Prof. Dr. Murat Günel, General Director, The Koç School

Could you please introduce yourself with your name and position?

My name is Murat Günel. I am the General Director of The Koç School, and I have been in this position for the last eight years. I am originally a physics teacher and a professor of educational sciences, specializing in curriculum and development, specifically in science education and statistics. 

What are the key factors contributing to The Koç School’s success? What has helped the institution achieve its strong reputation?

The success of The Koç School is grounded in its unwavering commitment to its meaning and purpose, which align with international education standards and universal values. The Koç School defines itself as a community of lifelong learners with a global perspective, guided by reason and conscience, and grounded in well-being. Our purpose is to guide students to become ethical individuals and leaders capable of building a better world. This is needed nowadays more than ever.

Our purpose is not merely aspirational—it is systematically and holistically embedded across all levels of our K-12 structure. We are deeply invested in the holistic development of each student, fostering academic excellence alongside emotional, social and ethical growth. Our highly qualified and continuously developing academic staff work diligently to nurture each student’s unique talents to their fullest potential. Meanwhile, our administrative and leadership team operate with global awareness, inclusion and multicultural competence. This is particularly important for us, given that our school operates two programs in tandem, which I can elaborate on later in this interview.

The result is a school culture that is globally minded and deeply participatory. Decision-making processes across the school are inclusive and collaborative, empowering voices from students to teachers, and reinforcing a sense of ownership and responsibility at all levels. Our recent accreditation process with the Council of International Schools (CIS), which is a highly regarded accreditation institution, reaffirmed the strength of our culture. The final report highlighted key elements that define our school—excellence, a deeply engaged and mature culture, a place for future leaders, and above all, respect and deep commitment to well-being.

At the heart of our success lies a strong sense of community. We view education not as a transactional process, but as a shared journey. In this light, The Koç School is not only a center of academic achievement but also a home for principled leadership, intercultural dialogue and lifelong learning. 

We are not a very old school—almost 40 years—but we are recognized as a mature school. Maturity is not only about years; it is about how you perceive reality, prepare for the future and anchor your values, which in our case, is meaning and purpose. This is our DNA, and every cell, action and reaction of our institution is generated from it.

What academic programs and educational opportunities does The Koç School offer its students? Which programs and activities do students benefit from the most?

The Koç School offers a robust and diverse range of academic programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills and mindset needed to thrive in today’s complex world. Our approach is rooted in both national and international excellence. We implement the Turkish Ministry of Education curriculum alongside globally recognized programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and the Cambridge International Curriculum. This integration provides a bilingual and biocultural education that prepares students for both local and global opportunities.

Our curriculum is comprehensive, covering STEM, humanities, languages and the arts. We emphasize research-based and project-driven learning models, which foster critical thinking, creativity and real-world problem-solving. These are competencies not always targeted by curricula, but they are embedded in our pedagogy.

Educational opportunities extend far beyond the classroom. Students engage in clubs, academic competitions, social responsibility initiatives, leadership projects and civic engagement. Our international partnerships and exchange programs provide meaningful exposure to diverse cultural perspectives. This multidimensional approach ensures that each student achieves academic excellence while also developing as a well-rounded, socially conscious and globally competent individual.

What makes The Koç School stand out compared to others?

As a pioneer in Turkey and the region, The Koç School distinguishes itself through its unwavering commitment to providing a purpose-driven education that meets and exceeds international standards. Our mission is not simply to educate, but to empower students to become ethical, forward-thinking leaders capable of shaping a better and more sustainable future. Purpose permeates every aspect of our school.

Learning at The Koç School extends beyond the classroom. Our vibrant campus, with its lush greenery and sophisticated architecture, supports the holistic development of mind, body and character. Equally important is our inclusive and student-centric approach, recognizing and nurturing each learner’s potential. We provide personalized learning journeys that balance academic excellence with character development.

