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Uskudar American Academy

Turkey, Istanbul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Turkish
Fees TRY 866,569 - 1,732,590
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1876
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Turkish, English, French, German
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional
Stages Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Üsküdar American Academy is a private high school in Istanbul affiliated with SEV, Health and Education Foundation. Founded in 1876, the school operates a lycee-model with English-language science and math and a Turkish diploma path. The IB Diploma Programme is offered for Grades 10–12, with six subjects across groups, Higher and Standard Level options, and core requirements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service. In Grades 11–12, students may pursue the Turkish diploma path with Honors and AP options. All science and math courses are taught in English; German or French is offered as a second language. Facilities include Özdemir Sabanci Sports Hall, outdoor courts, an artificial turf field, two computer labs, and a Learning Resource Center with 22,000+ volumes. Classrooms have interactive smart boards and wireless internet; every full-time teacher has a laptop. Extracurriculars include drama and music productions, Student Council, CALP, and a Social Entrepreneurship Club.

Selami Ali, Vakıf Sk. No:1, 34664 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye

The Essentials

Uskudar American Academy has instruction in English, Turkish.

Location
Vakıf Sokak No:1 Bağlarbaşı, 34664 Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey. The campus is in the Bağlarbaşı neighborhood of the Üsküdar district on Istanbul's Asian side. The contact address is published as Vakıf Sokak No:1 Bağlarbaşı 34664 Üsküdar/İstanbul.

Stages
Prep to 12th Grade; a 5-year high school education with Prep year compulsory.

Type
High school (private); there are no boarding facilities on-site.

Pupil Nationality Mix
85% local; 15% from outside Istanbul.

Additional learning support
Psychological counseling and guidance service is provided.

Country affiliation
Affiliated American schools; Üsküdar American Academy was founded in 1876 as part of American education in Turkey; today it is governed by the Health and Education Foundation (SEV) and is described as an affiliated American school alongside other SEV American schools in Istanbul, Izmir and Tarsus.

School day structure
School schedule: Monday 08:00–15:55; Tuesday–Thursday 08:00–15:05 with clubs 15:05–16:20; Friday 08:00–15:00 with clubs 15:25–16:20.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
No boarding facilities.

Uniform Requirement
The colors allowed are Black, Gray, Dark Blue, White, Dark Green, Burgundy, and Brown. These colors form the preferred options; clothing in similar shades is acceptable. Previously purchased UAA T-shirts and sweatshirts may be worn, but new clothing should match the color codes. Female students may wear skorts. Shorts, capri pants, leggings, and any legging-style garments are strictly prohibited on campus.

Governance and Ownership
The Health and Education Foundation (SEV) oversees Üsküdar American Academy; SEV was established by alumni of Üsküdar American Academy, American Collegiate Institute, Tarsus American College, and Talas American College. SEV is administered by a board of trustees and a board of directors. Üsküdar American Academy is affiliated with SEV.
Fees

Annual tuition at Uskudar American Academy ranges from TRY 866,569 to TRY 1,732,590 for 2026/27.

Application fees
- No separate small ‘application' or separate one-off application fee is published on the school's registration pages; the school publishes registration / annual tuition amounts and payment schedules for enrolment.

Tuition fees (annual) — Üsküdar American Academy (grades shown) for the 2026–2027 academic year
- The school publishes annual tuition amounts that vary by grade, by registration period (early to late registration windows) and by payment method. All amounts shown below are the annual school fee amounts and include 10% VAT as indicated.

