Robert College facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert College Robert Kolej
Address
Kuruçeşme Cad. No. 87 Arnavutköy, Beşiktaş, Istanbul Turkey
Information
Type	Independent, day & boarding
Established	1863; 162 years ago (1863)
Founder	Christopher Robert and Cyrus Hamlin
CEEB code	696220
Headmaster	Adam Oliver & Nilhan Çetinyamaç
Grades	Prep, 9–12
Gender	Co-educational
Enrollment	1,045 190 boarding 276 on scholarship
Language	English, Turkish
Campus size	265 acres (107 ha)
Campus type	Urban
Houses	Gould Hall, Mitchell Hall, Woods Hall, Sage Hall, Bingham Hall, Feyyaz Berker Hall, Suna Kıraç Hall, Nejat Eczacıbaşı Hall
Student Union/Association	Robert College Student Council
Color(s)
Mascot	Bobcat
Team name	Bobcats
Accreditation	NYSAIS
Newspaper	Bosphorus Chronicle
Yearbook	Record

The American Robert College of Istanbul (also known as Robert Kolej or RC) is a top-tier private high school in Turkey. It is a co-educational school, meaning both boys and girls attend. The school is located on a large, wooded campus in Istanbul, Turkey, overlooking the Bosphorus.

Robert College was started in 1863, making it the oldest American school outside the United States that has been open continuously. It is known for being one of the best private high schools in Turkey. Many famous people have graduated from Robert College, including scientists, business leaders, politicians, writers, and even a Nobel Prize winner. The school is also part of the G30 Schools group, which includes many leading independent schools worldwide.

History of Robert College

Picture of the college printed in Ambassador Morgenthau's Story (1918)

Anderson Hall, Boğaziçi University

Robert College was founded in 1863 by two Americans: Christopher Robert, a wealthy person who gave money to good causes, and Cyrus Hamlin, a religious leader focused on education. Six years later, with permission from the Ottoman Sultan, the first campus was built in Bebek. This campus is now home to Boğaziçi University.

Cyrus Hamlin was the first president of Robert College. Later, George Washburn took over and helped the school become known for its strong academics. When Christopher Robert passed away in 1878, he left a lot of his money to the college. The school's goal was to offer a great education to all students, no matter their background or religion, similar to top American colleges.

From 1903 to 1932, Caleb Gates was president. During this time, more Turkish students started attending the school. This was because Turkey began to welcome foreign schools more, and more Turkish people wanted a Western-style education. After Turkey became a republic in 1923, Robert College adopted a non-religious education style, following Turkey's new rules.

For a while, Robert College had different sections: a junior high, a high school, and a university. But since 1971, Robert College has only been a high school. Its original campus in Bebek was given to the Republic of Turkey and became Boğaziçi University. The current Robert College high school moved to the Arnavutköy campus, which used to be the campus for the American College for Girls.

Important Moments

• 1863: Robert College opened with 31 students.
• 1971: The university part of Robert College became Boğaziçi University. The high school sections of Robert College and the American College for Girls joined together. They became a co-educational (boys and girls) private high school on the Arnavutköy campus.
• 1998: The school stopped accepting junior high students because of a new law in Turkey about primary education.
• 2004: The last junior high students graduated, and that section of the school closed. Today, Robert College has Prep, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. Students join after finishing eight years of primary school.

Leaders of Robert College

Academics and Students

Robert College Gould Hall

Robert College is a five-year high school. The first year, called "Prep," is for learning English. Most classes are taught in English, including Science, Math, Literature, and Art. Turkish is used for social studies and Turkish language classes.

Student Life

Each year, Robert College accepts about 180 to 220 new students. These students are among the top performers in a national exam that all Turkish students take for high school entry. The school has around 1,000 students in total. Most students are Turkish citizens.

Teachers and Staff

The teachers at Robert College have a lot of experience, averaging 20 years of teaching. About half of the teachers are Turkish, and the other half are native English speakers, including those from the United States and other English-speaking countries. Many teachers have advanced degrees.

