On behalf of the ABA Oman International School Search Committee, Search Associates is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Sean Areias as the new Head of School, effective August 2027. ABA Board Chair James Barton shared the news with the school community:
We are thrilled to appoint Sean Areias as next Head of School of ABA. Sean's appointment represents the culmination of many months of work, which, in partnership with Search Associates, included an extensive international search, stakeholder focus groups, and community feedback that helped shape this important decision for ABA. Sean impressed us from the onset as a systems-orientated and analytical strategic thinker who is personable and genuine. We are excited for the leadership and vision that Sean will bring to guide ABA into its next chapter. We look forward to welcoming Sean and his family into the ABA community.
Sean has served as Head of School at the International School of London Qatar since August 2021 and will complete his tenure there in July 2027. His previous leadership experience includes senior roles at international schools in Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Zambia, and Puerto Rico, serving as Principal, Superintendent, Academic Dean, and IB Programme Coordinator.
Looking ahead to joining ABA, Sean shared:
I am excited to join a warm, diverse international community with strong foundations. ABA's identity as an IB World School, its commitment to culturally responsive learning, and its growing languages program through ABA Lingo all reflect the kind of learning environment I value. I am also looking forward to working with the Board, leadership team, faculty, staff, students, and families to build on ABA's strengths while bringing even greater clarity and alignment across strategy, systems, learning, and people. Schools do their best work when there is a shared sense of purpose, a strong culture of trust, and coherence across the whole school. I see ABA as a community with both a proud history and a very promising future, and I am grateful to be part of its next chapter.
Sean holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Bilingual Education emphasis from the University of San Diego, and a Bachelor of Arts in Diversified Liberal Arts from the University of San Diego. He also holds K–12 Principal Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and an International School Leader Certificate from The Principals' Training Center.
Reflecting on his career, Sean says his most meaningful moments have always centered on students “who have had to work hard to find their way.” As he explains:
Some struggled with learning; some struggled to feel fully connected, and some needed time, patience, and the right support before they could see their own strengths. Watching young people grow into the best version of themselves, develop confidence, and begin to see a successful path ahead has always been the most meaningful part of the work for me.
Recently, he has found inspiration in Margaret Wheatley's question, Who Do We Choose to Be? Considering her words, "Only when we know where we are can we choose a meaningful path forward," he shares his own leadership philosophy:
In complex times, I believe school leadership calls for clarity, steadiness, humility, and service. The role is not about having all the answers. It is about helping a community face reality, hold on to what matters, and take the next steps together with courage and purpose.
Outside of school, Sean enjoys reading, exploring a wide range of topics, exercising, hiking, spending time at the beach, and following football (soccer). Most importantly, he treasures time with his family. "My wife Imelda, youngest son Santhi (8), and I are looking forward to settling into life in Muscat and the chance to explore Oman's natural beauty, history, and culture."
Search Associates congratulates Dr. Areias on his appointment and wishes him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter in Oman. We also extend our sincere thanks to the ABA Search Committee and Board for their outstanding partnership throughout the search process, as well as to all of the candidates who participated.
