MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6 – 8)

MIDDLE SCHOOL AT IICS

Our Middle School provides a supportive and engaging bridge between childhood and young adulthood. At this important stage, middle school students develop confidence, strengthen social skills, and build strong academic foundations. As an international middle school in Istanbul, Istanbul International Community School (IICS) offers a globally recognized learning experience where inquiry, wellbeing, and personal growth go hand in hand.

With a future-focused curriculum and a caring learning environment, students gain the skills they need to thrive in a changing world. This international middle school experience supports both academic challenge and personal development. At IICS, the middle years are a time of exploration, reflection, and discovery. To start a learning journey with us, families can begin with an online application.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The international middle school curriculum at IICS is designed to support academic growth and personal development during the critical adolescent years. Learning is grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, providing a clear progression from the Primary Years Programme and preparing students for future learning pathways, including high school.

Students experience a strong learning continuum that emphasizes inquiry, conceptual understanding, and student agency. Teaching and learning focus on developing critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration while helping students make meaningful connections between subjects and the real world.

Teachers design developmentally appropriate learning experiences tailored to young adolescents. Lessons are intentionally structured to challenge, support, and inspire students academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring that all learners feel both supported and appropriately challenged.

Learn more about our school’s global recognition and standards on our Accreditations page.

COURSES TAKEN BY MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Middle school students engage in a broad and balanced range of courses designed to support holistic development and academic growth. These courses are part of a comprehensive program that builds essential skills while allowing students to explore interests and strengths.

Courses typically include:

Language and Literature
Mathematics
Sciences
Humanities
World Languages
Visual and Performing Arts
Physical Education
Design and technology-based learning

Together, these courses ensure depth, balance, and continuity within the international middle school curriculum, preparing students for a smooth transition into high school and beyond.

HOLISTIC & PERSONALIZED LEARNING

Holistic learning is vital because it nurtures the whole person, 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

The middle years are a critical time for social development, and relationships play a central role in learning at IICS. Learning with peers helps middle school students develop collaboration, communication, and empathy through shared academic and social experiences.

Through group projects, advisory activities, and collaborative problem-solving, students strengthen interpersonal skills while learning to respect individual differences. This supportive environment fosters confidence, belonging, and positive peer relationships.

LEARNING WITH FRIENDS

We believe education is strongest when families and school work together as partners. Families remain closely connected to learning through regular communication, student-led conferences, and celebrations of learning. This partnership supports both academic progress and social-emotional wellbeing.

Ongoing dialogue and community events help families feel informed, engaged, and connected. Working together builds trust and consistency around each child’s learning journey, strengthening our international middle school community.

OUR FAMILY PARTNERSHIP

Our educators understand the unique academic and emotional needs of young adolescents. Caring, experienced teachers guide students with compassion, structure, and high expectations, creating classrooms where learners feel safe to take academic and personal risks.

Teachers mentor students through challenges while encouraging independence and responsibility. This balanced approach helps students develop resilience, self-belief, and accountability during the middle years.

CARING EDUCATORS

As an international middle school, IICS intentionally connects learning to both local and global contexts. Students participate in service learning, cultural experiences, and interdisciplinary projects that broaden perspectives and deepen understanding.

From local initiatives in Istanbul to global issues explored through inquiry, students learn how their actions can create meaningful impact. These experiences foster empathy, responsibility, and international-mindedness.

LOCAL & GLOBAL COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Students engage in authentic inquiry that connects learning across subject areas. Units are designed around big ideas and real-world challenges that encourage curiosity, questioning, and deeper understanding.

Through research, reflection, and meaningful presentations, students develop communication and critical-thinking skills. This approach makes learning purposeful and prepares students not only for high school, but for lifelong learning.

AUTHENTIC, TRANSDISCIPLINARY, INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

Learning continues beyond the classroom through a wide range of after-school activities that support wellbeing, creativity, and leadership. After-school opportunities allow students to explore interests, build confidence, and develop new skills. Families can explore our full range of options on our After-School Activities page.

School-wide events bring families, students, and staff together to celebrate learning and community. These shared experiences strengthen relationships and enrich the international middle school experience at IICS.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

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.

GRADE 6 - MOUNTRAIN TRIP

GRADE 7 - DALYAN TRIP

GRADE 8 - CAPPADOCIA TRIP

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.

We use the MYP (Middle 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.

TESTIMONIALS

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