Going to College

Robert College graduates often go on to study at universities in the United States or Turkey. In recent years, more students have also chosen to study in Canada and the United Kingdom. About half of the graduating class each year decides to study abroad. Those who want to study in Turkey get into universities based on their scores on a national test. Many students are accepted into top universities, including Boğaziçi University in Turkey and Ivy League colleges in the US.

Student Activities

Robert College has about 100 student clubs. The school was the first place to introduce basketball to the Ottoman Empire in 1907. The first Student Council in the Ottoman Empire was also formed at Robert College in 1908.

Student Council

The Student Council is made up of students elected by their classmates and a teacher advisor. They help students talk with teachers and school leaders. The council also plans fun social events and raises money for clubs. They organize the Fine Arts Festival, which is the biggest and oldest high school festival in Turkey.

School Publications

RC Reviews March 2005 Issue

• Bosphorus Chronicle: The school's English newspaper.
• Record: The school yearbook.
• Kaleidoscope: An English literature magazine.
• Köprü (The Bridge): The school's Turkish newspaper.
• Martı (Seagull): A Turkish literature journal.
• Oda (Room): A Turkish literature journal with student poems, stories, and photos.
• Tarih (History): The History Club's yearly publication.
• Sinek (Fly): The Film Review Club's yearly publication.

The Robert College Basketball Team on their way to the championship in the Traditional FMV Işık Schools Tournament.

Events and Conferences

Fine Arts Festival (FAF)

The Fine Arts Festival is the biggest high school festival in Turkey. It happens every year in May and is organized by the Robert College Student Council. More than 2,000 people attend. Students perform on stage, and there are art shows and dance performances. A famous artist or band usually performs at the end.

International Istanbul Youth Forum (IYF)

This is a yearly conference held at Robert College. It started in 2006 and brings together over 150 students from many European countries. The Robert College European Youth Club organizes it.

Ethics Forum

The Robert College Ethical Values Club holds a contest and conference about ethics for high school students. Many schools from across Turkey participate.

Robert College International Model United Nations (RCIMUN)

RCIMUN is a yearly Model United Nations conference organized by the Robert College Model United Nations Club. Students act as delegates from different countries and discuss global issues. About 750 students attend, including many from international schools.

Istanbul Gençlik Forumu (IGF)

This is a national conference where students from over 30 high schools discuss Turkey's future. Discussions are in Turkish, and students write and vote on resolutions.

Turkish Theater Festival (TIFES)

Organized by the Robert College Theater Club, TIFES is a major high school theater event in Turkey. Plays are performed, and famous actors and writers give talks.

Eurasian Schools Debating Championship (ESDC)

The ESDC is a yearly debating tournament for high school students from many countries. It is known as one of the best debating events worldwide.

Campus Buildings

Aerial view of Robert College Gould Hall

The Robert College campus is 65 acres and overlooks the Bosphorus. It has five old-style neoclassical buildings and three modern ones. There are also old trees and unique animals, like the Bosphorus Beetle, which is only found here.

Main Buildings

Gould Hall

This is the oldest teaching building on campus. It was a gift from Helen Gould Shepard and finished in 1914. Inside, Marble Hall is a grand lobby. Gould Hall also has offices, classrooms, the library, and departments for Turkish Literature, Social Sciences, and English. Its large columns make it a symbol of the school.

Bingham Hall

Mitchell Hall in summer, covered in ivy.

Mitchell Hall

This building used to be the school's kitchens and dining room. It was a gift from Olivia E. Phelps Stokes, named after her friend Sarah Lindlay Mitchell. Today, it has classrooms for math, the Math Department, computer labs, and teacher rooms.

Woods Hall

Finished in 1914, this building was partly a gift from Mrs. Henry Woods. It was a Science Building until 1990. Now, it has classrooms for English lessons and college counseling offices.

Sage Hall

A gift from Mrs. Margaret Olivia Sage, Sage Hall is still used for its original purpose: a dormitory for girls. It also has the school's health center and art studios.

Bingham Hall

This building was first meant to be a medical school. From 1925 to 1992, it housed the junior high school. Now, it is the boys' dormitory and has a smaller theater and administrative offices.

