The leaders at Horizon Private School – American Branch bring together decades of international
educational experience, a shared commitment to the potential of every child, and the strategic clarity
to turn that commitment into outcomes. Leadership at Horizon is not a title — it is a daily
practice grounded in our mission: creating a secure and stimulating environment where
every student reaches their maximum potential.
Principal – Horizon Private School – American Branch
Christopher R. Tompkins is Principal of Horizon Private School – American Branch in Abu Dhabi, a PK–12 school of 1,800 students that is part of the Alephya Group of Schools, where its College Board Advanced Placement program has produced 73 AP Scholars over five years. Now in his 36th year of service to schools, he has led independent, international, boarding, and Episcopal schools across North America, Latin America, and the Middle East, with admissions, fundraising, and consulting work in Asia and Africa.
Previously, as Founding Executive Director of EC-12 Education at NEOM in Saudi Arabia, Tompkins led the design, launch, accreditation, governance, and operation of NEOM Community School and NEOM Oxagon School, opening the inaugural Community School campus in just four and a half months and growing enrollment from 100 students to nearly 1,200 learners across two schools and four buildings. Under his leadership, NEOM Community School became the first and only school in the Kingdom fully authorized in all four IB programs (PYP–MYP–DP–CP), established the first SSAT test center in Saudi Arabia, and earned College Board Level 2 test center status at NEOM. Both schools secured NEASC candidacy, and NEOM’s early childhood center earned MSA accreditation. He also led the design of NEOM’s boarding school and built innovative programs in artificial intelligence, personalized learning, and college counseling, forging partnerships supporting AI, robotics, and globally connected learning.
Before NEOM, Tompkins served as Head of School and CEO at The Tatnall School in Wilmington, Delaware; Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock, Arkansas; and The Perkiomen School in Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, where he grew enrollment from 240 to 360 students and the endowment from $2.8M to $13.8M. Earlier, he spent eight years as Assistant Head of School for Enrollment and Financial Aid at Mercersburg Academy, where he increased applications by 292% and established the school’s Model United Nations program—students of which went on to serve as Secretary-General of the Harvard and Columbia University Model UN organizations.
Tompkins’s career has consistently focused on building institutions that combine academic excellence with organizational sustainability, innovation, and student-centered design. Early in his career he was among the youngest educators in the United States teaching Advanced Placement U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Comparative Politics, and later became one of the nation’s youngest Directors of Admission and Financial Aid. He is a co-founder and founding trustee of the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals (AISAP), and his board leadership has included Montgomery School, the Cloud Forest School Foundation (including as President), and the Chambersburg Montessori Academy.
A Partner at Educational Directions and founder of Hunterbrook Education Services, Tompkins consults with boards and school leaders in the United States and internationally on executive search, school startups, governance, and institutional strategy, with international engagements including China, Vietnam, South Korea, South Africa, Germany, and Rwanda.
An accomplished author and international speaker, Tompkins presents widely on smart schools, school design, personalized learning pathways, artificial intelligence in education, strategic enrollment, financial aid, governance, accreditation, and organizational transformation. He is the author of The Croton Dams and Aqueduct and serves as a NEASC Accreditation Visitor.
Tompkins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and History from Colby College and a Master of Social Science from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. He is a Fellow of the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University, with additional executive study at Harvard, Cornell, and the University of Richmond. Guided by the question his mother asked him after school—“What questions did you ask your teachers today?”—Tompkins builds schools rooted in inquiry, academic risk-taking, and the strength of teacher-student relationships, environments where curiosity thrives and every individual reaches their potential.
Nicolas Jreije is a passionate and experienced educator who believes that our primary role is to equip students to understand and navigate the modern world. With over 14 years dedicated to academic leadership, Nicolas’s journey began in the classroom as an English teacher, a foundation that has guided his career with the core philosophy that respect is the foundation of all education. He is deeply committed to fostering an environment where every student is empowered with the skills and tools they need to reach their full potential, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Language and an MBA in Educational Leadership, Nicolas’s background allows him to merge a profound love for learning with a strategic vision for institutional excellence. His leadership is characterized by a collaborative and innovative approach aimed at building a community where students, faculty, and families are all partners in the educational journey.
Executive Vice Principal
Tara Manson is an experienced educational leader with 15 years of service in international education. She currently serves as Head of Secondary School at Horizon Private School, where she is deeply committed to nurturing both academic excellence and student wellbeing.
Tara began her career in the classroom as a senior mathematics teacher, developing a passion for helping students truly understand their learning and believe in their own potential. This classroom foundation continues to shape her leadership today. She has held a range of leadership roles across international schools in Abu Dhabi, supporting teachers, students, and families to create strong, caring learning communities.
