Founded in 2011, Keystone International Schools is the first Canadian off-shore school in Turkey, nestled in a cozy garden in a central location on the Asian side of Istanbul. It follows the Canadian curriculum and offers students the opportunity to acquire a Canadian Diploma.
At KIS, every chapter of our story is written with the same unwavering purpose: to create an environment where every child can thrive. Our mission is to deliver high-quality education in a student-centered environment that instills global competence and 21st-century skills, so students can explore their potential and become lifelong learners.
Our educational approach is holistic. We believe that true success is multifaceted, encompassing not only academic excellence but also strong social skills and a profound respect for the world. Our students are encouraged to excel in their studies and to develop the interpersonal skills needed to connect with other and understand different perspectives.
In the halls and classrooms of Keystone, rigorous academic programs interweave with enriching extracurricular activities, creating a tapestry of learning experiences that prepare out students for live beyond our gates. From science fairs to debates, and sports to community service, each activitiy is a building block in their foundation, aimed at molding them in to well-rounded and thoughtful individuals.
| Number of students |
250 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
42 |
| Most common nationality |
Japan - Ukraine - Russia - Dutch - Malaysia |
| Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
Yes |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
French |
| Max. number of students per class |
22 |
| Average number of students per class |
18 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
Power School - Projection - Web tools - k12 net - Canva |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
| Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
| External examinations or assessments available |
AP (Advanced Placement) - MAP Growth Exam - OSSLT ( Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test ) - SAT - Caribou Math Exam. - DELF/DALF French language proficiency exams |
| Results in these examinations |
Since we are an offshore Canadian school, our students have high proficiency in French and can easily pass the A2 level by the time they complete middle school; high school students can pass the B2 level by the time of their graduation. Secondly, our students are enrolled in English Language Arts courses in all grade levels, therefore if they take IELTS during high school, they can easily receive above 7.5 as their score. Lastly, our students sit MAP Growth assessments three times per year, and on average, the majority of our students rank well above the 75th percentile in English, Math, and Science. |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
30 minutes |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
No |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We employ various teaching strategies, mainly differentiation to challenge and support our gifted and talented students during lessons. Our school organizes events, competitions, and opportunities to hone these students, skills. Our academic team arranges opportunities for our students to participate in international competitions and conferences regularly, so our young scholars have the opportunity to meet with their international counterparts and collaborate with them on projects. Our institution also collaborates with Canadian universities to offer seminars and workshops with leading educators and professors. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
All candidate students are required to meet with our guidance counselors and take written assessments on the following subjects: Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. |
| Waiting list |
We often have a waiting list, but only for certain grade levels. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We accept students throughout the academic year, provided there is space in the appropriate class and they meet all admission requirements. Additionally, we offer academic support to help new students integrate smoothly into our program, regardless of when they join. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
8:30 AM |
| School finish time |
3:30 PM |
| Supervised care before/after school |
No |
| School bus service available |
Yes |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Our school offers the following clubs: Arts and Crafts, Basketball, Volleyball, Soccer with Real Madrid, Dance, Choir, Mind Games, Street Grames, Drama, Information Technology, and Sculpture. |
| Sports activities included |
The Prince Edward Island curriculum is designed to provide students with a broad range of movement experiences, focusing on fundamental movement skills, rhythmic activities, games, and sports. Common sports and activities integrated into PEI's physical education program include: soccer, basketball, badminton, tennis, gymnastics, track and field, swimming, and softball. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
We have a basketball and volleyball team, but our students compete in numerous local competitions with their peers in a variety of sporting events, specifically for tennis, track and field, volleyball, and basketball. |
| Facilities at the school |
Library, auditorium, music room, IT lab, science laboratory, and two basketball courts. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Gym - includes a basketball court. |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
As proud members of the Round Square community, we connect our students to a global network that values creativity, sustainability, and international understanding. Our commitment to excellence is further strengthened by our WASC accreditation, ensuring a high-quality education that meets international standards. Learning extends far beyond the classroom with enriching trips to France, Canada, and beyond, offering real-world experiences that broaden students' perspectives and prepare them for a globally connected future. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
At Keystone, our teaching approach is all about putting students at the heart of learning. We focus on inquiry-based and interdisciplinary methods that not only help students explore new ideas but also build essential skills. From self-management and organizational thinking to problem-solving, reflection, social communication, and interpersonal abilities, we’re here to equip students with the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. |
The kindergarten program at KIS is designed to support children's development across social, emotional, intellectual, physical and creative domains, fostering lifelong learning.
Our nurturing environment with 2 accredited teachers per classroom, fosters creativity and critical thinking through a holistic approach to education. Led by native English speakers, our immersive curriculum embraces cultural diversity, encouraging confident communication and global citizenship.
Our program includes physical education, music, drama, and introduces French as a second language for children aged 4 and up. We also offer early STEM to ignite problem-solving and innovation.
The primary school program at Keystone promotes the following core principles:
• Student success is achieved through a blend of distinct and interconnected teaching and learning experiences.
• There are common goals across various curriculum areas - language arts, math, science, social studies, visual arts, technology, and health - and these connections will be made wherever they naturally align to facilitate integrated learning.
• This model embraces 21st-century education by fostering information literacy through resource-based, project-oriented, and inquiry-driven learning approaches.
The middle school program is designed to promote students's intellectual, physical, emotional, and cultural development.
For the program to be effective, it must be well-suited to the students needs, and the school environment must be positive and supportive. This means providing tasks, challenges, and materials that align with students abilities while fostering an atmosphere where they feel valued and encouraged. Achievements and setbacks should be acknowledged without undue comparison to others.
The program inspires students to explore a wide range of interests through subjects like art, music, career and technical education, and foreign languages, integrating new areas of study across all subjects.
The high school program is designed to support students' intellectual, physical, emotional. and cultural development. To ensure their success, the program must be adaptable to meet the diverse interest and needs of students as they move from high school to their next destination.
The aim of the program is to strengthen students' skills through flexible programming and hands-on experiences. This provides opportunities for students to prepare for their transition to the workforce or further education, all within the high school curriculum.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) will be awarded to high school graduates at KIS. Students must earn 16 credits in G9 and G10, with 8 credits each year. In G11 and G12, they must complete the remaining 14 credits with at least 6 credits each year, as required by compulsory education law in Ontario.
Founded in 2011, Keystone International Schools is the first Canadian off-shore school in Turkey, nestled in a cozy garden in a central location on the Asian side of Istanbul.
We’re delighted that you’re considering Keystone International Schools for your child’s education.
Please call or email our Admissions team, with any questions.
We’re looking forward to answering all of your questions and welcoming your family to our school.
