Bilkent Laboratory and International School

"Bilkent Laboratory and International School, known as BLIS, is a private international school located in Altındağ, Ankara, Turkey, that has been providing a rigorous, globally minded education since its founding in 1996."

Serving a diverse community of local and internationally mobile families, BLIS has established itself as one of Ankara's distinctive educational institutions, combining strong academic programming with a commitment to nurturing curious, principled, and internationally aware young people. At the heart of BLIS is the International Baccalaureate framework, which the school delivers across all three of its primary school, middle years, and pre-university programmes. Students from the earliest years through to graduation follow the IB Primary Years Programme, the IB Middle Years Programme, and the IB Diploma Programme, creating a seamless and philosophically consistent educational journey. This vertical alignment means that students are not simply preparing for examinations but are developing habits of inquiry, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding that carry through every stage of their schooling. For families who value a globally recognized qualification and a learner-centered approach, the IB continuum that BLIS offers provides both academic credibility and genuine intellectual depth. Instruction at BLIS is delivered in English and Turkish, with additional language offerings that reflect the international character of the student body. This multilingual environment is a significant asset for expatriate families relocating to Ankara, as children are supported in continuing their English-medium education while also having the opportunity to develop or maintain Turkish language skills. For families who may move on to other international postings, the IB credential and English-language instruction ensure continuity and portability of their children's academic records. The school's connection to Bilkent University, one of Turkey's leading research universities, lends BLIS a distinctive academic character. The "Laboratory" in the school's name reflects this relationship and the school's long-standing identity as a place where educational practice and research can intersect, offering students an environment that takes learning seriously at an institutional level. Founded in 1996, the school has had nearly three decades to refine its programmes, build its community, and develop the kind of institutional stability that parents rightly look for when choosing a school for their children. Located in Altındağ, Ankara, BLIS sits within Turkey's capital city, a major metropolitan center that serves as the seat of government and home to a substantial diplomatic and international business community. Ankara's cosmopolitan professional population means that BLIS draws students from a wide range of national and cultural backgrounds, giving the school the genuinely international community that makes the IB's intercultural mission feel lived rather than merely aspirational. For relocating professionals and expatriate families arriving in Ankara, BLIS offers a compelling combination of academic rigor, internationally recognized qualifications, a multilingual learning environment, and a welcoming community shaped by decades of experience serving mobile families. Families can explore admissions information and learn more about current programmes and campus life through the school's website at blisankara. org.