In recognition of our standards and global outlook, we have received full accreditation by CIS. Their report described us as an institution of excellence, maturity, respect and deep commitment to well-being—reflecting both our values and vision. These elements define The Koç School as not only a leading academic institution, but also a dynamic, purpose-driven community that prepares students to lead with integrity, empathy and global competence.

How does The Koç School develop and expand its educational initiatives and international connections?

Our school actively develops and expands educational initiatives through strategic collaborations at both local and global levels. As a foundation school, we see education as a public responsibility. We are committed to cultivating partnerships that foster continuous growth—not only for our students and educators, but also for the broader educational ecosystem.

One of our key strengths lies in being part of an esteemed network. Through our affiliation with the Koç Group and connections with respected institutions worldwide, we provide students and staff access to memberships, mentorships, international projects and real-world experiences. These enhance global competence and broaden horizons. Our international connections manifest through long-term partnerships, academic programs, global conferences and collaborative research efforts. These interactions allow us to both contribute to and benefit from the evolving landscape of education worldwide.

At the same time, we remain firmly rooted in our local context. We build partnerships with national universities, NGOs and educational organizations, enriching our community and reinforcing our dedication to equity, inclusion and innovation. Our ability to create international projects with global impact, while maintaining social responsibility at home, reflects our commitment to shaping learners who are both globally aware and locally grounded. Through these initiatives, The Koç School continues to lead as a dynamic institution that values collaboration, purpose and lifelong learning.

What strategies does The Koç School use to support the development of its students, teachers and community?

At The Koç School, our strategy is grounded in the belief that well-being is not an auxiliary support system—it is the foundation of meaningful development. We cultivate a flourishing culture in which students, teachers and the community thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

For students, we take a holistic approach that goes beyond academics. We emphasize social, emotional, physical and ethical growth. Through innovative pedagogies, expanded learning and strong guidance services, we prepare students not only for exams but also for life as responsible citizens.

We are equally committed to professional development for teachers, offering continuous learning through mentorship, training and leadership programs. We view educators as lifelong learners and change-makers who shape the school’s evolving identity. Our motto is that newcomers do not adapt to us—we adapt with them to become better together.

Development at our school stems from a shared philosophy. Learning is an act of healing. Every interaction, whether in the classroom, hallway or through support staff, contributes to the emotional and intellectual ecosystem. Education, care and collaboration are deeply interconnected, not compartmentalized.

We also work closely with families, alumni and the local community, recognizing that a school does not exist in isolation. These partnerships enrich our collective journey, extend our impact across generations and strengthen our commitment to creating a supportive and sustainable educational ecosystem.

What message would you like to share with the community and our readers about The Koç School?

Overall, I believe the global education community must accept that everything is changing—our environment, the world, behaviors and the future. Resistance does not help. We must forecast what is coming and prepare for it. For instance, we anticipated AI’s arrival but were unprepared, and now we are struggling to adapt to it. The world is changing rapidly, and education is struggling to keep pace. We need to shift our mindset to anticipate what is coming. Even conventional schools may not exist in the future, as students are already signaling the need for change.

Specifically for The Koç School, I would say that we know and understand what we do, why we do it and how we do it—and we can explain this clearly to ourselves and others. As education professionals, we must justify and articulate our actions. Just as a doctor must explain why surgery is necessary, we must explain the reasoning behind our educational practices. The Koç School is conscious, confident and knowledgeable in its role within the educational ecosystem.

Everything is changing rapidly, especially with the advent of AI, climate change, global warming and the scarcity of resources. Yet, we still force advanced academic content that may not always connect with reality. We must find ways to connect education to real-world challenges for the younger generation. Otherwise, we risk losing not only the future of our planet but also the future of our youth.

We at The Koç School are ready. We will continue to pioneer systems, implementations and practices. I thank you for allowing us to share our school, our beliefs, our meaning and our purpose. This conversation has helped me explain our school’s positioning. Thank you.