ISA is a college prep educational institution, established in 1984, which serves the Pre-K through 12th grade students with an American curriculum, along with Arabic and Islamic Studies. ISA is fully accredited with SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) and with CITA (Commission for International and Trans Regional Accreditation).
Mission statement
The mission of the Islamic Saudi Academy is to enable our students to excel academically while maintaining the values of Islam and proficiency with the Arabic language. The Academy endeavors to provide a caring, challenging and supportive learning environment where students can achieve their highest potential while exhibiting civic responsibility and multicultural appreciation.
Our Vision
ISA will be the premier educational institution for the Saudi and Muslim community for grades PreK-12 in the United States.
Our Beliefs
Create opportunities for our students to embrace, internalize, and practice the moral values established in the Holy Qur’an and the exemplary life of our Prophet Muhammad (S.A.S.) Provide a safe and stimulating learning environment that promotes an atmosphere of cooperation, trust, and dignity. Encourage students to serve others both within our school and in the larger community. Teach and promote respect and appreciation for cultural differences and the natural rights of mankind. Nurture and inspire creativity, self-direction, self-discipline, and self-esteem. Instill a thirst for knowledge. Develop critical thinking and practical application skills needed for life-long learning. Promote physical and mental fitness through athletic participation while emphasizing sportsmanship and teamwork" (sited from ISA website)
Admission
Admissions for grade Pre-K - 12: The first priority is given to sons and daughters of Saudi Arabian nationals living in the United States. Children of Saudi Arabian diplomats or others persons on Saudi governmental assignment must be given admission. The second admissions priority is given to the sons and daughters of diplomats from other Arab and Muslim countries residing in the Washington, D.C. area. The third priority is given to young people from other Muslim countries and Muslim families residing in the Washington, D.C. area. Finally, on a space available basis, the Academy also accepts other applicants. These applicants must agree to follow ISA's academic standards and are admitted without regard to race, sex, creed, or national origin.
Admission Mission
The goal of the Admission Office is to enroll young Muslim Saudi children and other youth in the local community who possess strong academic ability and potential, high standards of character and conduct, and maintaining Islamic values and Arabic language and culture.
'Requirements
New student applications are accepted for the upcoming academic year between January 2nd and March 30th. Applications are retained for up to one year. In order to remain on the wait list, you must re-apply yearly.
Listed below are the required items for the admission process. These items should be submitted at the time of applying:
•Completed Application Form
•Birth certificate
•Two photographs, passport size
•An official school transcript (records from last school, if applicable. Students in grades 9th though 12th should provide All of their report cards from grade 9 and up)
•Teacher Recommendations, ISA asks for teacher recommendations from the students’ current teachers. We require one recommendation for grades 6-12.
•Proof of Residency status in the United States
Upon the acceptance of a student, the following items should be provided before they are enrolled in classes:
•Blue Medical/Physical Examination Form
•Permission for Emergency Care Form
•Form of Commitment to ISA rules and regulations
•Registration and application fee $125.00 (nonrefundable)
•Tuition paid in full
•Forms
- You may mail this to the admission office.*****
Contact Number Mrs. Amal Mustafa 8333 Richmond Highway Alexandria, VA 22309
Admission Office number: (703) 664-6416 E-mail: Ammustafa@Gmail.com
Curriculum/Programs
The Islamic Studies Program is unique and comprehensive. It stresses Islamic culture, tradition, heritage, and identity. It challenges the students academically and fosters an atmosphere conducive to the development of Islamic morals, values and ideals. With this foundation, students will continually seek knowledge, think critically, and become active learners. The program prepares students for the challenges they will face as they proceed in their educational and professional careers.
