Community & Belonging
Intentional Inclusivity
Our student body represents the diversity of our nation and our world, with almost half of our families hailing from various international locations. It is important that we acknowledge and celebrate our local, national and international identities.
We are intentionally inclusive; this means we actively foster an environment where every individual feels valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity. This commitment goes beyond simply recognizing diversity; it involves a conscious effort to understand and appreciate the unique experiences and contributions of each member of our community. We are honored that our school resides in the heart of Atlanta - the center of the Civil Rights Movement and home to many of its leaders of the time.
Building Communities of Belonging
Our Vision
We believe that a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and just community is vital to our mission of developing courageous leaders who shape their world for the better. Realizing this vision requires that we commit to developing intercultural understanding, promoting equitable access and social justice, and strengthening our restorative practices.
Collaborating across cultures and languages is a way of life at AIS.
Our Initiatives
The founders of AIS sought to create a private school based on the principles of inclusion and internationalism that offers a diverse international community.
As an IB school, we are committed to the mission of IB that “Develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
We promote their vision and our values of mutual respect and understanding, in an intentionally inclusive and intercultural community through our AIS community initiatives that are located in our monthly newsletter.
Community and Belonging Statement
The purpose of the Community and Belonging Department at Atlanta International School is to cultivate a school culture that promotes the well-being, safety, support, and equity of our students and staff. Through educating our community on restorative justice, equity, and the impact of identity-based harm (regardless of intent) we promote environments of inclusion and belonging.
We affirm that children require developmentally appropriate guidance to enrich their understanding of our Core Values. When behaviors are misaligned with the AIS mission, vision, and core values, we use healing-centered approaches that address the root causes in conjunction with opportunities for education and learning. We avoid blame, punishment, and disciplinary strategies that can further exacerbate the attitudes and biases that may have prompted the event(s). Our philosophy of discipline emphasizes a positive approach in which the student is gradually guided towards an experience of self-management and self-discipline.
While we understand that all members of the community develop their own personal values, it is important that the mission, vision, and core values of AIS are understood and respected by every community member.
Land Acknowledgement
Atlanta International School is located on the ancestral territory of Muskogean speaking peoples who lived in this region since time immemorial.
We acknowledge that the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was forcibly removed by the impact of settler colonialism in the 19th century.
This land sustained their rich culture and legacy and they were the original stewards of this land. We intentionally seek to amplify Indigenous voices through cultivating a partnership with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to educate our community of their history, culture, and continued significance within our local region.
Buckhead Local History
Atlanta International School recognizes that what is now Buckhead was once the thriving African American community of Macedonia Park which began in the late 1800s.
The area was informally renamed from Macedonia to Bagley by the members of the community to honor William Bagley, a local grocery store owner who became the neighborhood's community leader of the 400 families that settled there. Through discriminatory and racist practices, this community was eradicated by 1952.
At AIS we seek to honor the existence of the Bagley community and the legacy of William Bagley through the education of our community.
