Atlanta International School - Admissions Booklet 22/23

WELCOME FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL

Welcome to Atlanta International School!

Through the pages of this booklet I hope you will get a real sense of what we strive for. And what we can offer to your family.

This is a school where language learning and cultural competence are centered. Where difference and diversity are embraced. And where all students study the highly regarded International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, in a caring community of local and international families.

Kevin Glass has led Atlanta International School’s growth and development since 2009. Committed to creating globallyminded students poised to shape the 21st century, Kevin’s vocation and calling is international education.

His career in education includes leadership and teaching positions in South and West Africa, Central and North America, and Central Asia.

For parents looking for a fresh outlook and a global mindset, AIS is the school of choice.

We work in partnership with families, to fulfill our mission to develop courageous leaders who will shape their world for the better. AIS students are taught how to think critically and to engage with the world around them. They learn to develop true understanding, not just to recall information for tests.

From the youngest learners just starting school to seniors taking the prestigious IB Diploma, everyone is encouraged to find their own voice and to use it for good. To develop a perpetual joy of learning that will propel your student through life.

So please, take a closer look at AIS and join us.

Kevin Glass Head of School

EQUITY & INCLUSION

Equity and inclusion is at the heart of the AIS mission. Everyone in our community should be equally treated, with worth and dignity. As a community, if we can ensure that everyone is safe and protected, everyone grows.

WHO

OUR MISSION

ARE

The mission at Atlanta International School is to develop courageous leaders who shape their world for the better.

OUR CORE VALUES

At our core is creating a joy of learning and purposeful effort, and mutual respect and understanding, in an inclusive and intercultural community.

DIFFERENT BY DESIGN

Atlanta International School was founded in 1984 and opened its doors to students in 1985. The school was the vision of local families and leaders who wanted a different sort of private school in Atlanta. One where language learning would be centered - both as a skill and a key to cultural understanding, and one where diversity would be embraced.

These principles are as important today as they were then. Collaborating across cultures and languages is the AIS way of life.

FAST FACTS

SCHOOL DIVISIONS & LEVELS

PRIMARY SCHOOL (PS)

Our Primary School has three parts: The Early Learning Center, where students in 3K & 4K learn in spaces designed to enhance a ‘whole child’ experience. With indoor and outdoor classrooms, students’ days are immersed in one of four language programs; Chinese, French, German or Spanish.

In 5K, students move to the Primary Learning Center, a bespoke building that opened its doors in August 2018. The PLC houses both Lower Primary (5K - Grade 2) and Upper Primary (Grade 3 - 5).

All Primary School students have use of the all-school Library and Sports and Activity Center, as well as outdoor facilities, such as the running track.

SECONDARY SCHOOL (SS)

In Grade 6, students join Secondary School, which houses Grades from 6 - 12. Here learning happens in the historic Main Building, the modern Arts, Science and Design building, the Sports and Activity Center and in the many outdoor spaces, including the sports field and running track. In Secondary School students begin in Middle School before joining Upper School

Middle School (MS) Program

IB

Primary Years Program (PYP)

Upper School (US)

Upper Primary School (UPS) Grade 3K 4K 5K G1 G2 G3 G4 G5 G6 G7 G8 G9 G10 G11 G12

THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

At many schools only a small number of students are selected to study the IB. At AIS, the IB is for all.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum at AIS comprises the IB’s Primary Years (3K - Grade 5), Middle Years (Grades 6 - 10) and Diploma Programs (Grades 11 - 12). Each both stands alone and builds upon the other, developing inquisitive, knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed and make a difference in the world.

Atlanta International School is one of the few schools in the United States offering all these elements of the IB continuum to all students.

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM (PYP)

Through the PYP, we develop critical thinkers from a young age. Students become globally-minded, able to think conceptually to solve complex problems - and to do so collaboratively, with classmates and friends from different cultures and world views.

