The American International School of Guangzhou began in 1981 as the American School of Guangzhou. At that time, the school served the children of the American Consulate and was located in the Dong Fang Hotel. Eventually enrolling students from other nations, more space was required, and the school moved to the Garden Hotel in 1985.

In 1987, ASG was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges to provide instruction in grades kindergarten through eight. By 1993, there were seventy-three students.

ASG moved into a purpose-built school building in the Greenery, a housing estate, in January, 1994. In the same year, enrollment grew to one hundred and two students from twenty-one nations.

The high school (grades nine through twelve) was added in the 1996-97 school year and was accredited. Three students formed its first graduating class in 1998. The same year the school was reorganized legally as a non-profit corporation in the U.S.A. which contracted with the school registered in China for the provision of educational services. The school changed its name to American International School of Guangzhou gained official recognition by the People's Republic of China as a school serving expatriate children.

AISG received authorization from the International Baccalaureate Office to present the Middle Years Program in 2001 and the Primary Years Program in 2004. The school moved to a new site on Er Sha Island in August, 2002. That facility housed all grades until 2008, when the Middle School and High School divisions moved to a modern new campus at Science Park in the eastern part of Guangzhou. AISG's Early Childhood Center, which teaches preschool students from age 3, then was added to the Er Sha campus. Growth in all grades has continued with AISG's student population now totalling more than 900.

Along with the growth of its programs and student body, AISG has expanded its relationships and affilications with regional institutions and organizations. It is a member of ACAMIS, the Association of Chinese and Mongolian International Schools; EARCOS, the East Asian Regional Council of International Schools; and APAC, the Asia Pacific Activities Conference.

The outstanding staff of our parent-governed school, working in concert with our international community of students and parents, provides a challenging, dynamic environment for learning, characterized by high measurable standards, opportunities to grow and develop and a commitment to continuing reflection and improvement, fulfilling its mission nurturing students to aspire and achieve.