About Colette McWilliams

Colette McWilliams is the Founding Head of School at Hiba Academy Bay Area and will join the community in late 2025, ahead of the school’s opening in Fall 2026. She brings 29 years of experience in international and bilingual education and a strong track record of school leadership to the establishment of this new bilingual international school within the Wellington College Education network.

Originally from Scotland and now based in the United States, Colette has built an international career in global school communities, with a focus on inquiry-based learning, bilingual education, and a holistic approach that places academic excellence and social and emotional learning at the centre of children’s development.

Most recently, Colette served as Head of Elementary at Trinity School in Menlo Park, California. In this role, she led significant work in social and emotional learning and partnered closely with the Institute for Social and Emotional Learning to embed research-informed SEL practices across the elementary programme. She also advanced learning support and student advocacy systems and contributed to the school’s broader diversity, equity, and inclusion priorities.

Earlier in her career, Colette held leadership roles at internationally recognised schools, including Qatar Academy, where she served as PYP Coordinator and led curriculum development work. She also worked at Awty International School in Houston, Texas, as Curriculum Coordinator, supporting the implementation of inquiry-based and bilingual teaching and learning practices.

Colette’s educational approach reflects a belief that bilingualism supports not only academic development but also communication, cultural understanding, and perspective-taking. She places strong emphasis on social and emotional learning, viewing wellbeing as integral to student success and to the healthy functioning of school communities.

She holds a Bachelor of Education (Honours) from the University of Glasgow, a Master’s degree in International Education from the State University of New York, and a Certificate in International School Leadership. She is also an experienced school accreditor, having served on and chaired accreditation teams for CIS, IB, CAIS, and NEASC.

As Founding Head of School at Hiba Academy Bay Area, Colette is focused on building a high-quality bilingual school grounded in strong relationships, clear expectations, and a culture where students are supported to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Additional Background Information (i.e., Education, certifications, notable achievements, classroom or leadership experience)

Education

– Bachelor of Education, University of Glasgow
– Master’s Degree in International Education, State University of New York
– Certificate in International School Leadership

Certifications and Professional Credentials

– International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) Leader
– Highly experienced School Accreditor for:
– Council of International Schools (CIS)
– International Baccalaureate (IB)
– California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)
– New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

Professional Experience

– Founding Head of School, Hiba Academy Bay Area (appointed; start date late 2025)
– Head of Elementary, Trinity School, Menlo Park, California
– PYP Coordinator, Qatar Academy
– Senior leadership roles at Awty International School, Houston, Texas

Leadership and Classroom Experience

– 28 years of experience in international, independent, and bilingual school settings
– Extensive leadership in bilingual and dual-language program development
– Proven expertise in inquiry-based learning and IB PYP curriculum design
– Led large-scale curriculum redesign initiatives and pedagogical shifts toward inquiry-based models
– Oversight of learning support services, faculty development, and instructional coaching
– Strategic leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
– Experience launching, evaluating, and accrediting international schools

Notable Achievements and Contributions

– Instrumental in leading curriculum redesign and IB-aligned program development across multiple international schools
– Recognized for advancing inclusive school cultures that prioritize student wellbeing and belonging
– Trusted leader in school accreditation processes, including chairing international accreditation visits
– Active contributor to professional learning communities focused on bilingual education, global citizenship, and continuous improvement

Hiba Academy Bay Area’s Mission

Widen your child’s world. At Hiba Academy, your child will be part of a vibrant multicultural community of bilingual learners. We’ll widen their world with. New and diverse perspectives and teach them what it means to be a global citizen.

Hiba Academy Bay Area

Grades PK3, PK4, K, Grade 1

99 Rhode Island St, San Francisco 94103
(415) 930-0165, https://bayarea.hibaacademy.org/en

To learn more about Hiba Academy Bay Area, please click on this link: https://parentspress.com/schools/california/san-francisco/hiba-academy-bay-area

About Leaders in Education
Leaders in Education is a special profile series from Parents Press, highlighting the vision, values, and leadership of heads of schools and key administrators across the Greater Bay Area. Through these features, we aim to give the community a deeper understanding of the people shaping children’s educational experiences.