Meet our Head of School
Welcome to The Palmas Academy!
At The Palmas Academy, we believe that our school is far more than just classrooms and programs—it is a vibrant, nurturing community where students are made to feel welcome, safe, known, challenged, and inspired every day.
From their very first days in Pre-K through their graduation in 12th grade, our Dolphins grow into confident learners, compassionate leaders, and engaged global citizens. At the heart of our mission is a clear and unwavering priority: to foster independence, resilience, and empathy in every student. Guided by our Dolphin Learner Profile, our core values are essential not only for academic success but for leading lives of purpose, integrity, and service.
We invite you to explore who we are, meet our dedicated and passionate faculty, and experience the spirit of family that makes TPA such a truly special place to learn, grow, and thrive.
— David Sanabria, Head of School
About David Sanabria
With almost 40 years in the field of education, Mr. David Sanabria brings a dynamic blend of vision, leadership, and heart to his role as Head of School at The Palmas Academy. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Interamerican University, a Master’s degree with honors from the Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development, and a Juris Doctor from the Interamerican University School of Law. His ongoing commitment to professional excellence is reflected in advanced certificates from the Harvard University Principal’s Institute, the ISM Advancement Academy, and participation in numerous national and international leadership seminars.
Mr. Sanabria has been a driving force in Puerto Rican education for decades. He has served on the Executive Board of the Puerto Rico High School Athletic Alliance (PRHSAA) for over 20 years and currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Asociación de Educación Privada (AEP). He is also an active member of the Caribbean Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). A Fulbright-Hays Scholar to the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Mr. Sanabria has held leadership and teaching roles in diverse settings including schools in the Boston area, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), and most recently as head of the upper school at Saint John’s School in San Juan, where he led the secondary division for over a decade and to reach new heights in academics, enrollment and success in athletics and the arts.
Since joining The Palmas Academy in 2023, Mr. Sanabria has fostered a culture of commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and whole-child development. His leadership has contributed to increased enrollment and expanded program offerings across academics, athletics, and the arts. Known for his approachable leadership style, he is a familiar and welcoming presence on campus—greeting students each morning, attending athletic games, and regularly connecting with families. In his young tenure at TPA, his leadership has resulted in transformational changes to our facilities and unprecedented success in fundraising.
Outside of school, Mr. Sanabria enjoys traveling with his family, reading, watching American football, and taking scenic drives in his convertible car. He is married and the proud father of adult twins, both currently pursuing graduate studies in the Boston area.