Mr. Christopher Tompkins

Principal

Christopher R. Tompkins is a seasoned educational leader now in his 36th year of service to schools. His career has spanned independent, boarding, and international schools across the United States, South America, Central America, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. He is currently Principal of Horizon Private School – American Branch in Abu Dhabi, UAE, part of the Alephya Group of Schools.

Before joining Horizon, Mr. Tompkins served as the Founding Executive Director of EC-12 Education at NEOM in Saudi Arabia. In that role, he was responsible for designing, building, opening, and operating the first two NEOM schools—NEOM Community School and NEOM Oxagon School. While both schools implemented the International Baccalaureate Programme, NEOM Community School became the first and only school in Saudi Arabia to achieve full authorization in all four IB programmes (PYP–MYP–DP–CP). Both schools also secured NEASC candidacy status and an MSA-accredited early childhood center, establishing NEOM as a global model for innovative and future-focused education.

Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at leading American and international schools, including designing a boarding school in Saudi Arabia, directing college counseling programs, and teaching AP history and government since the age of 22. Beyond his school leadership roles, he has advised and consulted with schools and organizations in China, Vietnam, South Korea, South Africa, Germany, and Rwanda, further expanding his global educational impact. He also brings extensive experience working with boards and establishing clear standards and practices for good governance and school operations. His service includes leadership roles with Montgomery School, the Cloud Forest School Foundation (including President), the Association of Independent School Admissions Professionals (as a founding trustee and officer), and the Chambersburg Montessori Academy.

Mr. Tompkins has served as a NEASC Accreditation Visitor and pursued advanced professional study with certificates from Harvard University, the University of Richmond, and Cornell University. He is also a Fellow of the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University’s Teachers College. A graduate of Colby College, he earned his Master of Social Science from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

Guided by the belief that “Every Child Known, Every Child Valued, Every Child Prepared,” Mr. Tompkins continues to build schools and communities that prepare young people to thrive in a complex global society.