Dear TAC Community,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2025–2026 academic year at Tarsus American College. I am honored to step into the role of Head of School at this extraordinary institution, where tradition and innovation work hand-in-hand to prepare students for success in Turkey and around the world.

This year, we celebrate 137 years of excellence in education! The TAC legacy is built on academic achievement, character development, and a commitment to leadership. TAC is more than a school; it is a vibrant, values-driven learning community grounded in a deep respect for our past and an unwavering belief in the potential of our future.

Our students continue to achieve at remarkable levels:

• The IBDP exam average of 36 points once again exceeds the global average.
• On the Turkish National University Entrance Exam, over 20% of our students ranked in the top 10,000, with nearly 70% placing in the top 100,000.
• Our graduates have earned admission to prestigious universities across Turkey, Europe, North America, and beyond.
• Our athletic, artistic, and service-learning programs continue to thrive, offering a truly well-rounded student experience.

TAC is an academically rigorous environment which develops the abilities of students to be confident, capable, and passionate lifelong learners who adapt creatively and innovatively to life and work. At TAC, every student begins with a strong foundation in our Prep and Grade 9 programs before choosing a pathway that suits their aspirations, either the Turkish National Track or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Both are rigorous, globally relevant, and designed to develop students who are reflective, principled, and ready to lead in an ever-changing world.

One of the stand-out strengths of Tarsus American College is the enduring sense of connection and belonging that defines the TAC experience. Our alumni network spans the globe, yet remains deeply tied to the values and friendships formed here on campus. This spirit of community is one of TAC’s greatest assets and one we will continue to nurture with pride for decades and centuries to come.

I invite you to explore our website and learn more about what makes TAC such a special place. Whether you are a new family or a long-standing member of our community, you are an important part of TAC’s story.

Here’s to a year of learning, growth, and connection!

Warm regards,

Dr. Mary O’Bryon, Ed.D.

Head of School, Tarsus American College

It is a privilege to be a teacher, a staff member, a student or an alumnus of Tarsus American College, a time-honored, reputable institution, one of the most accomplished in Turkey. The most important factors contributing to this privilege are the dedicated implementation of the school's philosophy, which has kept the student and learning at its core since 1888, by the school teachers and leaders, and the outstanding efforts of the school’s alumni to maintain continued improvement of the school from the very first day.

While the holistic development and academic knowledge of TAC students are supported by a staff of Turkey's strongest educators from the moment they walk in, they also engage in national and global issues, learning to a sensitive attitude, take responsibility for their actions, and make sure that all their efforts are sustainable.

TAc’s boarding students are supported by their teachers, guidance counselors and school leaders in a safe and healthy environment with their cognitive and social development as well as towards establishing strong connections with each other and the school.

The academic program offered by Tarsus American College has principles of permanent learning in its core so that the students can thrive in a healthy, safe environment where their rights are protected. Individual differences and needs are considered and catered for in all classroom, club and extra-curricular activities. Fullfilling this mission, we are proud to graduate TAC students who have grown as creative enquirers, who are willing to take challenges, who explore and enjoy new developments, who are self-aware and at peace with themselves and their community.

The graduates of TAC, which has also been successfully offering the International Baccalaureate program since 2004, adhere to the principles of the program starting from the preparatory year, and use these crucial learning skills at the university level in Turkey and abroad. While internalizing these skills, they show empathy, respect and fairness to others, and gratitude to their family and country.

With all its constituents, Tarsus American College is a learning community which is dedicated to Atatürk's principles and ideals. It looks to the future with hope and with an even stronger commitment to these ideals in the year which marks the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

As teachers, students, staff members and graduates who feel the privilege of being a part of Tarsus American College since 1888, we will continue to work hard to sustain the values of our Foundation while cultivating leaders for Turkey and the world.

Regards,

Erkan Gültekin
Principal