PYP, MYP and DP are separate authorizations
Check authorization, access and graduation separately
| School | IB authorization | Area | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| IICS | PYP + MYP + DP | Hisarüstü / Hadımköy | English international continuum; passport restriction |
| ENKA Schools Istanbul | PYP + MYP + DP | İstinye / Sarıyer | IB blended with Turkish national curriculum |
| Irmak Schools | PYP + MYP + DP | Caddebostan / Kadıköy | Bilingual continuum; MYP and DP authorized in 2023 |
| MEF International School | PYP + DP | Ulus / Beşiktaş | Cambridge/IGCSE middle and high-school bridge |
| Eyüboğlu Schools | Main: MYP + DP; Kemerburgaz: PYP + MYP | Ümraniye / Kemerburgaz | Programme coverage is split by school/campus |
Istanbul International Community School (IICS) / Hisarüstü and Hadımköy
Why we picked it
IICS ranks first for a complete English-language IB continuum in a strongly international setting. Its official IB record lists PYP, MYP and DP authorization, with the school’s current information describing the stages across its Hisar and Marmara campuses. IICS also awards a U.S. high-school diploma, so families should understand how school graduation and the optional full IB Diploma interact. The school states that it cannot admit students who hold only Turkish citizenship.
Pros
- Full English PYP–MYP–DP continuum
- Long-standing IB authorization and international setting
Cons
- Not open to Turkish-only passport holders
- Stages operate across different campuses
ENKA Schools Istanbul / İstinye, Sarıyer
Why we picked it
ENKA ranks second for its established three-programme structure. The official IB directory lists PYP, MYP and DP, while ENKA’s own authorization table maps PYP to preschool–Grade 4, MYP across the middle years and DP to Grades 11–12. The programme is integrated with Turkish national requirements, and graduates receive the Turkish national diploma; families should confirm DP selection rules and the language mix for each grade.
Pros
- Authorized PYP, MYP and DP
- CIS and NEASC accreditation also published
Cons
- IB is blended with national requirements
- DP participation rules require confirmation
Irmak Schools / Caddebostan, Kadıköy
Why we picked it
Irmak ranks third as a bilingual Asian-side continuum. Its official IB record lists PYP, MYP and DP coordinators at the Caddebostan address, with PYP authorization dating to 2008 and MYP and DP authorization added in 2023. The recent expansion makes it important to ask how the newer middle and diploma programmes are implemented, which subjects are available, and whether every student can continue into DP.
Pros
- Authorized PYP, MYP and DP
- English–Turkish bilingual context
Cons
- MYP and DP authorizations are relatively recent
- Subject and progression details need confirmation
MEF International School Istanbul / Ulus, Beşiktaş
Why we picked it
MEF ranks fourth for families who want IB at the beginning and end of school with a Cambridge bridge. The official IB record lists PYP and DP, and MEF publishes PYP for primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary and IGCSE for the middle/high transition, then DP in Grades 11–12. It has offered DP since 1998. This is not an MYP continuum, and DP entry requirements, prior grades and subject readiness must be checked.
Pros
- Authorized PYP and long-running DP
- English international environment
Cons
- No authorized MYP
- DP has academic entrance requirements
Eyüboğlu Schools / Ümraniye and Kemerburgaz
Why we picked it
Eyüboğlu ranks fifth for a long-running MYP-to-DP route at its main Ümraniye school. The official IB record lists DP authorization since 1995 and MYP since 2002. A separate IB record for Eyüboğlu Kemerburgaz lists PYP and MYP, but not DP. Families must therefore verify the exact campus, transfer policy and whether the desired sequence can be completed without changing school or location.
Pros
- Long-running MYP and DP authorization
- PYP/MYP option exists within the wider group
Cons
- Programmes are split across school records and campuses
- Continuity needs direct confirmation
