Tarsus American College

The school is located in Tarsus, Mersin Province, Turkey. The address is Caminur Mah., Cengiz Topel Cad., No: 44, 33440, Tarsus/Mersin/Turkey.

Prep level; IB Diploma Programme; high school.

Private, coeducational day and boarding high school.

Guidance and Counseling is provided as part of TAC's Academic Support Units.

Classes start at 8:30. The lunch break is 45 minutes. The school program offers 41 periods per week and end times vary by day.

IB Diploma Programme offered since 2004, and TAC remains the only IBDP school in the Mediterranean region. Students decide in grade 9 whether to pursue the IB program from grade 10, and complete grades 10–11 to receive both the national high school diploma and the IB diploma. Language of Instruction: Turkish is used for Turkish Language and Literature, History, Geography, Religion and Ethics, and Philosophy; core English courses, Science and Math, and some electives are taught in English. TAC Prep English provides an English immersion year with 24 hours of English language instruction. Electives follow the Turkish Ministry-approved course distribution, with German and French available as second foreign languages, and the program runs across 41 periods per week.

615 students and 82 teachers in the 2024-2025 academic year yield a student–teacher ratio of about 7.5:1. The Prep year reports an average class size of 20, while class sizes across grades range from 16 to 24.

Graduates frequently enter Turkish universities; 73% of TAC graduates are placed in state or private universities (often on scholarship). About 27% pursue higher education overseas. The five most popular Turkish universities for TAC graduates are Koç University, Istanbul Bilgi University, Bahçeşehir University, Istanbul Technical University, and Yeditepe University.

The majority of TAC graduates enter Turkish universities (state or private) in the 73% placement rate, and about 27% pursue higher education overseas.

The Guidance and Counseling program supports students' social and emotional development and overall well-being. TAC's Counseling Department helps students understand themselves and cope with challenges, working with parents, teachers, and administrators. The program aims to develop personal and social responsibility, self-confidence, and lifelong learning, and to cultivate effective communication, leadership, and service to others. It emphasizes a holistic, preventive approach to mental health and well-being, providing information sessions for teachers and feedback to students regarding academic performance. TAC adheres to professional ethical standards, respects personal rights and cultural differences, and maintains confidentiality while prioritizing student well-being in a supportive school environment.

The language of instruction includes Turkish for core subjects such as Turkish Language and Literature, History, Geography, Religion and Ethics, and Philosophy, with English taught as a core language. In addition to English courses, Science and Mathematics are taught in English, and several electives are offered in English. The English program develops students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills so they can pursue university studies in English. German and French are offered as second foreign languages, and students may take international language examinations such as TOEFL, IELTS, and the European Language Passport to document proficiency. English language development is supported across the curriculum through language-rich instruction and targeted English-language development.

The Counseling Department prioritizes mental health and well-being, with a focus on maintaining and improving students' mental health. It educates students to be self-confident, socially responsible, and lifelong learners, and to communicate effectively and engage in service. The department works with parents, teachers, and administrators to create a holistic, well-being oriented school environment. It provides informational sessions for teachers and feedback to students on academic performance. The program emphasizes a preventive, supportive approach and respects personal and cultural differences.

The TAC Child Protection Policy (ÇKP) is led under SEV and is updated annually at the start of each academic year by a ÇKP Committee in coordination with SEV schools and the SEV Foundation. The policy ensures safe learning environments by applying protective, preventive, and intervention measures in the best interests of the child. SEV runs a Child Protection Social Responsibility Project to raise awareness across seven SEV schools, and TAC's work under the ÇKP is coordinated with those efforts. Each year, all adults involved in students' education are informed about the Child Protection Protocol, and TAC has introduced a Child Protection Team. A staff presentation on the policy was delivered on September 17, 2021 for bus service drivers by a psychologist, highlighting issues of neglect and abuse, SEV policy, and the steps to be followed under the policy.

1. Intake route and eligibility: TAC admits students into the preparatory class through the Central Examination System (LGS) from students who have completed the 8th grade. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the admission score is 438. A total of 120 prep seats are allocated through the LGS process. The preparatory year is compulsory. 2. Prep program content and boarding: The preparatory year includes an intensive English program, a second foreign language (German or French), Turkish, science, mathematics, visual arts, physical education, music, information technologies and homeroom. TAC provides a dormitory with a capacity of 144 students; currently 66 female and 78 male residents. Boarders may be accommodated as part of enrollment. 3. Visits and registration: Prospective families may visit the school by appointment. Open House dates are announced on the site and an online school tour is provided. Registrations take place at the school, with detailed information shared in the Guidelines for School Admissions. 4. Admission outcomes and gender quotas: Admitted students are drawn from top percentile ranges; for 2024-2025, boys were admitted from the top 12.52 percentile nationwide and girls from the top 12.83 percentile. The school uses a gender quota of 60 female and 60 male students. If someone other than a parent completes enrollment, a power of attorney is required; custodial rules apply if parents are divorced. 5. Enrollment procedures and power of attorney, transfers: If enrollment is to be completed by someone other than a parent, a power of attorney is required. If a transfer is requested after enrollment, the registration is canceled in the e-Okul system and the new school completes enrollment by pulling the student's name. Enrollment contracts are signed to confirm admission. 6. Withdrawal and refunds: If withdrawal occurs before the start of the academic year, a 10% tuition refund is provided; after the start, 10% of the tuition plus the amount for days attended are retained. If the student transfers to another school, the registration is canceled in the e-Okul system and the new school completes enrollment by pulling the name.

Academic Merit Scholarships are awarded to the top six LGS scorers among those pre-registered during the first registration period and cover 100% of tuition; merit scholarships may also be awarded at varying rates. Sports, Arts and Science Scholarships may be awarded to high achievers and can be combined with the Financial Need Scholarship up to 100% of tuition; only one of these scholarships may be awarded to a student. The Financial Need Scholarship is available for families with limited resources; the 2024-2025 window opened June 29, 2024 at 9:00 am and closed July 1, 2024 at 3:00 pm; applications require documentation and are reviewed before registration.