The education system in Turkey follows the 4+4+4 model and consists of 12 years of compulsory education. Key features of the system include the presence of both public and private educational institutions, as well as the fact that public education is free and conducted in the Turkish language.
In Turkey, traditional paper diaries are not commonly used; instead, they have adopted a unified electronic system called E-Okul. This system operates nationwide and allows any parent to monitor their child's progress, track attendance, and perform other functions. When a child transfers to another school, whether it be private or public, all documents are transferred electronically.
The academic year is divided into two semesters, each lasting about four months, with two-week breaks in between. However, there are also shorter autumn (5 days), spring (5 days), winter, and summer vacations.
At the end of each semester, students are graded based on their performance in exams, completion of homework, and overall behavior, which is similar to the grading process in most other places.
Grading System in Turkish Schools
The education system uses a 100-point grading scale, with a maximum score of 100, and the range from 85 to 100 is considered as an "A" (5), from 70 to 84 as a "B" (4), and a grade of 3 is assigned for scores in the range of 55 to 69.
School Uniforms in Turkish Schools
Each school in Turkey has its unique school uniform, which can be purchased at specialized stores. For boys, the school uniform typically includes a polo shirt and shorts in the summer and pants in the colder months. Girls also wear polo shirts with skirt-shorts in the summer and pants in the winter as part of their school uniform.
School Bus Services in Turkey
Both private and public schools in Turkey provide transportation services for students using comfortable minibusses. Each of these systems has its rules and conditions, and typically, the transportation service is not free. The price also depends on the distance between the student's residence and the school. Transport companies that collaborate with schools are independent organizations and are not owned by the schools. They adhere to safety requirements, including the presence of seat belts and accompanying staff.
This service is very convenient for parents, as they can rest assured about the safety of their children during transportation.
Levels of Education in Turkish Schools
Primary School in Turkey (Ilkokul)
Children begin their education with Ilkokul, which translates to primary school. It is compulsory for all children aged five and a half years and lasts for four years. Ilkokul covers general subjects such as Turkish language, mathematics, natural sciences, as well as art and music. English language lessons are introduced starting from the second grade.
Middle School in Turkey (Ortaokul)
After completing primary school, children move on to middle school, known as Ortaokul. At this stage, more advanced subjects are introduced, including physics, biology, chemistry, social studies, and religious studies. Education in Ortaokul spans from the 5th to the 8th grade. From the 6th grade onwards, students start receiving a grade point average (GPA), which is considered during the high school placement process and university admissions.
High School in Turkey (Lise)
From the 9th to the 12th grade, education takes place in Lise, which represents the final stage of compulsory education. High schools can be either public or private and are geared towards preparing students for university admissions. Admission to high schools depends on exam results and scores, with some high schools having highly competitive admission criteria. Students take the LGS (Lise Giriş Sınavı) exams to determine their high school options. There are five types of high schools in Turkey:
Fen Lisesi: Science-oriented schools.
Anadolu Lisesi: Emphasis on humanities and languages.
Meslek Lisesi: Vocational schools, providing education in various specialties, such as medical and educational fields.
Imam Hatip Lisesi: Religious schools.
Akşam Lisesi: Evening schools. Suited for those who start working after the 8th grade but want to complete their secondary education.
It's worth noting that in Turkey, significant attention is given to fostering patriotism. Regardless of the type of educational institution, whether private or public, the school week begins and ends with the national anthem of the country.
