MLS Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United and Atlanta International School Announce High School Education Program

Published on June 13, 2023 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Atlanta United FC News Release


ATLANTA - Atlanta United and Atlanta International School (AIS) today announced a first-of-its-kind education program for high school aged players in the club. The program will provide players with access to a tailored curriculum in a hybrid setting, specifically designed to fit around and support players' training schedule and club commitments. Registered students will begin classes with AIS in August 2023 with members of the club's Academy, Second Team and First Team enrolled in the program.

AIS, a private, non-profit school for 3K - Grade 12, will provide teaching in-person at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, online and at the historic AIS campus in Buckhead. The hybrid education program affords players maximum flexibility to seamlessly adjust their school schedule and accommodate the ever-changing nature of club soccer obligations while also taking part in traditional high school experiences. Atlanta United student athletes will have access to a range of student support resources that are made available to AIS students at their campus including learning support, college counseling and social and emotional counseling. The curriculum provided will lead to a Georgia state high school diploma.

Atlanta United President and CEO Garth Lagerwey said:

"We are proud to collaborate with Atlanta International School and deliver an elite educational program for our high school aged players. AIS's longstanding reputation as a leader in offering non-traditional education designed to meet the needs of individual students immediately stood out when we were planning a new program for our Academy players. By teaming up with Atlanta International School, which is just a few miles away, students will not only be getting a world class education, but they also get to be part of a local community with opportunities to socialize, join in school activities and enjoy their high school years."

Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said:

"This program is invaluable to set our players up for success both on and off the pitch. Finding balance between the classroom and the field can become a challenge for any player when they are pursuing a professional soccer career. This new program with AIS removes nearly every hurdle our players encounter from a schedule perspective, while also delivering a high-quality education in an environment that suits their lifestyle. We want our players to be diligent in their studies and in training, and we couldn't be happier to offer a program that allows players a path to thrive in both areas."

Atlanta United Academy Director Matt Lawrey said:

"We consider it our responsibility to bring kids from the community and push them forward to reach their goals, and that goes beyond the field. Preparing our players for life outside of soccer is a core tenet of our philosophy at the academy and Atlanta International School gives our student athletes the tools they need to be successful in whatever path they choose to follow. I'm excited to collaborate with AIS and continue developing our players to help them realize their dreams."

Atlanta International School, Head of School, Kevin Glass said:

"We are thrilled to partner with Atlanta United on this exciting new collaboration. We look forward to welcoming the students and their families into the Atlanta International School learning community. Being intentionally inclusive is part of our mission and vision for the school and by supporting these students in their academic studies, making sure they thrive both on and off the pitch, exemplifies that approach.

"As an international school, we have a depth of experience and commitment to supporting students who join the school at different times of the year, from different countries, backgrounds and cultures. I am proud to be able to extend that expertise to this new group of talented young people."

"High School is a formative time for all students. But for young athletes pursuing an elite sporting program, there can be a sense of missing out on regular school experiences. We aim to offer a community and sense of belonging through this program and essentially, provide the students with an excellent academic foundation that will see them to college and beyond."

Dr Marsha Maxwell, the Head of Innovation, Research and Technology at AIS said:

"As part of our Innovation at AIS program, this collaboration with ATL UTD is a wonderful opportunity to develop a bespoke, non-traditional, hybrid educational offering. By allowing students who have other commitments to have agency and choice over their learning, we can really support them to grow - in their academic development, their club commitments and other passions.

Adam Lapish, the AIS curriculum coordinator said:

"It has been a terrific experience getting to know the academy players and their families and we have learned a lot from our conversations and visits about the importance of a bespoke, flexible approach to education. We will meet the individual needs of the student-athletes wherever they are in their soccer journey and provide a personalized and responsive educational program without sacrificing academic rigor or holistic development. We very much look forward to enrolling more students as the program develops."

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