Meet Our Head of School

Isabel Eliaschev, Ed.D., is the Head of School at Alpharetta International Academy (AIA).

Dr. Eliaschev brings a wealth of in-classroom, academic, and administrative expertise to AIA. She is an experienced leader with extensive knowledge in early childhood education, bilingualism, and multiculturalism. Her career in education started 20 years ago as an assistant teacher at Gulliver Schools in Miami, Fla. Dr. Eliaschev advanced quickly to Director of the Montessori Toddler & Primary program at Marin Horizon Schools in Marin County, Calif. More recently, she served as the Elementary Principal at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta, Ga., the nation’s largest Episcopal school.

Dr. Eliaschev has three children: Nicole, Mila, and Alex. Nicole is a graduate student at Columbia University, Mila is a graduate student at San Diego State University, and Alex is a Middle School student at AIA.

Dr. Eliaschev holds a doctoral degree in educational leadership from San Francisco State University. She was awarded the David and Lucile Packard Foundation Fellowship for leadership in early childhood education.

Dr. Eliaschev describes Alpharetta International Academy as a place of creative, active learning built around children’s intellectual and social needs.

“At AIA, all students are encouraged to be independent and creative thinkers,” she said. “We look at each child individually and support their growth as a ‘whole child’ using inclusive, dynamic, and healthy habits that reinforce best practices in education.”

The environment is vital to the success of a Montessori classroom. Our carefully selected staff fosters a calm, nurturing atmosphere where children can thrive and develop a strong foundation and a love of learning. Additionally, our faculty stays current with the latest best practices in education and Montessori methods through ongoing professional development, which includes seminars, group discussions, school visits, and attendance at the American Montessori Society (AMS) Conference.

The community within AIA is highly diverse, representing multiple countries around the world. This diversity is celebrated through our festivals and heritage days. As the school’s outstanding and unique academic reputation continues to grow and our representation in community events increases, AIA will become an even more integral part of the surrounding communities of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, and Cumming.

“As the Head of School of AIA, my goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, healthy, fun, and stimulating environment for our students, families, and faculty,” Dr. Eliaschev said. “If you are currently part of the AIA family, we are glad you are here with us, and we will celebrate your child’s accomplishments even after graduation. If you are not yet part of our AIA family and are in the process of finding the right school for your child, we encourage you to schedule a tour and see for yourself who we are and all that an AIA experience can offer your family.”