"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge."
― Albert Einstein
Our Teachers
Our team of dedicated teachers are a core part of our community life, each contributing their whole-hearts and diverse skill-sets to collectively bring our shared vision and philosophy to life everyday.
With their broad vision, warmth, wisdom, and deep love for learning, our teachers work not only to educate, but also to develop real connections with each child, build positive and caring relationships, and serve as important role models for our students.
As part of our commitment to providing genuinely personalised teaching for each individual child through effective differentiation, our teachers work extremely hard to get to know each child personally, understand their needs and support their deep learning. This goes well beyond typical teacher-student relationships and reflects our approach of ‘being the village’, to create an experience of extended family, where children feel truly cared for and valued, enabling them to feel connected and know they are loved. This profoundly impacts their engagement, willingness to cooperate and capacity to learn, being grounded in lived experiences of giving and receiving respect, support, love and responsibility.
Our team includes a school psychologist who provides individual and group counseling sessions, as well as rehberlik lessons. We particularly focus on using restorative practices, when supporting our students and responding to interpersonal concerns. In case of students facing challenges at school, navigating peer-to-peer relationships, or coping with stress and anxiety, our psychologist is available to provide guidance, support, and resources as needed to our students.
We believe our teaching approach is one of the significant factors
that truly sets us apart and underpins our success.
We invite you to come and experience it for yourself!
Our 8th Graders with Mr. Abdullah
Our teachers engaging in a circle time activitiy with our children
One of our many 'Check In' circles
All our foreign language teachers are both native speakers as well as experts in their fields, bringing a wide range of exciting activities to every classroom, as well as monthly festivals and endless beyond-the-classroom learning!
Sarya and her former teachers
at Ütopya Campus
Sarya's Story
"I wouldn't change a thing!"
Sarya attended Small Hands Academy and Utopya primary and secondary school until she graduated 8th grade in 2019. She then transitioned to Robert College High School and attributes much of her capacity to succeed in that competitive environment to the support she received, and the skills she developed during her time at Utopya. Today Sarya is preparing to start university at Brown University in the States, she will be studying under a full scholarship Liberal Arts majoring in Architecture starting in the Fall semester.
"From all of us at Ütopya, we are so proud of you Sarya,
and can’t wait to see what you go on to achieve next!"
Growing up at Ütopya
“As I look back on my time at Ütopya and the profound impact it had on shaping who I am today,
I am so grateful for everything this special community gave me.”
Thinking about my journey from kindergarten to 8th grade at Ütopya School, I realize how unique and precious my school experience here was. Compared to many of my classmates at Robert College, my education at Ütopya was truly special. My teachers really knew me, the level of care and attention I received from them allowed me to learn and thrive in a way I don’t believe I would have in a more traditional education environment. Maybe other students excel under pressure, but for me I found that the balanced learning environment at Ütopya, both challenging but joyful, suited me perfectly!
One of the most remarkable aspects of my time at Ütopya was the truly tight-knit community. It really was like an extended family, providing me with a sense of belonging in which I developed deep connections with both my friends and teachers.
During my years at Ütopya I also had the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of experiences that enriched my education beyond the traditional curriculum. I didn’t realise it at the time, but these were really exceptional experiences that I’m so grateful for now!. From learning philosophy to traveling to different countries like Japan, Poland, and Malta, I had opportunities for growth and exploration that I wouldn't have had elsewhere. These experiences expanded my horizons, shaped my sense of global awareness.and stay with me forever as wonderful memories.
In preparation for my high school entrance exam, I never felt the need to attend a ders hane, because I received all the attention and support I needed from my teachers at Utopya.
After graduating Utopya, I was so excited to start at Robert College, however transitioning from Middle School to High School was a significant adjustment. Going from a class of just four students to a class of 220 was daunting, and it took time for me to find my footing. Yet, the confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence instilled in me at Ütopya ultimately helped me navigate this transition and find my place in a new environment.
Looking back, I realize that Ütopya was more than just a school; it was a supportive community that nurtured my growth and development. The personalized teaching, emphasis on individual needs, and encouragement to take initiative, set me up to excel academically and personally. Ütopya really laid the foundation for my success, teaching me valuable skills such as critical thinking and self-awareness that continue to serve me well.
My time at Ütopya was truly memorable, shaping me into the person I am today. It was a place where I felt valued, supported, and encouraged to explore and discover my potential. Ütopya will always hold a special place in my heart as more than just a school but as a second home and a family that helped me become the best version of myself.