Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Izmir
Summary: If you're moving to Izmir with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you'll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Izmir
Izmir, a vibrant city on the Aegean coast of Turkey, is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads due to its rich history, beautiful climate, and relatively low cost of living. While Izmir is not as large as Istanbul, it still offers a variety of international and bilingual schools to cater to the needs of expat families. Among the most popular are the SEV American College and the British Council School Izmir, both known for their high-quality education and diverse student bodies. Here is a list of international and bilingual schools in and around Izmir that are within a 40-minute drive from the city center.
SEV American College
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Gaziemir, Izmir
Website: www.aci.k12.tr
SEV American College, with its campus in Gaziemir, offers an American curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for high school students. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a wide range of extracurricular activities, and a diverse international community. Enrollment is open to students of all nationalities, and the school is known for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic education.
British Council School Izmir
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Balçova, Izmir
Website: www.britishcouncil.com.tr
The British Council School Izmir offers a British curriculum and is known for its high academic standards and English language instruction. The school provides a broad and balanced education, preparing students for the IGCSEs and A-Levels. With excellent facilities and a wide array of extracurricular activities, the school aims to develop confident, responsible, and informed students ready to face the challenges of the future.
Izmir International School
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Urla, Izmir
Website: www.izmirint.com
Izmir International School is located in the scenic area of Urla and offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for students from preschool to Grade 12. The school emphasizes inquiry-based learning and intercultural understanding. With modern facilities and a commitment to small class sizes, Izmir International School provides a nurturing environment for its international student body.
Mef International School Izmir
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Güzelbahçe, Izmir
Website: www.mefisizmir.com
Mef International School Izmir, situated in Güzelbahçe, offers an international education with a curriculum that is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge International Education (CIE) programs. The school is equipped with modern facilities and provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and community service, fostering a well-rounded education for its students.
Takev Private Schools
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Narlidere, Izmir
Website: www.takev.k12.tr
Takev Private Schools offer a bilingual education with instruction in both Turkish and English. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for both the Turkish national exams and international assessments. With a focus on academic success and personal development, Takev provides a supportive environment with a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs.
Scuola Primaria e dell'Infanzia Italiana di Smirne
Grades: Preschool through Elementary
Location(s): Konak, Izmir
The Italian School of Izmir, Scuola Primaria e dell'Infanzia Italiana di Smirne, offers a unique opportunity for students to receive an education based on the Italian curriculum. Catering to the younger age group, this school provides a multicultural environment where students can learn Italian language and culture alongside their academic studies.
Özel Türk Koleji
Grades: Preschool through Grade 12
Location(s): Bornova, Izmir
Website: www.ozelturkkoleji.com
Özel Türk Koleji is a well-established bilingual school in Bornova offering a curriculum in both Turkish and English. The school focuses on fostering a love for learning and developing critical thinking skills. With a range of academic and extracurricular programs, Özel Türk Koleji is dedicated to preparing students for both national and international success.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.