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAM (MYP)

The MYP fosters creative, critical and reflective thinkers. MYP students are serviceminded doers and internationally-minded leaders, poised to make a positive impact in the world now and in the future.

DIPLOMA PROGRAM (DP)

The DP provides students with an unparalleled depth and breadth of courses, and an inquiry approach to self-managed learning. This means students hit the ground running when they reach college or university. Success in the IBDP exams can also result in students receiving generous US college credits.

IB SIGNATURE FEATURES

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAM

Grade 5 Exhibition

The Grade 5 Exhibition is a culminating experience of the PYP. Grade 5 students are challenged to design, organize and complete an in-depth, collaborative inquiry. They then have the opportunity to display their research and work, as a creative presentation, showcased during the grade level Exhibition celebration.

MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAM

Service as Action (SA)

All MYP students participate in SA. They work with advisors to reflect on their service activities and must demonstrate achievement in the learning outcomes of the MYP.

Personal Project (PP)

At the end of Grade 10, students present a Personal Project.

Selecting a topic of importance to them, students investigate, plan, develop and present their PP.

PP can take many forms; a work of art, literary fiction, an invention, a business plan, an event, or a new community organization.

DIPLOMA PROGRAM

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

Students give back to the community in ways representing creativity, activity and service. They complete a CAS project at the end of Grade 12 - planning, taking action, reflecting and demonstrating learning on meaningful projects.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Similar to a philosophy course, TOK requires students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we claim to know what we know, honing critical thinking skills.

Extended Essay (EE)

Students select and investigate a topic of special interest to them and produce a 4,000 word, university-level, independent research essay. In this year-long project, students self-manage their work and analyze knowledge at an advanced level.

At AIS, we view language as more than a communication tool - it is a gift. No matter what level of previous experience, the language programs offer every student the opportunity to learn new languages. Options include full and partial immersion learning in Chinese, French, German and Spanish in our Primary School and a wide range of options tailored to support every level in Secondary School.

CHINESE

FRENCH

*Up until half way through Grade 1, no previous language experience is necessary. After that point, students are required to have a certain skill level in order to manage the dual language curriculum. Each student is assessed individually.

ADDITIONAL LANGUAGES OUR SCHOOL

PRIMARY SCHOOL Language Clubs

Language Clubs support student learning, in Chinese, English, French, German and Spanish, through enjoying activities such as crafts, art or cuisine.

Heritage Language Program

The Heritage Language Program is open to AIS and non-AIS students from 5K - Grade 5 and fosters home languages outside of the curriculum, currently Arabic, Dutch, Greek, Hindi, Kiswahili, Korean and Portuguese.

SECONDARY SCHOOL

School Supported Self-Taught Languages (SSST)

The IB promotes the literary heritage of a student’s home language. They can pursue native languages beyond our traditionallytaught languages.

SSST students are guided by a faculty member and partnered with an outside tutor.

Bilingual Diploma

Language learning allows your student to develop cognitive skills needed to be successful problem solvers in our intercultural world. All students graduate with skills to communicate in at least two languages, with some students earning a bilingual or even trilingual Diploma.

STUDENT SUPPORT

At AIS, we offer a wide array of services to ensure that the academic, social, emotional and personal needs of your child are met and that they reach their highest potential.

SCHOOL COUNSELING

Primary School

The personal/social education component of the IB PYP provides the framework for social and emotional issues, as well ensuring health and well-being for your student.

Secondary School

Your student’s school counselor is their advocate, helping them to be the most they can be. The school counselors work with parents, teachers, administrators and outside resources to provide every student with tools for successful growth and development.

School counselors emphasize developing a relationship with each student and enabling communication between students, teachers and parents.

LEARNING SUPPORT

Working with parents, students and teachers, our Learning Support specialists have one overarching goal – to ensure every child with a learning difference finishes strong. We support all students by identifying their unique learning needs.

