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Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul

Turkey, Istanbul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TRY 21,000 - 52,500
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 2000
Type Co-educational
Opened 1997
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Turkish, English, Spanish, German, French, Mandarin, Russian, Italian
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul is an international school for ages 3 to 18 in Beylikduzu. It offers the Cambridge International School Program (Primary through IGCSE and A Levels) alongside the IB Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma Programme. The school also delivers the CAP Innovative Program and Dual Foreign Language Education, operating under a 'Living School' model that aims to educate internationally conscious individuals who research, inquire, think, communicate, are informed, principled, open‑minded, caring, risk takers, balanced and reflective. Established in 1997, it pursues a World School vision and focuses on developing students' intellectual, social, emotional and individual talents, with internationally ambitious pathways. The Beylikduzu campus houses physics, chemistry and biology labs; IT and STEM facilities; an art workshop; a Music and Dance Academy; archery and an ice rink; a 3D hall; a conference hall; a library; a restaurant; and indoor sports halls, plus a 3000 m² open area. The Cambridge Accreditation Code is TR072, and SAT preparation is offered.

The Essentials

Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul has 2,000 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location

Istanbul, Turkey. Gökkusagi Schools in Istanbul operate across four campuses: Atasehir, Bahcelievler, Bahcesehir, and Beylikduzu. The Atasehir Campus is in the Ataşehir district and has educated students from kindergarten to 12th grade since the 2021-2022 academic year, with international programs delivered entirely in English. The Bahcelievler Campus is in the Bahçelievler district and serves kindergarten through 12th grade with Cambridge Education and IB Primary Years and Diploma Programmes. The Bahcesehir Campus is in Bahçeşehir district, offering education for all levels from kindergarten to 12th with Cambridge and IB programs and 100% English instruction. The Beylikduzu Campus is in Beylikduzu district, delivering kindergarten through 12th grade with 100% English instruction.

Stages

Kindergarten; Primary School; Middle School; High School

Type

International School

Additional learning support

Guidance and Psychological Counseling

Country affiliation

Turkey
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership

Gökkuşağı Koleji is governed by a Board of Directors, with Abdulkadir Gayretli serving as Chairman of the Board.
Fees

Annual tuition at Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul ranges from TRY 21,000 to TRY 52,500 for 2026/27.

Application / registration fees
- Registration (enrollment) fee: typically charged as a percentage of the annual tuition; published guidance shows a registration fee equal to 5%–10% of the annual tuition.

Tuition fees by year group (Istanbul campuses — published ranges)
- Kindergarten (ana sınıfı): 20,000 TL – 100,000 TL per year.
- Primary school (ilkokul): 30,000 TL – 50,000 TL per year.
- Middle school (ortaokul): 40,000 TL – 60,000 TL per year.
- High school (lise): 50,000 TL – 80,000 TL per year.

Tuition fees — per term / per grade detail
- The school's public pages provide campus-level guidance and broad ranges for Istanbul campuses but do not publish a single, campus-specific per-grade, per-term fee table for Istanbul that is publicly accessible. Parents are asked to request campus-specific fee schedules via the school's information request form.
- For a published example of a campus-specific fee table (Ankara campus, 2025–2026), the school lists annual tuition and separate charges for meals, books/stationery and uniform by grade (figures shown here exactly as published for that campus):
- Kindergarten: 500.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 1: 650.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 2: 600.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 3: 600.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 4: 312.541 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 5: 650.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 6: 600.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 7: 600.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 8: 336.612 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 9: 700.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 10: 650.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 11: 650.000 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.
- Grade 12: 380.653 TL; Meals 104.860 TL; Books/Stationery 65.000 TL; Uniform 20.000 TL.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school's published information directs parents to request detailed, campus-specific pricing and payment schedules via the information request form rather than publishing a standard public billing schedule; no single, public Istanbul billing calendar (per-term dates or standard installment plan) is posted.
- The public pages reference typical discount types such as early (peşin) payment discounts, sibling discounts and academic-bursary discounts, indicating these discount types are used when applicable.

Boarding (residential) fees
- No boarding or student residence (yurt) option or boarding fees are listed for the Istanbul campuses in the publicly available campus materials; campus pages and the pricing overview focus on day-school services (tuition, meals, transport/service).

Other costs and typical additional fees
- Meals / cafeteria: published examples and guidance show a separate meal charge; reported meal costs vary (Ankara campus: 104.860 TL per year in the published table; published guidance for kindergartens cites monthly meal ranges of 500 TL–1,500 TL as a general reference).
- Books and stationery: shown as a separate annual charge in campus-specific tables (Ankara example: 65.000 TL by grade).
- Uniforms: listed as a separate charge in campus-specific tables (Ankara example: 20.000 TL); the school describes uniforms as a standard required item.
- Transport / school bus service (servis): described as a chargeable service in campus information; specific Istanbul campus bus fees are not published publicly and are provided on request.
- Extracurricular activities, special programmes, external exam fees (Cambridge/IB), school trips and some workshops may generate additional, separate charges; such items are referenced as chargeable extras but detailed fee lines are campus- and activity-specific.

