As the global economy grows more interconnected, multilingualism continually proves a valuable tool in the work force, at least according to Kevin Glass, headmaster of Atlanta International School, which focuses on developing what it calls “global citizens.”
Founded in 1985 with an inaugural class of 51 students, AIS offers a range of language programs in Spanish, French and German — including dual immersion — for 1,160 students from kindergarten to grade 12. The school rings in 30 years of operation this fall through a series of cultural events and activities intended to embrace diversity.
To celebrate the milestone, the school will host a WorldFest international festival on October 25 and a German Christmas market in December which will each draw on a 30-year-anniversary theme, the school says.
In the spring of 2016, the incoming kindergarten class plans to bury a time capsule on campus to be excavated when they graduate in 2030.
“As we think forward to their world of 2030, we have been asking, ‘What are we doing now to get them ready for that imagined future?’” said Mr. Glass, who called the time capsule concept “totally fascinating.”
Mr. Glass said that in addition to the cognitive benefits associated with learning multiple languages at a young age, students at Atlanta International School develop a “multidimensional worldview” that prepares them well for adulthood.
“Language is a lens into other cultures and perspectives,” Mr. Glass told Global Atlanta. “You have to empathize with other cultures to be a global citizen.”
Mr. Glass said the school also aims to provide students with the teamwork and coping skills necessary to collectively meet challenges and overcome failure in the professional world.
“All of the employers we’ve been talking to and the universities are telling us that many of the 20-somethings they’re seeing really struggle with failure or disappointment,” said Mr. Glass, who explained how society today has “over-managed” and “over-scheduled” children.
“We’re giving our kids lot of opportunities to fail together and learn from that failure,” he added.
Mr. Glass said the school plans to add around 150 students and expand its campus over the next few years to meet enrollment demands.
For more information, visit www.aischool.org.
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