Our Approach

A holistic Approach to Developing the Child

At Wisdom Academy we practice the principle, "Begin with the end in mind." Consequently, we envision our students as adults who are lifelong learners; people who know deeply what they want and have the inner resources to pursue their goals; leaders who not only want to contribute to the world around them, but who have the skills they need to do so in exceptional ways.

We believe that knowledge of the world and religion are compatible, more like a mesh network, and therefore, we make no artificial distinction between secular and sacred knowledge. This belief guides the way we have designed our curriculum. When we teach math, science, language, and other subjects, we are teaching students about Allah’s creation. Students thus grow not to see religion and Allah as a separate part of their lives, but as a way of looking at the world that correlates everything in the universe.

As Maria Montessori said, "to establish the relationship between things is to bring knowledge."

The Montessori Curriculum (Pre-k 6th Grade)

The Montessori curriculum emphasizes an individualized program encouraging a child’s natural ability and desire to learn. This curriculum catches a child’s imagination and enthusiasm. Prepared exercises offer practical experiences. Lessons involve the manipulation of materials. Both encourage the child to use his or her intelligence to explore, analyze and problem-solve.

The curriculum is designed to complement the development of each child’s personality and fosters self-reliance, self-respect, and cooperation. The child develops positive attitudes toward himself, learning, books, and the classroom environment.

Classes are based on three-year age groupings. Younger students observe and learn from older students. The older students develop nurturing behavior and leadership qualities. They reinforce the knowledge they have by passing it on to others.

Each classroom is a lovingly- prepared, child-centered environment. Great care and planning go into preparing the Montessori materials used in each classroom. Materials and activities are arranged on low shelves accessible to the child for whom they are intended. Furniture is designed with the child in mind. An atmosphere of order, beauty, and harmony exists. Learning becomes a natural and delightful activity.

Trained teachers function as guides through the rich and extensive curriculum. Skills are taught in small group lessons or individually. Each child works on selected tasks leading to the development of competence and a love for learning.

The Montessori curriculum assists the child in sharpening his or her powers of observation, enabling him or her to understand ideas and concepts at an early age. The child experiences practical life, sensorial, mathematical, artistic, linguistic, Islamic and scientific activities. These activities lay the foundation for life-long, joyous, and creative learning.

The “normalization” of the children in the classroom environment is an important aspect of the Montessori approach. Dr. Montessori described normalization as the development of inner-discipline, self-assurance and preference for purposeful activity – what she considered the normal state of the child. Each classroom environment has guidelines that are put into place to help achieve normalization.

Traditional Curriculum (7th & 9th Grade)

Our Upper School currently offers an in-person 7th and 9th grade that combines the most comprehensive and rigorous academics with an Islamic curriculum and environment to provide opportunities for your child to develop intellectually and spiritually.