HIGH SCHOOL (Grades 9-12)

HIGH SCHOOL AT IICS: A LEADING INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL IN ISTANBUL

Choosing the right international high school is a defining step in a student’s academic journey, particularly for internationally mobile families. Istanbul International Community School (IICS) offers a well-established international high school experience that combines academic rigor, flexibility, and global recognition. Founded in 1911, IICS is one of the oldest international schools in Europe and continues to be a trusted choice for families seeking a high-quality international high school education in Istanbul.

HOLISTIC & PERSONALIZED LEARNING

COURSES TAKEN BY INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The international high school curriculum at IICS prepares students for successful graduation and university pathways worldwide. Students earn a globally recognized U.S. High School Diploma by completing a minimum of 26 credits across Grades 9–12.

Required subject areas include:

English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
World Languages
Physical Education
Elective courses supporting academic depth and exploration

IICS offers multiple international high school programs, allowing students to design a personalized academic pathway aligned with their interests and goals.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) DIPLOMA PROGRAM (GRADES 11-12)

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma recognized worldwide
Six subject groups:

Language & Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals & Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
The Arts

Emphasis on inquiry, analytical thinking, and global perspectives
Positions IICS among leading IB schools in Istanbul

IMPACT & INNOVATION DIPLOMA PATHWAY

Designed for future-focused international high school students, this pathway:

Connects academic learning with real-world application
Builds transferable skills for university and career readiness

Core courses within this pathway include:

Leadership for Impact
Impact Project
Consultancy Studio
Impact Portfolio

Students apply learning through project-based experiences supported by intentional international high school lesson plans that promote ownership, collaboration, and authentic assessment.

FUTURE-READY COURSE OFFERINGS

These classes allow students to explore personal interests while remaining grounded in a rigorous international high school curriculum.

Robotics
Game Design
Math & Innovation
Digital Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Creative Media
Fashion Design
Sports Management
Hospitality
Photography

ADDITIONAL ACADEMIC OPTIONS

Across all international high school programs, students may choose from:

Advanced Placement (AP) courses
IB certificate courses
Honors-level classes
Approved dual enrollment opportunities

This flexibility ensures international high school students graduate with a personalized academic profile aligned with their post-secondary goals and built on the international middle school curriculum.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Beyond academics, IICS offers a wide range of co-curricular opportunities that enhance the international high school experience and support student wellbeing. Families can explore the full range of opportunities on our After-School Activities page. After-school opportunities include:

Competitive and recreational athletics
Service learning and community engagement
Performing and visual arts programs
Leadership development opportunities
Student-led clubs and organizations

These activities are integrated into the international high school calendar, encouraging balanced development and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOMS

We offer numerous learning experiences beyond the classroom, including after-school athletics, student-led clubs, PTA events, field trips, overnight camps, and cultural expeditions. Our Türkiye Cultural and Connections Class Trips Program is designed to help students build meaningful connections with each other and our host country. During this week, all secondary students travel on curated trips to different areas of Türkiye, engaging in service learning and cultural experiences that enhance their international mindedness and cross-cultural connections.

Trojan,Horse,At,Sunset,-,Canakkale,Turkey

Grade 9 – Canakkale Trip

Summer,Season,In,The,Gocek,Islands,Beachs,And,Marina,Drone

Grade 10 – Antalya Trip

Grade 11 – Bursa Trip

Grade 12 – Princess Islands Trip

A SAFE ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES LEARNING

IICS fosters a safe, inclusive learning environment where international high school students are known and supported.

Key features of the IICS learning environment include:

6:1 student-to-educator ratio
Small class sizes
Highly qualified international faculty
Personalized academic and wellbeing support

Accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and authorized by the International Baccalaureate, IICS delivers a trusted international high school education that prepares students for life beyond graduation. Learn more about our global standards and recognitions on our Accreditations page.

CEESA – European Conference Of Sports & Activities

Our school is the only school in Türkiye that is a full member of the Central & Eastern European School Association, placing us in an elite group of international schools. We compete in numerous sports tournaments, including football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, and cross country. We also participate in academic competitions like math olympics, knowledge bowl, speech and debate, and robotics, as well as cultural festivals such as choir, theater, and band, across over 20 European countries. Additionally, we are also founding members of the Turkish International School League where we compete with other international schools in Türkiye. We have middle school teams for grades 6-8 and high school teams for grades 9-12 and our athletics and activities teams participate in three different seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring.

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