Sezin School

What Sezin School does

Özel Sezin Okulu (Sezin School) is a private K-12 educational institution founded in 1963 in Istanbul, currently operating a single 20,000 m² campus in Çekmeköy that serves 1,161 students from preschool (Ana Sınıfı) through 12th grade. The school delivers a holistic "Yaşam Okulu" (Life School) philosophy, structured around the proprietary Çember (Circle) System, with a 1:7 teacher-to-student ratio and 94% teacher retention. Curriculum is enriched by 83 active clubs, 24 sports teams, project-based learning aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals, and distinctive physical infrastructure including the 1,700 m² AÇık Çatı (Open Roof) MakerLab and the 2025-opened 3. YER community learning space. The Lise (high school) holds IB World School accreditation (granted 2021) and awards the IB Diploma against an additional 206,200 TL fee, supporting international university placement outcomes (53% international placement in the 2025 cohort, 238 acceptances across 15 countries in the 2026 cohort). The school is family-owned across three generations of the Sezin family, with no external investors, and operates as a single campus by strategic choice rather than franchise or network expansion.

Commercially, Sezin generates essentially all revenue from tuition and fees, structured as multi-year subscription contracts with a down payment plus 7 installment billing cadence. Disclosed pricing for 2026–27 high school (Hazırlık and 9th grade) is 1,416,560 TL, with older cohorts enrolled at lower legacy price points (583,150–1,202,190 TL). The school offers a 10% sibling discount, a 10% alumni discount, and a 15% early-payment discount for renewals between Feb 16–Mar 31, alongside ancillary revenue from Akademi Sezin weekend/holiday programs and the Sahne Sezin arts center. The go-to-market model is direct enrollment via the school's own portal, supported by word-of-mouth through the multigenerational Sezin Topluluğu (Sezin Community) — a lifetime learning ecosystem connecting current and past parents, alumni, and staff via the Circle-based Digital Community Network, alumni events, and a parent testimonial pipeline. The school holds additional credentials as an IALS Laboratory School (2023), a UN Global School (2024), and a 10-year consecutive Eco-Schools Green Flag holder.

Name

Sezin School

Legal name

Özel Sezin Okulu

Website

https://sezin.k12.tr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1963

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Özel Sezin Okulu is a family-owned private K-12 school in Çekmeköy, Istanbul, founded in 1963, serving 1,161 students from preschool through high school with IB Diploma Programme, Yaşam Okulu philosophy, and a single 20,000 m² campus.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private K-12 Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

School-Based SEL Curriculum & Instructional Programs (EDAKAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Classroom-Based SEL Curriculum & Lessons (Preschool/Pre-K) (EDACAOAA), Staff Training, Coaching & Professional Development (SEL/Mental Health) (EDAKAMAL), Social-Emotional Learning & Classroom Climate Training (EDACAIAI)

Keywords

• Private K-12 education
• IB diploma program
• Holistic education
• University preparation
• Preschool through high school

Headquarters

HQ city

Çekmeköy, İstanbul

HQ country

Türkiye

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Primary revenue from tuition fees charged per grade level. IB Diploma Program carries an additional fee. Pricing is grade-dependent with progressive tuition tiers by enrollment year. Discounts available for siblings (10%) and alumni families (10%). Payment plans include 1 down payment + 7 installments.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Sezin School (Özel Sezin Okulu) is a private K-12 educational institution in Çekmekoy, Istanbul, offering preschool through 12th-grade education on a single 20,000 m² campus. The school operates under a 'Life School' (Yaşam Okulu) philosophy integrating academics with social-emotional learning, project-based work, and international exposure. It delivers the IB Diploma Programme at the high school level and prepares students for both domestic Turkish university entrance and international university placement.

