Atlanta, Georgia, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta International School (AIS) is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1985, AIS has grown into a leading educational institution offering International Baccalaureate programs. The school has initiated innovative programs for student-athletes and partnerships for sports training, all while maintaining a strong community focus. Celebrations include community events and discussions reflecting on the school’s global education impact.
Atlanta, Georgia has a lot to celebrate as the Atlanta International School (AIS) marks its 40th anniversary on September 3, 2023. Since its inception in 1985 with just 51 students in a converted army barracks on Powers Ferry Road, AIS has evolved significantly, reflecting the growth of Atlanta as a major global city.
AIS is currently the only school in the Southeast U.S. to offer all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, catering to students aged 3 to 19. The school is known for its dual-immersion programs in Chinese, Spanish, French, and German. These programs provide students with unique opportunities for language acquisition and cultural understanding.
In recent years, AIS has introduced AISx, an innovation program designed to help student-athletes balance their athletic training with their K-12 education. This initiative exemplifies AIS’s commitment to fostering both academic and extracurricular excellence. Additionally, the school collaborates with the Atlanta United academy on various development initiatives to support young athletes.
Another significant partnership includes the recent collaboration with the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, which is situated at the new AIS Sandy Springs campus. This partnership aims to provide top-tier tennis training alongside AIS’s rigorous academic programs, enhancing the overall experience for students interested in sports.
The head of school, Kevin Glass, emphasizes the mission of AIS, which focuses on inclusivity, innovation, and critical thinking. This mission resonates with the diverse community that makes up the school and goes beyond merely educating students; it aims to prepare them for a globalized world.
As one of the first international schools in Atlanta, AIS has played an essential role in supporting the city’s growing appeal to international diplomats and businesses. The school’s founders envisioned an educational environment tailored for expatriates, displaying remarkable foresight when Atlanta was just beginning to host significant global events.
To commemorate its 40th anniversary, AIS is organizing a series of festive events, including community gatherings that will continue throughout the year. The celebrations will feature student retrospectives and forward-thinking discussions with alumni focused on the global impact of education and personal experiences.
AIS has carved out a vital niche in Atlanta’s vibrant and diverse community. It continues to inspire interest in international education and remains fondly remembered for sparking this interest at a time when the city lacked major global experiences.
This landmark celebration not only honors the school’s past but also sets the stage for its future as it adapts to the evolving educational landscape and continues to prioritize the global needs of its students.
FAQ Section
What is the Atlanta International School’s milestone anniversary?
AIS is celebrating its 40th anniversary as of September 3, 2023.
What year was Atlanta International School founded?
AIS began in 1985 with 51 students in a converted army barracks on Powers Ferry Road.
What programs does Atlanta International School offer?
AIS is now the only school in the Southeast U.S. to offer all four International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, catering to ages 3 to 19.
How does AIS support student-athletes?
AIS has introduced AISx, an innovation program that allows student-athletes to balance their training with K-12 education.
What languages are included in AIS’s dual-immersion programs?
AIS provides dual-immersion programs in Chinese, Spanish, French, and German.
What partnerships does AIS have for sports training?
AIS has recently partnered with the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, located at the new AIS Sandy Springs campus, and collaborates with the Atlanta United academy on development initiatives.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Anniversary | 40th anniversary celebrated on September 3, 2023 |
| Foundation Year | Founded in 1985 |
| Initial Enrollment | 51 students |
| Programs Offered | All four International Baccalaureate (IB) programs |
| Ages Served | 3 to 19 |
| Languages | Chinese, Spanish, French, German |
| Recent Initiatives | AISx program for student-athletes |
| Partnerships | Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, Atlanta United academy |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Mayor Rejects Federal Funding for Diversity Programs
Sioux City Hosts Premiere of Sean McGarry’s Feature Film
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Opens Season with Stutzmann
Impact of Government Shutdown on Georgia Federal Employees
Atlanta Business Leaders Support Mayor Dickens’ Grant Rejection
Federal Government Shutdown Affects Atlanta Workers
Atlanta Airport Prioritizes DEI Programs Over Federal Funding
U.S. Government Shutdown: Impacts on Federal Workers in Georgia
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Operations Unaffected by Government Shutdown
Construction of Cricket Stadium Begins in LaGrange
Additional Resources
- Global Atlanta: Worldfest
- Atlanta Jewish Times: Middle East Tensions
- Global Atlanta: AIS Worldfest 2024
- Global Atlanta: AIS 40th Anniversary
- Google Search: Atlanta International School
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
