Meet The Founder
Frederic created strategic plans, purchased and built facilities, expanded programs, increased enrollments, oversaw accreditations and "déconventionnements", hired talent, and drafted executive contracts in seven countries across four continents, including the United States, Canada, Finland and France, where he also served as a speaker, facilitator, board member, and workshop leader.
Following forty years of achievement in global and intercultural education, Frederic has chosen to share his expertise with fellow professionals.
He is proficient in English, French and Spanish, and possesses French and Canadian teaching certifications, a Master's in Education, a Leadership Certificate issued by the Province of Alberta, a Post-Graduate Degree (DESS) in technology and bilingual education, and is now an approved DSA (equivalent of superintendent) in Alberta.
Core Services
Why Schools Work With Us
- We bring a deep understanding of AEFE schools: we help them make decisions in high-stakes situations.
- We understand and support both sides of the table: Head of School and Board dynamics are at the core.
- We focus on decisions—not just plans: our work leads to action and execution.
- We bring structure to complexity: we simplify without oversimplifying.
- We are trusted in sensitive moments: discretion, empathy and calm when it matters most.
French international schools are uniquely demanding environments. They combine the rigor of the French system with the requirements of local partners and global communities. Excellence at this level does not happen by accident. It demands tactfully navigating cross-cultural dynamics, bilingual education, and high expectations—often simultaneously.
StrategyMove from ambition to execution.
We work alongside leadership teams and boards to clarify direction, align stakeholders, and turn vision into actionable strategy.
What this looks like:
• Strategic planning and roadmap
• Leadership alignment and decision-making support
• Organizational identity and differentiation
Move from ambition to execution.
We work alongside leadership teams and boards to clarify direction, align stakeholders, and turn vision into actionable strategy.
What this looks like:
• Strategic planning and roadmap
• Leadership alignment and decision-making support
• Organizational identity and differentiation
We work alongside leadership teams and boards to clarify direction, align stakeholders, and turn vision into actionable strategy.
What this looks like:
• Strategic planning and roadmap
• Leadership alignment and decision-making support
• Organizational identity and differentiation
GovernanceStrong governance creates strong schools.
We partner with boards and heads to build a healthy, high-functioning governance culture—especially during moments of transition or tension.
We support:
• Board structure and best practices
• Head–Board partnership
• Governance audits• Facilitation of retreats
Strong governance creates strong schools.
We partner with boards and heads to build a healthy, high-functioning governance culture—especially during moments of transition or tension.
We support:
• Board structure and best practices
• Head–Board partnership
• Governance audits
We partner with boards and heads to build a healthy, high-functioning governance culture—especially during moments of transition or tension.
We support:
• Board structure and best practices
• Head–Board partnership
• Governance audits
• Facilitation of retreats
Leadership SupportLeadership is key; changes are pivotal moments—get it right.
We support heads and guide schools through leadership transitions and challenges with a steady hand, ensuring continuity and confidence at every step.
Our work includes:
• Leadership coaching and advisory
• Transition planning and onboarding support
• Crisis navigation and sensitive situations
Leadership is key; changes are pivotal moments—get it right.
We support heads and guide schools through leadership transitions and challenges with a steady hand, ensuring continuity and confidence at every step.
Our work includes:
• Leadership coaching and advisory
• Transition planning and onboarding support
• Crisis navigation and sensitive situations
We support heads and guide schools through leadership transitions and challenges with a steady hand, ensuring continuity and confidence at every step.
Our work includes:
• Leadership coaching and advisory
• Transition planning and onboarding support
• Crisis navigation and sensitive situations
School DevelopmentGrowth requires both strategy and discipline.
We help schools expand thoughtfully—whether increasing enrollment, strengthening programs, or refining their market position—without losing what makes them distinctive.
Key areas:
• Enrollment strategy and sustainability
• Program development and implementation
• Market positioning and messaging
Growth requires both strategy and discipline.
We help schools expand thoughtfully—whether increasing enrollment, strengthening programs, or refining their market position—without losing what makes them distinctive.
Key areas:
• Enrollment strategy and sustainability
• Program development and implementation
• Market positioning and messaging
We help schools expand thoughtfully—whether increasing enrollment, strengthening programs, or refining their market position—without losing what makes them distinctive.
Key areas:
• Enrollment strategy and sustainability
• Program development and implementation
• Market positioning and messaging
Testimonials
Rapid Progress
"Our French-American school of San Diego undertook in-depth work this year to develop its next strategic plan. Collaborating with Frédéric over the past few months has been a real pleasure, and his support has enabled us to make rapid progress in shaping the plan that will guide our school over the next five years."
- I. David, Head of School at The French American School of San Diego
Experience
"I had the pleasure of working with Frédéric Canadas as I transitioned into my new role as Executive Director at EFAC. His extensive experience with both board relations and school headship was immediately evident, as he provided me with invaluable tools and strategic approaches that helped me understand the complexities of my position."
- M. Cladidier, Executive Director at The French American School of Chicago
Expertise
"Frédéric brought deep expertise in the field, enriched by solid on-the-ground experience. In every meeting, he stood out for the quality of his proposals, his strong listening skills, his reliability, and the diplomacy he demonstrated in his interactions with all stakeholders, including members of the board of directors and the leadership team. His critical thinking was also invaluable in challenging some of our ideas and refining the final version of the plan."
- Recent client
- Recent client
Empathy
"Frédéric was always available to answer questions, offer guidance, and adapt to my schedule, ensuring I felt supported and fully equipped to lead confidently. Taking on a headship can be an isolating experience, but with Frédéric’s empathetic and knowledgeable support, I never felt alone. I wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone seeking a trusted advisor to help pave the way toward a successful, sustainable leadership role."
- Recent client
- Recent client
Connect
Schedule a conversation
Email: fcanadas@school-strategy.com
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/fredericcanadas/