Product overview

Özel Sezin Okulu is a private K-12 educational institution offering a comprehensive pre-school through high school program (Ana Sınıfı, İlkokul, Ortaokul, and Lise) across all levels within a single campus in Çekmeköy, Istanbul. The school operates as a 'Yaşam Okulu' (Life School) philosophy, integrating the IB Diploma Programme at the high school level since 2021. Its core educational products are supplemented by distinctive learning spaces (Açık Çatı, 3. YER, Libraries), the Sezin Topluluğu adult community ecosystem (including the Circle Platform-based Digital Community Network and seven micro-communities), performing arts venue sahne Sezin, Akademi Sezin weekend/holiday programs, and university preparation services for both domestic and international pathways. The school also publishes the 'Sezin'den Haberler' magazine and maintains a food culture program with daily on-site meal preparation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Açık Çatı (Open Roof): Innovative 1700 m² learning, production, work and gathering space featuring MakerLab, skill workshops, library, and flexible event areas
• 3. YER
• Akademi Sezin
• Sahne Sezin
• Sezin Bostan

Products and services

• Ana Sınıfı (Preschool/Kindergarten) Preschool education program for young children based on research, discovery, and experience, addressing social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• İlkokul (Elementary School) Grades 1-4 elementary education combining theory and practice across disciplines, building lifelong skills from the first step.
• Ortaokul (Middle School) Grades 5-8 middle school program addressing academic, social, and emotional development during the rapid transformation period, preparing students for high school.
• Lise (High School) Grades 9-12 high school functioning as a 'life center' where students access knowledge, share learning, and prepare for university. Includes IB Diploma Programme and domestic/international university preparation tracks.
• IB Diploma Programme International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered at the high school level, accredited by IB as an IB World School since 2021, enabling globally recognized university qualifications. Carries an additional fee of 206,200 TL.
• Yurt İçi ve Yurt Dışı Üniversite Hazırlık (Domestic and International University Preparation) University preparation programs supporting high school students for both Turkish national university entrance exams (YKS) and international university applications, including guidance counseling, application support, and exam preparation.
• Açık Çatı (Open Roof) Innovative 1,700 m² learning, production, working, and gathering space featuring MakerLab with three sections, skill workshops, library, and flexible multi-purpose event, performance, and study areas. Recognized with the Arkitera Employer Award Jury Encouragement Prize in 2017.
• 3. YER Flexible and inspiring learning space launched in 2025, designed for students and Sezin Topluluğu community stakeholders. Inspired by Ray Oldenburg's 'Third Place' concept, it serves as a common cultural space for collective learning, production, and memory-building.
• sahne Sezin Performing arts venue launched in 2018 in Çekmeköy, offering a curated art selection ranging from children's theater to concerts and musicals, open to the broader community.
• Sezin Topluluğu (Sezin Community) Adult learning ecosystem connecting parents, alumni, employees, and stakeholders across life, culture, art, development, and solidarity areas. Includes the Circle Platform-based Digital Community Network and seven micro-communities.
• Akademi Sezin Weekend and holiday programs for children aged 4-10, including Akademi Sezin Summer School (sports, foreign language, arts) and Akademi Sezin Winter School (swimming). Focused on talent discovery, experiential learning, self-confidence, and life skills development.
• Tasarım ve Beceri Atölyeleri (Design and Skills Workshops) After-school and in-school skill development workshops for elementary students across four categories: Science and Discovery, Arts and Crafts, Sports and Healthy Living, and Special Interest Areas. Over 30 workshop options including Lego Robot, Drama, 3D Design, and STEM.
• Yemek Kültürü (Food Culture) On-site food service preparing daily meals in the school's own kitchen with carefully selected ingredients. Menu planning based on scientific data and different age groups' nutritional needs, with sustainability and food awareness projects integrated into the curriculum.

