![American International School of Johannesburg]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755529533/aaie/jgqsa3dcmg1yzry2bjhc/AmericanInternationalSchoolofJohannesburg.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755529533/aaie/jgqsa3dcmg1yzry2bjhc/AmericanInternationalSchoolofJohannesburg.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755529533/aaie/jgqsa3dcmg1yzry2bjhc/AmericanInternationalSchoolofJohannesburg.png","width":700}])
Lauren Jones speaks with Laura Cox, Director of Student Support Service at American International School of Johannesburg.
AAIE Thrive By Design Community Hub
Connecting Leaders. Sharing Practices. Inspiring Inclusive Schools
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
Stories that inspire
Introduction
Real change in student support programs comes from learning what works - and what doesn’t - in real schools. This section presents detailed stories of success from a range of international schools that have successfully expanded their support systems, demonstrating measurable outcomes in student success, teacher capacity, and financial sustainability.
Through data-driven analysis, we highlight programs that have found sustainable funding models, from small schools with limited resources to large institutions with complex needs. These stories of success illustrate how schools have transitioned from exclusion to belonging, fostering inclusive communities where all students thrive.
In addition to quantitative insights, this section brings voices from the field to life through video interviews, testimonials, and firsthand accounts from educators, administrators, students, and families. Whether your school is just beginning to explore expanded support services or looking to refine existing systems, these stories offer inspiration and practical guidance for creating meaningful, lasting change.
School Stories
We have tried to ensure there are stories of success of various types and in different contexts. We hope schools can find a model that makes sense to them and can use these stories of success as guidance and even evidence for stakeholders. We have included short videos below, where school leaders share, with passion and emotion, their journey of transformational program development, how they moved around or through obstacles, and what they are most proud of. We envision you using these authentic testimonials to inspire your board, parent communities, and others, or perhaps, to help guide you as you lead this work in your school.
DISCOVER THE STORIES BELOW
![STORIES THAT INSPIRE: Country Day School - Stories That Inspire]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753132286/aaie/jzarykste7ttcituiuuq/CountryDaySchool.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753132286/aaie/jzarykste7ttcituiuuq/CountryDaySchool.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1753132286/aaie/jzarykste7ttcituiuuq/CountryDaySchool.png","width":700}])
Lauren Jones speaks with Jack Young, General Director at Country Day School in Costa Rica.
![Placeholder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758553641/aaie/lzh65g6nu4l8nhq9zl17/CNG.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758553641/aaie/lzh65g6nu4l8nhq9zl17/CNG.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758553641/aaie/lzh65g6nu4l8nhq9zl17/CNG.png","width":700}])
Catalina Artunduaga, Director of Exceptional Learner Programs, and Valentina Prado, Associate Director, Exceptional Learner Programs at Colegio Nueva Granada.
![Placeholder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759075941/aaie/zqsqolkchoi8u2sl7spb/ICSAbidjan.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759075941/aaie/zqsqolkchoi8u2sl7spb/ICSAbidjan.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759075941/aaie/zqsqolkchoi8u2sl7spb/ICSAbidjan.png","width":700}])
Lauren Jones speaks with Michael Breece, Director, and Jessica Delgado, Lower School Principal at the International Community School of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
![Placeholder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759075941/aaie/tx8kinayjhrqg3n1cygi/IAAcademy.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759075941/aaie/tx8kinayjhrqg3n1cygi/IAAcademy.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759075941/aaie/tx8kinayjhrqg3n1cygi/IAAcademy.png","width":700}])
Lauren Jones speaks with Jessica Gilway, Director at InterAmerican Academy, Ecuador.
![Placeholder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759075925/aaie/eyl1rotmdsmqjv1cmdhg/ISBasel.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759075925/aaie/eyl1rotmdsmqjv1cmdhg/ISBasel.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759075925/aaie/eyl1rotmdsmqjv1cmdhg/ISBasel.png","width":700}])
Lauren Jones speaks with Bradley Roberts, Director of the International School of Basel.
![Placeholder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759075925/aaie/w7ce9zf9pnyfit6yrkab/Manila.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759075925/aaie/w7ce9zf9pnyfit6yrkab/Manila.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759075925/aaie/w7ce9zf9pnyfit6yrkab/Manila.png","width":700}])
Lauren Jones speaks with William Brown, Superintendent at the International School of Manila, Philippines.
![Placeholder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759075925/aaie/r8qbmxsjarq6htets3xt/ISPanama.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759075925/aaie/r8qbmxsjarq6htets3xt/ISPanama.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759075925/aaie/r8qbmxsjarq6htets3xt/ISPanama.png","width":700}])
Lauren Jones speaks with Elias Barlow, Coordinator of Student Services at the International School Panama.
![Placeholder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759075925/aaie/wfs34ykskqinqpj02xms/WoodlandStar.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759075925/aaie/wfs34ykskqinqpj02xms/WoodlandStar.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759075925/aaie/wfs34ykskqinqpj02xms/WoodlandStar.png","width":700}])
Lauren Jones speaks with Timo Lehmann at Woodland Star International School, Kenya
Continue Learning
The AAIE Thrive By Design Community Hub is part of a broader commitment to supporting international school leaders through meaningful professional learning and collaborative community.
Ready to go deeper?
Explore the AAIE Thrive By Design Cohort, our interactive seven-session online learning experience where school leaders come together to explore inclusive leadership, strengthen student support services, and learn alongside peers from international schools around the world.
Explore the Resource Hub, a growing collection of practical tools, templates, guides, and examples designed to support school leaders in strengthening student support services and building more inclusive learning communities. Every school's journey is unique, but every story has the power to inspire.
Connect in Atlanta
Celebrate 61 years of connection and community with global leaders shaping the future of international education.
Our Conversations
Our weekly conversations, where leaders come together to learn and discuss issues related to international schools.
Our Events
Our annual event where School Leaders in international education come together to learn from one and another.