The College Counseling and Guidance Program at AIS works with students and families, supporting them in the college process, from career testing to applying to their dream college.  Starting in grade 9, we discuss the importance of being a well-rounded student. This includes the impact of extracurriculars, work experience as a support to career selection, the importance of structuring a rigorous academic program that sets the student up for success, and various ways to use our summer productively to strengthen their candidacy.  Better informed students and families will make wiser decisions in regards to their futures!

​The AIS College Counseling and Guidance Program offers one-on-one advisory meetings for students in grades 9-12.  The program strives to make the process as smooth as possible for our community by offering services like the PSAT, SAT, PAA, Career/Personality Test on site. We continue to seek additional services, ensuring that our students remain competitive for today’s colleges.    

It is the aim of the program that all AIS graduates attend university or college after graduation, whether it be abroad or locally.  For this reason we establish relationships with local universities and international admissions officers who are interested in visiting our school. This gives our students opportunities to ask questions about degrees offered, social life, and financial aid.  We share information with parents about presentations and representatives who visit Guatemala that might be of interest.

AIS students are prepared for success at universities around the world. To that end, high school students are offered test prep sessions during and outside regular school hours. Students are offered opportunities to take required assessments such as the PSAT, SAT, NMSQT, PAA (required for Guatemalan university admissions) among others.

AIS children enjoy a well-rounded education.  An essential component is our Life Skills program , which prepares all students K-12 for success in a dynamic, globalized world.  While the program is different in each division, the overall goal is to prepare students to be high functioning adults. AIS students graduate ready for anything!

Elementary School - the emphasis for our youngest learners is on social skills. How can I be a good friend? How can I resolve conflicts? These types of broad, practical questions form the basis of our Life Skills learning in elementary school. In addition to foundational social skills, students explore mindfulness, nutrition and hygiene among other areas. 
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Middle School - We love our middle schoolers, but we recognize that this age presents unique challenges. Adolescents change rapidly, and our primary goal is to ensure students are comfortable managing these changes. Students explore change through human growth and development classes, and build upon the foundational social skills practiced in elementary school. In addition, students build the organizational, project management skills, communication and critical thinking skills needed to be successful in High School and beyond.  

​High School - Our high schoolers hold themselves up as examples for younger students.  They are peer tutors, student council members, and house leaders. They are taught to make informed decisions, including with regards to sensitive areas like drug/alcohol awareness. AIS High Schoolers are prepared for the future, and they develop interview skills that will support them in their university applications and beyond.

The AIS Support Program offers students and families assistance to ensure that each child achieves his or her full potential.  AIS students are understood as individuals, and they are taught the skills to manage their school years and beyond.  AIS students are given a voice, and they have opportunities to self-advocate. At AIS, personal attention goes hand-in-hand with high expectations.

At the core of the Program is our Life Skills curriculum. Our guidance counselors and teachers provide age-appropriate lessons and practice opportunities in numerous areas that will support students to be successful in life.  

The Support Program also helps students and families deal with individual issues.  We know that students learn best when they are comfortable and able to express themselves.​The team offers a safe haven where students can work through problems.  While the school emphasizes that students must take responsibility for their own problems, our professionals coach them through their issues so they can see the light at  the end of a challenge.  

Finally, the support team also works with students who need help in their academics.  Some children thrive in smaller groups where they can avoid distractions.  Others may need reinforcement in basic skills that are better done one-on-one.  At the other end of the spectrum, some students need to be pushed beyond the grade-level curriculum, and the support team supports our gifted learners as well.  Through these many services, we have one overarching goal: all AIS students will be equipped to do their best in order to be their best!

Our holistic education includes developing and sustaining sound nutritional habits and an understanding of the vital roles agriculture and sustainability play in the lives of our communities. To support those aims, AIS students care for our organic garden. They learn to be responsible stewards of the environment. And they receive a healthy, delicious lunch each day.

The Edible Schoolyard is an integral part of our community, providing education, recreation and nutrition. Vegetables and herbs are grown in the garden. The campus is lined with over 200 banana trees, strawberry bushes, fruit trees and edible flowers. Students participate in composting their waste and learn to care for all stages of the garden from seed to plate. Additionally, gardening electives and after school programs provide a great opportunity for nature lovers to foster their passion.