About
The International Community School (ICS) opened in 2002 as one of Georgia’s earliest start-up public charter schools. From the beginning, ICS has also been an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, implementing the Primary Years Program (PYP) as the foundation for how we teach, learn, and build community.
ICS was created to address the educational needs of the thousands of refugees who had resettled in DeKalb County, while bringing them together with local children from the surrounding community. In its first year, ICS served 125 students in kindergarten through 2nd grade on the campus of Avondale Patillo United Methodist Church. A new grade was added each year, and by 2006 a second campus opened for 5th and 6th grade students at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church. While this two-campus solution supported growth, it stretched resources and was not sustainable. In 2012, ICS consolidated into the Medlock Elementary facility, where we continue to serve students today.
Today, ICS serves over 500 children annually in grades K-5 representing more than 60 countries and speaking 31 languages. Students at ICS represent an economic mix seldom seen in U.S. public schools. Nearly half (49%) of our students are child refugees or immigrants, and 92% are eligible for free or reduced lunch. What brings these diverse communities together is a powerful vision of public education. This unique blend of backgrounds and experiences is one of our greatest strengths, shaping a truly global learning community.
From its earliest days, ICS has been guided by the belief that education should bring diverse groups together—not as separate communities, but as one. Our use of the IB PYP framework ensures that students learn through inquiry, reflection, and meaningful action, while growing into compassionate, principled, and engaged global citizens.
ICS improves student learning for refugee, immigrant, and local children through inclusive practices, enhanced language instruction, and community-building experiences designed to cultivate curiosity, cross-cultural understanding, and a lifelong love of learning.
International Community School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. ICS provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and employment applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other factor protected by law.