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Keystone International Schools

Turkey, Istanbul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees TRY 22,750 - 26,750
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 250
Type Co-educational
Opened 2011
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP)
Taught languages French
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Kindergarten, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Keystone International Schools in Istanbul serves students from early childhood to Grade 12 with the Prince Edward Island Canadian Diploma program for Grades 1–12. Instruction is in English, with French taught as a second language. The school operates on two campuses, Küçük Çamlıca and Çekmeköy, and is accredited by WASC. PEI Ministry of Education students have access to the PEI online library and a Canvas-based learning platform supporting blended and asynchronous learning. The PEI curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and real-world application through project-based learning, while language development is fronted by English and Intensive French options via CEFR-aligned streaming. Facilities include a swimming pool, indoor/outdoor basketball courts, dance rooms, and a gym, plus a library with digital resources. Extracurriculars include field trips to historic sites, science museums, and cultural venues, and signature programs such as a France trip, a Toronto School Experience, and Round Square conferences.

The Essentials

Keystone International Schools has 250 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
Keystone International Schools operates in Istanbul, Turkey, with two campuses: Küçük Çamlıca Campus (Gülhan Sok. 1-2, Üsküdar, 34660) and Çekmeköy Campus (Süleymaniye Cd. No:20B, Çekmeköy, 34782). It also features a Toronto Campus as part of its Canadian program. The Istanbul addresses are the primary Turkish locations for Keystone.

Stages
Kindergarten (Ages 3-6); Primary (Grade 1-6); Middle (Grade 7-9); High (Grade 10-12)

Type
The school is a Canadian offshore school.

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms must be worn Monday–Thursday; Fridays may be casual attire within dress code. PE uniform is required on PE days; uniforms must be worn on school trips. No makeup, offensive imagery, or excessive accessories are allowed.

Food Options
Meals are balanced and cooked fresh with seasonal ingredients; no chicken, pork, GMOs, or processed foods are used. Snacks include fruits; water bottles should be brought from home.

House System
Keystone operates a four-house system: Orcas, Hawks, Lynxes, Caribous. Students and teachers from Grades 1–12 are assigned to a house and remain in that house; house points are earned for participation, achievement, and behavior, contributing to an annual House Trophy. Each house is led by two Captains (Grades 11–12) who coordinate with the Student Council and lead house activities.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by an Advisory Board. Sema Kizilkaya is the founder of Istanbul-based Keystone International & Kilittaşı Schools; Keystone operates campuses in Istanbul and a Toronto Campus as part of its network.
Fees

Annual tuition at Keystone International Schools ranges from TRY 22,750 to TRY 26,750 for 2026/27.

Application & registration fees
- Canadian registration (mandatory, non-refundable): USD 1,750 per student per year. This fee is separate from tuition and is required for registration with the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Ministry of Education.

Tuition fees (annual, by year group)
- Kindergarten (ages 3–5): USD 21,000 per year.
- Primary (Grades 1–6): USD 24,000 per year.
- Middle School (Grades 7–9): USD 25,000 per year.
- High School (Grades 10–12): USD 25,000 per year.

Per-term (per-semester) amounts
- The school operates on a two-semester academic calendar; present per-term figures below are the annual tuition divided by two (per semester).
- Kindergarten: USD 10,500 per semester.
- Primary (Grades 1–6): USD 12,000 per semester.
- Middle School (Grades 7–9): USD 12,500 per semester.
- High School (Grades 10–12): USD 12,500 per semester.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Deposit at registration: 40% of the chosen tuition is due at registration.
- Remaining balance: The remaining tuition balance may be paid in installments; the installment cycle begins at registration and must be completed by December of the academic year in question. The annual Canadian registration fee (USD 1,750) must be paid in full at registration.
- Sibling discount: 10% for the second sibling; 5% for each additional sibling.
- Early-payment discounts and specific installment deadlines are published with the fee schedule and may include reduced rates for full payment by designated dates.

Boarding / residence
- Keystone International Schools is a day school; no boarding fees apply. The school operates as a coeducational day school.

Other mandatory or likely additional costs
- Canadian registration (listed above) is charged separately and is non-refundable.
- Books and learning materials:
- Grades 1–6: students must purchase books sourced from Canada.
- Grades 7 and above: a book-rental program is offered; rental textbooks are provided rather than individual book purchases.
- Lunch and catering:
- Lunch is included in the tuition for all students except high school; high school students may bring lunch, purchase from the school, or buy cafeteria food. The school operates an in-house fresh meals program.
- Uniforms: Uniforms are required (regular days Monday–Thursday; Fridays are casual within the dress code) and PE uniform is required on PE days. Families must purchase required uniform items. (Uniform policy and expectations are set in school documentation.)
- Transportation: Licensed school bus service is provided; a separate transport fee typically applies for bus users (transport procedures and safety are described by the school).
- Assessments/exams: Standardized testing and examination fees such as MAP testing are included in quoted tuition.
- Field trips and extracurricular activities: participation-related charges (trip fees, materials, external examination fees where relevant) may be billed in addition to tuition as needed; such items are handled on a per-event basis and according to school policy.