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)

In the EAL program, our goal is to ensure that students’ English proficiency allows them to reach their highest academic potential. We work with students, parents, and teachers to identify each child’s needs and tailor lessons and teaching to support their English language skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

AT EVERY LEVEL

PRIMARY SCHOOL

3K & 4K

Early Learning Center (ELC)

All students participate in fully immersive French, German, Chinese or Spanish programs. Teachers are native speakers or of bilingual proficiency.

In the ELC, the IB Primary Years Program (PYP) engages your student in hands-on, play-based learning. Our faculty includes Art, Music, Library and PE teachers as well as a School Counselor, an Equity & Inclusion coordinator and a STEAM coach.

An ELC day includes indoor and outdoor learning, morning snack, lunch time and rest time. There are a minimum of two adults in each classroom.

ELC drop off time is from 7:40 - 8:20 a.m. and pick up is from 2:30 - 2:50 p.m. After school care is offered until 6:00 p.m. (subject to availability) and camps are offered during school breaks and the summer. The ELC is a nut free environment. Our meal program includes organic products with gluten-free options.

5K - GRADE 5 Primary Learning Center (PLC)

Every Primary student participates in a Chinese, French, German or Spanish language program.

French, German and Spanish are taught as dual immersion: 50% of learning is in English and 50% in French, German or Spanish. Chinese is taught as partial immersion: 70% in English, 30% in Chinese. All your students’ teachers will be native speakers or of bilingual proficiency.

The Primary Years Program (PYP) focuses on inquiry, conceptual understanding and transdisciplinary connections.

PLC faculty includes a STEAM coach, a digital coach, Learning Support teachers, school counselors, an Equity & Inclusion coordinator, library assistants, a curriculum coordinator and EAL teachers. Every day your student will enjoy Music, Art or PE, 2-3 recesses, snack and lunch (either from home or the school cafeteria). There are over 100 after school clubs, music lessons, sports and activities to choose from.

5K - Grade 5 drop off is 7:40 - 8:20 a.m. and pick up 3:00 - 3:20 p.m. After school care is available until 6:00 p.m. (depending on availability) and camps are offered during the school breaks and summer. The PLC is a nut safe environment. Our meal program includes organic products with gluten-free options.

AT EVERY LEVEL

PRIMARY SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Designed to reinforce the curriculum, after school programs provide a wonderful opportunity for your Primary School student to make friends, have extended play time, and enjoy activities that expand learning beyond the classroom.

They can choose from over 100 options including: Math Club, Junior Eagles Athletics, Language Clubs, STEAM clubs and many more. In addition, we offer after school care at Kaleidoscope After School, half and full day camps plus a range of summer camps.

KALEIDOSCOPE AFTER SCHOOL (KAS)

KAS starts after regular classes end offering a caring environment for students in 3K - Grade 5, until 6 p.m. daily. They enjoy playgrounds, gardens, activities, arts and crafts, or have quiet time for homework. There are childcare camps available on half days and during many school holidays.

Kaleidoscope After School registration opens at the start of the fall semester and places are offered as first come, first serve.

ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES

Atlanta International School offers after school enrichment for all students from 3K to Grade 5. The extensive program includes, depending on the age of the student; Playball, Ballet, Yoga, LEGO, Chess, Capoeira, Coding, Arts & Engineering, Magic, Creative Design, Sewing and more. Registration is opened at the start of the fall, winter and spring semesters and places are allocated on a first come, first serve basis.

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS

We have a highly regarded private music lesson programs which happen after the regular school day. There are lessons available to your student in cello, piano, harp, guitar, flute, clarinet, vocal training and more.

AT EVERY LEVEL

SECONDARY SCHOOL

GRADES 6 - 8

Middle School (MS)

All Middle School students follow the IB Middle Years Program. Their schedule is arranged over a nine day cycle during which they study 10 different courses. Some are options selected at the start of each Grade (such as computer science, additional languages, music ensembles and extended math) and others are universal. Students with a certain level of language proficiency can choose humanities courses taught in French, German or Spanish.

