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Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus

Turkey, Istanbul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TRY 1,015,796 - 2,159,670
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 492
Type Co-educational
Opened 1911
Bus Service No
Part of
Istanbul International Community School
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages French, German, Spanish, Turkish
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School, Sixth Form, Secondary School
Introduction

Istanbul International Community School (IICS) is a private, non‑profit, secular, coeducational day school for ages 3–18 with two campuses on either side of Istanbul's Bosphorus. It delivers the International Baccalaureate across the Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme, all taught in English. A U.S. High School Diploma pathway is available through CIS and NEASC accreditation, with AP courses offered alongside IBDP certificate courses and options for dual enrollment or honors-level study as part of College Ready offerings. Founded in 1911, IICS is among the city's oldest international schools and maintains a 1:1 laptop program. The Marmara Campus (16 hectares) houses facilities including a 335 m² library, three science labs, a 264 m² theatre with 320 seats, a large soccer pitch, a visual arts building and extensive sports and dining spaces. The Hisar Campus provides additional athletic and arts spaces. IICS participates in CEESA and offers strong college guidance and service programs.

This campus is part of Istanbul International Community School

The Essentials

Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus has 492 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
IICS operates two campuses in Istanbul: Hisar Campus in the Hisarüstü/Rumeli Hisarı area at Rumelihisari Mahallesi, Nafi Baba Sokak, No:6, Istanbul 34470; Marmara Campus at Karaagac Koyu Mahallesi, Kahraman Caddesi, 27/1, Hadimkoy, Istanbul 34500. Both campuses are in Istanbul, Turkey.

Stages
Early Years EY3-5; Primary School Grades 1-5; Middle School Grades 6-8; High School Grades 9-12.

Type
Private, non-profit, secular, coeducational day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body represents over 70 nationalities. The largest nationality groups are the United States, South Korea, Germany, and Canada.

Additional learning support
Learning Support services are available for students needing additional help with academics, organization, or learning strategies. English language support is available up to Grade 10. The school is inclusive and accepts students with disabilities when appropriate support can be provided; individualized accommodations are offered based on assessment.

Religious affiliation
Secular; no religious affiliation.

School day structure
Marmara Campus hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30 AM–3:00 PM; Wednesday 8:30 AM–2:15 PM. Hisar Campus hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:15 AM–3:15 PM; Wednesday 8:30 AM–1:45 PM.

Bus service
School buses are available to many areas in Istanbul; bus fees vary by location.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Grades 5-6 must purchase an IICS PE uniform at school. PE clothing must be worn for PE, with training shoes (laced or Velcro-fastened) required; slip-ons are not permitted.

Food Options
Lunch is provided daily; Sardunya prepares fresh, healthy lunches cooked on-site with hot and cold options.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a non-profit; payments are processed to Istanbul International Community School Eğitim ve Öğretim Hizmetleri A.Ş.
Fees

Annual tuition at Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus ranges from TRY 1,015,796 to TRY 2,159,670 for 2026/27.

Application & one‑time fees (first year only)
- Application Fee: TRY 13,250 (one‑time).
- Registration/Enrolment Fee: TRY 52,998 (one‑time/initial enrolment component).
- Capital Levy (one‑time): TRY 353,320.

Annual tuition fees by year group (annual total, per academic year)
- Early Years / Kindergarten (Kindg. 1 / Age 3): TRY 1,015,796 per year.
- Early Years / Kindergarten (Kindg. 2 / Age 4): TRY 1,015,796 per year.
- Early Years (Kindg. 3 / Age 5): TRY 1,642,939 per year.
- Grade 1 (Age 6): TRY 1,819,600 per year.
- Grade 2 (Age 7): TRY 1,819,600 per year.
- Grade 3 (Age 8): TRY 1,819,600 per year.
- Grade 4 (Age 9): TRY 1,890,264 per year.
- Grade 5 (Age 10): TRY 1,890,264 per year.
- Grade 6 (Age 11): TRY 2,027,175 per year.
- Grade 7 (Age 12): TRY 2,027,175 per year.
- Grade 8 (Age 13): TRY 2,027,175 per year.
- Grade 9 (Age 14): TRY 2,093,423 per year.
- Grade 10 (Age 15): TRY 2,093,423 per year.
- Grade 11 (Age 16): TRY 2,159,670 per year.
- Grade 12 (Age 17): TRY 2,159,670 per year.

