School hours for the students are from 8:40 – 15:25. The day is broken up into seven 45 minute lessons for Secondary and for Primary . There are two recess breaks in the day and  one lunch break. Students use the playground areas at the break times. During wet weather breaks are given indoors.

The school is fully accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education to offer educational programmes as an international school in Turkey. The school was fully accredited by both the Council of International SChools (CIS) and New England Association of Schools ands Colleges (NEASC) in January 2019. We are a member of ECIS (The Educational Collaborative for International Schools), and we are an accredited Cambridge Assessment International Programme and a Cambridge International Examinations (CAIE) Centre. Finally, the school was authorized as an IB World School in May 2022, and offers the the Diploma Programme.

The medium of instruction of the school is English. Therefore, all lessons are taught in English. For Modern Languages students, choose between Turkish, Spanish and French. Students start taking Modern Languages in Grade 2.

Yes, we have an Early Years section which caters for students aged 3 and 4. The levels are for Reception 1 (3 year olds) and Reception 2 (4 year olds). Primary starts with Kindergarten (5 year olds).

Activities are offered at MEF IS across all grade levels. These activities enable students to explore and develop their interests, socialize with peers, pursue athletic potential or acquire new skills.  Students in Primary and Secondary have one activity period each week. After school clubs, open to all year groups, are also offered after school hours.

We do not have  a doctor on campus, but we do have a full-time nurse on campus during school hours. Students may visit the infirmary if they are not feeling well to receive treatment.

MEF IS is located near Izmir airport in Gaziemir, Izmir.

Transportation is provided through a contracted service bus company, Özaltın Turizim. Students may opt to travel to and from school on the service bus.

MEF International School is authorised by the lB to off the Diploma Program and it and it is licensed by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) to offer the Primary, Lower Secondary and IGCSE curriculum and examinations in the Primary and middle schools, respectively.

Teachers working at MEF IS are fully qualified teachers who have earned their undergraduate degree in the area of specialisation in which they teach. In addition teachers have valid teaching certification from their country of origin. Up to 45% of our teachers hold a Master’s degree in Education. Our teachers come from a variety of backgrounds which is in line with developing our ethos of internationalism and global mindedness. Some of the backgrounds include: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Turkey, Colombia, Philippines, South Africa, Lebanon, Spain and Singapore.

Students are served a hot lunch each day. Each day there will be soup, a main dish, a side dish, and a choice of salads. Students enjoy a variety of cuisine including Turkish and international dishes. Students are also provided with a morning and afternoon snack. All food is freshly prepared on site, by MEF kitchen personnel, under the supervision of our Head Chef and Food Engineer.

MEF IS does not have a school uniform for everyday wear. There is a uniform issued for PE and Sporting events. All students are expected to come in clothing that is appropriate for the season. Proper footwear should also be worn at all times. We have a simple dress code that is shared in the Parent Handbook.

Activities happen during the course of the school day and are compulsory for all students. After School Clubs are optional and are provided after school hours.

The most commonly used method of communication at the school is e-mail. We communicate events, information and reminders through email communications to parents on a regular basis. In addition, we send a Weekly Newsletter to give you information about things that are happening in and around the school. Your child’s teacher will also make regular contact to provide you information about their learning particularly in the Primary School. In the Secondary School you can request your child’s homeroom teacher to add you as part of Google Classroom so that you can get regular updates about what your child is doing in class. We have Parent-Teacher Conferences and Student-Led Conferences in the Primary – twice a year about which you will receive information about your child’s progress. You are also welcome to make an appointment with your child’s teachers and/or leadership team at any time to come in for a chat. We welcome parent involvement and your feedback.

Yes, our students do receive homework. The purpose of the homework is to reinforce the knowledge and skills acquired in school and to promote the development of good independent study habits and effective time management. You can find out more about homework in our Parent Handbook.