Refunds and cancellation
- A public, campus-specific refund or fee-cancellation schedule for Istanbul campuses is not posted in the public fee materials; no explicit, detailed refund table or standard refund percentages/dates was located in the published campus fee materials.

Fee payment options (methods)
- The publicly available information does not list standard, campus-wide payment methods (credit card, bank transfer, etc.) on a single public page; parents are directed to request the campus fee schedule and associated payment terms via the information request process.

Practical summary (what these items mean for a parent)
- For Istanbul campuses the site publishes tuition ranges by level (kindergarten, primary, middle, high) and describes standard additional charges (meals, books, uniform, transport, extracurriculars).
- The school's pricing page instructs parents to request campus- and grade-specific fee schedules and payment terms using the school's information request form; a published, campus-specific Istanbul per-grade, per-term fee table for 2026/27 was not publicly available at the time of review.

If you need campus-specific numbers
- Campus contact details and campus emails/phone numbers are published for each Istanbul campus (Ataşehir, Bahçelievler, Bahçeşehir, Beylikdüzü). Use the campus contact channel to obtain the precise, campus- and grade-level fee table and the school's official billing schedule and accepted payment methods.
Academics

Gokkusagi Schools Istanbul teaches IB (PYP), IB (DP), Cambridge (Primary), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum

The school offers Cambridge International School Program; IB Primary Years Program; IB Diploma Program; CAP Innovative Program; and Dual Foreign Language Education. The Education Model is the 'Living School' that aims to educate internationally conscious individuals who research, inquire, think, communicate, are informed, principled, open-minded, caring, risk takers, balanced, and reflective.

Exam Results

IB Diploma score: 44

Higher Education Progression

Graduates have been accepted to universities worldwide, including Istanbul Technical University, Yeditepe University, Istanbul Gelisim University, University of Manchester, University of Sussex, Birmingham University, John Moores University, University of Sheffield, University of London, University of Sydney, Western University, University of Alberta, KU Leuven University, Politecnico di Torino, Pavia University, Lasalle University Barcelona, Campbellsville University, University of Georgia, and Wroclaw University. Cambridge Program and IB Diploma Program support higher education progression.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Gökkuşağı Schools develop students' academic, social and emotional wellbeing, with a focus on international-mindedness and belonging to local and global communities. The PYP nurtures independent and collaborative learners, encouraging every student to have voice, choice and ownership in their own learning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

An Inclusion and Special Educational Needs policy ensures compliance with national laws; an Inclusion Policy Unit coordinates implementation; staff receive training and work with an IB Coordinator and a psychological counseling and guidance unit to support inclusive practice. Teachers collaborate with families to identify and meet each student's needs, with education options including mainstream learning or a dedicated support education room with scheduled weekly hours, and language support as needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English is taught from Kindergarten with two hours of English daily and two hours of Spanish per week in Kindergarten. An intensive English program conducted by Turkish and foreign teachers develops listening and speaking from first grade. From primary school, students graduate in the European Language Framework at the A2 level and in Cambridge Flyers; English lessons develop reading, writing, speaking and listening, with a goal of reaching B1-B2 in secondary school.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental well-being is prioritized; the school provides a safe, affirming environment to build confidence and self-esteem and to ensure students feel cared for, listened to and that they belong. The approach includes collaboration with parents and specialists to support students' emotional health and resilience.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and child protection are addressed in policies; concerns are routed to the designated child protection contact, with safeguarding integrated into inclusion practices and ongoing collaboration with families and health professionals.
Parent Experience

History

Gokkusagi Schools was established in 1997. It pursues a World School vision and aims for excellence in education at national and international levels. The school focuses on developing students' intellectual, social, emotional, and individual talents and offers internationally ambitious programs. Cambridge International School Program, IB Primary Years Program, IB Diploma Program, CAP Innovative Program, and Dual Foreign Language Education are among the international programs offered.

Community

Graduates have been accepted to universities worldwide, including Yeditepe University, Koç University, University of Manchester, University of Sussex, Campbellsville University, and University of Georgia. Student life includes Cap Events, Artistic Activities, Chess, and Drama. Educational highlights include the Cambridge International School Program, IB Primary Years Program, IB Diploma Program, CAP Innovative Program, and Dual Foreign Language Education.
Facilities

Facilities Overview

The Beylikduzu campus has physics, chemistry and biology laboratories; an IT laboratory; a STEM workshop; an art workshop; a music and dance academy; archery; an ice rink; a 3D hall; a conference hall; a library; a restaurant; and indoor sports halls. The average class size is 15 students, and the campus has an open area of 3000 m². Cambridge Accreditation Code: TR072.

Sports Facilities

Indoor sports halls; archery; ice rink.

Academic Facilities

Physics, chemistry and biology laboratories; IT laboratory; STEM workshop; art workshop; music and dance academy.

Extra Curricular Facilities

CAP Program (Creativity, Activity, Potential) fosters creativity, collaboration and leadership; archery; music and dance; art workshops.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

CAP Innovative Program nurtures creativity, activity, and potential across 43 branches spanning sports, arts, language, and science. It emphasizes holistic development through project-based experiences and collaborative challenges beyond traditional lessons. Students undertake social responsibility projects as part of CAP, building teamwork and ethical leadership. SAT preparation is offered to support students pursuing admission to world universities.

