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ENKA Schools Istanbul

Turkey, Istanbul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Turkish, English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 1300
Type Co-educational
Opened 1996
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Thai Curriculum
Taught languages German, French, Spanish, Turkish
Typical class size 8
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

ENKA Istanbul is a Pre-K through 12 day school on Istanbul's side. Founded in 1996, its first graduation was in 2008. It is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP, with MYP Candidate status) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP); the high school is bilingual and delivers the Turkish Ministry of Education diploma. The language of instruction is English; German and French are offered, and Turkish Language & Literature is taught in Grades 9–12 as part of the national curriculum. In Grades 9–10, Cambridge IGCSE First Language English is studied. From Grades 11–12, students pursue the IB DP with English as a DP subject, while SBS Turkish Social Sciences complements the program. ENKA is accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education, CIS and NEASC; 80–90% of graduates matriculate abroad. Facilities include libraries, equipped laboratories, technologies, Health Service, transportation and ISO 22000-certified canteen.

The Essentials

ENKA Schools Istanbul has 1,300 pupils, typical class sizes of 8, instruction in Turkish, English.

Location
Sadi Gülçelik Spor Sitesi Istinye 34460 Istanbul, Turkey. Istinye is on the European side of Istanbul. ENKA Schools Istanbul campus houses Pre-School, Primary School, Middle School, and High School on site.

Stages
Pre-School; Primary School; Middle School; High School.

Country affiliation
Turkey

Bus service
Gürsel Turizm provides transportation for the 2025-2026 academic year. The service uses 32 vehicles and drivers, 31 hostesses, and 32 routes. Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts and GPS tracking and operate under ISO 9001, ISO 10002, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, OHSAS 18001, and TSE standards. Contacts: Samet Sarıer (samet.sarier@gurseltur.com.tr); Zeynep Düzgün (gurseltasimacilik@enka.k12.tr); Muratcan Bıyık (murat.biyik@gurseltur.com.tr).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Residential life is overseen by the Dean of Students, indicating a residential life program.

Food Options
The catering and canteen services are provided by Yemekhane Catering Company with national and international quality certificates. Food is cooked daily on site and the monthly menu is prepared by a nutrition expert. The canteen operates under the Ministry of Education's Canteen Regulation and is audited regularly under ISO 22000 Food Safety Management System; water and food samples are tested, and ingredients are sourced from well-known Turkish providers.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Directors, currently consisting of Alparslan Tansuğ (Chair and Founder's Representative), Dr. Esra Tara (Board Member & Head of School), and Onur Kaya (Board Member). The Board meets twice a month and members are unpaid volunteers responsible to ENKA for the school's well-being and for ensuring the mission is carried out. The Senior Leadership Team includes the Deputy Head of School, Principals of Pre-School, Primary School, Middle School, and High School, the Dean of Academics, the Dean of Students, and the Communications and Human Resources Director.
Academics

ENKA Schools Istanbul teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Thai Curriculum.

Curriculum
ENKA Istanbul is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The Middle School is an MYP Candidate school, and its Turkish program integrates the Ministry of Education curriculum with the MYP. The language of instruction is English, with German and French offered as Modern Foreign Languages, and Turkish Language & Literature taught in Grades 9–12 as part of the national curriculum. In Grades 9–10, Cambridge IGCSE First Language English is studied, and in Grades 11–12 students study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) with English as the DP subject for English. The Turkish-national curriculum is maintained in Turkish-language subjects, and the SBS Turkish Social Sciences elective within the DP complements the program; English-language instruction extends across core subjects.

