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Turkey, Istanbul
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Üsküdar American Academy was founded in 1876. The Bağlarbaşı site originally housed the American College for Girls, which moved to Arnavutköy in 1914, leaving the Bağlarbaşı campus empty from 1914 to 1921, with periods when the buildings were used as an orphanage (1914–1915) and as Turkish Army barracks (1915–1918). The academy moved to the present Bağlarbaşı site in the early 1920s and committed to quality education for girls. In 1990 it began admitting boys and became Üsküdar American Academy. Today it is governed by the Health and Education Foundation (SEV), which carries full responsibility and authority for operating the school; the school properties are owned by SEV. Following changes under the 8-year basic education law, the school shifted to a lycee program with a prep section, and SEV opened an elementary school through the eighth grade to supplement English instruction alongside the Turkish curriculum.
At Üsküdar American Academy, extracurricular activities are an integral part of education. Social, artistic, and scientific clubs offer students opportunities to explore their interests, develop their talents, and learn the value of living and working together. Students are expected to participate in at least one club activity each year. With nearly a hundred different options, there are opportunities for everyone—from technology and innovation to arts, social responsibility, sustainability, languages, literature, and sports. Through clubs such as robotics, law, dance, social responsibility, debate, art, and music, students not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also strengthen key values of global citizenship, including responsibility and teamwork.
The Parents - The Parent Teachers' Association (PTA) works closely with the school administration, parents and students to facilitate and realise the mission and objectives. The 2025–2026 PTA General Assembly Elections will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. The PTA helps organize school events, provides financial and moral support to students in need by cooperating with the school administration and sister schools. It fulfills obligations in the School Bus Service Regulation and collaborates with educational institutions and non-governmental organizations. It contributes to national and international projects and invites experts for informative conferences with Guidance Counselors. It organizes the traditional School Brunch, contributes to the activities of the Social Service Club, and arranges the Seniors' Farewell Party and the Prom, while participating in the School Disciplinary Board, the Cafeteria Committee, and May Day celebrations.
Üsküdar American Academy is a private high school in Istanbul affiliated with SEV, Health and Education Foundation. Founded in 1876, the school operates a lycee-model with English-language science and math and a Turkish diploma path. The IB Diploma Programme is offered for Grades 10–12, with six subjects across groups, Higher and Standard Level options, and core requirements: Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service. In Grades 11–12, students may pursue the Turkish diploma path with Honors and AP options. All science and math courses are taught in English; German or French is offered as a second language. Facilities include Özdemir Sabanci Sports Hall, outdoor courts, an artificial turf field, two computer labs, and a Learning Resource Center with 22,000+ volumes. Classrooms have interactive smart boards and wireless internet; every full-time teacher has a laptop. Extracurriculars include drama and music productions, Student Council, CALP, and a Social Entrepreneurship Club.