Feyyaz Berker Hall

Completed in 1990, this building is home to the science labs and classrooms. It is named after Feyyaz Berker, a major donor and former student. It also holds parts of the Biology Museum's rare collections.

Suna Kıraç Hall

This modern theater building was finished in 1990. It has a large stage, dressing rooms, and seating for 512 people. It is named after Suna Kıraç, a leading businesswoman and former student. The music department is in its basement.

Nejat Eczacıbaşı Hall

The school's modern gym opened in 1990. It is named after Dr. Nejat Eczacıbaşı, a famous Turkish scientist and businessman who was also a former student. It includes offices for the P.E. department and a student lounge.

İbrahim Bodur Library

When Robert College started in 1863, it had a small library. Over time, it grew to have one of the largest collections in Turkey. After Boğaziçi University was founded, most of the books were given to the new university. Today, the Robert College library has about 40,000 books in Turkish and English. It also has many e-books and online resources. The library was updated in 2014 and has space for 290 people.

Other Campus Areas

Aerial view of Robert College

• The Rodney B. Wagner Memorial Maze
• Murat Karamancı Student Center (MKSC)
• Dave Phillips Field (sports field)
• Tennis and basketball courts
• Faculty housing
• Green Tower
• The Bridge and Security
• Forum

Students in the forum

Tuition and Costs

Robert College's tuition fees for the 2020–2021 school year were:

Tuition fees change each year based on inflation, as set by the Ministry of National Education. Robert College is often ranked as the most expensive high school in Turkey. However, about 26% of students receive financial help to attend. The school gets most of its money from tuition fees and donations, especially from former students.

Famous Alumni

Many Robert College graduates have become leaders in various fields, including arts, science, business, and government. For example, three graduates represented their countries at the first meeting of the United Nations in 1945. In 1990, three alumni, Nejat Eczacıbaşı, Suna Kıraç, and Feyyaz Berker, gave money to build the new buildings on campus. The school's alumni association also runs a cultural and recreation center called Bizimtepe.

Notable Former Teachers

• Tevfik Fikret, a famous Turkish poet.
• Cahit Arf, a mathematician.
• Hagop Vahram Çerçiyan, who created Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's signature.
• Calouste Gulbenkian, a business leader and art collector.
• John Freely, a physics professor and author.
• Mebrure Gönenç, one of the first female members of the Turkish Parliament.
• Cem Karaca, a musician.
• Necip Fazıl Kısakürek, a poet and author.
• Dave Phillips, a physical education teacher who played professional basketball.
• Karl von Terzaghi, known as the "father of soil mechanics."

See also

• Boğaziçi University
• Istanbul International Community School
• Education in the Ottoman Empire
• List of high schools in Turkey
• Koç School
• Üsküdar American Academy

Books on Robert College

• Ali Neyzi, Alma Mater and the Story of Robert College
• Asya Orhon, Kolejlerin Koleji, Robert Kolej
• Betty Tank, Pushing My Shadow
• Caleb Frank Gates, Not To Me Only, Princeton, 1940.
• Cyrus Hamlin, My Life and Times, Boston, 1893.
• Cyrus Hamlin, Among the Turks
• Eren Yanık, Akvaryum
• Hester Donaldson Jenkins, An Educational Ambassador to the Middle East
• John Freely, History of Robert College, Istanbul, YKY, 2000.
• Lynn Scipio, My Thirty Years in Turkey, New Hampshire, Ringde, 1955.
• Mary Mills Patrick, A Bosphorus Adventure, London, 1934.
• Mary Mills Patrick, Under Five Sultans
• May Fincancı, The Story of Robert College Old and New
• Moris Farhi, Young Turk
• Orhan Türker, Mega Revma'dan Arnavutköy'e, Istanbul, 2005
• Stevens Marcia & Malcolm, Against the Devil's Current: Life & Times of C.H.
• Talat S. Halman, Aklın Yolu Bindir, Istanbul, 2003.
• Ugur Ersoy, 1950–55 Erguvan Renkli Yıllar, Istanbul, 2004.