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Kilittasi Schools

Turkey, Istanbul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Turkish
Fees TRY 420,000 - 1,105,000
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 250
Type Co-educational, Online/Hybrid
Opened 2013
Bus Service No
Part of
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary)
Taught languages French, English
Typical class size 18
Strengths Languages, STEM, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Kilittaşı Schools offer a K–12 dual curriculum that integrates the Turkish MEB program with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Founded in 2013 by Keystone International Schools, the Kilittaşı campus in Çekmeköy, Istanbul serves students from Kindergarten through Anatolian High School. On graduation, students receive both the MEB and the OSSD, expanding options in Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond. The Early Years Program uses English; English continues in the early grades, French is introduced as a second language, and by Grade 5 students study an intensive French program, with bilingual Turkish–English education continuing and French developing as a third language. Kilittaşı is a DELF–DALF examination center and supports French through international exam opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and problem-solving, and aligns with Round Square ideals and WASC accreditation. Kilittaşı is a Round Square member with activities in debate, MUN, robotics, field trips, and France trips to broaden perspectives.

This campus is part of Kilittasi Schools

The Essentials

Kilittasi Schools has 250 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English, Turkish.

Location

Çekmeköy – Campus, Istanbul, Turkey. Located in the Çekmeköy district; address: Süleymaniye Caddesi, No:20/B, 34782 Çekmeköy, Istanbul.

Stages

Kindergarten; Primary School; Middle School; Anatolian High School

Type

K-12 school offering the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) program with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) dual diploma; Kilittaşı Anatolian High School; Toronto Keystone High School; Canada Online High School

Pupil Nationality Mix

33+ countries represented

Country affiliation

Canada & Türkiye dual diploma program (OSSD)

Bus service

Long-standing partnership with a trusted bus company; drivers trained to follow traffic regulations; buses have safety features
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms are required from Monday to Thursday; the designated uniform includes a Keystone t-shirt, hoodie, shorts and sweatpants. On Fridays casual wear is allowed if guidelines are followed. PE attire is Keystone-branded; a change of clothes is required on PE days; uniforms are worn on school trips.

Food Options

Healthy homemade meals are served with unlimited portions; snacks are free from added sugar; meals are prepared with ingredients from local suppliers including İpek Hanım'ın Çiftliği, Green Apple Organik, Sütaş, and other local providers; seasonal produce is used.

House System

Kilittaşı & Keystone Houses System with Orcas, Lynxes, Caribous, and Hawks; houses include students from different grades and compete in academic, athletic, and creative events to build community and leadership.

Governance and Ownership

Kilittaşı Schools were founded in 2013 by Keystone International Schools; Kilittaşı is part of the Keystone International Schools network. Governance includes an International Advisory Board comprising international educators; Kilittaşı is WASC-accredited since 2018 and a Round Square member.
Fees

Annual tuition at Kilittasi Schools ranges from TRY 420,000 to TRY 1,105,000 for 2026/27.

KİLİTTAŞI SCHOOLS — FEES (2026/27 ACADEMIC YEAR)

Application / Registration fee
- No separate numeric application fee is published in the school's 2026/27 fee materials; admissions are handled through the school's registration process and the school provides direct contact details for booking and registration.

Tuition fees (annual and per term by year group) — amounts shown in Turkish lira (TL)
- Playgroup (Half Day, 2 years old)
- Annual tuition: TL 420,000.
- Per term (2 terms per academic year): TL 210,000.

- Kindergarten
- 3–4 years old — Annual tuition: TL 638,650. Per term: TL 319,325.
- 5 years old — Annual tuition: TL 911,400. Per term: TL 455,700.

- Primary School
- Grade 1 — Annual tuition: TL 1,105,000. Per term: TL 552,500.
- Grade 2 — Annual tuition: TL 1,105,000. Per term: TL 552,500.
- Grade 3 — Annual tuition: TL 944,550. Per term: TL 472,275.
- Grade 4 — Annual tuition: TL 664,100. Per term: TL 332,050.

- Middle School
- Grade 5 (French / English Prep) — Annual tuition: TL 1,105,000. Per term: TL 552,500.
- Grade 6 — Annual tuition: TL 1,105,000. Per term: TL 552,500.
- Grade 7 — Annual tuition: TL 944,550. Per term: TL 472,275.
- Grade 8 — Annual tuition: TL 664,100. Per term: TL 332,050.

