Al-Safir International School — Istanbul (Bağcılar)

Al-Safir International School is located in the Bağcılar district of Istanbul on the European side. The school welcomes students from various nationalities and communities residing in Istanbul — making it a genuinely international environment.

Curriculum — American with Islamic and Arab heritage focus: The school adopts the American curriculum in teaching, supplemented by:

• Arabic language lessons
• Turkish language lessons
• Islamic History lessons
• Quran lessons

This combination of rigorous American academics with explicit Arab cultural identity and Islamic religious education appeals to Arab Muslim families who want both.

Grade levels: Complete pathway from Nursery through high school.

Facilities and resources: The school is equipped with:

• Multiple laboratories
• Various educational tools distributed throughout the classrooms
• Recreational activities: sports, arts, and community activities

Educational mission: The school aims for its graduates to be qualified with the principles and skills that enable them to succeed in their university lives and subsequently in their professional and career lives. The school also seeks to build balanced personalities in its students through careful teaching of Islamic values and ethics.

This holistic mission — preparing students for university, professional life, and balanced personal character — reflects a values-driven educational philosophy.

Languages of instruction: English (primary, American curriculum), Arabic, Turkish.

Why Bağcılar: Bağcılar is a well-established district on Istanbul's European side, with growing Arab and Muslim expat communities and convenient transport links to the rest of the city.

Annual fees: In line with American-curriculum Arab schools in Istanbul, expect a range of approximately $4,000–8,000 USD per year depending on grade level. Sibling discounts and installment plans typically available — contact the school for current figures.

Recognition: The school should be MEB-licensed in Turkey. Verify American curriculum accreditation directly with the school — important for international university admission planning.

What to verify before enrolment: Current MEB license, American curriculum accreditation source (AdvancED/Cognia/etc.), available grade levels, language placement, university placement statistics, and transportation routes from your district.