Exam Results
In 2025, overseas university acceptances include New York University, Johns Hopkins University, Duke University, and multiple University of California campuses (e.g., Irvine, Los Angeles, Davis). UK destinations include Imperial College London, University College London, King's College London, and the University of Oxford. In 2024, acceptances included the University of Michigan, Northeastern University, UCLA, and the University of Toronto, among others.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates pursue higher education at universities worldwide, with documented overseas acceptances to institutions across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and other regions, including NYU, Johns Hopkins, Duke, UC campuses, Imperial College London, UCL, and Oxford among many others. This demonstrates a broad international progression pathway for ENKA Istanbul graduates.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is integrated into ENKA Istanbul's safeguarding and counseling framework. The Child Protection Program includes SEL opportunities, with school counselors identifying areas where students need support, organizing group work, and informing families, while classroom teachers implement planned SEL activities within the program. Preschool and primary guidance goals focus on self-awareness, self-confidence, emotional recognition and regulation, respectful relationships, and social skills, supporting healthy social and emotional development across divisions. The high school guidance program also centers on life skills and student-advisory activities that promote positive social and emotional growth.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Special Education Services are provided by the Counseling Department, offering in-classroom support and individual sessions for students who learn in different ways. The department prepares and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), which are written plans for students at risk of not meeting grade-level expectations. An IEP committee, led by the Counseling Department, includes all teachers of the student and organizes IEP meetings with parents. The program ensures goals are set and necessary supports are provided to students needing specialized education services.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ENKA Istanbul operates as a bilingual Turkish-English school. In Pre-School, the program is bilingual Turkish and English for the three-year-old group, with English playing an important role and the aim of fostering curiosity about a second language and expression in two languages. The four-year-old group also uses a Turkish-English bilingual programme, with goals to develop listening and speaking skills and preparation for elementary school in both languages. In the five-year-old group, English remains central, and the curriculum aims to prepare students for the transition to primary school with proficiency in both English and Turkish.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported through a developmental, preventive counseling approach across the school. Preschool guidance focuses on social and emotional development, self-awareness, and readiness for primary school; primary school counseling emphasizes personal and intellectual development and positive learning experiences. Middle and High School Counseling centers on self-awareness, study skills, decision-making, problem solving, and effective communication, with an advisory system to support ongoing wellbeing. The department also offers parent education seminars and resources to promote healthy development and home–school collaboration.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is addressed by ENKA Istanbul's Child Protection Program, which aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the ITFCP, Turkish laws, and national education regulations. The Child Protection Team comprises the deputy head, school principals, and psychology staff, with designated Child Protection Officers for each division; staff receive annual child protection training, and third-party providers are included in training. The school maintains clear procedures for reporting concerns, documentation, and response, including a confidential record system and escalation pathways. The policy undergoes regular reviews and involves parental engagement and ongoing guidance on safeguarding, online safety, and related topics.
Parent Experience

History
ENKA Schools Istanbul was founded in 1996 in Istanbul as a private nonprofit center of educational excellence. The first graduating class occurred in 2008. It is a Pre-K through 12, coeducational day school on the European side, with Turkish and English as languages of instruction and a third language taught from grade 5. ENKA is authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the Primary Years Program and the Middle Years Program, and High School math and science are taught in English, with graduates receiving the Turkish National Diploma. Eighty to ninety percent of graduates matriculate at universities abroad, and the school is accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education as well as CIS and NEASC.

Community
Community is central to ENKA Schools' mission. Community service is emphasized across K-12, with students regularly participating in social and community service. Students volunteer in Istanbul and in community service projects throughout Türkiye and internationally.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
ENKA's Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a bridge between parents and school administration. The PTA contributes to education and sports development policies as well as to the school's overall sense of community through its organization of social and cultural activities. The PTA Board is elected openly at the beginning of each school year and includes full and reserve members. The PTA implements the activity plan for the current year, integrating community suggestions and requests. At the end of the school year, the PTA prepares an annual report summarizing the year's activities. The PTA encourages feedback from the community and from all parents.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
IB programs are integrated across ENKA Istanbul from Pre-School to High School, with IB PYP in Primary, IB MYP in Middle, and the IB Diploma Programme in High School. The High School is bilingual and offers the Turkish Ministry of Education Diploma and the IB Diploma. The school blends IB curricula with Turkish criteria. Libraries and fully equipped laboratories support research and experiments in line with MEB and IB curriculums. Educational technologies support research, learning, and communication, with an emphasis on responsible use of technology. On-campus Health Service, Transportation, and Nutrition facilities are available.

Sports Facilities
PE classes are taught for two periods per week and align with the PYP and MYP curricula. The program emphasizes physical development, healthy nutrition, teamwork. School teams are formed through year-start tryouts and compete in municipality tournaments within Sarıyer and in regional and national competitions. ENKA Sports Club facilitates leagues and matches with clubs in Istanbul, offering competitive opportunities.

Academic Facilities
The school blends IB curricula with Turkish criteria, making IB Diploma Programme available alongside the Turkish program. The faculty is composed of distinguished instructors and researchers involved in teaching, education, and outreach. Educational Technologies enable students to research, learn and communicate responsibly in a 21st-century context. The libraries support research skills and a passion for reading across a range of mediums and genres. Fully equipped laboratories enable research and science experiments in line with MEB and IB curriculums.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Club and after-school activities are central to ENKA, designed to develop leadership, communication, responsibility, discovery, and self-confidence. After-school activities include two-period sport sessions during school time, with clubs administered by professional trainers. Students have the opportunity to attend various activities to gain experience in these areas. Afterschool activities run on different days for different grades, typically from 15:30 to 17:00.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ENKA Istanbul is an IB World School that implements the Turkish Ministry of Education national curriculum. The preschool and primary divisions offer the IB Primary Years Program (PYP), having been authorized to offer the PYP on December 9, 2005. The Middle School follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) and ENKA is a candidate school for authorization to offer the program. ENKA High School is bilingual and offers two diplomas—the Turkish Ministry of Education diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma—and also provides the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

Arts & Creative
ARTS & MUSIC are an integral part of ENKA Istanbul's Student Life. Students experience literature, theatre, visual arts, music, and dance and engage in interdisciplinary practices that connect the arts with technology and postmodern approaches. The school hosts international exhibitions and art projects that allow students to share their work with peers and art enthusiasts. Every student participates in a performance or stage-related activity.

