Atlanta International School Leaders Head to China to Promote Boarding Program, Multicultural Education

Atlanta International School (AIS)’s upcoming recruiting trip to China is just one of the institution’s efforts to extend its multilingual, culturally diverse academic experience to families at home and abroad.  

AIS administrators will travel to China Nov. 13-18 to talk with prospective students and their families about the reasons AIS is the best choice for students aspiring to become the next generation of global leaders. 

AIS Head of School Kevin Glass sees this trip – and others that his team have made to different global markets including Brazil, Mexico and South Korea – as critical for extending the school’s reach and growing its diverse body of students.  

“When students come to Atlanta from other countries, they bring their rich cultures and knowledge to our school community. We all benefit from learning from each other within AIS’s world-class International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum.” 

AIS’s student body is a blend of about half expatriate families and half locals living in the Atlanta area. But in 2025, thanks to the school’s new boarding program on its Sandy Springs campus, students from around the world will be coming to live and study. 

Mr. Glass adds that AIS’s international recruitment contributes to Atlanta’s continual growth as an international city by drawing families from many countries and cultural backgrounds. 

Multilingual, Multicultural Education 

Whether attending the day school or the boarding school, students at AIS are immersed in multilingual learning, which is an integral part of their experience, says Yipeng Wang, Head of Chinese Language. 

The school offers language immersion programs in English, Chinese, French, German and Spanish, allowing students to develop fluency in multiple languages from an early age.  

For families with international ties, particularly those with a presence in China, the opportunity to cultivate Mandarin skills alongside other global languages is a distinct advantage, Mr. Wang asserts.

“Multilingual students have a competitive edge in the business world but are also better equipped to navigate cross-cultural environments in their daily lives.” 

AIS also actively fosters a sense of global citizenship, according to Mr. Glass.

“The student body represents more than 90 countries, creating a diverse and dynamic environment where cultural exchange is part of everyday life. This exposure to different worldviews enriches students’ perspectives and helps them build strong connections with peers from around the globe,” he says. 

For Chinese families, this international focus provides an opportunity for their children to maintain strong cultural ties to China while embracing the global community. The school regularly hosts events and activities that celebrate Chinese culture, including Lunar New Year celebrations, further embedding a sense of pride in Chinese heritage within a broader multicultural context. 

Chinese language students Jade Penrod and Brent Shi have found AIS to be a welcoming environment that celebrates their own cultures and enhances their Mandarin skills while challenging their intellect. 

“Being able to have conversations in Mandarin with people who are not from the same background as me is really cool,” says Penrod. “Socially, that’s led me to have more friends, and academically it has given me more opportunities.” 

Shi says diversity extends beyond nationality and ethnicity at AIS.

“A unique part of Atlanta International School is how the curriculum is able to really highlight the different thoughts and perspectives of the members of our community,” says Shi.  

The International Baccalaureate Program 

AIS’s curriculum is centered around the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is recognized by universities and employers around the world for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking.  

The program challenges AIS students to think beyond traditional boundaries and engage in inquiry-based learning that fosters creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. 

The IB program’s global perspective encourages students to analyze complex global issues from multiple angles, providing them with the intellectual tools necessary to address challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.  

“The IB curriculum is rigorous, but it’s incredibly rewarding, and you’ll come out of it more prepared for college and more prepared for life in general, because of all the things it teaches you, from critical thinking to working collaboratively to applying your knowledge in real world contexts,” Shi adds. 

The IB diploma is highly regarded by top universities across Europe, Asia and the Americas, making it a strong asset for students planning to pursue higher education on a global scale. 

Graduates of AIS consistently go on to attend some of the world’s most prestigious universities, including Ivy League schools and top international institutions. This track record of success speaks to the school’s ability to prepare students for the demands of higher education and their future careers, says Mr. Glass. 

AIS alumni are thriving in fields such as international business, law and technology and often credit their multilingual education and global mindset for their success.  

“A unique part of Atlanta International School is how the curriculum highlights the different thoughts and perspectives of our community.”

Brent Shi, senior at AIs

One graduate noted, “The IB program at AIS gave me the critical thinking skills and cultural sensitivity I needed to succeed in international business. I feel confident working in any global environment thanks to the education I received.” 

Another alum, now working in international business, said, “The exposure to different cultures at AIS made me more open-minded and gave me the tools to navigate cross-cultural business environments with ease. I can say with confidence that AIS set me up for success both personally and professionally.” 

Valuable Investment for International Families 

For families with a global outlook, AIS provides an unparalleled education that is both rigorous and future-focused. Whether a family is based in the United States or abroad, the school’s commitment to multilingualism, cultural understanding and academic excellence makes it an ideal choice for preparing students to excel in a globalized world, according to Mr. Glass. 

Chinese families, in particular, will find that AIS offers a unique opportunity to maintain and strengthen their cultural ties to China while embracing a world-class education that opens doors to global opportunities, he notes.  

However, Mr. Glass emphasizes that the value of AIS extends beyond any one group; the school’s holistic approach to education benefits all students who seek to become well-rounded, culturally aware and intellectually capable individuals. 

For more information on AIS’s IB program and multilingual curriculum, visit www.aischool.org.