Istanbul International Community School

About Istanbul International Community School

• Type

  Private

Welcome to Istanbul International Community School

Istanbul International Community School (IICS) embraces a holistic approach to education, emphasizing:

Personalized learning tailored to each student’s strengths,

Meaningful and authentic inquiry,

Strong and lasting relationships,

A deep appreciation for international-mindedness.

The vision of Istanbul International Community School (IICS) is to be a progressive, forward-thinking international school community, setting high standards in all aspects of education.

Head of school: Nicolaas Mostert (Last Update March 2025)

Istanbul International Community School (IICS) recognizes the importance of co-curricular activities as an essential component of its educational philosophy. Participation in a diverse range of student-led and extracurricular activities is a privilege that comes with responsibilities—to the school, the activity, peers, the wider community, and the students themselves. These experiences are invaluable in developing lifelong learning skills, enabling high school students to fully enrich their educational journey at IICS.

While Istanbul International Community School (IICS) encourages all students to engage in a broad selection of activities, the school emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between personal and academic commitments. With a variety of options available, every student is encouraged to find at least one co-curricular activity that aligns with their interests.

As an active member of CEESA (Central Eastern European School Association), Istanbul International Community School (IICS) participates in international competitions, allowing students to collaborate and compete with peers from other international schools.

The goal of all co-curricular activities and athletics at Istanbul International Community School (IICS) is to complement and enhance students' education, reinforcing the Dolphin Values, which align with the IB Learner Profile and IICS Rights and Responsibilities.

Co-curricular activities at Istanbul International Community School (IICS) follow a season-based system—fall, winter, and spring—giving students and staff the opportunity to explore different programs and interests throughout the academic year.

Istanbul experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons throughout the year. Winters (December to February) are cold and rainy, with occasional snowfall, especially in higher elevations. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Spring and autumn offer mild and pleasant weather, making them the best seasons to visit. The city’s location between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean causes variable weather conditions, including sudden rain showers. Bosphorus breezes help regulate temperatures, offering some relief during hot summer days.

Istanbul International Community School (IICS) was originally founded as an international sister school for the children of foreign teachers at Robert College. Established in 1863, Robert College is the oldest American college outside the United States and was initially founded to educate Turkish students. Over time, IICS has developed a strong legacy, sharing a deep-rooted history in Turkey’s educational landscape.

Over the years, Istanbul International Community School (IICS) evolved from being a sister school of Robert College into a fully independent institution that serves the expatriate community in Istanbul. This transformation is reflected in its name change and expanding mission. While Robert College follows an American curriculum, IICS stands as a truly international institution. Notably, IICS was one of the first schools in the world to be authorized to offer all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, further establishing its global standing in education.

Since 1911, generations of international students have pursued their passion for learning at Istanbul International Community School (IICS), and many more will continue to do so in the future.

To put this history into perspective, IICS was originally founded as Robert College Community School (RCCS) in 1911, during the final years of the Ottoman Empire. At that time, Turkey was ruled by Mehmed V Reshad, the 35th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The school witnessed the historic transition from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey in 1923, marking the birth of a modern nation. With over a century of history, Istanbul International Community School (IICS) stands as one of the oldest international schools in the world, continuing to shape the future of international education in Turkey.

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How do I contact Istanbul International Community School

• Website : https://www.iics.k12.tr/

• Email : [email protected]

• Phone:+902128578264