FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

·      U.S. Curriculum: Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), our academic program follows a U.S. high school framework, culminating in a globally recognized U.S. Diploma.

·      International Baccalaureate (IB): We are an authorized IB World School, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), fostering inquiry-based and internationally-minded learning.

·      Advanced Placement (AP): Our high school students (Grades 9-12) can access College Board-approved AP courses, providing university-level academic rigor and potential college credit.

·      Global Impact Diploma (GID): As a founding member of the Global Impact Diploma, we currently collaborate with 26 international schools worldwide to offer an innovative, real-world learning experience for students in Grades 9-12.

Our comprehensive curriculum allows students to personalize their learning journey, balancing academic excellence, global engagement, and future-readiness.

·      English is the language of instruction for all classes.

·      French is offered from Grades 2-5.

·      Turkish Culture & Language is available from Early Years 5 – Grade 5.

In Secondary School, students can choose French or Spanish as a second language.

We welcome students from diverse linguistic backgrounds and provide English language support up to Grade 10 to help them thrive in our academic programs.

• Students with minimal English proficiency may be admitted up to Grade 6, with tailored language support to build their skills.
• From Grades 7-10, students should have a functional level of English, as academic demands increase. English support is available to help them succeed.
• In Grades 11-12, students must have a strong command of English to access our IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and the Global Impact Diploma (GID), as no additional English support is provided at this level.

We also offer Learning Support, and any necessary accommodations will be reviewed as part of the admissions process to ensure we can meet each student’s needs effectively.

• No entrance exam is required for students applying to EY3 – Grade 5.
• For Grade 6 and above, students will be invited for an online English writing assessment to determine appropriate placement.

• Most teachers are native English speakers recruited from the US, Canada, and the UK.
• IICS has a diverse student body from 79 different countries.
• The largest nationality groups are the United States, South Korea, Germany, and Canada.

View our International Community Display 2024-25

IICS has two campuses:

·      Hisar Campus (Rumeli Hisarı) – Offers Early Years 3 to Grade 3.

·      Marmara Campus (Büyükçekmece) – Offers Early Years 3 to Grade 12.

Students completing Grade 3 at Hisar Campus continue Grade 4 at Marmara Campus.

Hisar Campus is in Rumeli Hisari and Marmara Campus is in Hadimkoy, Buyukcekmece. For more detail please click https://www.iics.k12.tr/contact/

Maximum 22 students per class. Teacher-to-student ratio is 7:1, ensuring personalized attention.

·      Yes, school visits are available on weekdays by appointment.

·      Families receive a personalized tour and admissions meeting, lasting about one hour.

To schedule a visit, contact admissions@iics.k12.tr or call +90 212 857 82 64 / Ext. 215 or 105.

IICS is a single-campus international school in Istanbul. However, our curriculum is designed for seamless transitions to schools worldwide:

·      As an IB World School, we offer the PYP, MYP, and DP, making it easy for students to transfer to other IB schools globally.

·      Our U.S. Diploma and Advanced Placement (AP) courses provide internationally recognized academic pathways, ensuring continuity in education.

·      The Global Impact Diploma (GID) combines IB, AP, and high school courses, creating a flexible pathway that aligns with multiple international curricula. As part of an international network of schools, GID students benefit from a globally connected learning experience.

While IICS does not have multiple branches, our internationally accredited programs ensure that students can easily transition to other schools worldwide.

·      No, IICS accepts applications year-round.

·      However, we recommend submitting applications by January/February for an August start.

·      Marmara Campus: 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM (Monday – Friday)

·      Hisar Campus:

o  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM

o  Wednesday (Early Release): 8:15 AM – 1:45 PM

No, IICS is a day school and does not provide accommodation.

·      The first year includes additional fees (Application, Registration, and Capital Levy fees).

·      From the second year onward, these fees are not charged.

For details on 2025-2026 tuition fees, please [click here].

·      Yes, 5% discount for the second child.

·      10% discount for the third and subsequent children.

·      No, IICS does not offer scholarships or negotiate fees.

·      As a non-profit school, all revenue is reinvested into enhancing educational programs, facilities, and teacher development.

Yes, installment options are available. Please refer to the tuition fee document.

IICS is a not-for-profit school. The fees include most of the costs including education with high calibre teachers, lunch, class trips, extra-curricular activities, school supplies, books, 8% VAT, and Yearbook. The calibre of the educational experience we can provide is supported by the fact that all revenues above our operating expenses are reinvested into our school to create a cycle of continual improvement.

·      Yes, IICS provides morning snacks and a hot lunch.

·      Monthly lunch menus are published on the website.

·      Yes, school buses are available to many areas in Istanbul.

·      Bus fees vary by location. For details, contact transportation@iics.k12.tr.

Bus fees vary depending on the region of residence. You may contact  transportation@iics.k12.tr for details.