The French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS) starts the 2010-11 school year with Eric Thuau as the new Head of School. Following a 9-month selection process, the FASPS Search Committee selected Mr. Thuau as the next Head of School.

Prior to moving to Washington state, Thuau was Head of School at the Austin International School (AIS) in Austin, Texas. Thuau’s already impressive professional experience includes leading international schools in Turkey and Cape Verde. His strong commitment to excellence in the bilingual system, sustainable growth and genuine passion for education, have all contributed to build his reputation as an inspiring and successful leader.

Thuau is joining FASPS as the school reaches significant milestones: the completion of the new facility, a record enrollment of 370 students, and the opening of the first Grade 8 class, making FASPS the only French immersion pre-k through grade 8 independent school in Washington State.

“This is a very exciting time for me to join the school. In only 15 years, FASPS has established an excellent bilingual program, attracted an outstanding Faculty and is fortunate to have the support of an international community of parents and friends”, said Thuau. Building from this strong foundation, my priority will be to further consolidate and expand the impressive program that FASPS offers and intensify outreach. The combination of the renowned French educational system with the highest standards in American education is what makes FASPS a one-of-a-kind school in this region.”

Patrick Kirtland, chair of the Board of Trustees, is excited to welcome Thuau to FASPS and is eager to begin working with him.

“The Board was thrilled when Eric accepted our offer to join us as our new Head of School. Now that he is here, we look forward to working with him to determine ‘what comes next’ in our school’s evolution. Eric’s broad experience in bilingual education, passion for kids, and sheer energy will be instrumental in helping us define our goals and priorities for the next 5-10 years.”

Thuau is joined by his wife João and their two daughters, the latter of whom just started the new school year at FASPS.