- Anatolian High School (Grades 9–12)
- Annual tuition (Grades 9–12): TL 950,000. Per term: TL 475,000.

(Per-term figures above are shown on a two-term basis in line with the school academic calendar that is organised into two semesters.)

What is included / excluded in the tuition figures
- The published tuition figures cover tuition only. Meal fees and 10% VAT are added separately. Books, stationery (stationery is included for kindergarten only), uniforms and school transportation fees are not included in the published tuition amounts.

Meal fees
- Playgroup (Half Day, two meals): TL 210,000 + VAT.
- Kindergarten (three meals): TL 225,000 + VAT.
- Primary, Middle, High School (two meals): TL 210,000 + VAT.
- Breakfast and lunch service is optional for high school students.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Annual tuition amounts for the next academic year are determined and published in early February; families are asked to complete registration at latest up to two weeks before the start of the school year. The school's published communications state that discounts are offered for early registration and for full payments made by specified dates.
- The fee figures above are presented as annual totals; the school uses a two-semester academic structure when planning the year (per-term splits above are shown on a two-term basis). Specific installment options, exact payment deadlines and accepted payment instruments (for example bank transfer or credit card) are not listed in the published fee schedule; the school provides direct admissions/finance contacts for payment arrangements.

Boarding / accommodation fees
- Kilittaşı Schools publishes tuition and meal fees for day students and does not publish any boarding or residential fees; no boarding provision or boarding fee is shown in the school's 2026/27 fee materials. The school operates as a day campus.

Other costs and recurring charges
- Books and stationery: Not included in the tuition amounts except that stationery is included for kindergarten.
- Uniforms: Not included.
- School transport (bus): Not included; transport fees are additional.
- Additional school trips, optional programs, external exam fees, and optional services are charged separately as applicable. Discounts and bursaries are applied only against the published tuition component and do not cover meal, transport or uniform charges.

Discounts, bursaries and who they apply to
- The school publishes several discount/bursary categories (education-achievement bursaries, athlete/sports discounts, state bursary quotas, institutional/corporate discounts and alumni discounts). Bursaries and discounts are calculated against the announced tuition fee for the period and have continuity conditions stated in the school bursary policy. Bursaries and discounts do not apply to meals, transport or uniform charges.

Refund / withdrawal information
- To withdraw a student a parent must send a formal written notice; the school's withdrawal procedure requires a signed withdrawal letter and then the Finance Department will complete refund processes as applicable. The school's registration and withdrawal procedures set out that finance and other departments will follow the withdrawal workflow and process refunds. Specific refund schedules or percentage refunds by withdrawal date are not detailed in the published registration policy and are handled through the Finance Department at the time of withdrawal.

Fee payment options (published guidance)
- The published materials confirm early-payment and full-payment discount options but do not list a complete menu of accepted payment instruments (credit card, bank transfer, etc.) in the public fee sheet. The school provides admissions and finance contact details for arranging payment method and schedule. Contact details published with the fee materials: info@keystoneschools.com.tr, +90 216 370 4951–52 and +90 506 399 6957.

Summary of key fee items (quick list)
- Tuition: Playgroup TL 420,000; Kindergarten TL 638,650 / TL 911,400 (by age); Primary & Middle grades range TL 664,100–TL 1,105,000; High School Grades 9–12 TL 950,000 (annual amounts).
- Meal fees: TL 210,000 (playgroup & primary/middle/high) or TL 225,000 (kindergarten) plus VAT.
- VAT: 10% VAT is added to meal fees and invoices where applicable.
- Discounts/bursaries: Available in multiple categories and apply to tuition only.
- Refunds: Withdrawals require formal written notice and refunds are processed by the Finance Department; specific refund terms are dealt with at the time of withdrawal.

(End of fees overview.)
Academics

Kilittasi Schools teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Canadian Curriculum, Cambridge (Primary) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum

Kilittaşı Schools offer a K–12 dual curriculum that combines the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) program with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Upon graduation, students receive both the MEB High School Diploma and the OSSD, expanding university options beyond Turkey to Canada, the United States, Europe, and worldwide. The Early Years Program uses English as the language of instruction; English continues in the early grades, French is introduced as a second language, and by Grade 5 students study an intensive French program, with bilingual Turkish–English education continuing and French developing as a third language. Kilittaşı is a DELF–DALF examination center; French language study is supported with international exam opportunities. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and problem-solving and is aligned with trilingual education and global standards, preparing students academically and linguistically for university-level expectations through Canadian diploma pathways.