- 9th Grade (annual):
- Bank transfer (Havale/EFT) single-payment amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,431,270
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,467,052
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,502,834
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,538,615
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,574,397
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,610,179
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,645,961
- Credit-card single-payment amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,461,402
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,497,937
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,534,472
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,571,007
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,607,542
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,644,077
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,680,612
- Installment-plan (taksitli) annual amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,506,600
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,544,265
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,581,930
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,619,595
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,657,260
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,694,925
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,732,590

- 10th Grade (annual):
- Bank transfer (Havale/EFT) single-payment amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,431,270
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,467,052
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,502,834
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,538,615
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,574,397
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,610,179
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,645,961
- Credit-card single-payment amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,461,402
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,497,937
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,534,472
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,571,007
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,607,542
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,644,077
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,680,612
- Installment-plan (taksitli) annual amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,506,600
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,544,265
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,581,930
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,619,595
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,657,260
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,694,925
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,732,590

- 11th Grade (annual):
- Bank transfer (Havale/EFT) single-payment amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,131,612
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,159,903
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,188,193
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,216,484
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,244,774
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,273,064
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,301,354
- Credit-card single-payment amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,155,436
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,184,322
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,213,207
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,242,094
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,270,979
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,299,865
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,328,751
- Installment-plan (taksitli) annual amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 1,191,171
- 1–30 April: TRY 1,220,950
- 1–31 May: TRY 1,250,729
- 1–30 June: TRY 1,280,509
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,310,288
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,340,067
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,369,846

- 12th Grade (annual):
- Bank transfer (Havale/EFT) single-payment amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 866,569
- 1–30 April: TRY 888,234
- 1–31 May: TRY 909,898
- 1–30 June: TRY 931,562
- 1–31 July: TRY 953,226
- 1–31 August: TRY 974,891
- 1–4 September: TRY 996,555
- Credit-card single-payment amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 884,813
- 1–30 April: TRY 906,934
- 1–31 May: TRY 929,053
- 1–30 June: TRY 951,174
- 1–31 July: TRY 973,294
- 1–31 August: TRY 995,415
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,017,535
- Installment-plan (taksitli) annual amounts by registration period:
- 24–31 March: TRY 912,178
- 1–30 April: TRY 934,983
- 1–31 May: TRY 957,787
- 1–30 June: TRY 980,592
- 1–31 July: TRY 1,003,396
- 1–31 August: TRY 1,026,201
- 1–4 September: TRY 1,049,005

(Annual tuition figures and the registration-period schedule above are published by the school for the 2026–2027 academic year.)

Billing schedule and payment terms
- The school's published schedule shows multiple registration windows (e.g., 24–31 March; 1–30 April; 1–31 May; 1–30 June; 1–31 July; 1–31 August; 1–4 September) with different annual-fee amounts depending on the date of registration and the payment method selected. All listed annual amounts include 10% VAT.
- Payment methods accepted (published options): bank transfer (Havale/EFT), credit card (single payment), education loan (Akbank). Installment options include a Vakıfbank VINOV 12-month interest-free plan (available for registrations completed by 30 June 2026 for the school's special arrangement), credit-card instalments (2 installments option) and the Taksitli Eğitim Sistemi (TEST) option (example: 1 down payment + 3 instalments). The school notes banks' installment offerings and economic/regulatory changes may affect payment terms.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not provided at Üsküdar American Academy; the school indicates there is no boarding. Therefore no boarding fees are published.

Other costs and incidental fees
- Uniforms: the school publishes a uniform policy (permitted colors and garment types) but does not publish a fixed uniform price on the uniform information page. Any uniform purchase costs are not itemised in the published uniform guidance.
- Transport (school bus), meals, books, exam fees and optional activities: the school's published materials mention these services in various documents (and some bursary documents reference coverage of transport, books and meals for scholarship recipients), but specific, itemised public prices for transport, meal plans or textbooks are not published alongside the 2026–2027 annual tuition schedule.

Refund information
- Refunds follow the rules set out in the school's registration guidance and the applicable Turkish regulation referenced in that guidance: if the student withdraws before the school year starts (for schools that determine fees annually), the school returns the paid annual fee less a retained amount equal to 10% of the annual fee; if withdrawal is after the academic year has begun, the refund amount is calculated by subtracting the 10% retained portion and the pro-rated amount for days the student attended, in accordance with the stated regulation. The school's registration guide and related documentation set out these refund rules.

