OUR MISSION
ABOUT AISC
Together, we nurture learners who chart their unique paths, transforming curiosity into purpose, challenges into growth, and knowledge into action.
The American International School Chennai (AISC) was established in 1995 as a nonprofit, independent, co-ed day school located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. In the 2025–2026 school year, AISC has ~750 students in Early Year to Grade 12, representing 27 nationalities. AISC has a two-semester calendar year (Aug. 6–Dec. 20; Jan. 15–June 5). AISC is accredited by the Middle States Association.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROFILE WHO WE ARE GREG CLINTON Head of School headofschool@aischennai.org
KELSEY BULL Principal bkelsey@aischennai.org
CHRIS GALATY Secondary Associate Principal for Academics gchristopher@aischennai.org
RIEDWAAN KADER Secondary Associate Principal for Student Life kriedwaan@aischennai.org
GRETCHEN GALATY Counselor ggretchen@aischennai.org
AZIZUNNISA AND MARGARET S. Administrative Assistants
100 Feet Road, Taramani, Chennai - 600113. +91 44 2254 9000 www.aischennai.org @AISChennai @AISChennai
ABOUT THE PROGRAM (Grades 6–8) As a middle school, we provide excellent learning experiences and a nurturing environment for our students to challenge themselves and grow. Our academic and co-curricular experiences provide students with opportunities to develop themselves as internationally-minded lifelong learners and individuals. This foundation positions students to successfully transition to schools in their home country as well as other international schools.
CORE CLASSES The Middle School program is a progressive, inquiry-based American curriculum with an international perspective. Aimed at developing intellectual curiosity and a sense of responsibility, our entire curriculum fosters collaboration, preparation, and engagement and initiative.
ELECTIVE CLASSES Students in Grades 7 and 8 select two elective courses from a wide range of options that aim to develop confidence and creativity. Students in Grade 6 take one semester elective and one year-long elective as well as a required health class. All Middle School students also select a world language course to inspire a love for language learning and to develop a foundation for intercultural awareness that will foster internationalism.
COUNSELING The middle school years are a time of transition and change as students grow physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. Our counselor works in partnership with students, families, and school personnel to foster the development of each student and advocate for a learning environment that safeguards the rights of all members of the school community.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)
Our EAL Program focuses on providing developmentally appropriate resources that assist students in their learning of English for academic and social success. Some core courses are co-planned and co-taught by EAL specialists and content teachers so that students are able to demonstrate mastery of content.
ADVISORY
These small, 30-minute classes create a structure that promotes connectedness and communication. Advisory builds friendly, inclusive communities and offers time for students to get to know teachers, their peers, and themselves better in order to develop each others’ wellbeing.
ARTS, SPORTS, & ACTIVITIES (ASAs)
Students choose from various co-curricular activities that keep them engaged with others inside and outside of our community. We offer opportunities to participate in sports teams, fine arts activities, and service learning activities, and also have an active Model United Nations (MUN) Club. SEVAI SEVAI, which means “service” in Tamil, promotes exploration for community connection and service learning by providing students the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in service to others in Chennai.
SEVAI
SEVAI, which means “service” in Tamil, promotes exploration for community connection and service learning by providing students the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills in service to others in Chennai.
WEEK WITHOUT WALLS
Week Without Walls (WWW) is a week-long destination trip within Southern India that provides students with cultural, personal, interpersonal, and environmental experiences not available within the regular classroom walls. It is also an opportunity to highlight our incredible host country, India.
1:1 IPAD PROGRAM
Our 1:1 iPad Program reflects AISC’s commitment to leveraging technology in a way that directly enhances the learning experience for students, while prioritizing equity, accessibility, and security. This centralized approach allows us to streamline systems, create a safer digital environment, and ensure all students have consistent access to tools that support critical skills like creativity, communication, and digital citizenship. The program also provides families with resources to support their children’s responsible use of learning technology
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Experiential learning provides opportunities beyond the classroom that promote and strengthen connections to our community, the environment, and local culture. Week Without Walls, SEVAI, and curricular connections incorporate experiential learning into our program.
STANDARDS-BASED ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING AT AISC
Standards-based assessment is a process where a student’s performance is assessed against a criteria or learning target in a specific subject. Learning targets clearly define the knowledge and skills, thinking and transfer and communication proficiency that students will achieve at each grade level. Teachers collect evidence of student understanding through class work, projects, and assessment data. Students are assessed on their learning and growth towards the standards in each subject area through performance indicators. Teachers also assess students on their Learning Habits, or non-cognitive behaviors, that support academic performance. Our Learning Habits encourage successful behaviors for learning and underscore the connection between visible, outward effort and academic performance.