Quantifiable outcome

• 238 university acceptances from 15 countries in the 2026 graduating class
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability6 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• International Baccalaureate (IB) OrganizationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin High School became an authorized IB World School in 2021, offering the IB Diploma Programme to high school students for internationally recognized university placement. The IB program is a core differentiator for international university preparation.
• FEE / Eco-Schools InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin participates in the international Eco-Schools program and has held the Green Flag award for 10 consecutive years. The school integrates sustainability education across all grade levels through its Eco Schools curriculum.
• International Association of Laboratory SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin joined the IALS in 2023, gaining 'Laboratory School' status which positions it as a site for testing innovative educational approaches with findings shared internationally.
• Institut Jaume Vicens Vives (Girona and Barcelona, Spain)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin students participated in school partnership projects with field studies in Girona and Barcelona, Spain, as part of the international exchange program.
• The School at Columbia University (USA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin collaborated with The School at Columbia University on school partnership and innovation projects, enabling cross-cultural educational exchange.
• Huawei — Innovation and Design Project (Hong Kong and China)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIn collaboration with Huawei, Sezin students participated in an Innovation and Design project including field studies in Hong Kong and China, combining technology and design thinking.
• German School Partnerships (Stuttgart, Hannover)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin maintains ongoing school partnership programs with schools in Stuttgart and Hannover, Germany, including eTwinning digital collaboration projects and Science & Technology field trips.
• eTwinning Network (Germany, Spain, France, Poland)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin students actively participate in eTwinning projects with schools in Germany, Spain, France, and Poland — EU-funded digital school partnerships enabling cross-border collaborative learning.
• European Union Grant Projects (Netherlands, Norway, Italy)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin participated in EU-funded grant projects with partner schools in Netherlands, Norway, and Italy, supporting internationalization and collaborative educational initiatives.
• Japan School PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin maintains a school partnership with a Japanese institution, enabling cultural exchange and educational collaboration with Japan.
• Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin students participate in Junior Model United Nations conferences in various countries, developing global citizenship, diplomacy, and public speaking skills.
• Atlanta Destination Imagination (USA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin students participated in the Atlanta Destination Imagination International Multi-Design Projects, competing in creative problem-solving challenges.
• STK Partners (Various NGOs)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin students collaborate with approximately 8 national and international NGOs on social responsibility projects including disability awareness, elderly care, gender equality, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Partners include 5 national and 2 international environmental/animal rights organizations.
• Kardeş Okullar (Sister Schools) — Edirne, Kars, Balıkesir, KütahyaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin maintains partnership programs with sister schools in Edirne, Kars, Balıkesir, and Kütahya, where students conduct social service work and cultural exchange activities.
• Kadıköy Gönüllüler Kahvesi (Social Responsibility Partner)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSezin Social Responsibility Club collaborated with Kadıköy Volunteers Coffee on joint community projects.
• Arkitera Architecture CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Açık Çatı innovative learning space was recognized by Arkitera Architecture Center with the 2017 Encouragement Prize, validating the school's architectural innovation in educational spaces.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Bahçeşehir Koleji: Largest private K-12 chain in Turkey with national footprint; competes in same IB/premium segment but with a multi-campus model offering geographic reach Sezin cannot match.
• Bilfen Schools: National Turkish private K-12 chain with broad footprint; competes for middle-to-upper-middle class families seeking structured private education across Turkey.

Direct peers

• Koç School: Premium Istanbul private K-12 backed by the Koç Foundation; offers IB and strong international placement, competing for the same affluent Çekmeköy-adjacent families as Sezin.
• ENKA Schools: Istanbul private K-12 school backed by the ENKA Foundation; similar SEL emphasis and project-based learning philosophy, targeting comparable socioeconomic segment.
• Robert College: Istanbul's oldest American school (founded 1863) offering K-12 with IB Diploma; competes directly with Sezin for premium Istanbul families seeking international curriculum and university placement.
• MEF Schools: Istanbul-based private K-12 with international curriculum (IB) and emphasis on inquiry-based learning; comparable premium tuition and family demographic to Sezin.
• St. Joseph French School (Istanbul): Istanbul French international school (homologué AEFE); comparable historic brand, language-immersion curriculum, and affluent international family base competing with Sezin's IB track.
• Üsküdar American Academy: Historic Istanbul private high school founded 1876; shares Sezin's boutique prestige positioning, similar tuition tier, and Istanbul family base for college-prep and international placement.
• Hisar School: Boutique Istanbul private K-12 with similar SEL/hands-on learning philosophy; comparable scale, single-campus model, and IB offering targeting premium segment families.
• Darüşşafaka Society: Long-standing Istanbul private boarding school with scholarship-based admissions; competes for families seeking rigorous, values-driven private education in Istanbul.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/ozelsezinokulu

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sezin School