"I am proud to be part of this unique and inspiring educational community. It is a special place that not only nurtures students academically, but personally and globally. AIS is not just a school; it is a place with a warm, close-knit environment where students are encouraged to think critically, communicate confidently, and become compassionate leaders. Through service projects, extracurricular activities, and collaborative learning experiences, students gain the confidence and skills needed to make a positive impact both locally and internationally. As I finish my 12th year at AIS, I know that I have made a difference, not just in the students, but in the families as well. I have been able to build meaningful relationships with students, creating a classroom where every learner feels valued and supported. I’ve helped students gain the confidence and skills needed to make a positive impact both locally and internationally. The school fosters a close, supportive community where we are trusted, respected, and encouraged to grow professionally and personally. Rather than feeling like one small part of a large system, we’ve become mentors, collaborators, and leaders who genuinely shape the lives of their students. AIS has become more than a school to me; it is a place where I get the honor of seeing students grow from young children into confident graduates, and it holds a very special place in my heart."

"I have been part of the AIS community for the past three years, and it has truly become a place where my family and I feel connected and supported.I am originally from Zacapa, Guatemala, but I moved to the United States when I was four years old and returned to Guatemala at the age of thirteen. Growing up between two cultures was not always easy, and those experiences helped me understand how important it is for children to feel accepted, supported, and encouraged to be themselves. That is one of the reasons I fell in love with the art of teaching and becoming a guide in students’ lives. I met my wife here in Guatemala in 2010, and after getting married, we moved to Minnesota in 2014. During our time there, we had our three children and built a beautiful life together, but eventually we realized we were searching for a stronger sense of community and a more grounded, service-based way of life. That is one of the reasons we were drawn back to Guatemala and why AIS feels so special to our family. Beyond academics, AIS creates spaces where students can truly discover themselves through sports, arts, outdoor exploration, leadership opportunities, and after-school activities. Coaching soccer in the U.S. and leading Model United Nations here at AIS have been some of the most meaningful ways for me to connect with students outside of the classroom. Whether it is through the races we have done as a school, weekend sports activities, or giving students opportunities to explore their passions, AIS creates an environment where children are encouraged to be themselves and shine. Those experiences have shown me that education is not only about academics, but also about helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who feel seen, valued, and connected to a community."

"A highlight from the year was being invited to represent AIS at the Georgia Tech Engineering Fair, which was a wonderful opportunity. In school, we have three essential pillars of thinking critically, acting ethically, and serving others. These pillars were of great assistance to me in the Fair as I was enabled to inquire collaboratively and work constructively with others. I was filled with confidence to be involved in the important event due to the encouragement I received from my colleagues and classmates. The most exciting aspects of the Fair were the opportunities to learn about the college experience and discover what students do regarding engineering, technology, and innovations. One of the highlights of my experience was observing the different ideas and projects people came up with to solve various problems. The expo helped me appreciate the power of creativity and a passion for teamwork. The environment highly motivated me to continue to work toward my goals.I learned lessons that have a long-lasting positive impact on my life. I have learned the importance of communication, accepting responsibility, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. I appreciate that the event was a nice example of the kind of future opportunities that can be achieved through hard work."

Being part of the AIS community has been a transformative experience, fostering my growth across all dimensions of my life and preparing me for higher education. When the process of selecting a university began, I was thinking of studying abroad, a decision that was as thrilling as it was difficult. However, I was not alone on this journey. The support of my teachers and their guidance, encouragement, and practical help to successfully complete international applications. Thanks to their dedication, I am ready to transition from the familiar, enriching environment of AIS and confidently become an active part of this vibrant new community."

"Being part of the AIS community has been a truly beautiful experience that will remain marked in our lives. Ariana’s adaptation was very quick thanks to the warmth with which she was welcomed and accepted. We feel very happy and proud of the achievements she reached during her student life. Being involved in the different activities promoted by AIS was extremely important for her personal and academic development. What we value most about AIS are its three pillars, which are instilled throughout the entire community, as they motivate students to become individuals with a strong sense of social responsibility. In Ariana’s case, the service hours awakened in her an interest in certain professional roles, helping her become aware of the needs of others and how she, through what she learned at AIS, could contribute to those needs. Her focus was translation, and she was able to practice it thanks to the level of English she acquired at AIS and the pillar of serving others. Now she is beginning another stage of her life filled with expectations and opportunities that can be achieved thanks to the doors AIS opens to the world. We are very grateful and excited for this new opportunity AIS is giving Ariana to acquire knowledge that she will one day share and implement in our country."

"I’m Estuardo Soch Bainas, a graduate and valedictorian of the class of 2026. During my eight years at AIS, being part of this community allowed me to grow both academically and personally. More than a school, AIS was the place where I met wonderful people who left a positive mark on me, and where I received a well-rounded education that helped me develop skills for my future. Activities like Model UN, science fairs, the IRTRA physics trip and Sports Day are experiences that profoundly impacted me and shaped part of who I am today. From my time at the school, I also take with me the three pillars: think critically, act ethically and serve others. Thinking critically has allowed me to solve problems and make sound decisions. Acting ethically reinforces the importance of upholding my values in my life. Serving others encourages me to use my skill for the common good. These pillars will always be with me, aligning with my vision."

"We want to express our deepest gratitude to the AIS community and share our experience over these past eight years, during which our son has been part of this community, which represents a second family for him. During this time, we have witnessed moments of challenge, effort, and personal growth in Estuardo, but most importantly, happiness, as the school has provided him with the necessary tools to develop successfully. His first major challenge was during his first year at AIS in fifth grade. Initially, the language was a barrier, however, with the guidance of his teachers and the support of Librarian Miss Angelica, who provided him with appropriate books, he managed to learn it in the first year. That is why we are grateful to everyone who has been a part of our son’s growth during this time."

"One of AIS’s pillars is serving others, but I didn’t really understand what that meant until I actually started doing it. Once I got involved in service, I realized how much I enjoy helping people. Every activity taught me something new, about a place, a person, or even myself. I began to understand empathy in a way that goes beyond what you can explain. Before coming to AIS, I had never done any service projects, but once I started, I grew to love them. I kept volunteering, not because it was required, but because it became something meaningful to me. Over my four years, I’ve worked with different organizations: spending time with kids in public schools who opened my eyes to new perspectives, translating cards that showed me how many reasons people have to be thankful, and joining Interact, where I became the Green Committee leader to help the environment in small but real ways. Service learning at AIS has shaped who I am; it has helped me communicate better, appreciate others more, and understand the kind of impact I want to make in the world."