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We Provide Educational Excellence Within the Global Beauty Community

At Elaine Sterling Institute, students train in esthetics, cosmetology, massage therapy, nail care, and more, guided by internationally trained founder Elaine Sterling. Our programs go beyond the basics, combining European educational traditions with modern techniques to build the skills, professionalism, and confidence employers value.

Visit our Atlanta Buckhead or Dunwoody campus to tour student clinic areas designed to look and feel like a real salon or spa, and see firsthand how our licensed instructors support your personal and professional growth. Contact us to schedule a tour.
International Technique, Contemporary Training

Why Choose Elaine Sterling Institute as Your Beauty School

Elevated Educational Experience

Our programs go beyond a basic beauty school education. You'll train with advanced products and techniques used in luxury spas, medical practices, and high-end salons — gaining the real-world experience and strong technical foundation needed for premium positions in the industry.

Commitment to Professional Growth

We care about professionalism — in our school and in how our students serve clients. Our programs are built for students who want to sustain a long-term career, supported by professional learning environments and meaningful industry partnerships.

Curriculum Shaped by International Standards

Our curriculum is guided by CIDESCO and ITEC-certified founder Elaine Sterling, reflecting a world-class approach to technique, professionalism, and client care. Graduates are prepared to meet the standards of luxury spas, medspas, salons, and wellness centers.

Modern, State-of-the-Art Learning Environment

Our campuses are clean, modern, and equipped with the latest industry tools and equipment. Clinic floors and treatment areas are designed to look and feel like a luxury spa or salon — helping students transition seamlessly from school to the workplace.

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Meet Our Founder, Elaine Sterling

Elaine Sterling, the founder of our school, is a licensed esthetician, massage therapist, and nail technician. She is internationally trained and holds prestigious CIDESCO and ITEC certifications, which represent the highest global standards in esthetics and beauty therapy. Her international education helps shape our curriculum with a broader and more advanced perspective. Under her guidance, students can benefit from techniques, standards, and philosophies that are recognized worldwide, not just within the United States. Elaine’s credentials give our school a level of credibility, depth, and quality that sets it apart in the local and national market.

Our Mission

The mission of the Elaine Sterling Institute is to be the global leader in Spa education by combining classical European traditions of barbering, cosmetology, esthetics, nail care, and massage therapy with modern American scientific technologies. We do this through providing educational excellence to our students with a long-term commitment to their personal and professional development.

Our Vision

The vision statement of the Elaine Sterling Institute is to provide programs of educational excellence and to instruct our students in the competencies set by the state board of cosmetology and massage therapy, equipping students with the required skills to pass the state board examinations and to enter the workforce. Realizing this vision will ensure ESI has programs that are of the highest standard, and its graduates will be sought by employers in the spa and medical spa industry.

Our Core Values

Provide programs of educational excellence
Promote a creative learning environment
Provide a facility that emulates the spa environment to promote a smooth transition from school to the workplace
Provide a supportive and caring environment
Provide a state-of-the-art facility that is clean, safe, and attractive
Commitment to our students’ success in school and in the workforce

Awards & Accreditations

Proudly accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and recognized as a CIDESCO School, Elaine Sterling Institute has spent 18 years shaping Atlanta’s beauty and wellness professionals, a proud recipient of the 2024 Golden School Award.

See What Our Students Have To Say

Natasha Harvey

I have really enjoyed Ms. Gina's online class! She is an awesome teacher and breaks down the material for comprehensive and does not overwhelm.

Natasha Harvey

Janice Laster

Just wanted to touch base with you and say thank you so much for your classes at TIEGA!! EVERYONE LOVED YOU!!! You are a wonderful educator, knowledgeable and entertaining, especially in the way you teach!! We are looking forward to the GACTE Conference in July! Take care and again thank you very much!

Janice Laster

Marisa Costigan

I am really glad I took the laser class offered at The Elaine Sterling Institute. Elaine’s school is very nice & professional. Tony Stanfill is an excellent instructor and she is very thorough in teaching laser safety and education. I thought there was plenty of hands on experience with the different lasers. After taking the class, I got offered a position at a dermatology practice.

Marisa Costigan

Cher Clark

Elaine, it was my pleasure to get to know you and have you as my mentor during my time as your student during my introduction to esthetics. Without your expertise and approval I may not have had the confidence I needed to face such a major career change. Thank you so much!

Cher Clark

Lisa Easton

Elaine Sterling has not only been a great instructor, but has continued to lead her students. I now own a medical spa and Elaine continues to provide guidance and clinical advice for me. I appreciate and admire her ambition in this field and look forward to her continued support.

Lisa Easton

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Elaine Sterling Institute

Is your school accredited?

Yes, Elaine Sterling Institute is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), which means we have met very rigorous standards set by our accrediting body to assure that we offer quality education.

We are also licensed by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology, and we are in compliance with the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission (GNPEC).

Does the school help students find employment after graduation?

We have a very active job placement department. At Elaine Sterling Institute, we believe networking with industry leaders is vital to our students’ ability to be placed upon graduation. While we cannot promise anyone a job, we can connect students and graduates with potential employers and assist with resume and interviewing skills.

What is the age range of students at your school?

Our student body forms a diverse group of individuals ranging from 18-65 years of age. Some students join us right after high school, while others decide to get a beauty school education later in life, as a way to change their career, open up new career possibilities, or follow a passion for beauty.

What are the CIDESCO and ITEC certifications?

CIDESCO (Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie) is the World Standard for Beauty and Spa Therapy. Membership is open to the leading schools, colleges, beauty salons, and spas of the world. Earning a CIDESCO certification requires completion of training at a registered CIDESCO school, a 2,500-4,000 word project with case histories, a multiple-choice exam, and a final practical exam.

ITEC (International Therapist Exam Council) is an international certification that is recognized in over 37 countries worldwide, allowing candidates to work internationally. The ITEC curriculum is included in all programs, and a certification class can be taken for an additional cost as a post-graduate course. This certification ensures that your training is current and meets international standards.

Whether you wish to work overseas or stay in the United States, you can get the top internationally recognized certifications at Elaine Sterling Institute, the only beauty school in Georgia that offers these certifications.

Is tutoring available?

We do offer tutoring as needed, but our curriculum is set up in such a way that tutoring is not usually needed. We have a systematic methodology to our educational process, and students can learn in multiple ways, from listening to classroom lectures, watching instructor/guest speaker demonstrations, and experiencing hands-on training in the student clinic areas. We make learning fun!

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We Provide Educational Excellence Within the Global Beauty Community