Per‑term / instalment breakdown and billing schedule
- The school requires an initial Enrolment amount (30% of the tuition) followed by a set instalment schedule. The typical instalment schedule used by the school is: Enrolment (30%) due by end‑April, then five instalments with due dates at month‑end across the months that follow (example instalment due dates appear as end‑May, end‑June, end‑July, end‑August, end‑September in the tuition document).
- Families receive monthly tuition invoices between September and June. Payments must include the student's name, grade, and school year on the transfer. Payments are processed to the school bank account.
- Example instalment arithmetic (school's instalment document shows the structure and how the annual total is split into the 30% enrolment plus equal instalments; example USD figures are shown in the school's tuition document as a worked example for each grade band). The instalment amounts and number of instalments are applied according to the published instalment scheme.

Payment terms and payment methods
- Primary payment method: bank transfer to the school's bank account (Yapı Kredi Bank — account and IBAN details are provided by the school; transfers should include the student's initials, surname and grade). Payments should be made in the currency specified by the school at the time of invoicing.
- The school issues invoices and accepts payments by bank transfer; instalment plans are available through the school's billing procedure. Families are responsible for any bank charges or currency shortfalls.

Sibling discount
- A sibling discount is available: 5% discount for the second child and 10% discount for the third and subsequent children.

Boarding / accommodation
- IICS is a day school and does not provide boarding or dormitory accommodation.

Other costs and additional fees
- The published fee structure states that the tuition covers many core items, including lunch, class trips, extra‑curricular activities, school supplies, books, VAT and the yearbook; however, some optional items and services may be charged separately (for example, bus/transportation fees vary by route and are billed separately, and some specialised support or external exam fees may be charged in addition). Contact the school's accounts office for specific optional charges and transportation pricing.
- Uniforms, specialist course fees, external exam fees (where applicable), and some extracurricular or trip costs may be additional to tuition and billed separately. Bus fees depend on route and region.

Refunds, early departure and mid‑year joining
- Tuition refund policy for early departure: if a student leaves during the school year the payable percentage of the annual tuition is determined by the date of departure. Typical policy example: departure from start of school to December 30 — 50% of tuition payable; January 1 to March 14 — 75% payable; after March 15 — 100% payable. Notifications of withdrawal must be provided in writing to the Director of Admissions.
- Mid‑year joining: the percentage of tuition payable for students joining mid‑year follows a stepped scale depending on the joining date (for example, joining before November 1 — 100% payable; joining Nov 2–Jan 1 — 70%; Jan 2–Mar 1 — 60%; Mar 2–Apr 1 — 50%; Apr 2–May 1 — 40%; after May 2 — 30%).

Billing contacts & administration
- All fee payments are billed through the school's Business/Finance Office. Bank transfer instructions, invoice layout and instalment terms are provided by the Admissions/Business Office; parents are instructed to include the student's name and grade on transfers. For billing enquiries contact the school's Business Office as listed by the school.

Notes
- The above lists the published annual tuition figures by grade band and the school's standard enrolment/instalment and refund mechanisms as published in the school's tuition documents and fee pages. The school applies VAT to fees where indicated and requires that bank transfers cover any intermediary bank charges so that the school receives the full invoiced amount.
Academics

Istanbul International Community School - Hisar Campus teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program across the Primary Years Programme (Early Years–Grade 6), the Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10), and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12), all taught in English. The High School Diploma pathway is CIS and NEASC-accredited and awards a US diploma after earning 26 credits (Grades 9–12), apostilled in the United States for worldwide validity. Students can graduate with the IICS High School Diploma alone, or with the IB Diploma, or with the Innovation Diploma. The IB Diploma is authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and requires six subjects over two years plus IB Core requirements (TOK, CAS, EE). AP Courses & Exams are available alongside IBDP Certificate Courses & Exams, and Dual Enrollment and Honors-Level Courses may be pursued as part of College Ready offerings.

Higher Education Progression
The Pathways to Graduation describes three options for Grade 12: the IICS High School Diploma; the IICS High School Diploma + IB Diploma; and the IICS High School Diploma + Innovation Diploma. The High School Diploma is CIS and NEASC-accredited and awards a US diploma after 26 credits; the US diploma is apostilled in the United States and valid worldwide with assistance from the US Office of Overseas Schools. The IB Diploma is authorized by the IBO and includes core requirements (TOK, CAS, EE) with a two-year, six-subject structure and final exams. AP Courses & Exams, IBDP Certificate Courses & Exams, and Dual Enrollment with universities are available as part of College Ready pathways.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Safety and wellbeing are central in the Early Years program. The secure and caring environment supports each child's physical, emotional, and social development. Strong relationships between teachers and students support academic growth and emotional wellbeing. The curriculum emphasizes holistic and personalized learning that integrates cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. The school fosters international mindedness and community connections to support social growth and global awareness. In Middle and High School, wellbeing is supported through after-school activities that promote wellbeing, creativity, and leadership.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school offers English language support up to Grade 10. The school offers Learning Support. Accommodations are reviewed as part of the admissions process to ensure the school can meet each student's needs. The school welcomes students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English language support is provided up to Grade 10. The school welcomes students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Learning Support is available to assist students who need accommodations. Accommodations are reviewed during admissions.

Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a core focus across the school. In Early Years, safety and wellbeing are at the core of the program, and the environment supports physical, emotional, and social development. In Primary, strong relationships between teachers and students support emotional wellbeing. The curriculum is holistic and personalized, integrating cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development to foster wellbeing. In Middle and High School, wellbeing is supported through after-school activities that cultivate wellbeing, creativity, and leadership.

Safeguarding
IICS is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. All new staff will be subject to enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks, qualification checks and employment checks. Admissions staff are available to answer questions about safeguarding and welfare.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1911 as the Robert College Community School (RCCS) to educate the children of Robert College's foreign faculty, it is one of the oldest international schools in the world. It operated through World War I and World War II, reopening to serve international students in Istanbul in 1919. In 1979 RCCS separated from Robert College and became Istanbul Community School, and in 1985 the school was renamed Istanbul International Community School (IICS) after campus changes. IICS was authorized by the International Baccalaureate to offer the Middle Years Program in 1997, opened the Marmara Campus in 1999, and has since earned CIS and NEASC accreditations and IB re-authorizations, with a 1-to-1 laptop program launched in 2010.

Community
IICS serves Istanbul's international community with a diverse student and staff population representing over 75 nationalities. It is a private, non-profit, secular, coeducational day school with a 6:1 educator-student ratio, serving over 450 students across two campuses. The Hisar Campus sits in Rumeli Hisarı, 10 km north of the city centre, offering Early Years–Grade 3 in a historic setting, while the Marmara Campus is about 45 km west of the city centre and provides a larger PK–12 program with extensive facilities including libraries, gyms, sports courts, a theater, and large outdoor spaces.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
PTA welcomes new families and aims to create an engaged community at IICS. The PTA organizes many social activities for all parents and children to join, outside and within the school, helping you meet other families and participate in school life. Every Friday, Friday Flash lists all school events for the upcoming weeks, including PTA events; recurring events such as PTA Tours, Cooking Classes and Coffee Mornings are published there. The PTA provides a forum for constructive communication between school and families, social opportunities for parents, teachers, and students to participate in activities and Open Board Meetings, and fundraising to support student projects and initiatives. The Booster Club supports home tournaments and visiting teams, raises funds for extracurricular life, and directs funds toward student priorities. Contact: ptapresident@iics.k12.tr.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school operates across two campuses, Hisar and Marmara. The Marmara Campus is a purpose-built site on 160,000 m² (16 hectares) with facilities including a 335 m² fully automated library with computer stations, a double gymnasium, two multi‑purpose sports salons, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, a 6,230 m² soccer pitch, and 13,000 m² of spacious playgrounds for primary and secondary students. It also houses three science labs, an 82 m² design technology lab, a 264 m² theatre with 320 seats, an outside amphitheatre, a 289 m² visual arts building, two music rooms, an Early Childhood Center, an 85 m² cafe and a 100 m² multipurpose room, and a recently renovated cafeteria with 280 seats, 490 m² seating and a 350 m² kitchen. The Marmara Campus is located about 25 miles west of the city center, amid rolling hills overlooking a large lake. The Hisar Campus is smaller, located in Rumeli Hisarı near the Bosphorus, with a library, a 90 m² PE and music room, a 33 m² rubberized basketball court, a 180 m² football pitch, a climbing wall, and two outdoor playgrounds on a 2,048 m² historical campus.