Fee payment options (practical methods accepted)
- Bank transfer (Havale / EFT).
- Credit card (single payment and, where offered, bank/card instalment plans).
- Education loan (Akbank is listed as an education-credit partner).
- Vakıfbank VINOV campus payment system for interest-free 12-month instalments (special arrangement for registrations completed by a specified date).

Note: the figures and payment options above are taken from the school's published 2026–2027 fee schedule and registration documentation and reflect the school's published annual tuition amounts, the registration-period pricing matrix and the payment-term options for those academic-year enrolments.
Academics

Uskudar American Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP).

Curriculum
The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). UAA began the IBDP in 2014–15 and the first IB class graduated in 2017. Students study six subjects, one from each of the six groups, with Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) options, and complete the core requirements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). All students may apply for a place on the IBDP, though places are limited, and the IBDP runs from Grade 10 to Grade 12. In Grades 11–12, other students may follow the Turkish diploma path with options for Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses; all science and mathematics courses are taught in English; a second language option includes German or French.

Student Teacher Ratio
There are 895 students and 132 teaching staff, giving about 6.8 students per teacher. Prep classes average 20 students and Grades 9–12 average 24 students per class.

Higher Education Progression
100% of graduates attend four-year universities. Approximately 50% pursue overseas universities (primarily in America, Canada, the UK, and Europe). In 2022–2023, 65% of graduates attended university abroad.

Gifted and Talented
Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered; the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is available for qualified students. All advanced courses offered (AP and Honors) are described as rigorous, and CALP (Community Action Learning Program) supports sustained community-service projects.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department aims for a healthy transition from childhood to adulthood. It supports the development of social skills, and covers adolescence characteristics, motivation, leadership, friendship, communication skills, and learning and study skills. The department works with Turkish and foreign university counselling departments to support preparation for university entrance. Sexual Health Education is provided in cooperation with the TAP Foundation.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
All classes are taught in English, except Turkish Language and Literature and Social Sciences. In the Preparatory Year, students develop strong language and grammar skills and build a language base that underpins their high school study. Beyond reading and writing, students develop English speaking and listening skills through classroom group discussions, peer feedback, group projects, and presentations.

Mental Wellbeing
Guidance and Psychological Counseling Department aims for a healthy transition and supports social skills development, motivation, leadership, friendship, and communication. The department coordinates university entrance preparation with Turkish and foreign university counselling. Sexual Health Education is provided in cooperation with TAP Foundation.

Safeguarding
Adheres to international child protection standards.
Parent Experience

History
Üsküdar American Academy was founded in 1876. The Bağlarbaşı site originally housed the American College for Girls, which moved to Arnavutköy in 1914, leaving the Bağlarbaşı campus empty from 1914 to 1921, with periods when the buildings were used as an orphanage (1914–1915) and as Turkish Army barracks (1915–1918). The academy moved to the present Bağlarbaşı site in the early 1920s and committed to quality education for girls. In 1990 it began admitting boys and became Üsküdar American Academy. Today it is governed by the Health and Education Foundation (SEV), which carries full responsibility and authority for operating the school; the school properties are owned by SEV. Following changes under the 8-year basic education law, the school shifted to a lycee program with a prep section, and SEV opened an elementary school through the eighth grade to supplement English instruction alongside the Turkish curriculum.

