School Profile

ÖZEL EGE LİSESİ SCHOOL PROFILE 2026-2027

“Science and Leadership School”

Graduating Class Size: 59

Recognized as a science and leadership school, Özel Ege Lisesi aims to raise leaders of the future in politics, public administration, business world, media, academia, and civil society. ÖEL is committed to raising transformational leaders that have a passion to shape the future.

SCHOOL HISTORY AND MISSION

Özel Ege Lisesi is a private, co-educational K–12 school located in İzmir, Turkey, serving students from pre-school through 12^th grade. Established in 1987 and graduating its first class in 1992, Özel Ege Lisesi is accredited by the Turkish Ministry of Education. The school has been a member of the College Board since 2013 and became an official SAT Test Center in 2016. With 38 years of educational experience, Özel Ege Lisesi offers a rigorous academic program that combines national curriculum standards with a global perspective, aiming to graduate future leaders who are trustworthy, committed to their national values, and equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in universities and professional environments around the world.

STUDENT PROFILE AND ADMISSIONS OVERVIEW

Özel Ege Lisesi primarily serves academically high-achieving Turkish students, many of whom transition from our own primary and middle school programs into Grade 9. Admission to Grade 9 is highly selective and based on academic merit, either through outstanding general exam academic performance or through exceptional results on the national high school entrance examination (LGS). Each year, a significant proportion of our incoming Grade 9 students are admitted from outside the school through the national High School Entrance Examination (LGS), reflecting the school's strong academic reputation and nationwide appeal.

In the current academic year, students admitted to ÖEL scored within the top 9.72% of over one million LGS test takers nationwide. The eligibility cutoff for admission stands at 15.00 %, further underscoring the academic caliber of our student body. Merit-based scholarships are awarded to incoming students based on national LGS rankings, with scholarship levels of 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20%. Currently, 50,14 % of all ÖEL students benefit from one of these merit-based scholarships.

ÖEL serves a total student population of 599, with 222 students enrolled in our high school. Our graduates demonstrate strong university matriculation outcomes: approximately 99,5 % continue to higher education, and an increasing number—currently around 19%, with the proportion doubling annually—pursue university studies abroad.

OUR FACULTY

Our faculty is composed of experienced educators, 41% of whom hold a master’s degree or higher, with an average of 13 years of teaching experience.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

All graduates of ÖEL are awarded Anadolu Lisesi Diploması (Private Anatolian High School Diploma). Özel Ege Lisesi follows the curriculum set by the Turkish Ministry of Education. The primary language of instruction at the school is Turkish. However, all Advanced Placement (AP) courses are taught in English.

Secondary language learning starts with 10 hours of English a week in grade 9. Those students progressing from Özel Ege Lisesi primary and middle schools to high school already have a strong knowledge of English (level B1 and B2, as assessed by the Common European Framework of Reference – CEFR). On graduation, Özel Ege Lisesi students reach an advanced C1 level of English.

A range of additional elective courses are offered to broaden and enrich the curriculum content which are Pre AP Algebra, Pre AP Biology, business administration, economics, management, information technologies and software development, astronomy and space sciences, history and applications of science, second foreign languages-French and German-, art history, psychology, sports.

ÖEL academic curriculum is very rigorous. In class of 2026 the cGPA was 93,39.

GRADING SYSTEM AND SCALE

As a school we do not report student rank. A student’s grade point average (GPA) is calculated by weighing each subject according to the number of lessons given per week. All courses, including APs are given the same weight and are included in the cumulative GPA. Grades are scored on a 100-point scale. The awarding of distinctions is determined by the students’ end-of-semester results.

The school implements the following grading scale:

Passing Grade: 50

Honors: GPA of 70   Certificate of Merit

High Honors: GPA of 85 Certificate of Academic Excellence

PRE AP, AP COURSES AND AP CAPSTONE DIPLOMA PROGRAM

In 2021, our school was recognized as a Pre-AP School by the College Board and awarded the Digital School Badge after the successful implementation of Pre-AP English I in Grade 8. Since then, Pre-AP English I has been an integral part of our Grade 8 curriculum, aiming to provide a strong foundation for a successful transition to high school AP courses. As of the current academic year, our school also offers AP Algebra and AP Biology as elective courses to 10th grade students.

Özel Ege Lisesi became the third school in Türkiye and the first in İzmir to be accredited by the College Board in the 2013–2014 academic year. Since then, AP courses and exams have been a core part of our academic offerings. These courses are also officially recognized as elective subjects by the Turkish Ministry of Education and are reflected in students' transcripts.

