The Best International Schools in Istanbul

As a proud alumni and parent of multiple children at HKIS, the school is more than just an educational institution; it’s a nurturing home for students to thrive and excel. Their mission and vision reflect a commitment to fostering holistic growth and well-being. HKIS prioritizes student development, not just academically but also emotionally and socially. My children have not only excelled in academics but have also become confident, compassionate, and well-rounded individuals.

The emphasis on well-being truly sets HKIS apart. The strong and vibrant community at HKIS is unparalleled. From the faculty welcoming students arriving at school in the early morning to the supportive parent network, it feels like a big family. This sense of belonging makes a significant difference in a child’s educational journey. The student learning experience is dynamic and engaging.

The school’s emphasis on transfer goals ensures that students are well-prepared for the future. My children love going to school every day, which speaks volumes about the quality of the education experience.

The powerful alumni network is a testament to the success of HKIS graduates, something I have experienced first-hand. Knowing that my children will have access to this network in the future provides immense peace of mind.

In conclusion, HKIS isn’t just a school; it’s a community that cares deeply about each child’s growth and well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend HKIS to any family looking for a nurturing and academically enriching environment for their child. It’s not just a school; it’s a home where dreams take flight.

In a world with dizzying choices for international schools, HKIS has exceeded our expectations at every turn. The values, the quality of the teachers, the facilities, all to the highest standard.

When looking for a school, we reviewed all the materials we could get our hands on. Each institution had an impressive mission statement and it seemed that all were well-equipped to provide a quality education. In the end, one line in particular from the HKIS handbook stood out and guided our selection:
 
“We appreciate childhood as a unique stage of the human life cycle. We value the quality of children’s lives in the present, not just as preparation for the future.”
 
The application process was straightforward. HKIS grants an assessment to all who submit by the priority deadline. The Admissions team was helpful and easily accessible throughout. No math test here – a group play-date determined if there was a fit.
 
Our son enrolled in Lower Primary at the Repulse Bay campus, which comes with a series of age-graded playgrounds, a 25 meter pool with a hydraulic floor, and a “wonder lab” for budding scientists. Classrooms flow to open spaces with ocean views and birdsong from the mountains.  A truly beautiful setting to help settle young minds.
 
Education at HKIS is differentiated by a rigorous focus on the science of learning. Guided-play in the early years teaches perseverance and critical thinking, not just memorization. A strong support structure is in place for specialized learning in middle and high school. Teachers provide regular updates to parents, and counsellors are available to children at every grade.
 
The environment is wonderfully positive. Teachers glow and children speak with confidence.  Parents are given ongoing guidance on how to develop a child’s independence in problem solving, and importantly – what to avoid. The Head of School and Principals are easily accessible, each of whom has an uncanny ability to remember names and particulars of individual families.
 
Negatives? None. Our biggest surprise is just how much we enjoy the HKIS experience as grown-ups, knowing our son is happy and learning. The parent community is humble and non-competitive, and we have yet to meet a family that is not thrilled to be part of the school.
 
With just one year in school, our son has been influenced by HKIS values and often reminds his parents of the “4 Bees” – be kind, be responsible, be respectful, and be safe.

I hear really great stories from our kids how they experience these distance learning. Really big thumbs up how you and your team are handling this. The teachers are amazing. I think we are very fortunate to have our kids at the BIS!

Thank you to the BIS leadership team, teachers, staff and IT-specialists who provided our children with this distance learning programme. It not just ensures that the students continue with their learning perspectives, it indeed brings a bit of normality and structure into our homes. No-one I’ve been talking to outside of BIS has a school that is so well prepared for this crisis like BIS. Thank you!

We are truely impressed how smart and balanced the BIS Distance Learning program is working. The teachers make us believe they have done this many times bevor, really cool!

You can see that BIS is a truly international school – internationality, diversity and open-mindedness can be felt in every hallway, in every classroom. I also like the fact that children learn at a very early age to work together and help each other, and that the latest technology is sensibly integrated.

The BIS is a great school with an exciting spirit and a very positive attitude that helps to inspire children for a lifetime.

My parents were searching for a boarding school … they (and I) decided Institut Montana would be the best fit – the student population, the amazing view, the overall welcoming feeling… whenever a new student arrived, everyone would be curious to get to know them and to learn from them.

Thanks to the social and people skills acquired at Institut Montana, I believe I was better prepared for relationship building which, in my perception, is key in any career.

I learned that respect will take you far. I learned that communicating your thoughts with others and respecting theirs took you even further … I learned that rising above differences only made me see clearer. I learned how to bring up my own children using the same values. Today, I own an establishment in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia which focuses on preserving the history of the old town. I believe my love for history from a young age had a lot to do with my teachers.

I came from a small southern Italian town and I was suddenly exposed to a world of diversity. This contributed to open my eyes to a wide range of international possibilities eventually leading me to pursue a scientific path to bring new knowledge worldwide.

The benefits of studying in an international environment with people from all over the world are tremendous. I went to Institut Montana for two years and graduated with the High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate, which provided a great foundation for my career path. I always had the support of my teachers and advisers who taught me to take risks and aim high. The school also does a great job cultivating it’s network of alumni from all over the world. I’m incredibly thankful for my time at Institut Montana and the friends I’ve made on the magnificent Zugerberg.