Higher Education Progression

Graduates are prepared for higher education in Turkey and abroad, with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) enabling admission to universities worldwide. The school provides University Guidance Counseling and tracks university acceptances and program choices.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Counseling views social-emotional development as a central element of guidance and aims to create a safe, supportive environment where students can know themselves, express emotions, and navigate social situations. The program supports students from kindergarten through high school with individual and group sessions, classroom guidance, and collaboration with families and teachers. Focus areas include emotional recognition, empathy, conflict resolution, time management, coping with peer pressure, and academic motivation, with high school guidance also covering career awareness and university preparation.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The language of instruction in the early grades is English, with French introduced as a second language. In Grade 5, students experience an intensive year of French. Thereafter, bilingual Turkish–English education continues, while French develops as a strong third language.

Mental Wellbeing

Mental wellbeing is supported through Counseling, which aims to develop students' academic, social, and emotional skills and provides a safe environment for self-expression, problem solving, and coping with challenges. The program covers social-emotional development, empathy, conflict resolution, stress management, and guidance for families and teachers, with age-appropriate activities from Kindergarten through high school. The School Nurse and Health Services educate students on hygiene, nutrition, and wellness, and monitor overall student health and safety.

Safeguarding

A Child Protection Policy establishes a safe and nurturing environment. There are security personnel on campus and 24/7 camera monitoring (53 cameras). Civil defense and sabotage plans approved by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, the Canadian Ministry of Education, and WASC are reviewed annually. Students are insured against accidents, and staff, volunteers, and students receive ongoing training to report concerns and maintain safety.
Parent Experience

History

Kilittaşı Schools were founded in 2013 by Keystone International Schools. Kilittaşı offers a distinctive K–12 dual curriculum that combines the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) program with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from Ontario, Canada. The school serves Kindergarten through Anatolian High School from a Çekmeköy, Istanbul campus. Upon graduation, students receive both the Turkish MEB High School Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), broadening their university options to Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond. Kilittaşı is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of the Round Square global school network.

Community

The Early Years and primary programs use English as the language of instruction, with French introduced as a second language, followed by an intensive French program in Grade 5 and continued bilingual Turkish–English education with French as a third language. Language learning extends beyond the classroom through real-life experiences and trips, including France. Kilittaşı fosters an international learning ecosystem with programs designed for global citizenship. The school offers international programs such as Round Square, Model United Nations (MUN), JMUN, and Destination Imagination to develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
Facilities

Academic Facilities

The school confers the Turkish Ministry of National Education (MEB) High School Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) as a dual diploma, expanding university opportunities beyond Turkey. The Early Years Program (24–72 months) emphasizes natural English acquisition; instruction in the early grades is English, with French introduced as a second language, and Grade 5 features an intensive French program, after which bilingual Turkish–English education continues and French develops as a third language. Kilittaşı is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is a member of Round Square. Kilittaşı was founded in 2013 by Keystone International Schools.

Extra Curricular Facilities

Trips are integrated with the curriculum and designed by grade level to reinforce in-class learning. Extracurricular activities enrich the educational experience and allow students to explore passions. Debate activities develop skills in evidence collection, argument support, and public speaking. Junior MUN nurtures leadership, confidence, diplomacy, and critical thinking. Robotics provides hands-on engineering and problem-solving experiences; Round Square initiatives develop international perspectives and community service; Chess, mind games, art and music programs support creativity and talent.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual

Kilittaşı Schools offer a Turkish MEB High School Diploma plus the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) through a Canada–Türkiye dual diploma program. Graduates receive both diplomas, expanding university options in Canada, the United States, Europe, and beyond. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research, and problem-solving and aligns with WASC accreditation standards and the Round Square educational approach. English is the language of instruction in the early years, French is introduced as a second language from early grades (with a Grade 5 intensive year), and bilingual Turkish–English education continues with French developing as a third language.

Arts & Creative

Music education develops complex thinking, effective communication, aesthetic awareness, collaboration, and responsibility. Students participate in singing and instrument exploration, including a choir, and learn rhythm, pitch, and musical expression. The program connects music to the artistic, cultural, scientific, and mathematical foundations of music.

