Schools in Turkey

The Turkish School System: State, Private, and International Schools

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Explore Turkey’s school system, covering state, private, and international schools. Learn about education options, curricula, and choosing the right school.

Overview of the Turkish School System

In Turkey, 12 years of education is compulsory. This structure is divided into a 4+4+4 system, which includes primary education, secondary education, and optional preschool education.

Primary Education

First, primary education (ilköğretim) is mandatory for children aged 6-7 to 14-15. The first 4 years encompass grades 1 to 4, while the second 4 years cover grades 5 to 8. Importantly, foreign language lessons begin in grade 4.

Secondary Education

Following this, secondary education (lise or ortaöğretim) runs from ages 14-15 to 18-19, spanning grades 9 to 12. This level also lasts for 4 years.

Several types of high schools in Turkey cater to different interests and skills. For instance, these include:

• Meslekî ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi (Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School)
• Anadolu Lisesi (Anatolian High School)
• Fen Lisesi (Science High School)
• Sosyal Bilimler Lisesi (Social Science High School)
• İmam Hatip Lisesi (Religious Vocational High School)

Each school type emphasizes specific subjects and areas in its curriculum.

Pre-School Education

In addition, pre-school education (okul öncesi eğitim) is optional for children aged 3 to 6 years. These institutions are often referred to as anaokulu (playschool/day nursery/kindergarten) or kreş (creche).

Types of Schools in Turkey

State Schools

To begin with, state or public schools, known as devlet okulu in Turkish, offer free education for all Turkish nationals and foreigners. Almost every city features a selection of primary, secondary, and high schools. While most urban areas have schools, some rural villages may not.

For a comprehensive list of public schools in Turkey, you can visit the MEB website and select your desired city from the drop-down menu.

Private Schools

On the other hand, private schools generally follow the Turkish national curriculum but often enrich or diversify it. Owned and operated by associations or individuals, these schools charge annual fees for tuition, food, and accommodation. Moreover, some may offer scholarships for students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or those with exceptional talents.

Notable private schools in Turkey include Ted College, Bahçeşehir, İelev, Istek, and Doğa Schools.

International and Bilingual Schools

In contrast, international schools cater specifically to foreign nationals. Meanwhile, bilingual schools offer education in Turkish and another language, usually English.

Some of the most well-known international schools in Turkey are:

• The British International School in Istanbul
• Oasis International School in Ankara
• MEF International Schools in Istanbul and Izmir
• SEV in Izmir

Schools like Bahçeşehir, Ted, and Antalya Toplum Koleji also offer bilingual education.

Which School to Choose: Local Turkish School or International School?

When considering whether to attend a Turkish state school or an international school, it is essential to weigh various pros and cons.

Pros of State Schools

1. Cultural Familiarity: First and foremost, state schools help children acclimate to the Turkish culture and education system, especially beneficial for those staying long-term.
2. Cost-Effective: Additionally, education at state schools is free, allowing families to allocate funds for other needs.
3. Quality Education: Moreover, many of the best state schools are located in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Families often move to these areas to access competitive education.
4. Nationwide Exams: Finally, admission to top schools typically requires high marks on nationwide exams.

Cons of State Schools

• However, limited options in rural areas may result in lower quality education due to funding shortages and fewer teachers.
• Furthermore, overcrowded classrooms can hinder personalized attention from teachers.
• Lastly, there are fewer elective courses and extracurricular activities available.

Pros of Private and International Schools

1. Higher Quality Education: One significant advantage is the personalized lesson plans and smaller class sizes.
2. Multicultural Environment: Additionally, students can connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, enriching their social experience.
3. Broader Curriculum Options: Moreover, private schools typically offer more electives and extracurricular activities.
4. Language Skills: Finally, international and bilingual schools provide extensive opportunities to improve foreign language skills.

Cons of Private and International Schools

• Nevertheless, the high costs cannot be overlooked. Tuition in Istanbul can range from 14,000 to 150,000 liras annually, and it’s important to clarify what the fee includes (tuition, food, transport).
• Furthermore, international schools often don’t follow the national curriculum, making it challenging for students to pass national higher education exams if they wish to remain in Turkey.