Refund and withdrawal rules
- Withdrawal prior to the start of the academic year: annual tuition is refunded less a 10% deduction from the annual tuition fee.
- Withdrawal after the academic year begins: tuition and meal fees are prorated based on days attended; an additional 10% deduction from the annual tuition fee is applied when withdrawing after the academic year has started. Refunds follow the school's financial policy and the formal withdrawal procedure.

Fee payment options and invoicing notes
- The school's published materials reference installment billing (40% at registration with the balance on an installment schedule through December) and indicate that early-payment discounts have applied in prior schedules; common payment channels for schools of this type typically include bank transfer/wire and direct payment methods. Specific accepted payment methods (credit card, bank-transfer details, local payment rules and any merchant fees) and exact installment dates are provided by the school with the invoice and fee schedule.

Summary of immediate charges at registration (typical)
- First tuition installment (40% of the chosen annual tuition).
- Canadian registration fee: USD 1,750 (non-refundable).
- Any selected optional services billed upfront (for example, bus service or uniforms if the school invoices them at registration).

All figures quoted above are stated in USD. For any specific student-level invoice items (transport route cost, uniform package price, book purchase total, or confirmed installment dates) the school provides itemised billing at registration and with the official fee schedule.
Academics

Keystone International Schools teaches Canadian Curriculum, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
PEI Canadian Diploma program at Keystone International Schools follows the Prince Edward Island system. It offers a Canadian high school diploma, with instruction in English and learning in French as an additional language. Grade 1 to 12 students are registered with the PEI Ministry of Education and have access to a PEI online library. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and real-world application, combining academic and applied courses, project-based learning, and standardized assessments such as the MAP Growth tests and DELF for French. English is the primary language of instruction, accompanied by an Intensive English Program for students needing extra support, and French is taught through a CEFR-aligned streaming program with additional intensive options. The program integrates language, music, arts, science, and physical education, with opportunities for exhibitions and field experiences.

Exam Results
MAP Growth assessments are used to monitor progress in Science, Mathematics, and Language. DELF is used to assess French language proficiency. The PEI system supports the pathway to earning a Canadian high school diploma.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have acceptances to universities around the world, including the University of Toronto, University of Amsterdam, Koç University, IE University, and King's College London, among others.
Parent Experience

History
Keystone International Schools was founded in 2011 as the first Canadian offshore school in Turkey. It follows the Prince Edward Island curriculum, which includes French as a second language for primary, middle, and high school students. The school provides international students in Istanbul the opportunity to earn a Canadian diploma in a student-centered environment. Keystone is accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and is identified as a Canadian Offshore school through Prince Edward Island.

Community
Keystone maintains connections with its graduates through an active alumni network. Alumni stay engaged through university fairs, mentorship programs, and speaking opportunities, reinforcing the school's culture and impact on future generations. The Alumni page shows annual university placement results for recent years with a 100% university placement rate in 2025 and 2024.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Keystone PTO is a volunteer organization supporting the school community—students, families, teachers, and staff. It is managed by a committee of parent volunteers and members of the school Leadership Team. The PTO welcomes all families and enhances communication among parents, students, teachers, and administrators, and organizes community events and activities throughout the school year. Fundraising initiatives and charitable drives are coordinated by the PTO to benefit local and school-based causes. Each class elects a Class Parent who acts as liaison between families, teachers, and the PTO. Volunteers take on roles from event coordination to snack sales and drives, and parents are encouraged to get involved in planning and execution of PTO-led activities.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Keystone International Schools operate two Istanbul campuses: Küçük Çamlıca and Çekmeköy. The Çekmeköy campus includes a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, large play areas, designated dance rooms, and a fully equipped gym. The Keystone Library provides access to physical and digital resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, and research databases, with online access to the Prince Edward Island Public Schools Branch library. The curriculum is based on the Prince Edward Island Canadian Diploma with English as the primary language of instruction and French as a second language, supported by Canvas as the school-wide online learning platform. The campuses and resources support project-based learning, global competencies, and 21st‑century skills.

Sports Facilities
The Çekmeköy campus includes a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, large play areas, dance rooms, and a fully equipped gym. The Physical Education program provides instruction from specialists in swimming, basketball, and volleyball. Keystone athletes participate in tennis competitions with local schools, inter-school basketball and volleyball matches, and swimming meets, with an annual Keystone Olympics for the whole school. Track and field events are part of seasonal athletics programming. Dance performances take place in the dedicated dance rooms and PE uses the school facilities to support a broad athletics program.

