Gökçeada (Imbros) Education Guide: Schools, Courses & University

When people consider moving to Gökçeada, the first question is usually not about ferries or rent — it's "Where will my child go to school?" And rightfully so. Settling on an island is a big decision; if your child's education is uncertain, no sea view can ease that worry. But let me tell you: I've seen my neighbor's son study here from preschool through high school, and now he's interning at ÇOMÜ Gastronomy. The island may be small, but the education chain is complete.

Last winter, at a parent-teacher meeting, a teacher told me, "Kids here grow up differently than in Istanbul — they look out at the sea from the schoolyard, but the exam anxiety is the same." True. Don't expect miracles in education quality, but basic needs are met, and in some areas — especially gastronomy and sports — the picture is well above the Turkish average.

Preschool and Primary School

The Burhanettin Kurt Preschool in the town center serves as a public preschool with 154 students, 13 teachers, and 4 classrooms. There are also private options like Özel Esenler Şeker Ağacı Preschool and Özel Çiğdem Kreş.

For primary schools, there are three:

• Cumhuriyet Primary School (town center) — 357 students, 24 teachers. The island's largest primary school.
• Yeni Bademli Primary School — 42 students, 5 teachers. A cozy village school.
• Uğurlu Primary School — 35 students, 3 teachers. Surrounded by nature in the southwest.

Free shuttle service is available from villages outside the center — important because while roads are empty in winter, distances exist.

Middle School and High Schools

Middle Schools

Gökçeada Middle School is the island's largest with 302 students. Its futsal and basketball teams are active. The Imam Hatip Middle School is smaller with 60 students, providing free shuttle service for students from distant villages.

Award-Winning High School Campus

Gökçeada's biggest educational leap came with the high school campus opened in 2019. Designed by PAB Architecture with an "open campus" concept, it won an award at the 2016 Cityscape Awards Dubai and received jury recognition at the 2017 Turgut Cansever Architecture Awards. It's designed for students, teachers, and island residents to spend time together.

The campus houses three high schools: Atatürk Anatolian High School (124 students), Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School (162 students), and Anatolian Imam Hatip High School. There's a dormitory on campus for students from distant villages — a critical detail for families.

The campus has an interesting backstory: the former Teacher Training High School building, established in 1965, was sealed after the 2012-2013 earthquake. The new campus filled that gap both architecturally and educationally.

University: ÇOMÜ Gökçeada Campuses

Vocational School

Operating since 1997, the Vocational School offers programs in Business Administration, Tourism and Hotel Management, Public Relations, Foreign Trade, and Call Center Services — two-year associate degrees.

The Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Department at the School of Applied Sciences is the island's pride. It's a TURAK-accredited, 4-year bachelor's program. Students won the World Chefs Championship twice in a row in 2022 and 2023. At GastroAntalya 2025, they earned 3 gold and 1 silver medal; at the 22nd International Gastronomy Festival, they added 2 more gold medals.

The curriculum includes Mediterranean gastronomy, sustainability, and specialized courses in coffee, cheese, wine, and olive oil. Language options include French, English, Italian, and Greek. Internships at Michelin-starred restaurants are available. Finding a program of this caliber on a small island — honestly, I was surprised when I first heard about it.

Public Education and Lifelong Learning

The Gökçeada Public Education Center (HEM) accepts registrations year-round. Online applications are made through the e-yaygın system; once a group of 12 forms, the course opens. All courses are free.

Vocational courses include cooking (178 hours), pastry cooking (124 hours), beekeeping, accounting, and real estate consulting. On the social side, options include computer skills, organic farming, Turkish folk dances, drama, chess, and herbal weaving. Open Middle School and Open High School programs are also under HEM — a second chance for those without diplomas.

Greek Minority Schools

After a half-century closure, two reopened schools keep the island's multicultural heritage alive. The Greek Primary School in Zeytinliköy opened in 1953 with 180 students, closed in 1975, and resumed education in 2013. Now with 21 students, it follows a Turkish-Greek bilingual curriculum. These schools hold a special place in the island's village histories.

The middle-high school in Tepeköy reopened in 2015-2016 after 51 years. It has 34 students and a library of 2,888 books in three languages. Turkish students can attend — its mixed structure serves as a bridge of friendship.

Surf and Water Sports Education

Gökçeada's education infrastructure isn't limited to classrooms. At Kefalos Beach, the island offers about 300 days of windsurfing conditions per year, making it one of Europe's top surf spots. Two professional schools operate: Gökçeada Surf Education Center, Turkey's first accommodation-based water sports facility, and Radikal Surf, active since 2011. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, and 6-10 hour beginner programs are available. In summer, it's one of the most popular island activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send my child to school in Gökçeada?

Yes. All levels from preschool to high school are available. Free shuttle service from villages outside the center. All public schools are free.

Is there a university on the island?

Yes, two campuses affiliated with ÇOMÜ: the Vocational School (5 programs, 2-year associate degrees) and the School of Applied Sciences (Gastronomy department, 4-year bachelor's). The Gastronomy program has won world championships.

Is there a high school dormitory?

Yes, there's a dormitory on the award-winning high school campus. Students from distant villages can stay there.

What's needed to open a course at HEM?

Online pre-registration is done via e-yaygın. A course opens when at least 12 people sign up. All courses are free. Over 15 options are available, including cooking, beekeeping, computer skills, and organic farming.

Can Turkish students attend Greek minority schools?

Yes. The schools are private and mixed. Both Greek and Turkish students attend. They follow a Turkish-Greek bilingual curriculum, with additional English lessons.

For transportation to Gökçeada, check ferry schedules.

For accommodation while studying on the island, İlios Gökçeada in Bademli is a nice option.

Cumhuriyet Primary School, the island's largest, is located in Fatih Neighborhood, where many businesses are found.

For student and parent accommodation, options like Badem-i Hotel (Gökçeada) are available.