Counseling

Atlanta International School offers a comprehensive counseling program across all three divisions. Each division varies its services and emphasis appropriately for the needs of the children served. However, all counselors at Atlanta International School adhere to the Ethical Standards for School Counselors adopted by the American School Counselors Association:

• treat each person with respect and dignity
• advocate for and affirm access to comprehensive school counseling for all student populations
• provide the information and support needed by each student to move in a positive direction with special attention given to those who have not historically received adequate educational services
• insure that each person understand the full magnitude and meaning of his/her choices
• respect each person’s right to privacy

Counselors work to assure the community of ethical behavior and their commitment to standards of integrity, leadership, and professionalism as well as their honest effort to serve the needs of each student in their care. 

Primary School Counseling at AIS

During the primary school years, department members provide opportunities to students, through guidance education and counseling, to form solid foundations for personal, social and emotional well-being. The Personal/Social Education (PSE) component of the IB-PYP Curriculum provides the models, processes, and vocabulary for handling social and personal issues, as well as for ensuring health and well-being for every student. Positive attitudes, critical thinking skills, and healthy behaviors help the balanced learner go forward with confidence and resilience at the conclusion of the Primary Years Programme.

Middle School Counseling at AIS

During the middle school years the counseling program provides opportunities, education and guidance for positive self-discovery. Through a comprehensive developmental counseling program, the counselor addresses the personal/social and academic needs for the students. The counselor is an advocate for the student, believing that students will grow to be the most they can be, given support and direction by a counselor. The counselor works collaboratively with parents, teachers, and administrators and outside resources to provide each middle school student with the necessary tools for successful growth and development through open communication, patience, understanding and, above all, caring. Developing relationships with each other enables the counselor, the student, and the parents to communicate and work well together for the benefit of each student.

Upper School Counseling at AIS

Upper school counselors assume responsibility for the personal/social and academic needs and growth of the students in their care as well as the college process of those students. Counselors are advocates for the student, believing that students will grow to be the most they can be, given support and direction by caring counselors. Developing a relationship with a student from grade 9 enables the counselor, the student, and the parents to communicate and work well together for the benefit of each student.