During MS your child will have many extracurricular activities available to them. They will be supported and encouraged to pursue their passions. MS athletics, theatre productions and community programs ensure there is something

for everyone

At the end of Grade 8, students and families enjoy graduation celebrations, including a formal awards evening.

GRADES 9 - 12 Upper School (US)

During the first two grades of Upper School (Grade 9 and 10), students continue with the IB Middle Years Program curriculum which culminates in a Personal Project Exhibition.

In Grades 11 and 12, all AIS students are entered into the prestigious IB Diploma Program. Students have over 50 course choices. Graduates also receive their Georgia High School Diploma.

The IB Diploma can be attained in more than one language (a bilingual or trilingual diploma) and STEM/STEAM endorsements are available.

All rising students in Grades 10 - 12 are encouraged to participate in an internship over the summer, where they are matched with one of our many partners in industry, professions and commerce.

US students enjoy a wide range of Junior Varsity and Varsity sports teams as well as numerous groups and activities to joinModel United Nations, Robotics, Mock Trial and AIS Players to name a few.

All Secondary School students have one hour of recess each day. The regular school day starts at 8:20 am and ends at 3:45 pm. There is also no-cost after school tutoring available as well as extended learning time options with both morning and afternoon study hall Meal plans and declining balance payments are available from the cafeteria or students are welcome to bring food from home.

AT EVERY LEVEL

SECONDARY SCHOOL BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

At Atlanta International School, we constantly ask ourselves, “How do we best prepare your student for the world beyond school?” The answer lies not only in the renowned IB curriculum they experience, but in the opportunities we offer outside the classroom.

In addition to the industry internships that many Grade 10 and 11 students complete as part of a STEM or STEAM Diploma Endorsement, students throughout Secondary School participate in other activities, including Global and Experiential Learning, Service as Action (SA), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), Athletics, Arts and more

CO-CURRICULAR & EXTRA CURRICULAR OFFERINGS

In addition to SA, your secondary school students has available to them: After School Study Hall, After School Tutoring, After School Music Lessons, Athletics, Model United Nations, MS Theater Tech Team, MS/US Theater Production, Yearbook, Ping Pong Club, Green Team, InVenture, MS Math Competition Club, MS Coding Club, FLL Robotics, MS Science Olympiad, AV Team, and more.

SERVICE AS ACTION (SA)

SA is a fundamental part of the Middle Years Program. All students in Grades 6 - 10 are involved by participating in projects that contribute to positive change (be that in school, the local area, or globally).

Projects are often initiated by students and connect to their classes.

SA group examples include; Feed the Community, Girls in Finance, Mock Trial, Events for Service Club and the LatinX Affinity Group.

CAS OFFERINGS

Another unique way in which AlS fosters world-ready leaders is through Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), an essential element of the IB Diploma Program. CAS extends learning beyond the classroom as students initiate and participate in experiences representing the three strands:

• Creativity: Arts and other experiences that involve creative thinking.

• Activity: Physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

• Service: Collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need.

For each CAS experience, students learn to initiate and plan, implement, take action and reflect to adapt course as necessary.

CAS experiences this year include: Robotics, Code for Change, Economics Club, Soaring Chords A Cappella Group and Children of the Forest.

EVERY LEVEL

AT EVERY LEVEL

COLLEGE COUNSELING MATRICULATION LIST

UNITED STATES

American University

Arcadia University

Auburn University*

Babson College*

Bates College

Bentley University*

Berry College

Boston University*

Bowdoin College

Bryn Mawr College

Bucknell University

Case Western Reserve University Chapman University

Claremont McKenna College*

Clemson University

Colgate University College of Charleston Columbia University*

DePaul University

Drexel University

Eckerd College

Elon University*

Emerson College

Emory University*

FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles*

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University*

Florida Atlantic University*

Florida State University

George Washington University*

Georgetown University

Georgia Institute of Technology*

Georgia State University*

Hampton University

Harvard University

Hobart William Smith Colleges*

Hofstra University*

Howard University

Indiana University Bloomington*

Kennesaw State University*

*Class of 2022 matriculations

Kent State University

Lehigh University

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University Chicago*

Lynn University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Miami University, Oxford Michigan State University*