Community
At Üsküdar American Academy, extracurricular activities are an integral part of education. Social, artistic, and scientific clubs offer students opportunities to explore their interests, develop their talents, and learn the value of living and working together. Students are expected to participate in at least one club activity each year. With nearly a hundred different options, there are opportunities for everyone—from technology and innovation to arts, social responsibility, sustainability, languages, literature, and sports. Through clubs such as robotics, law, dance, social responsibility, debate, art, and music, students not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also strengthen key values of global citizenship, including responsibility and teamwork.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents - The Parent Teachers' Association (PTA) works closely with the school administration, parents and students to facilitate and realise the mission and objectives. The 2025–2026 PTA General Assembly Elections will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. The PTA helps organize school events, provides financial and moral support to students in need by cooperating with the school administration and sister schools. It fulfills obligations in the School Bus Service Regulation and collaborates with educational institutions and non-governmental organizations. It contributes to national and international projects and invites experts for informative conferences with Guidance Counselors. It organizes the traditional School Brunch, contributes to the activities of the Social Service Club, and arranges the Seniors' Farewell Party and the Prom, while participating in the School Disciplinary Board, the Cafeteria Committee, and May Day celebrations.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Özdemir Sabanci Sports Hall is a purpose-built gymnasium with a full-size basketball court and a table tennis room; the fitness room is fully equipped and was renovated in 2011. On campus there is an outdoor basketball court, a tennis court, and an artificial-turf soccer field. There are two computer labs with a total of 50 PCs, and every classroom has an interactive smart board, a digital projector, an integrated sound system, and wireless internet access; each full-time teacher is provided with a laptop. The Learning Resource Center / library houses more than 22,000 volumes, is staffed by three full-time librarians (two bilingual), and provides resources in English and Turkish, with a small collection in French, German and Spanish; digital resources include Follett Destiny, Ebrary, SIRS Researcher, EBSCO Host and Questia School. The library supports language development, research and information literacy.

Sports Facilities
Özdemir Sabanci Sports Hall is the on-campus, main athletic facility with a full-size basketball court and a table tennis room. The facility includes a fitness room. On campus there is also an outdoor basketball court, a tennis court, and an artificial-turf soccer field.

Academic Facilities
Two computer labs with a total of 50 PCs support computing; the labs are used by faculty for teaching language development, graphic design and art. The library/media center provides more than 22,000 volumes and is staffed by three full-time librarians, two of whom are bilingual, offering resources in English and Turkish with a small collection of French, German and Spanish books, plus digital resources such as Follett Destiny, Ebrary, SIRS Researcher, EBSCO Host and Questia School. The library emphasizes information literacy and research skills and collaborates with faculty to integrate resources into the curriculum. The classrooms feature interactive smart boards, digital projectors, integrated sound systems and wireless networking, and every full-time teacher is provided with a laptop.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The extr curricular program includes over 90 clubs across science, the arts and culture. The Drama and Music programs offer major Turkish plays and annual musicals, with productions such as Notre Dame de Paris, Grease, Cats, West Side Story, Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, and Les Misérables. The Music program provides ensembles ranging from classical to jazz, with performances and tours; the school regularly stages university-level arts experiences. Student leadership through the Student Council organizes academic, artistic and social events and engages with the Parent/Teacher Association. Kinball, Dance, Step aerobics, Ultimate Frisbee, Floor Hockey and other sports-related clubs are among the offerings.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Extracurricular activities are an integral part of education at Üsküdar American Academy. Social, artistic, and scientific clubs offer opportunities to explore interests, develop talents, and learn teamwork. Students are expected to participate in at least one club activity each year. There are nearly a hundred options across technology, arts, languages, literature, sports, and more.

Arts & Creative
Clubs cover arts and creative pursuits, including dance, visual arts, and music. A broad range of clubs supports creative expression and collaboration among students.

Cultural & Language
Extracurricular activities and clubs include language-focused groups, such as a German Club for advanced-level students. The program supports language learning through scenarios, discussions, and project-based activities. The school also encourages participation in internationally recognized language proficiency exams such as Goethe-Zertifikat, DELF, TELC, and DELE aligned with CEFR.

Social & Hobbies
A wide range of clubs covers social and hobby interests including social responsibility, debate, arts, languages, literature, and sports. These clubs provide opportunities to explore interests and practice teamwork outside the classroom.

