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American World School
About Us

School Leadership

Success-Driven Leadership That Shapes Futures

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When it comes to impact on learning, a school's leadership team is second only to classroom Success Coaches. They shape the conditions that foster the personal and professional growth of students and faculty alike. Strong leadership creates the culture, systems, and environment in which exceptional education happens every day.

At American World School, we believe that our Success Directors are coaches, too — the coaches of our Success Coaches. They set the strategic direction for the school, model our values in everything they do, and serve as role models to everyone within our community.

Founder & Chief Visionary

The driving force behind India's first entrepreneurial school

DM

Dr. Mohanalakshmi

Founder & Chief Visionary

Dr. Mohanalakshmi is the visionary founder of American World School. An inspiring educator, entrepreneur, and global education leader, she has dedicated her career to empowering young people to think, create, and lead through entrepreneurial education.

Her journey began in 2014 with the founding of Kidspreneur, now operating in over 27 countries. She also founded KIDx Asia, empowering over 100 young entrepreneurs who have collectively secured more than $450,000 in investment.

  • Ph.D. in Educational Leadership — Harvard University
  • M.B.A. — University of Sunderland, UK
  • Founder — Kidspreneur (27+ countries)
  • Founder — KIDx Asia

Senior Leadership

Success Directors — Executive Leadership

PM

Mr. Paul Montague

Success Director — Registrar

Oversees student admissions, enrollment, academic records, and compliance with accreditation standards. Primary liaison with AIAAS, WASC, and NCPSA accreditation bodies.

BF

Mr. Benzakhir Faizal

Success Director — Head of School

Provides strategic direction and vision for the entire institution. Oversees academic programmes, Success Coach development, strategic planning, and community engagement.

LS

Mrs. Lekha Srinivasakam

Success Manager — Principal, Elementary & Middle School

Leads the educational experience for KG through Grade 8, integrating rigorous American AERO standards with AWS's signature entrepreneurial curriculum.

Academic Leadership

Success Directors & Managers — Curriculum & Academic Excellence

DB

Dr. Bhavanidevi

Success Director — Curriculum

Ensures academic programmes are rigorous, coherent, and aligned with American AERO standards and AWS's entrepreneurial mission across all divisions.

BP

Mrs. Blessy Prasad

Success Manager — English Department

Leads literacy instruction, literature study, and communication skills development from Kindergarten through Grade 12.

A

Mrs. Anitha

Success Manager — Science Department

Leads instruction in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and integrated science with emphasis on hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

RK

Mr. Raj Kumar

Success Manager — Integrated Science & Lab

Specializes in cross-disciplinary scientific instruction and oversees all laboratory facilities, equipment, and safety protocols.

P

Mr. Poovarsan

Success Manager — Mathematics

Oversees numeracy development, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving from Kindergarten through AP Calculus.

DS

Mrs. Divya Swaminathan

Success Manager — French Department

Leads the French language programme developing students' linguistic proficiency, cultural awareness, and global perspective.

V

Mr. Venugopal

Success Manager — Innovation Hub

Leads the cutting-edge makerspace and STEAM programme. Background in aeronautical engineering and experience on the BRAHMOS missile project.

JK

Mr. Jagadeesh Kanna

Success Manager — Maker Lab & Innovation

CEO and Founder of Vaayusastra Aerospace, pioneering the democratization of aerospace education in India for young learners.

Student Support & Well-Being

Supporting the whole student — academically, emotionally, and personally

GD

Mrs. Gopica Dorairajan

Success Director — Counselling & Community

Leads the comprehensive counselling programme and builds meaningful partnerships with organizations throughout Chennai and beyond.

DS

Mrs. Divya Swapnaraj

Success Director — Child Safeguarding

Leads the comprehensive safeguarding programme ensuring every student learns in a physically and emotionally safe environment.

RR

Ms. Radhika Rupini

Success Manager — Dean of Student Affairs

Oversees student life, discipline, behaviour support, and the overall student experience through restorative practices.

L

Mrs. Lavanya

Success Manager — Assessment

Leads the comprehensive assessment system ensuring student learning is systematically measured, analyzed, and used to inform instruction.

Arts, Innovation & Enrichment

Developing creative confidence and technical excellence

R

Mr. Ravi

Success Manager — Creative Department

Leads the visual media, content creation, and digital storytelling programmes. Head of the Content Creation Studio.

K

Mr. Kishore

Success Manager — Photography, ICT & Digital

Leads the digital arts programme and oversees technological infrastructure enabling world-class learning.

S

Mr. Seshadri

Success Coach — Music

Leads the Music programme with expertise in both Western and Indian classical music, developing creative expression and confidence.

NK

Mr. M.P. Naresh Kumar

Success Coach — Reverse Engineering & Aerospace

Brings professional aerospace industry experience directly into the classroom, specializing in reverse engineering and innovation.

Meet Our Team In Person

Schedule a campus visit and experience the leadership and community that makes AWS exceptional.

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