Academic Facilities
Keystone follows the Prince Edward Island curriculum for Grades 1–12, delivering a Canadian high school diploma with English as the primary language of instruction. French is taught as a second language, with a CEFR-aligned Streaming Program and Intensive French options. The science and technology program emphasizes inquiry-based learning with coding and IT clubs, MAP Growth assessments, and DELF for French. Students have access to an online PEI library via the PEI education system and LevelUp for reading support and digital literacy in the lower grades. Canvas serves as the online learning platform for Grades 1–12, enabling blended and asynchronous learning.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Field trips extend learning beyond the classroom with local visits to historical and cultural sites such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Anıtkabir, Basilica Cistern, and Istanbul Modern, and science/technology outings to Rahmi M. Koç Museum, Science and Technology Museum, and Space Camp Türkiye. Outdoor learning includes trips to Maçka Park, Emirgan Grove, surf camp weekends, and ski camps. Signature international programs include an annual France Trip, a Toronto School Experience, and Round Square conferences. Language- and theatre-related activities include Spelling Bee competitions, annual theatre productions in French and English, Francophone Day, educational trips to cultural venues, and public speaking and debates. Keystone Olympics and other inter-school athletic events supplement the co-curricular program.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school follows the Prince Edward Island (PEI) Canadian diploma curriculum with instruction in English and additional French language learning. The PEI program emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and real-world application. It includes project-based learning and external assessments such as MAP Growth and DELF for French. Course content is aligned with global competencies and Schoolwide Learner Outcomes (SLOs).

Arts & Creative
Music Programs emphasize participation, performance, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with a Choir Club for Grades 1–4, winter performances, and annual recitals. A Talent Show is organized by the ceremony committee, and there are student-led music segments during assemblies and celebrations. Visual Arts inspires creativity through drawing, painting, design, and multimedia projects, with Arts & Crafts Club for Grades 1–7 and student art displays at Winter Fest and Cultural Diversity Day. Visual arts projects are integrated into school ceremonies and cross-disciplinary projects with other subjects.

Cultural & Language
English is the primary language of instruction, with French taught as a second language across all grade levels. The French Streaming Program aligns levels with the CEFR, and Intensive French Programs including one-on-one lessons accelerate language acquisition. Language learning is enriched through school-wide events and extracurricular opportunities: Spelling Bee competitions, annual Theatre Productions performed in French and English, Francophone Day, opera field trips, and Exchange and Travel opportunities to France and Canada. Public Speaking and Debates develop confidence and persuasive communication.

Social & Hobbies
Arts & Crafts Club for Grades 1–7 provides creative activities outside class. Visual Arts contributions include student art displays during Winter Fest and Cultural Diversity Day and exhibitions tied to school ceremonies. Students also participate in Spirit Days and other school events where posters and art support community activities.

Leadership & Professional
Public Speaking and Debates develop confidence and persuasive communication. The Talent Show is organized by the ceremony committee, with student-led music segments during assemblies and school celebrations, providing leadership opportunities for students. Exchange and Travel opportunities broaden leadership and global awareness, and school events and committees foster collaborative planning and initiative.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The Physical Education program offers a comprehensive range of activities to promote fitness, skill development, and teamwork. The Çekmeköy campus includes a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, large play areas, designated dance rooms, and a fully equipped gym. PE activities include tennis competitions with local schools, the Keystone Olympics, inter-school basketball and volleyball matches, swimming meets, track and field events, and dance performances as part of the school's wellness program.
Languages

Language Provision
English language arts are taught daily from Kindergarten onward. French is taught as a second language across all grades. The French Streaming Program aligns instruction with CEFR levels, and Intensive French Programs are available for additional language support.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the primary language of instruction. French is taught as a second language with an Intensive French Program and a French Streaming Program aligned to CEFR levels. Theatre productions are performed in both French and English.

Immersion Programs
Intensive English Program provides language support for learners who require additional help. Intensive French Programs include one-on-one lessons to accelerate language acquisition. The French Streaming Program places students in CEFR-aligned levels.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Learn About Our School. Visit us in person during regular school hours to experience our classrooms and student life firsthand. If you are abroad, a Zoom meeting can be arranged to answer your questions. Before your visit, think about what matters most to you in a school environment and prepare questions about our programs. A school tour can be requested using the form below.

2. Apply. Complete our Registration Form if you decide to proceed. Applications may be submitted in person or online. If you wish to expedite, you may skip the tour and directly register online. Our admissions team will review your application and confirm the next steps.

3. Exams and Interviews. After we receive your application, we will schedule exams and interviews based on your child's grade level. These assessments help us evaluate your child's academic readiness and fit with our school culture. The results guide the admissions decision and inform the next steps in the process.

4. Admissions Decision. You will be informed of the admission decision within 5 days of completing the assessment process. The decision is communicated to families, and next steps for enrollment will be provided. This timeline helps families plan for the next steps in the admissions process.
School Events
The school has not added events
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