Head of School
(hos@vimsia.org)

Gloria Arpasi considers it her good fortune to be the Head of School at VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy. Originally from Colorado and Montana, Mrs. Gloria Arpasi has made her home in St. Thomas for over 30 years, working in environmental studies and independent school education. Gloria holds a Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology and holds her Masters of Education in Advanced Teaching and Educational Leadership. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of the Virgin Islands in the Creative Leadership for Innovative Change program, having spent the last 21 years helping VIMSIA champion change-making education for our children. 

Prior to working in PK-12 education, she worked as a field researcher for the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI Class of 1998). Gloria joined the team at Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) in 2005, and played an integral role in building their middle and high school from its infancy to its current level of excellence and success. She was also instrumental in attaining VIMSIA’s IB MYP and DP authorizations, helping to create a world class independent school built on inclusion and international-mindedness. 

Gloria has two Montessori and IB educated children, Diego and Bella, who are proud VIMSIA graduates, having moved through Montessori and IB at VIMSIA. She considers this school to be a part of her DNA, having become integral to her family and her life’s work.