ITU Gelistirme Vakfi Özel Ekrem Elginkan Lisesi

"ITU Gelistirme Vakfi Özel Ekrem Elginkan Lisesi is a private high school located in Sarıyer, one of Istanbul's most scenic and prestigious districts, nestled along the European shore of the Bosphorus in northern Turkey."

The school operates under the umbrella of the ITU Gelistirme Vakfi — the Development Foundation of Istanbul Technical University — reflecting a deeply rooted connection to one of Turkey's most respected institutions of higher learning and a long-standing commitment to rigorous, scientifically grounded education. Founded in 2010 and named in honor of Ekrem Elginkan, a prominent Turkish industrialist and philanthropist celebrated for his dedication to education and cultural development, the school carries forward a legacy that prizes intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and excellence in learning. The school's association with Istanbul Technical University gives it a distinctive character, situating students within an academic culture that values engineering, science, and analytical thinking while also nurturing well-rounded, globally minded individuals. Academically, the school is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), one of the world's most widely recognized and respected pre-university curricula. The IB Diploma Programme, designed for students typically in their final two years of secondary schooling, challenges young people to think critically, engage with ideas across disciplines, and develop the research and communication skills necessary for success at leading universities around the world. The programme's hallmark components — including the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service — ensure that students graduate not only with strong subject knowledge but with a genuine capacity for independent inquiry and ethical reflection. For families seeking a pathway that will be recognized by universities in Europe, North America, and beyond, this curriculum offers reassurance and opportunity in equal measure. Sarıyer itself is a desirable setting for an international-minded school. The district combines natural beauty — with forested hillsides, coastal views, and proximity to the Belgrade Forest — with relatively easy access to Istanbul's broader urban amenities. Families relocating to Istanbul, whether from within Turkey or from abroad, often find Sarıyer an attractive residential area, and the school's location there makes it a natural consideration for expat professionals and internationally mobile families seeking quality education close to home. The school community, while rooted in a Turkish educational context, is shaped by the international outlook that the IB Diploma Programme inherently promotes. Students are prepared to engage with diverse perspectives and to compete academically on a global stage, making the school appealing to families who prioritize both local grounding and international ambition. For parents evaluating secondary school options in Istanbul, ITU Gelistirme Vakfi Özel Ekrem Elginkan Lisesi presents a compelling combination: the credibility of an institution connected to Istanbul Technical University, the global recognition of an IB diploma, a thoughtfully chosen location, and a founding ethos that honors both academic achievement and civic purpose. Further information about admissions and programmes is available through the school's website at itugvo. k12. tr/lise.