CURRICULUM
“Read! In the name of your Lord and Cherisher, Who created-Created man, out of a leech-like clot: Read! And your Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the Pen, Taught man that which he knew not.”
Al-Qur’an 96:1-5
The educational program of IQRA’ ACADEMY has not been developed simply to build up the student’s store of information in order to obtain a college degree or to get a good job. The ultimate aim has always been to prepare the students to be best citizens of a global Ummah (community). The best Muslim citizens are the citizens who consciously worship Allah (SWT) and diligently promote Islamic values, according to the teachings of Al-Qur’an and Al-Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In order to fulfill this aim, the curriculum of all subject areas will be developed to integrate the USVI Department of Education criteria with Islamic principles and knowledge. It also incorporates educational materials and guidelines developed by Islamic educational organizations, such as IQRA’ and the Tarbiya Project.
Instruction is enriched at every level using audio-visual aids, field trips, enrichment materials and equipment to make it an all - encompassing educational experience. When non-Islamic educational materials are used, they are carefully screened that they reinforce Islamic ideals. All subject areas shall be presented sequentially beginning in pre-school through all grade levels.
IQRA’ ACADEMY strongly emphasizes the development of Islamic behavior and personality. Students are instructed daily on different aspects of Islamic manners. They are also taught ways in which they can maintain an Islamic personality in a non Islamic society. In the classroom, students are taught to maintain proper speech and behavior.
Each teacher is expected to apply a set of overall learning objectives for subjects being taught in the framework of the school’s six main objectives. These objectives for the year (a set of long range objectives) are then subdivided into quarter objectives. All teachers are required to prepare weekly lesson plans and submit the plans available for review by the principal on the first day of the week. Lesson plan books are turned in at the end of the academic year or upon leaving the IQRA’ ACADEMY school system.
Textbooks are just one resource and in themselves are not the primary teaching tools. Our primary sources of knowledge are Al-Qur’an and Al-Hadith. Teachers are urged always to focus on the Islamic perspective of the concepts being taught.