILD’S AGE GROUP BEING MET?
HOW INVOLVED IS THE SCHOOL IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
WHAT DISTINGUISHES IICS MOST FROM OTHER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN ISTANBUL?

HOW CAN YOU JUDGE HOW GOOD A SCHOOL IS?
There are several factors to consider, such as accreditation, facilities, curriculum, teacher qualifications, and long-range planning. Ask to see the curriculum and have it explained. Take a tour of the facilities. Meet with the administrators. Most of all, ASK QUESTIONS!

	IICS
Is the school fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate?	Yes
Is the school globally accredited by internationally recognized organizations?	Yes
Does the school foster internationalism and develop a sense of global citizenry?	Yes
Are the teachers qualified, experienced and certified in the areas they teach?	Yes
Are there well-stocked and equipped libraries, science labs, computer labs, music and art rooms?	Yes
Does the school curriculum prepare students for higher education overseas?	Yes
Does the school have a track record of student acceptances into quality universities?	Yes
Are class sizes small enough to allow for individual attention for a diverse range of abilities?	Yes
Do students have the opportunity to pursue independent learning that will equip them to become life-long learners?	Yes
Does the school operate an “open-door” policy that welcomes and encourages parents to visit the campus and participate in school life?	Yes

WHERE DO THE TUITION FEES GO?
Quality education means good facilities, current educational resources and the best teachers. These cost money. But make sure you get what you pay for.

	IICS
Is the school a non-profit organization with all fee payments being put back into the school?	Yes
Is the budget transparent and available for viewing?	Yes
Is there responsible long-range planning?	Yes

HOW CAN YOU BE SURE ABOUT THE CONTINUED QUALITY OF A SCHOOL?
Quality is likely to be maintained, even during a change of personnel, if there is parent involvement in the decision-making processes, and if the school has policies established by the Board of Directors concerning enrolment and curriculum. Scheduled reviews of the curriculum ensure that the school stays up to date.

	IICS
Is there a policy about class sizes to ensure they aren’t too big or too small?	Yes
Are the teachers offered a professional development program?	Yes
Are the teachers recruited internationally to maintain excellence and diversity?	Yes
Is the curriculum reviewed regularly and measured against international benchmarks?	Yes
Does the Board of Directors represent the parent body?	Yes
Does the school have a Strategic Plan?	Yes
Has the school demonstrated stability and longevity?	Yes

ARE THE NEEDS OF YOUR CHILD’S AGE GROUP BEING MET?
Parents have different concerns for younger children than for older children, but children of all ages thrive when there is continuity and security in their lives It will benefit your children to find a school for the duration of your stay that will statisfy your children’s needs at any age.

	IICS
Is there personal counseling available for all ages?	Yes
Does the school have a college counselor?	Yes
Does the library provide a complete range of resources from young children’s literature to research tools and materials?	Yes
Is technology integrated in the classroom with a plan for continuing technological development?	Yes
Is there a wide variety of sports, academic, and artistic extracurricular activities available after school?	Yes
Does the Preschool program include specialty teachers for music, library, and physical education?	Yes
Do students beginning with Lower Primary have the opportunity to learn a language other than English?	Yes
Are there opportunities for older children to compete internationally in sports and fine arts festivals?	Yes
Do the older children have the opportunity to participate in class trips to learn about the culture of Turkey?	Yes
Does the school provide safe and reliable transportation to pick up and drop off children?	Yes

HOW INVOLVED IS THE SCHOOL IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
An important part of the school experience is learning to become involved in one’s community and work towards its improvement. Being part of a school that is active and well-respected in the community will enhance this experience.

	IICS
Does the school offer opportunities for self-discovery and community service to help students develop emotional intelligence to become responsible citizens?	Yes
Are school facilities available for use by family members?	Yes

WHAT DISTINGUISHES IICS MOST FROM OTHER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN ISTANBUL?

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION AND ACCREDITATION

IICS is the ONLY PK-12 school in Istanbul fully authorized to offer all 3 International Baccalaureate’s programs;
IICS has many IB qualified moderators, examiners, trainers, and workshop leaders on staff;
IICS is the ONLY PK-12 school in Istanbul accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges);
IICS and its curriculum are regularly reviewed by international accrediting agencies and measured against international benchmarks.

RIGOROUS ACADEMIC PROGRAM AND TOP UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCE

IICS provides a sound educational foundation;
IICS graduates are accepted to leading US, UK, and other international universities;
UK universities continually accept IICS graduates with their IB Diplomas.

HIGHLY QUALIFIED FACULTY

Average teaching experience 14 years
Teachers are recruited internationally to maintain excellence and diversity
Teachers are offered ongoing professional development opportunities

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT BODY

Over 48 countries represented by more than 520 students
Philosophy that fosters internationalism in order to create open-minded world citizens who have an international perspective, are self-confident and conscientious, and who can function as leaders and team members in societies all over the world

LONGEVITY AND STABILITY

95-Year tradition
Long-term commitment to the community
Parent-led Board of Directors

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

All revenue invested in education at IICS