Arts & Creative

Artistic Activities are integral to Student Life, with programs such as Music Academy and Dance Academy. The campus supports creative projects in an Art Studio and a Pocket Cinema Hall, and Drama is offered as part of the performing arts program. These offerings foster collaboration, creativity, and expressive performance.

Cultural & Language

Dual Foreign Language Education starts in Kindergarten, with English taught for 2 hours daily and Spanish for 2 hours weekly. From primary onward, students progress through the European Language Framework toward A2 in Spanish and B1-B2 in English by secondary, with English instruction delivered by both Turkish and foreign teachers. Cambridge English and related frameworks shape language progression alongside the International Cambridge education and IB pathways.

Social & Hobbies

CAP Innovative Program offers 43 branches that span sports, arts, language, and science, providing extensive opportunities for student exploration. Cap Events, Artistic Activities, Chess, and Drama are featured elements of Student Life, encouraging club participation and teamwork. Olympic Studies and a wide range of sports facilities support active, competitive, and creative hobbies.

Community & Service

CAP includes social responsibility projects where students create and implement initiatives that contribute to the community. These projects foster civic engagement, collaboration, and social awareness across age groups. Social Responsibility & Community is highlighted as a key area of education, alongside guidance and counseling resources.

Leadership & Professional

Personal Development and Career resources support leadership and professional skills development. CAP emphasizes leadership through creativity, collaboration, and responsible action. Guidance and Psychological Counseling are available to help students navigate decisions and plan future paths.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Olympic Studies and ECO School highlight a focus on physical well-being and environmental awareness. The campus provides extensive sports facilities including an indoor/outdoor sports hall, a swimming pool, running tracks, and Archery. Arts programs such as Music Academy and Dance Academy, along with Drama, support creative wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision

English and Spanish are taught through the Dual Foreign Language Education program. Kindergarten provides 2 hours of English daily and 2 hours of Spanish per week; Primary School targets A2 in English (Cambridge Flyers) and A2 in Spanish, with English courses developing all four skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening); Middle School targets B1–B2 in English and A2 in Spanish. English is used for science and mathematics within the Cambridge Education program, and bilingual education is supported by intensive foreign language hours.

Bilingual Teaching

Dual-language education is provided within the Cambridge International School framework. Language is used as an active tool in everyday learning rather than as a standalone subject. English is used for science and mathematics courses, reinforcing bilingual instruction. The program develops multilingual thinking from an early age to deepen academic and social learning and to enable students to express themselves confidently in a global context.

Immersion Programs

Dual Foreign Language Education offers two languages, English and Spanish. Kindergarten includes 2 hours of English every day and 2 hours of Spanish per week. Primary School targets English at the A2 level (Cambridge English Flyers) and Spanish at A2; Middle School aims for English at B1–B2 levels and Spanish at A2.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Foundation Year entry: Turkish min 400 LGS score; English level below B1; English instruction is provided. Scholarships: 50% for 400-450 LGS score; 100% for 451-500 score (listed as TEOG in the policy). No failed subjects; GPA of 4 on a 5.0 scale. The admission decision is made by the DP coordinator. An international quota exists for students with accommodation bursaries. 2. Grade 9 (pre-IB): Turkish min 400 LGS score; English level at least B1; English instruction is provided. Scholarships: 50%–100% (range). No failed subjects; GPA of 4 on a 5.0 scale. Final admission decision rests with the DP coordinator. An international quota exists for accommodation bursaries. 3. Grade 10 (pre-IB): No failed Turkish subjects; GPA of 4.0 on a 5.0 scale in Grade 9; English level at B1+ or above; English instruction is provided. Scholarships: 0%–100% (range). End-of-Grade 10 tests or IGCSE/GCSE results may be used in the process; DP coordinator makes the final decision. An international quota exists for accommodation bursaries. 4. Grade 11 (IB Diploma Programme): No failed Turkish subjects; GPA of 4.0 on a 5.0 scale in Grades 9–10; English level B2 or above; English instruction is provided. Scholarships: 0%–100% (range). End-of-Grade 10 tests or IGCSE/GCSE results may be used; DP coordinator makes the final decision. An international quota exists for accommodation bursaries. 5. Grade 12 (IB Diploma Programme) – DP transfer: Turkish or International DP transfer students only; Final decision by the DP coordinator. An international quota exists for accommodation bursaries.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available as bursaries tied to admission category. Foundation Year scholarships: 50% for 400–450 LGS score; 100% for 451–500 LGS score (maximum 500 points). Rates may change if the national exam scoring system changes; if the exam is repealed, the school will determine rates via its own written and oral exams. For students switching to IB from the Anatolian High School, 100% scholarship is possible if average grades are between 4.50 and 5.00, subject to the final decision of the DP coordinator. The school works with international foundations to provide scholarships and accommodation for international students to form international IB classes. There is an international quota for accepting students with accommodation bursaries. The school reserves the right to change admission criteria and bursary rates to ensure diversity.
School Events
The school has not added events