Middlebury College*

Mississippi State University Morehouse College

New York University*

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University*

North Carolina State University, Raleigh Northeastern University*

Northern Michigan University

Oberlin College

Oxford College of Emory University

Pennsylvania State University

Pepperdine University*

Pitzer College

Pratt Institute*

Princeton University

Purdue University*

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute*

Rhodes College*

San Diego State University*

Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah*

Savannah College of Art & Design, Atlanta*

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

School of Visual Arts

Skidmore College

Smith College*

Southern Methodist University* Spelman College

Stanford University*

Syracuse University

Tennessee State University*

The New School

The University of Alabama*

Tufts University*

Tulane University of Louisiana

University of Alabama at Birmingham University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of Chicago University of Colorado Boulder University of Denver*

University of Florida University of Georgia*

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Kentucky University of Massachusetts Amherst*

University of Miami

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor University of New Haven University of North Carolina Asheville University of North Georgia University of Oregon*

University of Pennsylvania University of Puget Sound University of Rochester University of South Carolina University of Southern California*

University of Vermont*

University of Virginia

University of Washington, Seattle University of Wisconsin-Madison*

Vanderbilt University

Vassar College

Villanova University

Wake Forest University*

Washington and Lee University

Washington University in St. Louis

Yale University*

Xavier University of Louisiana*

INTERNATIONAL

AUSTRALIA

Queensland University of Technology

CANADA

Concordia University, Montreal McGill University*

Mount Allison University University of British Columbia University of British Columbia Okanagan

FRANCE Sciences Po*

GERMANY

Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie SAE Institute Munich * Technische Universitat Munchen Technische Universiteit Delft

NETHERLANDS

Universiteit van Amsterdam* University College Maastricht University of Groningen*

SPAIN

Universidad CEU San Pablo

SWITZERLAND

EHL- École Hôtelière de Lausanne

THE UNITED KINGDOM

Aberystwyth University

Durham University

King’s College London *

Lancaster University

Loughborough University Northumbria University*

Regent’s University London

Suffolk University*

The University of Edinburgh University of Exeter University of Glasgow University of Kent University of St. Andrews University of Sussex*

OFFERING MORE

GLOBAL & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Primary School students take trips each year and in Grade 5, have a residential trip to a country that supports their language learning. Recent destinations include China, Costa Rica, Germany and France.

Secondary School students have field trips at the start of each school year (locally, in neighboring states or to cities such as Washington DC) and have other opportunities to travel in support of their courses and cultural development. For example, the Model UN team visited The Hague, Theatre classes to New York, and students taking French visited Paris this fall.

INNOVATION

By being reflective risk-takers, AIS students are perfectly poised to innovate.

Innovation is found throughout our IB curriculum and through the learning and teaching methods at AIS. We strive to inspire your student to to shape their future for the better, and not be caught in the past.

Through interdisciplinary connections, developing the whole student, encouraging them to pursue a wide range of activities both in and out of school - innovations happen; through science, the arts, language, and a culture of a global outlook.

STEAM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, ARTS AND MATH)

In Primary School, STEAM is transdisciplinary. Your student will inquire and investigate without subject boundaries. In Secondary School, STEAM is interdisciplinary, where students integrate subject knowledge.

INNOVATION PROGRAMS

There are opportunities across the whole school to challenge boundaries of thinking and creativity, including: AIS Innovators, Da Vinci Fellowship, Lunch & Learn, Space Program, Summer Internship Program and WAIS-TV.

MAKERSPACES

We have dedicated Makerspaces in Primary and Secondary Schools.

Equipped with state of the art technology, students are encouraged to experiment with concepts and skills.

