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Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Social and Hobbies, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction
Notre Dame de Sion French High School in Istanbul is a private secondary school affiliated with the Turkish education system. Founded in 1856 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion to educate girls from Ottoman minority communities, it has evolved into a secular, co-educational institution open to all. The school follows the Turkish national curriculum through bilingual education in French and Turkish. Turkish language, literature and history are taught in Turkish, while geography and philosophy are taught in Turkish; other social sciences and physical education are taught in both languages. The entire curriculum carries the FrancEducation label of excellence, and the FrancEducation-certified curriculum provides direct access to higher education in France. The school offers a high-level academic and cultural programme and is noted for its diverse microcosm reflecting Türkiye's staff and pupils, with notable alumni in science, government, and the arts. It welcomes international families seeking a French-linked path.
Annual tuition at Notre Dame de Sion French High School ranges from TRY 485,740 to TRY 1,175,000 for 2026/27.
Application fees - No separate non‑refundable application fee is published. A registration deposit (peşinat) is collected when choosing an installment plan; exact deposit amounts are collected at registration.
Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts and payment-plan breakdowns) - All amounts shown are in Turkish lira (TRY) and are published for the 2025–2026 academic year. The published annual fees are inclusive of VAT.
Billing schedule and payment terms - The school offers a peşin (cash) discount and multi‑installment payment options (examples shown: 5 or 10 installments). Card payments are subject to bank commission. Installment payment requires a registration deposit (peşinat) at the time of registration. All families choosing installment plans are required to pay the scheduled installments on the dates set by the school; failure to pay may result in denial of class attendance. Payments are billed according to the schedule issued on the annual invoice.
Boarding (pension) fees - The school does not operate a boarding/pension facility; Notre Dame de Sion Istanbul is a day school (the historic boarding provision closed decades ago). No boarding fees are applicable.
Other costs and fees (additional, optional or not normally included in the annual tuition) - Meals, transport (school bus), books and stationery, uniforms, exam fees, travel for school trips, elective activity fees and some extracurricular program costs are not included in the published tuition figures and are billed separately. Families should budget for these additional costs. - Card-processing fees charged by banks are passed on for credit‑card payments.
Refund information - If registration is cancelled before the academic year begins, a deduction of 10% of the annual tuition is applied (example cited: a 10% deduction amount is shown for the preparatory class). If a student leaves after the academic year has begun, refunds are calculated pro‑rata based on the number of days the student attended and the school's refund policy and schedule. These refund rules are applied to the published fees.
Fee payment options - Published payment channels include bank transfer / EFT to the school's bank account (Akbank Harbiye branch IBAN noted for payments). Credit card payments are accepted but may incur bank commission. The school also issues installment billing and an annual invoice showing due dates; families may be billed by direct bank transfer according to that schedule. Cash and cheque acceptance is limited or restricted according to the school's billing policy.
Academics
Curriculum
Follows the Turkish national curriculum with bilingual education in French and Turkish; Turkish language, literature and history are taught in Turkish; geography and philosophy are taught in Turkish; other social sciences and physical education are taught in both languages. The entire curriculum has been awarded the FrancEducation label of excellence.
Higher Education Progression
The diploma provides direct access to higher education in France.
FAQs
Where is Notre Dame de Sion Istanbul located and what kind of school is it?
Notre Dame de Sion Istanbul is a secular, co‑educational secondary school in Istanbul, Turkey. It follows the Turkish national curriculum but delivers instruction through bilingual education in French and Turkish, and it carries the FrancEducation label of excellence.
What kind of education approach does the school use (curriculum and language)?
The school uses the Turkish national curriculum taught in a bilingual French–Turkish program. Turkish language, literature and history are taught in Turkish, geography and philosophy are taught in Turkish, and other social sciences and physical education are offered in both languages. The entire curriculum has the FrancEducation label of excellence.
What are the current tuition fees for 2025–2026, and do they include VAT?
Fees vary by grade. Preparatory is 1,175,000 TRY per year, 9th grade 1,118,750 TRY, 10th grade 927,600 TRY, 11th grade 692,900 TRY, and 12th grade 485,740 TRY. All published amounts include VAT. Meals, transport, books, uniforms and other extras are billed separately.
What payment options does the school offer and is there a cash discount?
The school offers cash discounts for paying upfront and also installment options (5 or 10 installments). A registration deposit (peşinat) is required for installment plans, and payments must be made on the dates issued in the annual invoice. Bank card payments may incur a bank commission.
How does admissions and registration work at ND Sion Istanbul?
Admissions include a preparatory class quota (140). Entrance is linked to an 8th‑grade Central Exam with a base score and a pre‑registration to final registration system. In final registration, the candidate with the earlier birth date has priority.
Are scholarships or waitlists available for prospective students?
The data provided does not indicate any scholarships or waitlists for ND Sion Istanbul.
How is the academic program structured in bilingual education?
Turkish language, literature and history are taught in Turkish, while geography and philosophy are taught in Turkish. Other social sciences and physical education are offered in both languages, and French is the first foreign language with extensive immersion.
What language immersion opportunities exist in the curriculum?
French is integrated as the primary foreign language and appears across the curriculum, including reading in French, drama, debates, civilisation, and even mathematics and science taught in French to bring the language to life.
What higher education opportunities do graduates have after completing studies here?
The diploma provides direct access to higher education in France, complementing Turkish higher education pathways.
What kinds of activities exist beyond the classroom, especially around service and leadership?
The school places a strong emphasis on social service as an essential part of education, with ongoing charitable and social projects aimed at helping disadvantaged areas and people with disabilities, fostering a sense of community.
Are there general leadership opportunities or student‑driven projects mentioned?
The data highlights community service and social projects; specific leadership programs or student clubs are not listed in the information provided.
Is Notre Dame de Sion Istanbul a boarding school or a day school?
ND Sion Istanbul is a day school. The historic boarding provision was closed decades ago, so there are no boarding facilities or fees.
What is the school culture like in terms of diversity and inclusivity?
The school describes itself as a diverse microcosm reflecting Türkiye's staff and pupils, with a secular, co‑educational environment that welcomes both boys and girls.
Does the school hold any formal accreditations or recognitions for its curriculum?
Yes, the curriculum carries the FrancEducation label of excellence, which recognizes high standards in bilingual education and supports direct access to higher education in France.
Are there notable alumni or historical achievements associated with the school?
The school has a history of notable alumni in science, government and the arts, reflecting its long tradition and impact.
Which languages are taught at the school and to what extent are they used in learning?
Turkish language, literature and history are taught in Turkish, and geography and philosophy are also taught in Turkish. Other social sciences and physical education are taught in both languages, with French as the first foreign language and extensive bilingual instruction overall.
How is French incorporated into daily learning and activities?
French integration includes immersion across subjects, with activities such as reading in French, drama, debates, and civilisation, and even sciences taught in French to bring the language to life.
What is the history and mission of the school?
Founded in 1856 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Sion to educate girls from Ottoman minority communities, it has evolved into a secular, co‑educational school that reflects Türkiye's diversity and prepares students for Turkish and international study.
What opportunities exist for parent involvement or community events?
The school emphasizes social service and community engagement; there is no information provided about a PTA, but ongoing charitable activities and community projects are part of the school's ethos.
What does the FrancEducation label mean for students and graduates?
FrancEducation certifies the curriculum as excellence in bilingual French–Turkish education, and it supports graduates' direct access to higher education in France.