In the 2021–2022 academic year, we launched the AP Capstone Diploma Program, providing our students with the opportunity to earn a double diploma. Since 2022, two of our students have been awarded the AP Capstone Diploma.

In addition to our rigorous national curriculum, ÖEL offers a wide variety of AP courses. Due to scheduling differences between the national curriculum and our AP course offerings, some students pursue AP exams through independent study. To ensure academic balance, students are typically advised to take one AP course in Grade 9 (orientation year), up to two AP courses in Grade 10, up to two AP courses in Grade 11, and one or two AP courses in Grade 12.

In May 2026, 88 students took a total of 168 AP exams across 22 subjects. Of these, 63 students achieved 3 or higher scores on at least one test.

Of these our students achieved 3 or higher scores on at least one test in total of 131 exams

Our school offers the following 23 AP courses either as full courses or exam-only options: AP English Language and Composition, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP 2D Art and Design, AP 3D Art and Design, AP Drawing, AP World History (Modern), AP Environmental Science, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP Statistics, AP Psychology, AP Seminar, AP Research, AP Comparative Government and Politics.

Özel Ege Lisesi: A Legacy of Scientific Excellence and Global Leadership

Since its founding, Özel Ege Lisesi has embedded scientific inquiry at the core of its academic philosophy. Students are supported in developing research skills, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for success at top universities worldwide.

With a strong emphasis on science and technology, ÖEL fosters curiosity, innovation, and academic rigor. To maintain academic integrity, all science projects and written assignments are reviewed through Turnitin.

Founded in 2010, the school’s Science Committee—led by PhD-holding faculty in Natural Sciences and Mathematics—cultivates a culture of research and leadership starting from the early grades. Working across departments, the committee mentors students on interdisciplinary research projects and Science Olympiads, many of which have earned national and international recognition.

ÖEL students have consistently excelled in TÜBİTAK’s National Research Project Contest and receive advanced training in core science subjects to prepare for national and international competitions. This training complements their research involvement and strengthens their analytical abilities. In addition, they successfully progress through the competitive stages of the TÜBİTAK Science Olympiads in science, mathematics, and computer science, ultimately earning a place on the national team. Their achievements include first prizes at TÜBİTAK’s regional and national competitions, as well as success in the Salih Zeki, MEF, and various national entrepreneurship competitions. ÖEL students also achieve top rankings at TEKNOFEST in cutting-edge fields such as Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, and Climate Solutions. Internationally, an ÖEL student’s mathematics research was published in the Romanian Mathematical Magazine (RMM) and The American Mathematical Monthly (AMM), while another ÖEL team ranked among the top ten at Korea’s KUSEF Science Fair. ÖEL students have also represented Türkiye at ICHORA, hosted by IEEE and TED University. These achievements reflect ÖEL’s strong culture of research, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. Beyond competitions, ÖEL fosters global citizenship and a lifelong passion for learning, shaping students into future scientists, innovators, and leaders committed to excellence and social responsibility.

International Recognition at ISEF

Özel Ege Lisesi has consistently represented Türkiye at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest high school science competition. Since 2017, ÖEL students have qualified for ISEF for nine years, demonstrating the school’s sustained commitment to scientific research and academic excellence. In 2018, ÖEL students earned 3rd place globally at ISEF. In 2024, ÖEL was the only school from Türkiye to qualify with two projects, receiving 3 special awards of the country’s 7 total awards. In 2025, three students competed in Ohio with a molecular biology project, marking the school’s ninth ISEF participation.

Sporting Achievements and Student Engagement in 2026

Özel Ege Lisesi fosters a culture of athletic achievement and active student participation across a wide range of sports. With 330 licensed student athletes competing in 17 disciplines—including athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, cycling, futsal, climbing, figure skating, archery, table tennis, taekwondo, fencing, and more—the school has established itself as a prominent representative at district, provincial, and national levels with 10 school teams. In the most recent academic year, ÖEL athletes proudly brought home 15 trophies and 165 medals, competing across 52 categories in both team and individual events. These accomplishments reflect the school’s commitment to nurturing both sporting talent and team spirit from the youngest learners to senior students.

Fostering Global Awareness and Leadership Beyond Academics

Özel Ege Lisesi offers a rich extracurricular program that supports students’ personal development, fosters leadership, and encourages active participation beyond the classroom. Students in Grades 9 to 11 are required to participate in at least one club each year, with options ranging from Model United Nations (MUN), debating society, chess, drama in both Turkish and English, visual arts, to sports. The school also organizes ÖEL Interactions and Pecha Kucha events, providing students with platforms to strengthen their public speaking and presentation skills in an interactive environment.

