Tarsus American College

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Tarsus American College (official Turkish name: Özel Tarsus Amerikan Lisesi, aka Tarsus Amerikan Lisesi) is a private coeducational high school located in Tarsus, province Mersin, Turkey.

The college was established in 1888 under the name "St. Paul's Institute at Tarsus" after an idea of US newspaper publisher Elliot Fitch Shepard to build an institution in dedication to "St. Paul" during his visit to Tarsus.

In the first years, the school had close contact with the American Board Foundation, a charity organisation located in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Alexander Mac Lachlan and Hartune S. Jenanyan served as the first school administrators until 1891, Thomas D. Christie from 1893 to 1920.

Education was carried out in the school's first building "Shepard Hall". Mr. Vanderpool, a US citizen, made a large donation in memory of this mother for a much needed building. "Stickler Hall" is the tallest building in Tarsus with its five stories. Since its construction in 1911 it has been the symbol of Tarsus American College.

The school was called both "St. Paul's Institute at Tarsus" and "Tarsus American College" between 1911 and 1928, and from 1930 on, the name is solely Tarsus American College.

Coeducation started in 1979 with 35 girls joining the student body of 506 boys. In 1986, the school graduates its first coed alumni. The same year, the boarding section, available from the preparatory class, was closed until its reopening for boys in 2002.