MEF International School (MEFIS) is a private international school in the Ortaköy district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in 1998 by Dr. Ibrahim Arikan. The enrollment is approximately 461 students of 52 nationalities from Preschool to Grade 12. The MEFIS curriculum is centered mainly around the Cambridge and IB Diploma Program. MEFIS has an English program for students who come to the school with limited or no English skills. History MEFIS was founded in 1998 by Dr. Ibrahim Arikan, a Turkish entrepreneur and businessman who heads various companies grouped under Arikanli Holding Inc. MEFIS was created to provide English language education at the Pre-school, Elementary school, Middle school and High school levels for the International Community based in Istanbul. Curriculum There are three separate curricula: Primary Years Program for Preschool-Grade 5, Cambridge for grades 6-8, IGCSE for grades 9,10 and IB Diploma/IB Certificate for grades 11,12. At MEFIS primary there are approximately 256 students representing at least 39 cultures. In middle school there is Cambridge curriculum for grades 6-8. The high school IB program started in 1998. Science The MEFIS science program uses the Cambridge program, which has an emphasis on human biology, and enables candidates to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Candidates learn about the basic principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Chemistry and Physics are also sciences taught at MEFIS. Arts Throughout the year, students' artwork is showcased in ongoing art exhibits around the school. The end of the year MEFIS Annual Primary Art Exhibition is a favorite school event. Each child has a selected artwork on display for the community to appreciate and reflect upon. For secondary there is an Art Exhibition and an IB2 Exhibition. Sports MEFIS offers soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, running, table tennis, dodge ball, handball, swimming gala, sports day, cross country run. The school has a swimming pool that is shared with the National School. There are 2 small gyms where the students normally do their P.E. and every week in primary we have 2 lessons and for secondary 2 periods on 1 day. Library and technology The MEFIS library provides curriculum support and meets the recreational reading needs for the whole school from Pre-School PYP program to the IB Diploma. Student activities Athletics "Physical education in primary school is an integral part