Cultural & Language
The school operates within an IB framework and the Turkish national curriculum. ENKA High School is a bilingual school. In the Middle Years Programme, eight subjects are offered, including Turkish and English-German/French, reflecting Turkish language study and additional language options within the program.

Social & Hobbies
ENKA Istanbul provides extensive after-school opportunities; students can choose from a wide range of clubs and activities (nearly 70 clubs and 30 after-school offerings). The ENKA Schools Student Council has been the student voice since 2004, with annual elections; council members organize events, engage in community service projects, and facilitate communication with the school board. The Arts & Music and sports programs are complemented by these clubs and activities.

Community & Service
Community Service comprises activities involving creativity, physical activity, and social responsibility. In ENKA Istanbul High School, community service begins in Grade 11 and is completed by Grade 12. The Counseling and Projects programs support community-service initiatives and related student-led activities.

Leadership & Professional
The ENKA Schools Student Council has been the student voice since 2004, with democratic elections held annually and council members serving for one year; it organizes events and community projects and helps connect students with school leadership. Turkish University Counseling and Overseas College Counseling guide students through university options, while Career Day and ongoing career counseling activities support planning for higher education and careers. The counseling department works closely with the Turkish Universities counselor and OCCO team to support students.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ENKA Istanbul provides a Health Service department with two nurses delivering preventive health, treatment, and polyclinic services for students and staff, coordinating mandatory vaccinations and informing parents about health issues. The infirmary includes an examination/intervention room and a patient area, and the Health Department monitors health and safety across the school. Nutrition and dining are managed under ISO 22000-certified canteen operations; menus are prepared by a nutrition expert and monthly menus are published, with regular audits of water and food samples by the Health Unit and external bodies.
Languages

Language Provision
ENKA Istanbul uses Turkish and English as languages of instruction across its programs. Pre-School operates a Turkish-English bilingual program for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, with English playing a central role. In Middle School, Turkish is a subject and Modern Foreign Languages include German and French, with the language of instruction in those courses being German or French. In High School, the language of instruction is English, and German and French are offered as Modern Foreign Languages; all students study a third language from grades 5-12.

Bilingual Teaching
ENKA Istanbul provides a Turkish-English bilingual program in Pre-School for the 3-year-old, 4-year-old, and 5-year-old groups. In the 3-year-old group two teachers accompany students throughout the year. The English program plays a central role in the early years, with learning through songs, stories, and play designed to foster bilingual expression. The goal is to create curiosity toward a second language and to enable children to express themselves in both Turkish and English.
Reputation

Accreditations
Turkish Ministry of Education (MEB) accreditation; follows MEB principals and regulations; graduates receive the Turkish National Diploma.
Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation.
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation.
International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) authorization to offer the Primary Years Program (PYP) and the Middle Years Program (MYP).
Admissions

Admissions
Appointments: Prospective parents can request an information appointment with the Admissions Office. The Admissions Office also liaises with administrators to arrange meetings. Personal data: When applying for registration, data including name, address, telephone, e-mail, nationality, family status, and information from tests and observations is collected and processed under the Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK). Data is kept for the period required by law; if the child is not admitted, data is kept for six months after the admissions process is completed and then discarded. Forms: For enrolled and new students, a Consent Form and a Financial Aid Application Form are used; for enrolled students the Financial Aid Application Form is titled (For Enrolled Students) and for new students it is titled (For New Students). Financial aid processing may involve additional documents such as proof of residence, income, assets, and health information for assessment; data may be shared with authorized departments for this purpose.

Scholarships
ENKA İstanbul Schools can provide financial aid to eligible enrolled students. Financial aid applications for the 2026-2027 school year will be accepted between January 5 and February 6, 2026. The MY evaluation process ends on April 17, 2026. For enrolled students, the required forms are the Consent Form and Financial Aid Application Form (For Enrolled Students). For new students, the required form is the Financial Aid Application Form (For New Students) plus the Consent Form. Contact Hilal Melikoğlu, Admissions & Registration Coordinator, directly at +90 (212) 705 6713 / 6714 or admissions@enka.k12.tr for questions.
School Events
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