Dear Fellow Educators and Future Colleagues,

Welcome to Tarsus American College (TAC), originally founded in 1888. TAC is one of Turkey’s oldest and most respected high schools, with a proud legacy of academic excellence, service, and leadership. Today, as part of the Health and Education Foundation (SEV), TAC continues this tradition alongside its sister schools: Usküdar American Academy, the American Collegiate Institute in Izmir, and SEV American College. We are considered one of the top schools in Turkey and offer both the Turkish National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Students enter TAC through the nationally-administered, private schools’ entrance exam administered in grade 8. Prior to entering grade 9, all students attend an intensive preparatory “Prep” year focused on developing English language skills and preparing them for our high school programs.  TAC offers a rigorous university preparatory education to Turkish students in grades 9–12. Students may choose to follow the Turkish National Curriculum or may choose to enroll in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). TAC graduates go on to study at leading universities in Turkey and abroad, with more than two-thirds pursuing international opportunities each year.

Located on a beautiful and historic campus in Tarsus, TAC educates over 600 students and provides a vibrant boarding community, modern learning facilities, a library, two auditoriums, and sports complexes. Our diverse extracurricular programs contribute to the personal development of our students; we place emphasis on extra-curriculars as much as class activities. There are approximately 45 clubs, including international clubs like MUN and ISTA, offered at TAC to provide a well-rounded and holistic educational experience. Community service has always been an integral part of the institutional culture. By taking part in community service projects, TAC students develop respect, leadership qualities and social skills. Our aim is to foster well-rounded, creative, and socially responsible students as highlighted in our motto “Leaders for Türkiye, Leadership for the World”

Our faculty is composed of dedicated Turkish and international teachers, who work together to provide a world-class bilingual education in English and Turkish as well as offering French, Spanish, and German. Around one-quarter of our teachers come from overseas and live on or near campus, while others are integrated into the local region. International teachers are valued for their experience in intercultural environments, IB or English as an Additional Language expertise, and contributions to extracurricular programs.

Living in Tarsus offers an inspiring cross-cultural experience on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. The city combines fertile plains, citrus orchards, and ancient ruins with delicious regional cuisine and lively local culture nearby in Adana and Mersin. You can explore Roman mosaics, historic mosques, and the legendary Cleopatra Gate, or enjoy the nearby beaches and mountains. With its welcoming community and rich heritage, Tarsus is a rewarding place to live and work.

If you are seeking the opportunity to join a school with deep roots, a forward-looking vision, and a collaborative and inspiring professional culture, I warmly invite you to consider TAC. We are a family!  If you are enthusiastic about supporting the next generation, dedicated to high quality teaching and learning, and want to explore the incredible country of Turkey, we would love to have you join us!

Best regards,

Dr. Mary O’Bryon

Head of School

Tarsus American College