Maple Bear, the largest and fastest-growing franchise of K-12 bilingual schools worldwide, is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Ümit Kalko, a prominent figure in Turkish education and Emre Mermer. This collaboration marks a significant step in expanding Maple Bear’s footprint in Turkey, with plans to open 26 schools across the country.
Accelerating Growth in Turkey
This exciting partnership with Ümit Kalko brings new opportunities to develop Maple Bear’s network in Turkey, which is witnessing increasing demand for bilingual education. As part of the growth plans, two schools are set to open in 2025 in Istanbul.
“There is a growing interest in premium bilingual education in Turkey, and our schools are uniquely positioned to meet this need,” says Yann Bidan, General Manager of Maple Bear CEE. “Our partnership with Ümit Kalko offers the expertise of the local curriculum, and the network necessary to realize our ambitious goal of establishing a network of 26 Maple Bear schools throughout Turkey.”
A Global Leader in Bilingual Education
Maple Bear is known for delivering world-class bilingual education, blending Canadian teaching methodologies with local curriculum, while fully adhering to Turkish education standards and requirements, opening all schools as local private schools. With over 620 schools, open and in implementation, in 39 countries, Maple Bear continues to grow rapidly and maintain its reputation as a premium education provider.
Ümit Kalko: A Visionary Partner
Ümit Kalko, a key figure in Turkey’s educational landscape, shares Maple Bear’s vision of bringing high-quality, bilingual education to more students across the country. This partnership is a major milestone in expanding Maple Bear’s reach.
“Ümit Kalko’s experience aligns with our ambition,” added Yann Bidan. “Together, we are committed to offering premium Turkish Canadian bilingual education for families in Turkey.”
Expanding Success in Central and Eastern Europe
Maple Bear has established itself as the fastest-growing educational network globally. Since 2022, Maple Bear CEE has signed contracts for the opening of 60 new schools in the region, with 6 schools launched just this fall, notably in Poland (Krakow, Wroclaw) and Czechia (Brno, Olomouc) just this fall.
“The response from parents and communities in the countries where we have launched has been incredibly positive,” says Yann Bidan. “Our success in Central and Eastern Europe is a key part of our long-term strategy, and rests on our respect of the local curriculum requirements and our knowledge of how to blend the Canadian Curriculum and Methodology. We are excited to replicate this model in Turkey.”
Looking Ahead
The partnership with Ümit Kalko is part of Maple Bear’s broader global strategy to meet the rising demand for bilingual education. With its premium brand, proven educational model, and strong local partnerships, Maple Bear is well-positioned to lead the way in providing world-class education to families across Turkey.
This collaboration underscores Maple Bear’s commitment to its ambitious growth plans, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field of bilingual education globally.
