Dear Esteemed Parents, Students, and Friends,
It is with great pleasure and pride that I extend my warm greetings to you as the Head of School at Üsküdar American Academy (UAA). Our revered institution stands as a shining example of academic excellence, fortified by a legacy that spans over a century.
As one of Turkey's premier educational establishments, UAA boasts a distinguished reputation that has been cultivated since our founding in 1876. Guided by the visionary Health & Education Foundation since its inception in 1968, we have remained steadfast in our pursuit of providing an unparalleled educational experience that shapes the minds and futures of our students.
UAA is more than just a school; we are a community of learners, educators, and visionaries who are dedicated to nurturing the holistic growth of our students. We are immensely proud to hold accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS), which stands as a testament to our commitment to international standards of educational excellence.
Furthermore, UAA holds the esteemed distinction of being an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, a designation that underscores our dedication to fostering inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding, and a lifelong love for knowledge. Our rigorous IB programs empower students to become critical thinkers, responsible global citizens, and compassionate individuals.
At UAA, we take great pride in being a selective institution that identifies the top 1% of Turkey's most promising talent. Our mission is to not only equip students with academic prowess but also to nurture their social, emotional, and ethical development. We endeavor to create well-rounded individuals who are not only prepared for the challenges of today but are also equipped to shape the challenges of tomorrow.
Our remarkable students' achievements are mirrored in their successful admissions to prestigious institutions around the world. From the storied halls of Harvard, MIT, and Stanford to the vibrant campuses of Boğaziçi, Bilkent, and Koç, UAA graduates emerge as leaders in their chosen fields, embodying the values instilled in them during their time at our institution.
None of our successes would be possible without the dedication and expertise of our exceptional educators. With over 50% of our teaching staff holding master's degrees and 5% possessing doctorates, our teachers are committed to nurturing a culture of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence and innovation. Our journey to becoming a globally acclaimed institution is driven by our shared belief that education has the power to transform lives and society at large.
In conclusion, I extend my deepest gratitude for taking the time to explore this introduction. I invite you to immerse yourselves further in the UAA experience by exploring our comprehensive website, where you'll discover the vibrancy of our learning community and our unyielding commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
Thank you for considering Üsküdar American Academy as a partner in your educational journey.
Warm regards,
Cory Carson
Head of School
Dear Visitors,
After serving under the same institution for 29 years, it is an indescribable joy and source of pride for me to now address you as the Turkish Principal of Üsküdar American Academy. This school has not only been the center of my professional journey, but also a place of growth and learning for me.
Since 1876, Üsküdar American Academy has played a pioneering role in the history of education, embracing both tradition and innovation. Our school stands out not only with its academic achievements but also with the national and universal values it instills in our students. We dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to nurturing students who think critically and freely, remain open to innovation, explore themselves through social, artistic, and athletic fields, and grow into individuals equipped with a strong sense of responsibility. Our school culture, which values and prioritizes student voices and encourages democratic participation, allows us to raise contemporary, independent, and responsible individuals in line with Atatürk’s principles and reforms.
The responsibilities undertaken and the leadership qualities demonstrated by our alumni in diverse geographies and fields, along with their outstanding ability to adapt to the rapidly evolving conditions of today’s world, are the most concrete reflections of this deep-rooted tradition.
At our school, every student has the opportunity to express themselves and discover their own potential. We embrace an educational approach that encourages them to step forward with courage, learn from their mistakes, and always aim higher. Because we know that those who will shape the world of tomorrow are the young people who can dream today, who can produce, and who can multiply goodness.
Every member of Üsküdar American Academy—our students, parents, teachers, staff, and alumni—is part of one large family. The strength of this family comes from its deep-rooted shared values, its spirit of solidarity, and its endless passion for learning. With great pride, I can say that being part of the Üsküdar American family has always been, and continues to be, a privilege.
Our students’ passion for learning reminds us every day of the transformative power of education and inspires us to move forward. Together with them, I have boundless faith that we will step confidently into a stronger tomorrow guided by science and kindness.
I warmly invite you to visit our website regularly to witness Üsküdar American Academy’s 150-year-long journey of learning and the success stories of our students.
Ayşe Hillhouse
School Principal