Parent's Review of MEF INTERNATIONAL in Istanbul, Turkey

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

MEF INTERNATIONAL

In what town or city is this school located?

Istanbul

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

IB DIPLOMA

What grade levels are represented at this school?

PYP, SYP

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Mostly by school bus service

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

The facilities look fine when you go for the first interview and have a walk around with admissions. The MEF International school which has about 400 students is part of a larger MEF Turkish school which has over 1500 students. The Turkish school has priority over the international in every aspect. You will find that out after your kid starts attending MEF. Very poor extra-curricular activities although they may look good on paper.

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

In the primary years program (PYP) the school follows a very weak IB curriculum up until 5th grade. Whereas when they start 6th grade the school adapts a more British curriculum where children start getting tests for the first time and 70% of students fail when they take their first tests. I would not recommend this school for those who would lile their children to have a solid back ground. Also, there is a very high turnover of teachers. In 2013, 28 teachers left this school which is about 80% of teachers. This year they are saying another 20 teachers are leaving.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

There is a PTA but management gets very defensive when issues are brought up.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

The only thing good about MEF is its location. You should think twice before sending your child to MEF.

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