Primary School

Dear GWA Families,I am excited to be returning to GWA as the primary principal. I have nearly 30 years of experience as an educator, and have served as a primary principal at schools in Colorado, Istanbul, and Morocco for the past 22 years. Prior to becoming an administrator, I worked as a School Psychologist. I have a master’s degree in Educational Psychology and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. 

My educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that we are most successful when we work together as a school community to do what is best for the students at our school. I believe in shared leadership and working in partnership with parents to help ensure student success. 

Personally, I am fortunate to be working alongside my wife Christa Keppler who is the director of teaching and learning at GWA. She has an extensive background in education as a teacher, instructional coach, and primary principal. 

This year, we’re excited to build on our strong foundation by continuing and expanding the programs that have made such a positive impact on our students. Academically, we’ll keep using Amplify, our engaging literacy curriculum that energizes reading and writing instruction across all grade levels. With dynamic new units and activities, Amplify supports critical literacy skills and fosters a love for learning. We’ll also continue using our literacy assessment tool to monitor progress and personalize instruction for each student. In math, we’re launching HMH Into Math—a new curriculum that enhances mathematical thinking with a structured, skill-building approach designed to boost problem-solving and confidence.

Equally important is our commitment to students' social-emotional growth and overall school experience. Daily morning meetings and the Second Step program will continue to build classroom community and support skills like empathy, cooperation, and respectful communication. Our Positive Behavior program will also return, encouraging students to be Respectful, Responsible, and Ready through incentives like Mustang Money and those memorable phone calls home. Beyond the classroom, students will enjoy enriching experiences through field trips, clubs, after-school activities, and school-wide events, creating joyful, lasting memories while extending learning in meaningful ways.

We look forward to having you join the GWA community - a community where we focus on equipping minds and building character in every student at our school. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Mike Keppler

Learning at GWA begins at the primary school level. We are a diverse and inclusive community of learners who are developing into positive, contributing citizens who will serve Morocco and the world. The Primary School aims to foster positive, multilingual, and contributing citizens. We believe that children thrive in a learning community that is diverse, rich, and inclusive where every child feels they can contribute, belong and add value. GWA students engage in experiences that develop a strong foundation in academics, the arts, languages, and physical education. GWA Primary School students are encouraged to research their own curiosity, seek information and answers, and discover new questions to facilitate their learning.