Our school was founded in 1878 as a "kindergarten" in the Basmane district of the city by American educators. The name “American Collegiate Institute" was only introduced at the beginning of the 1900s.

One of the main characteristics that makes American Collegiate Institute /Özel İzmir American Collegiate different; is its progressive educational approach while protecting its long lasting traditions.

Our school witnessed the creation of the Turkish Republic in 1923 and has always proceeded with determination and ambition along Atatürk’s enlightened path.

ACI was the first and only school in Aegean region to be continuously accredited by the International Baculaureate Organization (IBO) since the school year of 2006-2007. The students with an IB diploma achieve the chance to be accepted to the best universities worldwide.