Atlanta International School: What Atlanta Families Need to Know

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.

Overview of Atlanta International School

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.

• Address (Main Campus):
  Atlanta International School
  2890 North Fulton Drive NE
  Atlanta, GA 30305
  Phone: (404) 841-3840

AIS is a private, coeducational day school serving students from 3-year-old preschool through Grade 12. It’s known for:

• A strong International Baccalaureate (IB) program
• Bilingual education in the early and primary years
• A very international community, with students and families from many countries
• A campus that combines historic buildings with modern learning facilities

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.

Academic Programs at AIS

Grade Levels and Structure

Atlanta International School is organized roughly as:

• Early Learning (3K & 4K) – Preschool
• Primary School – Kindergarten through Grade 5
• Middle School – Grades 6–8
• Upper School – Grades 9–12

Each division has its own leadership and guidance systems but shares the same global mission and campus.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Focus

AIS is known as an IB World School. While specific offerings can evolve, families commonly encounter:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) – for younger grades
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) – for middle school years
• Diploma Programme (DP) – for grades 11–12

For Atlanta parents comparing private schools, this IB focus often stands out compared to more traditional AP-centered high schools. The IB approach emphasizes:

• Critical thinking and research
• Inquiry-based learning
• Cross-cultural understanding
• Strong writing and presentation skills

This can be particularly appealing if your family is international, moves frequently, or values a globally recognized diploma.

Bilingual and Language Programs

One of the most distinctive features of Atlanta International School is its bilingual education, especially in the early and primary years.

Bilingual Tracks

Families can typically choose between language tracks such as:

• English + German
• English + French
• English + Spanish

In the younger grades, students learn in two languages, not just take a single daily language class. This means:

• Academic subjects (like math, social studies, and science) are taught in both the primary language and the partner language
• Students become comfortable speaking, reading, and writing in more than one language from an early age

This is particularly attractive to:

• Expat and international families in Atlanta who want continuity with European or Latin American schooling
• Local families who want children to grow up with true bilingual fluency, not just basic language exposure

By middle and upper school, world language learning continues, and many students work at advanced or near-native levels.

Campus, Location, and Getting There

Where AIS Fits in Atlanta

Being in Buckhead, AIS sits in an area with:

• Access to Peachtree Road and major surface streets
• Proximity to GA-400 and the I-85/I-75 connector via surface routes
• Reasonable driving distance from Midtown, Morningside, and Brookhaven

Unlike some suburban schools, AIS is not directly on a MARTA rail line, so most students arrive via:

• Carpool / parent drop-off and pick-up
• School bus options (where offered, for specific areas)
• Teen drivers in Upper School, subject to campus parking rules

Campus Feel

The AIS campus combines:

• Historic school buildings
• Modern classroom spaces and labs
• Arts and athletic facilities
• Green spaces and courtyards

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.

Admissions: How Atlanta Families Typically Apply

Who Applies

Families in Atlanta often consider AIS if they:

• Want a bilingual or international education
• Are relocating from abroad and want a familiar IB framework
• Prefer an independent school with smaller class sizes compared to many public schools
• Have long-term plans that may include university abroad or continued international moves

Admissions Process Basics

While specifics change by year, the admissions process usually involves:

1. Inquiry and School Tour

   • Many families start with an open house or individual tour.
   • You can contact the school’s Admissions Office by phone through the main line to get dates.

2. Application Submission

   • Families submit an application by published deadlines, often several months ahead of the intended start date.
   • There are typically different timelines for younger grades vs. upper school.

3. Assessments and Visits

   • Younger children may do play-based assessments or classroom visits.
   • Older students may complete academic assessments, writing samples, and sometimes an interview.

4. Records and Recommendations

   • Most applicants provide report cards, teacher recommendations, and school records, especially for middle and upper school entry.

5. Decision and Enrollment

   • Admissions decisions are usually communicated in line with the broader Atlanta independent school admissions calendar (often in late winter/early spring).

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.

Tuition and Financial Considerations

Atlanta International School is a tuition-based private school. Costs typically include:

• Annual tuition (varies by grade level; upper grades are usually higher)
• Fees for books, technology, uniforms (if required), and activities
• Optional costs like after-school care, athletics, trips, and clubs

For a family comparing schools around town, AIS tuition is generally:

• In the same broad range as other leading Atlanta independent schools
• A major financial commitment that many families plan for well in advance

Financial Aid

AIS typically offers need-based financial aid. While terms can vary:

• Families submit financial aid applications, often through a third-party service
• Aid is usually awarded based on demonstrated need, not just merit
• Funds may be limited, so applying on time is important

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.

Student Life and Community

International Community

AIS draws families from:

• Many parts of metro Atlanta
• Diplomatic and consular communities
• International companies around Perimeter, Midtown, and Downtown
• Universities such as Emory University, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State

This mix creates a culturally diverse environment, where:

• Multiple languages are heard daily
• School events often celebrate different national traditions
• Students are used to classmates coming and going due to international moves

Activities and Extracurriculars

While offerings change over time, AIS generally emphasizes:

• Athletics – Competing with other independent schools in the greater Atlanta area
• Performing arts and visual arts – Including theater, music, and exhibitions
• Clubs and service – Such as Model United Nations, language and cultural clubs, and community service initiatives

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.

How AIS Compares Within the Atlanta Education Landscape

Atlanta has a wide range of schooling options:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and nearby public districts like DeKalb, Fulton, and Cobb
• Other independent schools with different missions and religious or secular orientations
• Charter schools and magnet programs focused on STEM, arts, or language

Within this landscape, Atlanta International School stands out for:

• Its IB and bilingual focus from early years through high school
• Its strong global orientation and international enrollment
• Its central intown location compared with some independent schools that are further north in Sandy Springs or beyond

It tends to appeal most to families who:

• Place a high value on global education and language fluency
• Expect to move internationally or want children to be comfortable in a global setting
• Prefer an urban, culturally diverse environment over a more suburban campus model

Practical Tips for Atlanta Families Considering AIS

Here are simple, locally grounded steps if you’re thinking about Atlanta International School:

Key Contact Information

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:

• Admissions Office – for tours, open house dates, and application details
• Business Office – for tuition, billing, and financial aid questions
• Division Offices – for Early Learning, Primary, Middle, or Upper School queries

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.