Choosing the Best School For Your Child
Selecting the right school involves evaluating several key factors to ensure it aligns with your child’s needs and future goals. Here’s a checklist of what you should consider:
| Curriculum | Accreditations | Faculty Credentials | Student-Teacher Ratio |
| Campus Facilities | Safety and Security | Extracurricular Activities | School Culture and Values |
| Location and Convenience | Parent Engagement | Communication Channels |
Schedule a visit to observe the environment and meet staff. Our school regularly gathers data on parent and student satisfaction through surveys – information for which can be shared upon request.
Why Families Choose Keystone?
Proven Academic Excellence
Keystone students are consistently taking part in internal and external assessments, which ultimately help guide our teaching strategies. Every year our school arranges for our students to take part in the following assessments and activities to ensure our students’ academic development is up to par with international standards. Our Grade 6 to 12 students take MAP assessments every year so we can track their academic progress and shape our teaching practices to cater to our students’ learning needs. Data gathered through our assessment practices provides us with clear insight into identifying our students’ areas of improvement. Our high school students for our current academic year are required to pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test to receive their Canadian diploma upon graduation.
Canadian Curriculum Advantage
Keystone follows the Canadian Curriculum, which ranks in the top 3 globally for education, providing a world-class learning experience in Istanbul.
Keystone International School is the only international school in Turkey that offers students the unique opportunity to earn an official country diploma recognized worldwide — the Canadian diploma. We are an offshore school that abides by Prince Edward Island’s educational program and regulations.
WASC Accreditation – A Global Standard
Keystone is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), a prestigious U.S.-based accrediting body recognised worldwide. WASC’s comprehensive approach focuses on continual improvement and school-wide quality, providing broader recognition than specific program- based accreditations like IB. This ensures that Keystone students receive a high-quality education in a student-centered environment. WASC accreditation ensures that our institution implements a Child Protection Policy that is in line with not just American, but international standards.
Robust Extracurricular Activities
Keystone emphasizes the development of the whole child, from academics to character building, fostering well-rounded individuals ready to contribute positively to the world. Keystone offers various extracurricular activities, including field trips, projects, and clubs that enhance learning beyond the classroom. These programs encourage exploration, creativity, and personal growth, making the students well-rounded individuals.
Proficiency in French
At Keystone, French is offered as a second language starting from kindergarten. We provide a robust French language program that ensures students gain strong linguistic skills, preparing them for global communication and cultural understanding. Our middle and high school students take the DELF examination at the end of the academic year so they can advance to the following level in our French streaming classes.
House System for Community and Leadership
The House System at Keystone is designed to foster a sense of community, collaboration, and healthy competition among students and teachers. Every student is assigned one of the four houses – Orcas, Caribous, Lynxes, or Hawks. By organizing students and teachers into one of four houses, we create opportunities for cross-grade connections and promote school unity. This system encourages leadership and mentorship, allowing students to take on active roles and participate in various school activities. It aims to build a stronger, more connected school environment, offering diverse activities and leadership roles that support skill development and character building. The House System represents an exciting step toward greater unity, engagement, and excellence at Keystone International Schools.
Healthy, Homemade Meals
All food at Keystone, both the lunch cafeteria and the snack bar, is freshly prepared in-house using ingredients from trusted local suppliers the school has partnered with for many years. These include high-quality meat from the supplier of Istanbul’s top dining brands and ethically grown produce from well-known farms. Students enjoy unlimited servings, promoting healthy eating habits.
Prime Location
Keystone is tucked away in the beautiful hills of Istanbul in a central location which makes it convenient for families. Being surrounded by nature and the bustle of the city makes for an ideal space for learning and creative expression.
Boutique Class Sizes
With smaller class sizes, each student receives personalized attention, ensuring a more tailored and impactful learning experience. Our classroom size does not exceed 17 so our teachers are able to provide differentiated instruction and closely monitor each student’s academic and social development.
Parent Teacher Organization
Our PTO is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the community, including students, families, and staff. Our objectives are to welcome all families, facilitate communication among parents, students, teachers, and the school, and add enjoyment to the school year for everyone involved. The PTO is managed by a Committee composed of committed parent volunteers and Leadership Team members. Together, we organize events and activities, which rely on the support of the entire community.
Global Preparation
With a curriculum that emphasizes international perspectives and global competence, Keystone students are well-prepared for higher education and careers anywhere in the world. Our university acceptance rates are a testament to our strong teaching practices and our commitment to making a global impact through the achievements of our students. Our students have been accepted to top universities around the world with the assistance of our College Counselor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why the PEI Curriculum?
At Keystone, we follow the Prince Edward Island curriculum because we are an off-shore school and are able to award a Canadian diploma to our graduates. This internationally recognized curriculum offers an inquiry and project-based educational experience. We believe it provides a strong foundation and effectively prepares students for global opportunities, similar to IB but with a slightly different approach that is in line with Canadian provincial regulations .
Do you have CIS Accreditation?
We are accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), which is a comprehensive and widely recognized accrediting body. WASC’s standards ensure a high level of quality and continual improvement, which meets the needs of our diverse student body. We often refer to WASC as ‘We Are Student Centered!’ because it accurately encompasses the type of educational experience we provide at Keystone. WASC accreditation ensures that our administrators are gathering data during the course of the academic year on students’ academic achievements and the effectiveness of policies regarding student safety. WASC accreditation is regarded as being the most prestigious in North America and around the world.
What is the Keystone Houses System?
The House System at Keystone is designed to foster a sense of community, collaboration, and healthy competition among students and teachers. It divides the school into four houses, encouraging cross-grade connections and school unity. The system provides opportunities for leadership, mentorship, and active participation in various school activities, helping to build a supportive and engaged school environment.
How do you handle allergies?
We share the monthly menu in advance so that families with dietary restrictions can plan accordingly. If a student has allergies, parents should inform the school nurse to ensure proper management and accommodation. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all students with allergies.
Are there any payment conveniences?
We offer early registration discounts and a 10% discount on cash payments if paid by July for the upcoming academic year.
What extracurricular activities are offered?
Keystone provides a diverse range of enriching extracurricular activities designed to complement the academic curriculum and support students’ personal development. These activities include sports, arts, music, drama, and various clubs that cater to different interests. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in leadership programs, community service, and international trips, enhancing their learning experiences and fostering well-rounded growth. Visit our website for updates on our Extra-Curricular Activities keystoneschools.com.tr/enriching-extracurricular/
What after-school activities are available?
Keystone offers a variety of engaging after-school programs designed to enrich students’ experiences beyond the regular school hours. These programs include sports, arts and crafts, music lessons, and academic enrichment activities. Students can also participate in specialized clubs and workshops that focus on skills such as robotics, drama, and language learning. The after-school programs are tailored to cater to different interests and provide a supportive environment for students to explore new passions and develop their talents. Visit our website for updates on our After School Activities: www.keystoneschools.com.tr/after-school-program
What measures are in place for student safety?
Student safety is a top priority at Keystone. We have comprehensive safety protocols, including secure campus access, trained staff, regular drills, and a dedicated school nurse. Our policies and procedures are designed to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for all students; all stakeholders can refer to our Child Protection Policy for details.
How does Keystone support students’ mental health and well-being?
Keystone offers various support services for student’s mental health and well-being, including counseling services, wellness programs, and a supportive school community. We are dedicated to providing resources and assistance to help students manage stress and maintain a positive and balanced school experience.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@keystoneschools.com.tr, +90 216 370 4951 or +90 506 399 6957.
We look forward to assisting you.
Keystone International School Admissions Team