ACADEMİC

New York Atatürk School

A Pioneer in Teaching Turkish as a Second Language Since 1971

Founded in 1971, New York Atatürk School is a leading educational institution with a long-standing academic tradition in Teaching Turkish as a Second Language. Our school offers a comprehensive educational program aimed at strengthening Turkish children’s Turkish language skills, cultural awareness, and national identity.For over 50 years, our school has provided in-person Turkish education in Manhattan, New York. With the advancement of technology, we now also offer online Turkish language education, enabling us to reach students globally through both in-person and online learning options.

Our Mission

The mission of New York Atatürk School is to educate individuals who:

  • Respect individual differences,
  • Learn and embrace the universal values of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,
  • Use the Turkish language accurately, effectively, and consciously,
  • Grow into modern individuals with a strong cultural identity.

Our Academic Staff

Our academic staff consists of teachers who are:

  • Experts in their fields,
  • Graduates of Faculties of Education in Turkiye,
  • Trained in Teaching Turkish as a Second Language (TSL),
  • Highly experienced Turkish educators.

Our lessons are enriched with storytelling, games, music, and interactive activities, ensuring that students learn Turkish with enjoyment and long-lasting retention.

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TWLA New York Atatürk School Teaching Staff

Class Structure and Educational Model

Our educational programs serve:

  • Students from Preschool through Middle School levels,
  • Children aged 5–15.

For students with no prior knowledge of Turkish, we offer TSL (Turkish Language Preparatory Classes). Student placement is determined through a Turkish proficiency assessment conducted at the beginning of the academic year.

In-person classes are organized according to students’ age and Turkish proficiency levels.
Online classes are limited to a maximum of 10 students, promoting individualized participation and interactive learning.

Upon sufficient demand, online Turkish classes for adults aged 15 and above are also offered.

 

Preschool / “Butterflies” Turkish Language Program

Students who complete the preschool program:

  • Learn basic Turkish expressions used in daily life,
  • Acquire fundamental concepts such as numbers, colors, shapes, family, food, and animals,
  • Gain an introductory understanding of Turkish culture and history, preparing them for Grade 1.

Instruction is based on Bahçeşehir University’s “Merhaba 1–2–3” textbooks.




Turkish Language Education by Grade Level

Grade 1 / “Bees” – A1 Level Turkish

  • Turkish alphabet and literacy skills
  • Daily communication patterns
  • National holidays
  • Turkish cultural heroes

Grade 2 / “Flowers” – A1 Advanced

  • Descriptive language skills
  • Knowledge of Turkiye and Atatürk
  • National holidays and cultural values

Grade 3 / “Ocean” – A2 Level

  • Fluent reading and writing
  • Turkish history and cultural heritage
  • National heroes

Grade 4 –Sun  A2 Advanced

  • Development of advanced language skills
  • In-depth Turkish culture and history

Grade 5 / “Stars” – B1 Introductory Level

  • Written expression and text analysis
  • Turkish history and geography
  • UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in Turkiye

At the end of the academic year, our students prepare and present projects together with students from our sister school, YOM Schools.

TSL / “Dolphins” – Turkish Language Preparatory Program

The TSL Turkish Language Preparatory Program is designed for students with no prior knowledge of Turkish. The primary goal is to help students develop a love for the language while building foundational communication skills.

The program is delivered using academic materials developed in collaboration with Bahçeşehir University.

By the end of the program, students are able to:

  • Speak Turkish in daily life,
  • Understand spoken Turkish,
  • Transition confidently into the elementary school program.

 

Graduation and Certificates

Graduates of New York Atatürk School receive:

  • A certificate equivalent to a Turkish elementary school diploma,

A Language Proficiency Certificate issued by our school, which is recognized as credit for the Seal of Biliteracy examination at the U.S. high school level.

Academic Calendar and Instruction Format

  • Academic year: September – June
  • Duration: 36 weeks
  • Day: Saturday
  • Time:
    • In-person: 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM (New York Time)
    • Online: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
      (New York Time)
  • Instruction format: In-person or Online
    (Programs are offered separately; hybrid instruction is not provided.)

Students attending in-person classes may participate in free optional Turkish folk dance lessons from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Students from outside the school are also accepted for folk dance classes only.




Why Choose New York Atatürk School?

  • Over 50 years of educational experience
  • Highly qualified and experienced academic staff
  • Separate online and in-person Turkish language programs (no hybrid model)
  • An institution dedicated to teaching the universal values of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye
  • A program that integrates language, culture, and identity
  • Internationally recognized certificates