The Islamic Saudi Academy believes that it is important for all students to learn Arabic. Arabic is the language of the Holy Qur'an and Muslims are expected to be well versed in it and fully aware of its usage. Fluency in Arabic keeps students in close contact with their Arab heritage and culture through written and oral communication. The Arabic language is becoming more and more popular in cultural, political and economic world events; moreover, it has become one the major languages used at the United Nations. In general, the Arabic program follows the curriculum, syllabus, and materials established by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
The Mathematics program at ISA is an integrated curriculum incorporating the standards adopted by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) and emphasizes proficiency in basic skills needed in mathematics. Building these skills from the elementary grades, it emphasizes readiness for advancement to higher level mathematics. From the middle school level on, students demonstrating proficiency may move through the program at an accelerated pace based on teacher recommendation, mastery testing, and standardized testing. Integrating technology into the math curriculum has become a priority at ISA. The high school math program is integrated through eleventh grade mathematics. Each year, algebra, geometry, statistics, and other realms of mathematics are presented to each grade at the appropriate level of difficulty. At present, finite mathematics, pre-calculus, and Advanced Placement calculus coursed are offered (after eleventh grade mathematics) to allow students to prepare for American colleges. The integrated curriculum conforms to the system followed in Saudi Arabia. The integrated curriculum has the advantage of teaching students about the interconnectedness of the various branches of mathematics, and keeping their knowledge current in each area of math during the entire program. Bringing technology into the classroom has become a priority at ISA, and technology is used wherever possible and applicable, in the form of scientific calculators, graphing calculators, and desktop computers and Internet resources.
In elementary and secondary Science at ISA, students investigate and explore by cultivating knowledge of scientific methodology and systematic use of inquiry skills such as observing, classifying, sequencing, communicating, measuring, predicting, and hypothesizing. Students are actively engaged by inferring, controlling, and manipulating variables in experimentation. The elementary program relies heavily on a hands-on approach to science. ISA students are required to take three years of laboratory science at the high school level with the opportunity to take additional courses. In addition to biology, chemistry, and physics, high school students may take college preparatory courses at the regular and Advanced Placement level. Chemistry is offered on the regular level only. Use of technology is an integral part of every course, including interactive physics and chemistry that use computer programs, laser disks, video cassettes, and graphing calculators. Centrally located between the Boy's and Girl's schools, the Library Media Center (LMC) is the heart of ISA. It is where staff, faculty, and students come together to study, share, and learn. Extra efforts have been made throughout the year to create a comfortable, welcoming, and functional environment for the staff, students, and faculty of ISA. The LMC staff has endeavored to make the Library a center for relaxation and enjoyment as well as for research and education. Displays of new Arabic and English books, the presentation of students' artwork, children's bilingual storytelling activities, and a reading lounge area are all regularly available in the Library.
The Computer department introduces students to new technologies as they emerge, and gives them basic skills with computers and peripherals so that they will be proficient and comfortable with their use. Sequential courses are offered in Programming and Applications.
The Art department teaches the elements and principles of art so that students can analyze and interpret their own and other works of art and to acquire the skills and techniques necessary to express themselves artistically. Drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and photography are among the areas in which students create artistic works.
The English program is designed to challenge students academically, to prepare them for college, and contribute to their personal development. The goals of the program are to promote critical and analytical thinking, perceptive reading, effective writing and speaking in myriad of situations. English as a Second Language is offered to students whose first language is not English. Concentrated instruction in stages equips these students with the necessary tools to build and improve their linguistic ability in order to study and function in the English speaking world, whether they intend to pursue higher studies in the United States or overseas.
The purpose of Social Studies at ISA is to develop literate citizens with knowledge of contemporary issues drawn from experiences of the past and a strong knowledge of Islamic civilization and history. This goal is achieved through a broad, balanced and relevant social studies curriculum based on the requirements for a college preparatory program. Students returning to the Middle East after high school are taught a Saudi Curriculum in Arabic language.
The Physical Education program stresses the importance of active participation. Through participation students learn about skills in a wide variety of team and individual sports, the benefits of physical fitness, rules, strategy, and life-long physical activity. By meeting these requirements the student will have a greater understanding of how he/she can improve his/her health, avoid risky behaviors, and make sound decisions that concern themselves and others.