Community & Service
The school offers community service programs including CALP (Community Action Learning Program) and a Social Entrepreneurship Club. These programs reinforce social responsibility and active civic engagement.

Leadership & Professional
Co-curricular activities provide leadership opportunities, helping students develop leadership skills and prepare for higher education and professional paths. This emphasis on leadership is highlighted as a key benefit of participation in clubs.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Clubs include sports, providing opportunities to participate in athletic activities and team-based recreation. Participation in clubs supports a balanced lifestyle through physical activity and teamwork.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for most classes; Turkish Language and Literature and Social Sciences are taught in Turkish. A Second Foreign Language program offers French or German. Prep Year includes Intensive English, Second Foreign Language, Turkish, Science, Mathematics, Art, Physical Education, Music and Guidance. In 2025–2026, 22% of teachers are international, and they teach French, German, Biology, Chemistry and Physics; in Grade 9, Second Foreign Language instruction progresses toward A1+/A2 levels.

Bilingual Teaching
The school has a bilingual education program.
Reputation

Accreditations
CIS accreditation; IB Diploma Programme; IB authorization since 2014; CIS stands for Council of International Schools.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admission criteria and Prep Year. A minimum acceptance score for 2025-2026 is 480 for male students and 476 for female students, with average scores around 484.3 for males and 483.7 for females. The Prep Year is mandatory to prepare students for the four-year high school program and includes intensive English, a second foreign language, Turkish, Science, Math, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Music, Information Technologies, and Guidance. 2. Campus visits and intake status. Visits for 8th grade students will be announced; individual visits are not possible. Campus Days were held in May and June, with five sessions in total. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the Prep Year intake is full. 3. Enrollment Guide and pre-registration. Detailed information is provided in the Enrollment Guide published during the registration period. Pre-registration requires clicking the active link on the website and entering the student's national ID number, date of birth, and phone number on the dates specified in the Enrollment Guide. The enrollment process is described in the Enrollment Guide; gender quotas will be announced there. 4. Registration authorization and documents. If the registration is to be performed by someone other than the parent, a notarized letter of attorney is required. In cases of divorce, only the parent with legal custody can proceed, and the custody or letter of attorney must be presented during enrollment. Multiple people can be listed in one letter of attorney; only the original document is accepted. 5. Enrollment completion and post-registration details. After registration, the enrollment is completed via the e-school system; the new school completes enrollment by accessing the student. Details regarding uniforms, textbooks, meals, and transportation are provided in the enrollment completion document. 6. Fees and payment. Details on tuition, payment methods, and payment schedules are provided in the Enrollment Guide published during the registration period. Details on uniforms, textbooks, meals, and transportation are provided in the enrollment completion document after registration. Families should review the Enrollment Guide for any additional fees or charges. 7. Scholarships and financial aid. Financial Aid Scholarships are provided based on SEV's Scholarship Regulations and are awarded for one academic year. Scholarships range from 10% to 100% and require annual reapplication. Continuation of a scholarship depends on academic progress and the absence of disciplinary records. Scholarships are also available for students admitted to or currently enrolled at UAA who actively engage in sports, arts, and science. 8. Language of instruction and programs. All courses, except Turkish culture and applied subjects, are taught in English. German and French are offered as second foreign languages, with language proficiency exams supported. The IB Diploma Programme is offered; UAA has been an IB World School since 2014. The school has 121 teachers in 2025–2026, with 22% international, and a focus on preparing students as globally-minded problem-solvers.

Scholarships
Financial Aid Scholarships are provided based on SEV's Scholarship Regulations and are awarded for one academic year; scholarships range from 10% to 100% and require annual reapplication; continuation depends on academic progression and absence of disciplinary records. Scholarships are available for students admitted to or currently enrolled at UAA who actively engage in sports, arts, and science.
School Events
The school has not added events
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