Atlanta International School: A Practical Guide for Atlanta Families

Atlanta International School (AIS) is one of the city’s most recognized independent schools, especially for families seeking bilingual education and a global learning environment. If you live in Atlanta, are relocating here, or are comparing school options, understanding how AIS works in the local context can help you decide whether it fits your family’s needs.

Where Atlanta International School Is and Who It Serves

Atlanta International School is located in the Buckhead area at:

Atlanta International School
2890 North Fulton Drive NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Main Phone: (commonly available on the school’s official website)

The campus is in a residential, tree-lined part of Buckhead, convenient to:

• North Fulton Drive, Peachtree Road, and Roswell Road
• Major neighborhoods like Buckhead, Brookhaven, Morningside, Virginia-Highland, Midtown, and Sandy Springs

Families from across the city of Atlanta and surrounding metro area commonly enroll, so it is not limited to one attendance zone the way Atlanta Public Schools (APS) schools are.

AIS offers programs from Early Years (preschool) through Grade 12, so it can be a long-term school home for students.

What Makes Atlanta International School Distinct in Atlanta

1. International Baccalaureate (IB) Focus

AIS is known in Atlanta for its International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, often covering:

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

For Atlanta families, this can be a major draw if:

• You want a rigorous, globally oriented curriculum
• You anticipate future moves abroad or international university options
• You prefer inquiry-based learning rather than traditional lecture-heavy instruction

If you’re comparing AIS with other Atlanta options, keep in mind:

• Many public and private schools in Atlanta offer strong academics, but fully IB-focused, bilingual programs are less common.
• IB credentials are widely recognized by universities in the U.S. and abroad, which can be appealing to expat and international families living in Atlanta.

2. Bilingual and Language-Rich Environment

One of AIS’s most defining features in the Atlanta landscape is its emphasis on bilingual education. While specifics can change, AIS typically offers instruction and programs involving languages such as:

• French
• German
• Spanish
• English as the primary language of instruction, with intensive additional language options

For families in Atlanta, this matters if:

• You speak another language at home and want continuity for your child
• You are coming from a European, Latin American, or other international school system
• You want your child to build real proficiency in a second (or third) language, not just a few hours per week

3. Diverse and International Community

Compared with many other Atlanta schools, AIS often draws:

• Expatriate families relocating to Atlanta for corporate, consulate, or academic roles
• Local Atlanta families who prioritize global perspectives
• Students with multiple nationalities or cultural backgrounds

For a child growing up in Atlanta, that can mean:

• Regular exposure to classmates from different countries and cultures
• Global holidays, festivals, and traditions highlighted in school life
• A strong sense that Atlanta is connected to the wider world, not just the Southeast

School Levels at Atlanta International School

Early Years (Preschool and Kindergarten)

AIS’s Early Years program typically serves children around ages 3–5 (exact ages and cutoffs are available through the school). For Atlanta parents, this stage may look different from a standard daycare or preschool:

• A blend of play-based learning and early academics
• Early exposure to bilingual classrooms
• A full-day schedule, which can be helpful for working parents in the Atlanta area

If you live in busy areas like Buckhead, Midtown, or Brookhaven, AIS can serve as both a school and childcare solution, though it is an independent school, not day care priced or structured like typical childcare centers.

Primary / Elementary School

In the primary years, AIS usually integrates:

• Core subjects (math, literacy, science, social studies) through an IB framework
• Language immersion or strong language components
• Expanded specials such as art, music, and physical education

For Atlanta families, this can feel different from APS or other private elementary schools in that:

• There is often more project-based, interdisciplinary work
• Children are encouraged to ask questions and explore themes through global lenses
• Families may encounter a more international-style school culture (terminology, expectations, and assessments) than in a traditional U.S. elementary school

Middle School

During middle school, AIS tends to emphasize:

• Critical thinking and inquiry projects
• Continued language study and multicultural perspectives
• Development of independence and personal responsibility

In the context of Atlanta, AIS can be appealing at this stage if you are:

• Looking for a cohesive 6–12 experience rather than switching schools
• Interested in an environment where international issues and current events are woven into curriculum
• Seeking smaller community feel than some large public middle schools

High School (Upper School)

For grades 9–12, AIS students typically move toward the IB Diploma Programme. This often includes:

• Advanced courses across subjects like literature, sciences, math, history, languages, and the arts
• Extended essay and other research-driven projects
• Community service and creativity/action components

Families in Atlanta often see AIS high school as a good fit if:

• You want a challenging, well-recognized academic path
• Your child may apply to universities in the U.S. and abroad
• You value a global issues focus over a purely U.S.-centric curriculum

Admissions: How to Apply from Atlanta or Abroad

Who Typically Applies

You’ll likely see applications from:

• Local Atlanta residents (both city and suburbs)
• Families relocating from other U.S. states
• International transfers moving into Atlanta for work or study

AIS is an independent school, so it has its own admissions process, separate from APS, Fulton County Schools, or DeKalb County Schools.

General Admissions Steps

While specific requirements can change year to year, expect something like:

1. Initial inquiry
   • Submitting an inquiry form and signing up for an information session or open house
2. Application form
   • Online application with student and family details
3. School records and recommendations
   • Transcripts, teacher recommendations, and sometimes standardized test scores
4. Assessments or evaluations
   • Age-appropriate screenings, interviews, or language assessments, especially for entry into bilingual or advanced language tracks
5. Family meeting or interview
   • Helps determine mutual fit and answer questions about the IB and international focus
6. Decision notification and enrollment deadline

For Atlanta-area families, it’s important to note:

• Application timelines often align with other private schools in Buckhead and Midtown, with main entry points in Early Years, kindergarten, and 9th grade, though spots may open in other grades.
• Mid-year entry is sometimes possible, especially for international transferees, but can be more limited.

