Curriculum/Program

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.

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.