GRADES 1-5 (Ages 6-10)

PRIMARY SCHOOL

At IICS, our Primary School provides a warm, child-centered, and future-focused learning environment where students develop essential skills for learning and life. As an international school for primary education, we foster a vibrant and inclusive community built on inquiry, strong relationships, and meaningful learning experiences. Our primary school supports the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally—ensuring every learner is known, supported, and celebrated.

Families seeking high-quality primary school education will find a globally minded approach anchored in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). Our primary school program prepares students for success not only within the primary years, but also as they progress through later stages of learning. Taught by caring educators, the IICS primary school experience builds curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Families interested in joining our community may begin the process through our online application.

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Our Primary School curriculum is grounded in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), a globally respected framework designed to nurture internationally minded, independent, and compassionate learners. The PYP emphasizes inquiry, student agency, and conceptual understanding, encouraging children to ask meaningful questions and explore ideas across subject areas. This framework supports a coherent and engaging primary school program that reflects best practices in international education.

Through this approach, students become active participants in their learning while developing strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, science, social studies, the arts, and physical education. Learning is relevant, connected, and developmentally appropriate at each stage of primary school education, supporting both academic achievement and personal growth.

Key benefits of our PYP-based primary school program include:

Inquiry-based learning that builds deep understanding
Transdisciplinary connections that link subjects meaningfully
Learner agency that encourages ownership and independence
International-mindedness that prepares students for a global world
A strong values framework supporting wellbeing, empathy, and respect

Our commitment to the PYP ensures a coherent, skills-based, and child-centered pathway from Early Years through Grade 5.

HOLISTIC & PERSONALIZED LEARNING

Holistic learning is vital because it nurtures the whole child, integrating cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. It fosters well-rounded individuals who are equipped to navigate challenges, collaborate effectively, and thrive in diverse environments. We also believe in personalized learning, which tailors education to each student’s unique needs, strengths, and interests, ensuring they receive the support and opportunities needed to reach their full potential.

MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS

Positive relationships are at the heart of learning in our primary school. Students grow socially and emotionally as they collaborate, share ideas, and solve problems together in supportive classroom environments. Daily interactions help children build communication skills, empathy, and confidence.
Classrooms are intentionally structured to encourage cooperation and peer learning. Through group projects, shared inquiries, and collaborative problem-solving, students develop friendships that strengthen their sense of belonging. These social experiences are an essential part of a well-rounded primary school education.

LEARNING WITH FRIENDS

We believe learning is most powerful when home and school work together as true partners. Families are actively involved in the life of our primary school through open communication, regular conferences, and shared celebrations of learning. This partnership supports both academic development and social-emotional wellbeing.
Community events and family gatherings strengthen relationships and build trust. Parents are encouraged to engage in their child’s learning journey and feel connected to the school community, reinforcing a strong foundation for success throughout the primary school years.

OUR FAMILY PARTNERSHIP

Our teachers are dedicated professionals who know each child as a unique learner. They create safe, welcoming, and engaging environments where students feel confident to take risks and express themselves. Strong relationships between teachers and students support academic growth and emotional wellbeing.
Educators use observation, feedback, and reflection to personalize learning experiences. By understanding each child’s strengths and needs, teachers help students thrive within the primary school setting, ensuring learning is meaningful and developmentally appropriate.

CARING EDUCATORS

As an international school, we celebrate cultural diversity and global perspectives within our primary school. Students engage in local service learning, cultural experiences, and international collaborations that broaden their understanding of the world and their role within it.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through real-world connections. Students explore their local community while developing awareness of global issues and perspectives, enriching the primary school experience and strengthening international-mindedness.

LOCAL & GLOBAL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS (INTERNATIONAL MINDEDNESS)

Students learn best when learning is connected, authentic, and inquiry-driven. Units of inquiry are designed around real-world concepts that spark curiosity and encourage deep thinking, integrating academic subjects in meaningful ways.
Through inquiry-based learning, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and reflection skills. Applying learning to real-life contexts strengthens understanding and engagement, supporting both academic excellence and student agency during the primary school years.

AUTHENTIC, TRANSDISCIPLINARY, INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING

A SAFE & NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

Safety and wellbeing are at the core of our early years education program. Our secure and caring environment supports each child’s physical, emotional, and social development.

We prioritize:

Clear routines and consistent expectations
Trusted relationships with teachers
Emotional wellbeing alongside academic readiness
Inclusive and developmentally appropriate practices

By nurturing the whole child, we ensure they are emotionally prepared for the transition into primary school and beyond.

Parents can also explore our wider school life through:

The smaller Hisar Campus (Early Years – Grade 3) is part of the school’s original grounds from its inception in 1911.

HISAR CAMPUS

The main, purpose-built Marmara campus (Early Years – Grade 12) is 25 miles west of the city center amid rolling hills, overlooking a large lake.

MARMARA CAMPUS

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Our Primary School offers a wide range of after-school activities that enrich learning beyond the classroom. Programs include sports teams, art and design clubs, music, drama, robotics, and wellbeing-focused activities. Families can explore the full range of opportunities on our After-School Activities page.

Community events and celebrations strengthen belonging and school spirit. These shared experiences support leadership, teamwork, and personal growth throughout the primary school journey.

GRADE 4 - SPACE CAMP

GRADE 5 - EPHESUS TRIP

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES

CLUBS

We use the PYP (Primary Years Program) framework because it promotes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and a global perspective. It aligns with our commitment to educational excellence and helps create a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

We are accredited by NEASC & CIS and follow their rigorous standards to ensure educational excellence, maintain high-quality programs, and promote continuous improvement. This commitment provides assurance to families that our school meets high quality benchmarks, fostering a superior learning environment for our students.

Admissions

Moving to a new school and a new country is a major change. Our Director of Admissions at Istanbul International Community School, Zeliha Öztürk, is happy to answer your questions about IICS, about living in Istanbul, relocation, or any of your schooling concerns. Email: admissions@iics.k12.tr

APPLY HERE