Meet Our Head of School

Isabel Eliaschev, Ed. D., is the new Head of School at Alpharetta International Academy. 

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 17 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 is married and has three children, Nicole, Mila, and Alex and two stepsons, Nico and Franco. Nicole is a graduate student at Columbia University. Mila is a junior at San Diego State University, and Alex will be an Upper Elementary student at AIA. 

Dr. Eliaschev holds a doctoral degree from San Francisco State University in educational leadership. 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.”  

Environment plays a crucial role in the success of a Montessori classroom. Our amazing staff is intentionally placed in our classrooms to create a calm, nurturing environment where children can thrive and develop a strong foundation and love of learning. In addition, our staff stays up-to-date with curriculum and Montessori practices through seminars, reading, discussion, visiting other schools, and attending the American Montessori Society (AMS) Conference.

The community that exists 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 see all that an AIA experience can offer your family.”