One World International School American Academy (OWIS AA) Announces Appointment of New Principal

Manal Saleh

Principal Lisa Herrera comes with rich experience in teaching and school leadership

3rd March 2026, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – One World International School American Academy (OWIS AA) announced the appointment of Ms Lisa Herrera, as the Principal for its new Riyadh campus set to open its doors in the academic year starting August 2026. The new school will deliver a dynamic and well-rounded curriculum grounded in the American Common Core Standards, enhanced by the inquiry-led Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

“I am delighted to join the OWIS family, a community committed to empowering each child to reach their full potential through a rigorous and personalized learning experience,” Ms. Herrera said about her new role. “Our goal is to be among the top international schools in Riyadh by providing a future-ready, holistic, and safe learning environment for our students - one that values academic excellence while respecting and embracing the local culture and traditions of the Kingdom.”

Holder of a Master’s degree in Education Leadership and dual Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education, Ms Herrera is an accomplished educational leader with over 15 years of rich experience in teaching and school leadership across the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Her diverse background in both general and special education has shaped her inclusive, student-centered approach to teaching and learning.

With her past experience in her leadership roles in Riyadh, Ms Herrera brings a strong record of fostering teacher development, implementing effective academic programs, and strengthening school operations. Throughout her career, Ms Herrera has designed and delivered impactful professional development programs, developed comprehensive systems for teaching and learning, and led initiatives that have resulted in measurable academic and developmental gains for students.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Amol Vaidya, Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Global Schools Group, MENA Region, said, “We are pleased to welcome an accomplished leader like Ms. Herrera to OWIS American Academy. Her experience and expertise will significantly contribute to strengthening the school’s position as a fountainhead of learning in Riyadh.”

One World International School American Academy (OWIS AA) is the second campus in Riyadh - under the patronage of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) - by Singapore’s renowned Global Schools Group (GSG).

Set to open in August 2026, the campus will be offering the American Common Core curriculum for students from Pre-KG to Grade 5. Located in the Al Jazeera District of Riyadh, OWIS AA will initially welcome students from Pre-Kindergarten through to Grade 5, providing a nurturing, inclusive, and future-focused environment for lifelong learning.

Admissions for the 2026-2027 academic year are now open. Parents and guardians interested in securing a place for their child are encouraged to visit the school’s website or contact the admissions office directly.

For more information on OWIS AA Riyadh, please visit https://owis.org/sa/owis-american-academy/