Whether it is 3D printing, laser cutting or crafting, the Makerspaces offer a place for students to develop understanding of the world.

OFFERING MORE

ATHLETICS

Atlanta International School offers a wide variety of sports each season. The athletic department is committed to promoting sportsmanship and character development at all levels - when competing, in practice or just when having fun.

Students also participate in Physical Education (PE) lessons as part of the IB curriculum. Classes are taught by Physical and Health Education teachers and by specialist athletics faculty and coaches.

PRIMARY SCHOOL

Children participate in a wide variety of sports. The program emphasizes basic skills and knowledge of the sport.

Offerings have included: basketball, Eagles on the Move (running/ fitness), golf, recreational soccer, soccer, tennis and volleyball.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

All students who try out are placed on teams and have the opportunity to compete against other schools. One goal of our Middle School program is to prepare for Upper School teams.

Offerings have included: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swim, tennis, track and field, ultimate frisbee and volleyball.

UPPER SCHOOL

All students Grades 9 - 12 can try out for athletics teams which are based on skill at this level. Upper School teams participate in the GHSA, aiming to compete at state level.

Offerings have included: basketball, cross country, eSports, golf, soccer, swim and dive, tennis, track and field, ultimate frisbee and volleyball.

Arts plays a critical role in developing students, as effective communicators, able to express creativity. Theatre, music, visual arts, and media & film emphasize creativity and innovation, and focus learning on the craft; processes and techniques of an art form.

As is central to the IB, students integrate their understanding and skills in the arts with local and global issues and challenges.

THEATRE

Through the IB courses and our Secondary School co-curricular theatre company, students develop a passion for the theatre. Their training helps them to take risks, solve problems, collaborate, persevere, listen and empathize.

VISUAL ARTS

All students participate in the IB Visual Arts program. It gives them an avenue to explore and inquire about the critical issues of the world, through artistic expression. Students have the opportunity to display artwork throughout the school.

MUSIC

Our department of music serves all students fomr 3K to Grade 12. Through academic music classes, co-curricular performance ensembles, and an extensive after school private lessons program, students create, participate in, and reflect upon music - from their own cultural backgrounds and those of others.

MEDIA & FILM

Practical, hands-on instruction allows students to experience many aspects of media production - such as different forms of media and skills in creating it. Classes focus on guiding students to understand the power of media as a tool of expression and investigation, enhancing their intercultural competencies.

PARENT ORGANIZATION

The AIS Parent Organization (PO) is at the heart of our vibrant, international community. The extensive range of committees, cultural clubs and events ensure that you and your family will find interests, make friends and have a sense of belonging. Throughout the year the PO promotes the school through flagship events, like Worldfest, and other projects, programs and activities. Every family is automatically a member of the PO when they join the school. The Parent Organization enhances school, by building a strong community and offering resources.

PO Clubs include: Amigos Hispanic Culture Club, Asian Culture Club (ACC), Ensemble French Culture Club, Deutsch Connection German Culture Club, and Harambee Culture Club for the Black and/or AfricanAmerican, African or Caribbean Population at AIS.

PO Committees: Ambassador Committee, Arts Boosters, Learning Differentiation, Parent Programs, Primary School STEAM team, Secondary School STEAM Team, Sports Boosters, Teacher Appreciation Committee, and Worldfest Committee

ALUMNI

Around the world, AIS alumni are carrying out the school’s mission as courageous leaders who shape their world for the better.

The alumni network grew to over 1880 this year, since our first graduation in 1992.

Alumni are an important part of school life and foster the diverse AIS community.

The AIS Alumni Board membership represents diverse backgrounds, professions, and cities all over the world. Together they advance the mission of AIS by cultivating and amplifying the alumni voice, creating opportunities to positively impact students.

THE EAGLES FUND

The Eagles Fund is the annual AIS giving fund and is central to the unique educational experience we offer to every student. The Eagles Fund is the philanthropic priority for the school, making the difference between ordinary and what is extraordinary at AIS.