Atlanta International School (AIS) is one of the city’s best-known independent, international, and bilingual schools, located in the heart of Buckhead. If you live in Atlanta, are relocating here, or are exploring school options with a global focus, AIS is often on the shortlist.
Below is a clear, locally focused guide to how Atlanta International School works, what makes it distinctive, and what Atlanta families typically want to know.
Location:
Atlanta International School is based in Buckhead, just north of Midtown, in a historic campus setting that’s relatively central and accessible from many intown neighborhoods.
AIS is a private, coeducational day school serving students from 3-year-old preschool through Grade 12. It’s known for:
It attracts families from Buckhead, Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, and beyond, as well as international families moving to Atlanta for corporate, consular, or university roles.
Atlanta International School is organized roughly as:
Each division has its own leadership and guidance systems but shares the same global mission and campus.
AIS is known as an IB World School. While specific offerings can evolve, families commonly encounter:
For Atlanta parents comparing private schools, this IB focus often stands out compared to more traditional AP-centered high schools. The IB approach emphasizes:
This can be particularly appealing if your family is international, moves frequently, or values a globally recognized diploma.
One of the most distinctive features of Atlanta International School is its bilingual education, especially in the early and primary years.
Families can typically choose between language tracks such as:
In the younger grades, students learn in two languages, not just take a single daily language class. This means:
This is particularly attractive to:
By middle and upper school, world language learning continues, and many students work at advanced or near-native levels.
Being in Buckhead, AIS sits in an area with:
Unlike some suburban schools, AIS is not directly on a MARTA rail line, so most students arrive via:
The AIS campus combines:
For many Atlanta families used to urban traffic and dense development, the campus can feel like a quieter enclave, even though it’s still inside the city.
Families in Atlanta often consider AIS if they:
While specifics change by year, the admissions process usually involves:
Inquiry and School Tour
Application Submission
Assessments and Visits
Records and Recommendations
Decision and Enrollment
Because AIS is popular and has a global reputation, some grades can be competitive and waitlist-only, especially in entry years like kindergarten, 6th grade, and 9th grade.
Atlanta International School is a tuition-based private school. Costs typically include:
For a family comparing schools around town, AIS tuition is generally:
AIS typically offers need-based financial aid. While terms can vary:
For the most up-to-date tuition and aid information, calling the Business Office or Admissions Office at the main number is usually the best step.
AIS draws families from:
This mix creates a culturally diverse environment, where:
While offerings change over time, AIS generally emphasizes:
For Atlanta families, this means students aren’t just in class; they’re often engaged in a full school community life, sometimes on evenings and weekends.
Atlanta has a wide range of schooling options:
Within this landscape, Atlanta International School stands out for:
It tends to appeal most to families who:
Here are simple, locally grounded steps if you’re thinking about Atlanta International School:
| Step | What to Do | Local Angle |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check commute times | Drive during actual drop-off/pick-up hours from your neighborhood (e.g., East Atlanta vs. Sandy Springs) to see if daily traffic is realistic. |
| 2 | Attend an admissions event | Open houses give a feel for how AIS compares with other intown private schools. |
| 3 | Ask about language fit | If your child already speaks French, German, or Spanish from another school (in Atlanta or abroad), ask about placement. |
| 4 | Discuss financial planning | Compare AIS tuition with other independent schools you’re considering and ask about financial aid deadlines. |
| 5 | Talk to current parents | Many Atlanta neighborhoods have AIS families; informal conversations can provide grounded, day-to-day perspectives. |
For the most current information on programs, admissions, and tuition, you can reach:
Atlanta International School
2890 North Fulton Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Main Phone: (404) 841-3840
When you call, you can ask to be connected to:
Atlanta International School is a major part of the city’s international and educational landscape. For families in or moving to Atlanta who want a bilingual, globally focused education in an intown setting, it is one of the core options to explore.
