Istanbul International Community School

"Istanbul International Community School (IICS) stands as one of the most established and respected international schools in Istanbul, offering families a rich academic environment grounded in the International Baccalaureate philosophy."

With a mission rooted in global citizenship, critical thinking, and lifelong learning, IICS provides a genuinely international education to students from kindergarten through Grade 12. For expat families and relocating professionals seeking continuity, academic rigor, and a truly multicultural community, IICS represents one of Istanbul's most compelling choices. The school's academic program is built entirely around the International Baccalaureate framework, and IICS holds the distinction of being among the first schools in the world to be authorized to offer all three IB programmes. Younger students in the primary years engage with the IB Primary Years Programme, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning and the development of the whole child. Students in the middle school years follow the IB Middle Years Programme, designed to foster intercultural understanding and intellectual challenge across disciplines. Finally, students in the senior years pursue the IB Diploma Programme, one of the most widely recognized and respected pre-university qualifications in the world. This seamless K–12 progression through the IB continuum means that students develop a consistent set of values, habits of mind, and academic skills throughout their entire school journey. IICS has deep roots in Istanbul, having been founded in 1911, making it not only one of the oldest international schools in Istanbul but one of the oldest in the world. This remarkable history reflects the city's long tradition as a crossroads of cultures and a hub for international communities. As an independent, non-profit, and non-sectarian institution, the school has always operated with the interests of its diverse student body at the center of every decision, free from commercial pressures or religious affiliation. The community at IICS is genuinely international in character. With a total enrollment of approximately 525 students and more than 60 nationalities represented, the school offers children the rare and valuable experience of learning alongside peers from virtually every corner of the globe. This diversity is not merely demographic — it shapes daily life in the classroom, enriches discussions, and prepares students in a deeply practical way for the interconnected world they will inherit. Instruction is conducted in English, making IICS accessible to internationally mobile families while also ensuring that students develop the strong language skills required by the IB programmes and by universities worldwide. Located in Istanbul, one of the world's great cities straddling two continents, IICS benefits from an extraordinary urban setting that itself becomes part of the educational experience. Students live and learn in a city of immense historical significance, cultural vitality, and modern dynamism. What ultimately sets IICS apart is the combination of its exceptional longevity, its full IB continuum, and the warmth of a close-knit community drawn from more than 60 nations. For families in transition, knowing that their children will find both academic challenge and a welcoming, internationally minded community makes IICS a school well worth serious consideration.