This year, Özel Ege Lisesi joined Global Schools, a United Nations initiative that brings together schools worldwide to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this program, students develop global awareness, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills while gaining access to international learning and exchange opportunities.

Özel Ege Lisesi also hosted the Harvard Model Congress Young Global Leaders Program, organized in collaboration with HMCE and Learn with Leaders. This prestigious international program, held on our campus, brought together students from various schools to engage in leadership development, global issue discussions, and project-based learning. Through interactive sessions and simulations, participating students enhanced their critical thinking, diplomatic skills, and global perspective while working alongside their peers in an international learning environment.

Community Involvement and Social Responsibility

To foster social responsibility, awareness, and leadership, all students at Özel Ege Lisesi are required by the school to complete a Community Involvement Project (CIP) involving at least 40 hours of volunteer service each year. Through these projects, students contribute to meaningful causes while developing empathy and civic responsibility. ÖEL students regularly organize bake sales and fundraising campaigns to support children undergoing medical treatment and individuals with visual impairments. They also engage in environmental projects such as reforestation and sustainability initiatives in collaboration with local organizations.

International University Acceptance & Matriculation List, 2016-2026

(International university matriculations are written in bold and matriculated student numbers are indicated below.)

United States

Bates College

Berklee College of Music

Brandeis University

Boston University (2)

Chapman University

University of California, San Diego

Case Western Reserve University

Colby College (1)

Columbia University (1)

Connecticut College

Columbus College of Arts and Design (Ohio)

Duke University

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (1)

Illinois College

University of Indianapolis

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Florida Institute of Technology

Hamilton College

Hofstra University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Long Island University

Loyola Marymount University

Massachusetts College of Art & Design

Michigan State University (2)

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Middlebury College

University of Minnesota

Montclair State University

Northeastern Illinois University

Northwestern University (1)

University of Wisconsin (1)

Pennsylvania State University (1)

Pitzer College

Purdue University (2)

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rice University

Ringling College of Art and Design (1)

Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Skidmore College

Syracuse University

Swarthmore College

Texas A&M University

Temple University

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Wesleyan University

William and Mary University

United Kingdom

University of Bath

University of Birmingham

University of Bristol (4)

Brunel University London

Cardiff University

City, University of London

Durham University

University of Essex

University of Exeter

University of Glasgow

University of Greenwich

King’s College London (2)

University of Kent

University of Leeds

University of Leicester

University of Liverpool

University of Lancaster

London Metropolitan University

University of Nottingham (1)

Nottingham Trent University

Loughborough University

University of Manchester (1)

Oxford Brookes University

Queen Mary University of London

Royal Holloway, University of London

University of Sheffield

University of Southampton

University of Surrey (1)

University of Sussex

Swansea University

Trinity College Dublin

University of York

University of Warwick (1)

UCL (University College London)

EUROPE

Aix-Marseille University

Bocconi University (14)

University of Bologna

Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore (1)

University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome (1)

Ca’Foscari University of Venice (1)

Constructor University

Delft University of Technology (2)

Eindhoven University of Technology

Erasmus University Rotterdam

EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)

FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences (1)

University of Genoa

Groupe 3iL

University of Hamburg (1)

Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Prins Claus Conservatoire (1)

Hogeschool Utrecht University of Applied Sciences

Helsinki School of Business

Inholland University of Applied Sciences

Istituto Marangoni Milano

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (2)

KU Leuven (8)

Leiden University

La Salle-Ramon Llull University (1)

Luiss Guido Carli

University of Macerata (UNIMC)

University of Milan (2)

Maastricht University

Marche Polytechnic University

University of Messina

Montpellier University

NHL Stenden Univ of App Sciences (1)

University of Padua (1)

Politecnico di Milano (1)

McDaniel College (1)

University of Pavia (2)

University of Pécs (1)

University of Paderborn

Radboud University Nijmegen (1)

University of Rome II-Tor Vergata

Ruhr University Bochum (1)

RWTH Aachen University (1)

Sapienza University of Rome (2)

Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (UniCamillus)

University of Siena

Sofia University, St. Kliment Ohridski (1)

Sorbonne University (1)

University of Stuttgart

University of Trieste (1)

University of Turin (1)

Tilburg University (1)

University of Tübingen (1)

Univerity of Twente

TU Dresden

Technical University of Berlin

Politecnico di Torino (10)

Utrecht University

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (5)

ASIA

Hitotsubashi University (1)

Seoul National University

CANADA

University of British Columbia (1)

Dalhousie University (1)

McGill University

University of Guelph (1)

Thompson Rivers University

University of Ottawa

University of Toronto (1)

University of Waterloo (1)