Cultural & Language

From early years, English is the primary language of instruction and social interaction, with French introduced as a second language from age four. In the primary years, French is taught through engaging, age-appropriate methods and is strengthened in Grade 5 with a dedicated French program. Kilittaşı is an official DELF–DALF examination center, certifying French proficiency with internationally recognized diplomas. An annual France trip extends language learning into real-life experiences.

Social & Hobbies

Field trips and after-school activities are integral to Kilittaşı & Keystone's programs. Field trips are curriculum-linked and designed to develop inquiry, observation, and social skills while providing memorable experiences. Extracurricular offerings include a House System, and Round Square membership with activities such as Debate, Junior MUN (JMUN) and MUN, Destination Imagination, robotics, chess, and a broad spectrum of arts, music, sports, and other clubs.

Community & Service

Kilittaşı is a Round Square member, enriching the curriculum with IDEALS (Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, Service). Students participate in international projects, student conferences, leadership and service programs, and opportunities to engage in community service and global citizenship.

Leadership & Professional

University Guidance Counseling provides personalized college counselling from grade 9, including one-on-one meetings with a college counsellor, group workshops, and tailored guidance on university applications. Counselors assist with admission requirements, transcripts and letters of recommendation, and standardized tests (SAT, ACT, AP, TIL-TOLC, IELTS/TOEFL); they also organize university fairs and visits and involve parents and faculty while maintaining confidentiality.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

A school nurse provides first aid and health monitoring, supports preventative health measures, maintains health records, and ensures that the infirmary is well-equipped. The health team educates students on hygiene, nutrition, and wellness, and students are insured annually for accidents. Strict health and safety protocols are in place. Physical education includes swimming and other activities as part of the core curriculum, and the school kitchen emphasizes healthy nutrition with organic, locally sourced ingredients; no packaged foods are sold and meals are prepared on site.
Languages

Language Provision

Languages taught include English, Turkish, and French. The Early Years Program uses English as the language of instruction; from kindergarten, French is introduced as a second language, and in Grade 5 there is an intensive 13-hour French program, after which Turkish–English bilingual education continues and French remains a strong third language. Kilittaşı follows the Canadian Curriculum for ELA and French, and is an official DELF–DALF exam center for French-language certification. Upon graduation, students receive the Turkish MEB High School Diploma and the Ontario Secondary Diploma (OSSD).

Bilingual Teaching

Kilittaşı offers bilingual Turkish–English education within a MEB + Ontario Diploma dual diploma program. The Early Years language of instruction is English, with French introduced as a second language in the early grades. In Grade 5, there is an intensive year of French, after which Turkish–English bilingual instruction continues and French becomes a third language. Some core subjects (Turkish, Social Studies, Revolution History) are delivered in Turkish, while other subjects (Science, Math, ELA, Visual Arts) are delivered in English.
Admissions

Admissions

1. Visit Our Campus. Prospective families are invited to request a campus tour by contacting Kilittaşı admissions. You will tour the school with the Principal and/or Vice Principal, while your child meets with a guidance counsellor for a brief interview, followed by feedback. If in-person visits are not possible, an online meeting can be scheduled to address questions before applying. 2. Receive Offer of Admission. An Offer of Admission is issued, and the next steps are explained after you confirm to proceed with admissions. 3. Complete Your Application. Fill out the online application form and submit it along with your payment receipt and other required documents. 4. Schedule an Enrolment Meeting. After the complete application is received, an enrolment meeting is scheduled to finalize the enrolment of the child.

Scholarships

Kilittaşı Scholarships and Discounts are offered in five categories: Education Merit Discount, Sports Discount, State Scholarship, Corporate Discounts, and Alumni Discount. Education Merit Discount applies to 5th–8th grade entrants; in February, a Kilittaşı Giriş Sınavı (KGS) is held, and the top performers within a defined range receive a 100% discount, with additional discounts available for other high performers. For enrolled students, the discount is reassessed annually based on achievement exams and practice tests, with continued eligibility determined by the Scholarships Committee. Sports Discount is awarded to students in specified sports with domestic or international results, starting at 100% and varying by achievement for a one-year period. State Scholarship provides free or subsidized education to a portion of students in accordance with governing regulations, with a minimum target of 3% of the student body. Corporate Discounts apply to children of employees of partner firms, as defined by each corporate agreement. Alumni Discount applies to Kilittaşı alumni and their children. The continuity and adjustment of all discounts/burslar are governed by the Kilittaşı Scholarship Policy, with annual reviews and criteria outlined by the school board.
School Events
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