Darıca Science High School

Darıca Fen Lisesi is a public secondary education institution under the authority of the Ministry of National Education of Türkiye, operating in the district of Darıca, Kocaeli Province. The institution conducts educational activities primarily to cultivate highly qualified scientific personnel in the fields of science and mathematics and to prepare students for higher education in these disciplines.^【1】

The school began its educational activities in the 2011–2012 academic year in the Piri Reis neighborhood under the name "Darıca Anadolu Teacher High School," with four classes and 120 students.

In 2014, the institution was reclassified as a science high school. Following the attempted coup in July 2016, it was relocated to the building at Bağdat Caddesi No: 38 in the Piri Reis neighborhood, as stipulated by a Presidential Decree with the Force of Law. Since 2016, the institution has been included under the "Project School" framework and currently operates with 18 classes.^【2】

Darıca Fen Lisesi is a public school under the umbrella of the Ministry of National Education of Türkiye. Its mission is to develop students with the competence to serve their country and the world in the field of science, in alignment with the fundamental objectives of national education. Its vision is to cultivate individuals who lead global scientific advancements through their core values and transform their aspirations into scientific realities.^【3】

The institution implements a numerically oriented curriculum in accordance with the science high school framework. The educational process aims to enhance students’ intellectual abilities in the natural sciences, guide them toward scientific research, and develop individuals capable of utilizing new technologies and generating knowledge. Instruction follows a regular schedule (09:00–16:10), with theoretical knowledge supported by practical work conducted in physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories.^【4】

Student admissions are conducted centrally through the High School Transition System (LGS), based on standardized examination scores and percentile rankings. According to data from the 2024–2025 academic year, the school’s top percentile rank is 0.64 and its bottom percentile rank is 4.64.^【5】

The school’s campus is located on Bağdat Caddesi in the Piri Reis neighborhood of Darıca district, Kocaeli Province. The school building is heated by natural gas and equipped with ADSL internet infrastructure. The campus includes an indoor sports hall, outdoor sports equipment, lockers, seating areas, and green spaces. Although the institution does not have a student dormitory or staff housing, lunch facilities are provided for students.^【6】

The academic staff of the school consists of teachers employed by the Ministry of National Education as well as university academics from Gebze Technical University who teach specific courses under a cooperation protocol signed between the two institutions. Administrative activities are conducted within a hierarchical structure compliant with the regulations of the Ministry of National Education.^【7】

The school follows a coeducational model, enrolling both male and female students together. According to current data, a total of 511 students are enrolled. The school maintains a 100 percent success rate in national examinations, and approximately 70 percent of its graduates are admitted to higher education programs. The majority of graduates choose to pursue studies in technical and scientific fields such as medicine and engineering.^【8】

Sports activities including football, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis are organized to support students’ physical development. In addition, extracurricular scientific activities are integrated with social initiatives to enhance students’ academic growth.^【9】

The institution participates in national scientific initiatives such as TÜBİTAK 4006 Science Fair, Science Olympiads, TÜBİTAK 2204, Teknofest, and MEB Robot and KODELİG programs. Internationally, it undertakes activities under programs such as Erasmus+, e-Twinning, and COMENIUS. Under the protocol with Gebze Technical University, teachers and students engage in joint research projects with university personnel.^【10】