School hours for the students are from 8:20 – 15:05. The day is broken up into five 45 minute lessons for Secondary and for Primary . There are two recess breaks in the day and  one lunch break. Students use the playground areas at the break times. During wet weather breaks are given indoors.

The school is fully accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education to offer educational programmes as an international school in Turkey. The school was fully accredited by both the Council of INternational SChools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools ands Colleges (NEASC) in January 2019. We are a member of ECIS (The Educational Collaborative for International Schools), and we are the only accredited school in Turkey to offer all levels of the Cambridge Assessment International Programme and is thus a Cambridge International Examinations (CAIE) Centre. Finally, the school is an IB Diploma Programme candidate school and plans to be authorized to teach the Diploma Programme in the Spring of 2022.

The medium of instruction of the school is English. Therefore, all lessons are taught in English. For Modern Languages students choose between Turkish, Spanish and French. Students start taking Modern Languages in Year 2.

Yes, we have an Early Years section which caters for students aged 3 and 4. The levels are for Reception 1 (3 year olds) and Reception 2 (4 year olds). Primary starts with Kindergarten (5 year olds).

Activities are offered at MEF IS across all grade levels. These activities enable students to explore and develop their interests, socialize with peers, pursue athletic potential or acquire new skills.  Students in Primary and Secondary have one activity period each week. After school clubs, open to all year groups, are also offered after school hours.

We do not have  a doctor on campus, but we do have a full-time nurse on campus during school hours. Students may visit the infirmary if they are not feeling well to receive treatment.

MEF IS is located near Izmir airport in Gaziemir, Izmir.

Transportation is provided through a contracted service bus company, Gursel. Students may opt to travel to and from school on the service bus.

MEF International School is is licensed by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) to offer the Checkpoint, IGCSE, AS and A Level curriculum and examinations in the Primary, Middle and High schools, respectively.

Teachers working at MEF IS are fully qualified teachers who have earned their undergraduate degree in the area of specialisation in which they teach. In addition teachers have valid teaching certification from their country of origin. Up to 45% of our teachers hold a Master’s degree in Education. Our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds which is in line with developing our ethos of internationalism and global mindedness. Some of the backgrounds include: US, UK, Australia, Ireland, Canada, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Turkey, and Kenya.

Teachers working at MEF IS are fully qualified teachers who have earned their undergraduate degree in the area of specialisation in which they teach. In addition teachers have valid teaching certification from their country of origin. Up to 45% of our teachers hold a Master’s degree in Education. Our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds which is in line with developing our ethos of internationalism and global mindedness. Some of the backgrounds include: US, UK, Australia, Ireland, Canada, the Philippines, the Netherlands, Italy, Mexico, Pakistan, Turkey, and Kenya.

MEF IS does not have a school uniform for everyday wear. There is a uniform issued for PE and Sporting events. All students are expected to come in clothing that is appropriate for the season. Proper footwear should also be worn at all times. We have a simple dress code that is shared in the Parent Handbook.

Activities happen during the course of the school day and are compulsory for all students. After School Clubs are optional and are provided after school hours.

The most commonly used method of communication at the school is e-mail. We communicate events, information and reminders through email communications to parents on a regular basis. In addition, we send a Weekly Newsletter to give you information about things that are happening in and around the school. Your child’s teacher will also make regular contact to provide you information about their learning,  particularly in the Primary School. In the Secondary School you can request your child’s homeroom teacher to add you as part of Google Classroom so that you can get regular updates about what your child is doing in class. Parents also have access to Renweb, our student information system, where they see the grades students have obtained. We have Parent Teacher Conferences and Student Led Conferences in the Primary, during which you will receive information about your child’s progress. You are also welcome to make an appointment with your child’s teachers and/or leadership team at any time to come in for a chat. We welcome parent involvement and your feedback.

Yes, our students do receive homework. The purpose of the homework is to reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired in school and to promote the development of good independent study habits and effective time management. You can find out more about homework in our Parent Handbook.