Turkey, Istanbul
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Private NÛN Schools, run by the NÛN Education and Culture Foundation in Turkey, serve students aged 3 to 18 and are affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. The curriculum embraces the International Baccalaureate across the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP), with the PYP authorized and the DP program since March 2017. PYP units run in six-week modules and culminate in mini exhibitions that showcase inquiry-led learning. Differentiation and inquiry-based approaches underpin teaching, and classrooms are designed for about 20 students to support collaboration. The campuses feature well-stocked libraries, laboratories, observatories, and flexible spaces; an ecology lab and botanical garden reinforce hands-on science. Outdoor spaces, a forested campus, and a sustainable living program extend learning beyond the classroom. NÛN emphasizes experiential learning, outdoor education, and community service through activities like NÛN Volunteers and thematic programs such as Sefer-i NÛN and Inspiring Guests.
NUN Schools has 741 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in Turkish.
Elmalı Mah. Beykoz Elmalı Yolu Sk. No:5/1 Beykoz-İstanbul, Turkey
Primary School; Middle School; High School
Private NÛN Schools run by NÛN Education and Culture Foundation
25 nationalities represented; 73 international students (2021-2022) and 24 teachers from 25 countries
Affiliated with the Ministry of National Education of Turkey
NUN Schools teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.
The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). NUN Primary School has been authorized to deliver IB Diploma Programme since March 2017. The program emphasizes differentiation and inquiry-based learning, with PYP units lasting six weeks and culminating in mini exhibitions. The campus includes a library, ecology lab, botanical garden, workshops and clubs, an indoor gym, an all-weather sports pitch, a basketball/tennis court, and a running track. Classrooms are designed for a maximum of 20 students.
Classrooms are designed for a maximum of 20 students per class.
The school emphasizes NÛN Values: Love, Respect, Decency, Compassion, Responsibility, and Justice.
NÛN Schools implement an Inclusion Policy with differentiation; learning support teachers provide one-to-one support; for students who do not have basic Turkish knowledge or who need English/Arabic language support, individual learning plans and targeted support are provided; NÛN Libraries have resources in other languages; communication with parents is conducted in Turkish and English.
The language of instruction is bilingual in PYP, Turkish in MYP, and English in DP; Mother Tongue lessons follow the Turkish national curriculum; Additional Languages are offered in MYP and DP; The Additional Language Education Program supports learning English and Arabic, with resources and differentiated instruction; libraries provide multilingual materials; the school uses both Turkish and English to communicate with parents.
The main goal of assessment and evaluation includes cognitive, emotional and psycho-motor skills to inform planning and teaching.
1. The admission process begins with an online application. The candidate student application form is completed on the NÛN Schools website. The academic exam is held on dates published on the site, and the exam language may be English or Turkish; Kindergarten and first-year candidates are exempt from the exam.
2. After the academic exam, the candidate is invited to a guidance interview. Guidance unit experts evaluate cognitive level, motor skills, attention, tendency to group work, social and communication skills, and ability to take instructions. The interview aims to assess adaptation to NÛN Schools and the candidate's happiness.
3. All international students must obtain an equivalence certificate. Applying for equivalence is considered when determining the student's class. Registration cannot proceed without an equivalence certificate.
4. Admissions are determined by quotas for each grade. Preschool admissions require 54 months. For 1st grade, 69 months is preferable; 66-69 months may apply with a guidance counselor's report if there are concerns. Admissions for intermediate classes 2-4 are evaluated under existing quotas, and middle and high school admissions are also based on quotas.
Scholarship opportunities are offered by the NÛN Foundation for Education and Culture to promote equal opportunities for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Scholarship evaluations consider family needs, student performance in admissions, and sustained academic achievement within the defined scholarship quotas. Eligible students may apply after completing the admissions process; current students may apply at any grade level, but scholarships are not offered to kindergarten. Scholarship applications are re-evaluated yearly, based on changes in family financial circumstances and student performance. Scholarships may be revoked if conditions are not met; the scholarship continues as long as the student maintains academic success, avoids disciplinary actions, and family income remains stable.