Tuition, Fees, and Financial Considerations

As with most independent schools in Atlanta, AIS charges annual tuition, which can be a major budget item for families. While exact figures change over time, you should anticipate costs generally in line with other well-known private schools in the Buckhead and North Atlanta area.

Key financial points for Atlanta families:

• Tuition: Typically covers instruction and general school operations.
• Additional costs may include:
  • Fees for extracurriculars, athletics, or clubs
  • Bus transportation if offered to your area
  • Technology, books, field trips, and some special events
• Financial aid: AIS, like many independent schools, may offer need-based financial assistance. Atlanta families with moderate to high costs-of-living may find it worthwhile to explore this option.
• Corporate or consulate support: Some international companies and organizations based in Atlanta may help cover tuition as part of expat relocation packages.

Because Atlanta has a broad range of school options (public, charter, religious, and secular independent schools), many families compare tuition, financial aid opportunities, and commute times side by side before committing.

Transportation and Daily Logistics

Getting to Campus

AIS’s Buckhead location makes it accessible from many core Atlanta neighborhoods:

• Approximate driving access via North Fulton Drive, Peachtree Street/Peachtree Road, Piedmont Road, and GA-400
• Proximity to major employment hubs in Midtown, Buckhead, and Perimeter

Common transportation setups:

• Carpooling with other families from the same area
• School bus service, if offered and available on your route
• Public transit plus short ride: Some families use MARTA to Buckhead or Lindbergh Center stations, then drive or rideshare the rest of the way

Atlanta traffic can significantly impact commute time, so local families often:

• Factor in rush-hour conditions on GA-400, I-85, and surface streets
• Consider where they live (e.g., Grant Park vs. Sandy Springs) in relation to daily drop-off and pick-up

Daily Schedule

Like most Atlanta independent schools, AIS typically runs:

• A full-day schedule Monday through Friday
• After-school activities, clubs, or sports that extend the day for many students

Parents who work in Midtown, Downtown, or Perimeter often appreciate that the Buckhead location sits roughly in the middle of these corridors, making both drop-off and after-school pickup more manageable.

Campus Life and Student Experience

Academics and Workload

AIS students often experience:

• A rigorous workload, especially in upper grades due to IB requirements
• Emphasis on writing, presentations, and critical thinking
• Regular engagement with global themes—such as sustainability, cultural identity, and international relations

Atlanta parents commonly ask how this compares to local schools. In general:

• IB-style coursework can feel more writing and project heavy than some AP-focused programs.
• The international focus may introduce world literature, global history, and multilingual texts earlier than in some traditional programs.

Extracurriculars and Athletics

AIS offers a variety of:

• Student clubs (model UN, language clubs, arts and performance, STEM clubs, etc.)
• Sports teams that may compete with other independent or local schools
• Fine arts programs, such as music, drama, and visual arts

This mirrors many other Atlanta private schools, but with a community that often emphasizes:

• Global citizenship activities
• Multicultural events and international festivals
• Service projects that may connect local Atlanta issues (such as urban development or environmental concerns) with global perspectives

How AIS Fits into the Broader Atlanta School Landscape

When you’re choosing a school in Atlanta, AIS is one option within a large ecosystem that includes:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) and neighboring districts (Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, etc.)
• Magnet and charter schools with specialized programs (STEM, arts, language)
• Religious and secular independent schools across Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, and the northern suburbs

AIS may be a particularly strong match for families who:

• Expect international moves or are already part of the global workforce in Atlanta
• Want bilingual or language-intensive education starting from a young age
• Prefer a diverse student body with many nationalities represented
• Value the IB framework and its approach to critical thinking, research, and global awareness

Families who prefer:

• A neighborhood-based public school,
• A strong athletic powerhouse environment, or
• A religious education

may gravitate toward other Atlanta options instead.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Families Considering AIS

1. Visit the campus in person
Campus layout, classroom dynamics, and community feel are easier to understand when you walk the grounds in Buckhead. Many families schedule:

• Open houses
• Campus tours
• Information sessions

2. Plan for traffic and commute
Before applying, try the morning and afternoon drive from your neighborhood. This gives a realistic sense of how AIS will fit your daily routine.

3. Ask specifically about language placement
If your child is:

• New to a second language, or
• Already fluent and just moving to Atlanta

clarify how AIS will place them in language tracks or bilingual programs so they are both challenged and supported.

4. Compare IB with other curricula in Atlanta
Talk with the admissions team or college counseling staff about how AIS students typically:

• Transition to Atlanta-area universities (Georgia Tech, Emory, Georgia State, etc.)
• Apply to out-of-state or international universities

5. Explore financial aid early
If cost is a concern, start conversations about tuition assistance as early as possible, since deadlines often align with the main admissions cycle.

Quick-Reference Snapshot: Atlanta International School

Atlanta International School occupies a unique place in the city’s educational landscape: a Buckhead-based, IB-driven, language-focused option that blends Atlanta roots with an unmistakably international outlook. For many families living in or moving to Atlanta, it’s worth a close look alongside public, charter, and other independent schools as you decide what kind of learning environment best fits your child.