Istanbul International Community School

Istanbul International Community School is one of Europe’s premier independent international schools with an over 90 year tradition of academic excellence. Known originally as Robert College Community School, it was founded in 1911 to provide education to the children of the Robert College international professors. In 1979, it changed its name to the present one and started teaching children from the growing international community in Istanbul. IICS is a non-profit, PK-12, coeducational, non-sectarian school providing educational services to the children of the international community. The primary focus is internationalism, to create open-minded 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. The school has two divisions: Primary School (PK-6th Grade) and Secondary School (7th-12th Grades).

An international curriculum at Istanbul International Community School is offered based on the three programs of the International Baccalaureate Organization: Primary Years Program, Middle Years Program and Diploma Program. French is required language from First Grade, and Spanish is offered in the Secondary School. In addition, the school offers Turkish Language and Culture in the Primary School.

Istanbul International Community School is the only school serving the international community in Istanbul that is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

The staff at Istanbul International Community School is composed of highly qualified teachers from Australia, Canada, England, France, New Zealand, Turkey and the United States. The student body is composed of more than 40 nationalities with no dominant group. The school year runs from late August until mid June.

The main facility at Istanbul International Community School is on a new purpose-built campus on 13.5 hectares (33.5 acres) 40 minutes west of the city center. It has large classrooms, three science labs, three computer labs, a design technology lab, an indoor theater and outdoor amphitheater, double gymnasium, football/softball field, a running track, basketball and tennis courts, a well supplied library with ten research computers and a cafeteria. A branch for Primary (PK-3rd Grade) is located near the Bosphorus.