Cities / Istanbul / Robert College
Robert College
Historic American-Turkish flagship in Arnavutköy, Beşiktaş. High school only (Y9-Y12).
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Hazirlik / Prep Year | 13 | TRY 1,728,900 |
| Grade 9 | 14 | TRY 1,622,000 |
| Grade 10 | 15 | TRY 1,126,100 |
| Grade 11 | 16 | TRY 952,200 |
| Grade 12 | 17 | TRY 743,600 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Boarding & Meals (annual) | TRY 427,700 | |
| 7-Day Boarding & Meals (annual) | TRY 631,300 |
Reviews
- Listed consistently among Turkey's most selective high schools, alongside Üsküdar American Academy and Koç. Admits roughly the top 0.3 percent of the national high-school entrance exam.
- US college outcomes draw the loudest praise. One commenter said the school sends students to "Harvard Yale Princeton MIT Stanford" every year, with strong financial-aid placements abroad.
- Teachers at the school are described as well-supported. One international teacher said students are "hardworking and respectful" and the campus and housing are beautiful.
- The school requires Turkish-language proficiency for entry. Dual-citizen families with weaker Turkish are repeatedly told the entrance test is the binding constraint.
- Co-curricular life is unusually broad. Over 130 student-led clubs are commonly cited.
- The Bebek campus is described as the best-located among Istanbul's elite high schools. Some students describe a high-pressure peer culture given the selectivity.
Positives
- Academic selectivity. Among Turkey's most selective entry-points, drawing top national-exam scorers
- University outcomes. Strong record of US Ivy and competitive university placements
- Teaching and campus. International teachers describe respectful students and a strong campus environment
- Co-curricular breadth. Over 130 student-led clubs and active MUN, debate and music programmes
Considerations
- Entry barrier for non-Turkish. Turkish language and the national entrance exam make entry impractical for most expat families
Leadership
Whitman Shepard
Whitman Shepard became Head of School at Robert College in 2025, bringing decades of leadership and teaching experience in Türkiye and abroad. He attended schools across Türkiye, including the Robert College Community School in Istanbul, and earned a B.A. in Mathematics from Middlebury College in 1977. After teaching assignments in Swaziland and Tarsus American College, he joined Robert College in 1983 as a mathematics teacher. He later served as Head of Üsküdar American Academy from 2001 to 2010. Mr. Shepard brings to his leadership a deep understanding of Turkish and international education, along with a lifelong commitment to learning, community, and global citizenship.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
Academic results
- SAT average for class of 2025 1446