At Horizon, Tara oversees curriculum, teaching and learning, assessment, and pastoral systems across the secondary school. She is passionate about raising student outcomes through high expectations and high care, ensuring that every student is both challenged and supported. Central to her work is the belief that schools must truly know their students — their strengths, passions, aspirations, and dreams — in order to guide them meaningfully toward future success.
Tara works closely with staff to build a culture where students feel seen, valued, and empowered. She believes that when young people feel understood and supported, they are more confident, motivated, and willing to take ownership of their learning. Her leadership is grounded in strong relationships, clarity of purpose, and a commitment to helping every child thrive.
She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and has completed extensive professional learning in instructional coaching and curriculum design. When she is not working, she enjoys an active lifestyle, playing rugby and competing in triathlons with her five young boys.
Guided by the belief that every child deserves to be known, challenged, and supported, Tara continues to work alongside students, staff, and families to ensure Horizon is a place where young people grow academically, socially, and personally.
Head of Secondary School
With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Ms. Mary is a dedicated and passionate educational leader committed to fostering academic excellence and student well-being. Since beginning her teaching career in 1996 and joining Horizon Private School in 2010, she has focused on creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
As Head of Elementary, she works closely with students, teachers, and families to promote both academic achievement and personal growth. She believes in holistic education that develops confidence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration, strong school-family partnerships, and continuous professional growth for staff.
Committed to preserving and celebrating UAE culture and values, she integrates meaningful learning experiences that inspire respect, empathy, and global citizenship. This helps students become more confident and responsible members of society.
Head Of Elementary
Julie Power is an experienced and passionate Early Years leader with extensive experience in early childhood education across the UAE. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Years and Childhood Studies from University College Cork and brings a strong blend of classroom practice, curriculum leadership, and pastoral care to her role as Head of Early Childhood at Horizon Private School.
Julie has held a range of teaching and senior leadership roles, including Head of Early Years and Assistant Head of Pastoral Care, where she led large teams and supported the learning and wellbeing of hundreds of children. She has a strong track record of driving school improvement and developing high-quality Early Years provision aligned with the American Curriculum.
She is deeply committed to play-based, child-centered learning and has successfully embedded continuous provision and outdoor learning that support children’s academic, social, and emotional development. Julie believes that young children learn best through meaningful, hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, independence, and confidence.
Safeguarding, inclusion, and student wellbeing are central to Julie’s work. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to staff development, and strong partnerships with families. Julie believes early childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning and is proud to be part of the Horizon Private School community.
Head of Early Childhood
Ms. Aouatif has 25 years of distinguished experience in education, spanning diverse cultural and academic landscapes across Morocco, Spain, Canada, and the UAE. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature, a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Analysis, and advanced certifications in Leaders of Learning and Leading Learning from the Middle. Currently serving as the Assistant Head of Middle School, she has excelled in various teaching and leadership roles throughout her career.
As a leader, Ms. Aouatif is dedicated to empowering students by giving them a voice and fostering an environment rooted in mutual respect. Her educational philosophy centers on a holistic approach, believing that education is most powerful when every moment and every environment is embraced as a learning opportunity. She is committed to ensuring students enjoy their learning journey while achieving both academic success and personal growth.
Assistant Head of Middle School
With over two decades of dedicated service in education since 2005, Ms. Dalal has cultivated a comprehensive career spanning both classroom teaching and strategic academic leadership. She began her journey as a homeroom teacher before successfully advancing into leadership roles as a coordinator and, currently, as an Assistant Head of Department.
Ms. Dalal holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, a Teaching Diploma, and a Master’s degree in Global Governance and Sustainable Management. Throughout her career, she has excelled in curriculum alignment, departmental coordination, and fostering student-centered academic growth. Her leadership is marked by a proven ability to mentor teaching staff, manage diverse team dynamics, and implement robust educational standards that drive student progress.
Guided by a commitment to holistic student success, Ms. Dalal believes in creating resilient, future-ready learning environments that balance rigorous academic development with overall student wellbeing.
Assistant Head of Elementary
Ms. Maria Abdayem is the Assistant Head of Grades 1-2 at Horizon Private School (American Branch) in Abu Dhabi, bringing 12 years of dedicated leadership to the campus. She holds a Teaching Diploma and an English Literature degree from the Governmental Lebanese University, alongside Leading from the Middle, Data Wise, and upcoming NPQH credentials.
An expert in curriculum design, Ms. Maria has a proven track record of boosting early literacy and science readiness division-wide. As a certified Apple Teacher and Google Educator, she has successfully pioneered modern digital learning and mentored multiple teachers into leadership roles.
Ms. Maria believes every child deserves a joyful, supportive start to their school journey. She is passionately committed to partnering with parents to build a nurturing environment where innovative technology and personalized care inspire students to become confident, lifelong learners.
Assistant Head of Grades 1-2