Sports Facilities
Marmara Campus provides a 335 m² library with computer stations, a double gymnasium, two multi‑purpose sports salons totaling 1,760 m², outdoor basketball and tennis courts totaling 2,730 m², a 6,230 m² soccer pitch, and 13,000 m² of spacious playgrounds for primary and secondary students. Hisar Campus provides a 90 m² PE and music room, a 33 m² rubberized basketball court, a 180 m² football pitch, and a climbing wall.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include two libraries, one at Marmara and one at Hisar. Marmara features a 335 m² library, three science labs, an 82 m² design technology lab, a 264 m² theatre with 320 seats, a 289 m² visual arts building, and two music rooms totaling 195 m². The campus also houses an Early Childhood Center with a 409 m² indoor space and a 600 m² outdoor playground, an 85 m² cafe with 30 seats and a 100 m² multipurpose room, and a recently renovated cafeteria with 280 seats, a 490 m² seating area, and a 350 m² kitchen. Hisar complements with a library, a 90 m² PE and music room, a 33 m² basketball court and a 180 m² football pitch.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Primary activities include Art & Craft; Gardening; Animal Welfare; Coding for Beginners; Zumba & Latin Dance; Horseback Riding; Baking; Karaoke; Music & Movement Activity; Explode the Code 2.0; Karate; Science; Volleyball; Football. Secondary activities include Football; Badminton; Cross Country; Tennis; Basketball; Volleyball; Beginner Chinese; Speech and Debate; Model United Nations; Instrumental Ensemble; Jazz Club; Robotics; Knowledge Bowl; Choir; Math; Origami. Off Campus Activities include Space Camp; Ephesus; Cappadocia; Antalya; Canakkale; Bursa; Princes Islands. IICS participates in CEESA and is a founding member of the Turkish International Schools League (TISL).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), with the option to pursue the U.S. High School Diploma, AP courses, and the Global Impact Diploma. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It operates on two campuses: Hisar Campus (Early Years 3 to Grade 3) and Marmara Campus (Early Years 3 to Grade 12). College counseling guides students through university preparation and applications.

Arts & Creative
Visual arts, music, drama, and design are offered as part of a rich arts program. Students participate in hands‑on projects, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year. After‑school activities include arts and creative clubs that complement the core curriculum.

Cultural & Language
All instruction is in English. Students study French (Grades 2–5) and Turkish Culture & Language (EY5–Grade 5). In Secondary School, students can choose French or Spanish as a second language. The school also offers IBDP level Korean A. English language support is available up to Grade 10.

Social & Hobbies
IICS offers a wide range of after‑school clubs including sports, arts, music, robotics, STEM, and creative activities. Field trips and curriculum‑linked educational excursions connect classroom learning to the real world. The secondary program includes CEESA tournaments and an active clubs program.

Community & Service
Giving Back to Our Community emphasizes empathy, compassion, and service. Alumni volunteers serve as ambassadors, helping organize events and connecting with current students. Alumni mentor programs support university guidance, internships, and project work. The Development Office welcomes pledges to support campus enhancement and community projects.

Leadership & Professional
College Counseling guides students through university preparation with personalized, comprehensive support. Counselors help with course selection, timelines, applications, personal statements, and testing, and they highlight leadership in activities such as robotics and other projects. Graduates have gained enrollments at a wide range of universities worldwide.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Lunch is provided daily, with menus published monthly. Bus service is available to many areas in Istanbul. Both campuses have on‑site nurses, and safety is supported by 24‑hour security, controlled campus access, and regular drills. Marmara Campus hours are 8:30–3:00 (early release on Wednesdays) and Hisar Campus hours are 8:15–3:15 (early release on Wednesdays); there is no school uniform.
Languages

Language Provision
All instruction is in English. French is taught in Grades 2–5; Turkish Culture & Language is offered EY5–Grade 5. In Secondary School, students can choose French or Spanish as a second language, and IBDP level Korean A is offered. English language support is available up to Grade 10; students with minimal English may be admitted through Grade 6, while Grades 7–10 require a basic working level and Grade 11–12 require fluency.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Eligibility & timing: Applications are accepted year-round. Eligibility requires a non-Turkish passport. For an August start, submit by January or February; mid-year admissions are possible if space allows. Applications are processed in the order in which they are completed, and placement is confirmed if there is space, otherwise the child is placed on the waitlist.

2. Visit and interview: Families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour and an interview with the Director of Admissions. A visit provides insights into the community and helps answer questions, and a video call can be arranged if an on-site visit is not possible.

3. Application steps: Complete the Online Application Form via iics.openapply.com and access the required checklist after submission. Upload school records for the last three years, with English translations if needed, and share Teacher Reference/Recommendation Forms via OpenApply. Upload a passport copy and a recent headshot, and sign the Financial Contract and complete the Health Form (doctor's report not required). Transfer the application fee with the receipt. Entrance requirements for Early Years–Grade 5 do not include a formal exam; Grades 6+ require a short online English writing assessment.

4. Next steps: After all requirements are completed, the file is submitted to the Principal for approval and the Admissions Office will notify the family of the status. Applications are reviewed in order, and placement is confirmed when space exists; if not, the child is placed on the waitlist. If space is available, the child may begin once placement is confirmed.

Scholarships
There are no scholarships or financial aid programs. An early-payment discount is offered. Sibling discounts apply: 5% off tuition for the second child, and 10% off for the third and subsequent children.

Waitlist
If no place is available in the age-appropriate grade, the child is placed on the waitlist. Waitlist status depends on space availability and order of submission.
School Events
The school has not added events
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