Our school’s mission is to provide education that cultivates independent thought, promotes character building, develops healthy individuals, nurtures growth and promotes responsibility and productivity, with foundations in Montessori Education combined with Islamic values, including a special emphasis on the Shia’ah traditions, through programs that are measurable and efficient.
Q: Why is there an application fee before guarantee of enrollment?
A: The application fee is used to fund the admission process which includes staff resources, the technology cost for running the application portal, admission review resources, and maintenance of the online technology that handles the online application.
Q: How can I schedule a tour?
A: You can schedule a tour by emailing the tour coordinator,
Q: I applied for my child last year but did not receive enrollment. Do I need to apply every year?
A: Yes, due to the numerous inquiries and applications, each year requires a new application (at this time not a new fee, but this is subject to change as the number of applications increase) regardless of the previous year’s waitlist.
Q: What is the waitlist process?
A: Applicants will be placed on a waitlist in the order of the submitted application once the fee is paid. Enrollment in the Lower School is based on resources available and age of child. For more information on Montessori Education, click HERE. We will contact you if a spot becomes available. Currently, our capacity is smaller than the Public School System and as such, the current student population receives priority for re-enrollment as it moves up in groups and stages of development. NOTE: Waitlists do not guarantee enrollment.
Q: What grade levels do we currently offer?
A: We currently offer Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st through 5th grades in our Montessori program. Most new families begin in the Pre-K classrooms (ages 3 to 5), and then 1st thru 5th grades are taught together, with one teacher as the Guide and an Assistant, with a limit of 25-35 students in each classroom. Currently, there is 1 Elementary classroom.
Q: What about grades 6 and up?
A: Our Upper School program uses Traditional Instruction and Curriculum. Once the 5th graders move up to 6th grade, they are moved into new classrooms by grade level, and multiple teachers must be assigned (based on staff availability and school space), which limits our acceptance of new students in these Upper Grades. New Upper School Inquiries require a written request by the parents. Please email umma.ali@wisdomacademy.net
Al-Salamu Alikum Dear Parents, I pray that you all are well Insha’Allah. Here is a summary of your children’s Qur’an work during the previous month.
Primary Level One: (Children ages 4 and 5 who joined Quran Studies for the first time this year). Primary Level Two: (Children age 5 and older). In these two Primary levels, we usually focus on the correct phonetics (Makharage) مَخارِج and pronunciation of Arabic letters and words, and on the correct memorization of several small Surahs and Duaa’s. (All Duaa’s are from the Noble Qur’an).
Level One: Children continued to practice Surah Al Fatiha الفاتحة and learned Surah Al Nass النَّاس, they also continued to practice Duaa’ prophet Muses (as). Level Two: Continued to practice Surah Quryish قريش, and they learned Surah Al Maa’oon الماعون and Dua Al Hasanah.
Elementary Group One & Two (Level One Qur’an). Elementary Group Three (Level Two A – Qur’an: Students who finished learning the reading grammars last year). Elementary Group Four (Level Two B -Qur’an). Our main focus at Level Two (Groups Three & Four) is on improving student’s recitation of the Noble Quran. Elementary Groups Five & Six (Level Three Qur’an). Our focus at Level Three (Groups Five & Six) is on reading, on Qur’an vocabulary memorization, and on writing; our goal is to help children learn the most efficient way of Arabic writing, and to help them develop a sense of direction of their Arabic writing (which is the opposite of English writing), and develop a sense of the right size and shape of Arabic written words.
Group One & Two: Students learned the Sokoon and Shaddah vowels while still practicing the small Arabic letters (the connected form of Arabic letters), and the main vowels (Fatteha, Kasra, Dhammah and Tanween). Group Three: Students continued reading the last 4 Juzah of the Noble Quran and they are now at Surah Al Qhamar القمر(reading without repetition). Group Four : Students continued reading first half of the Noble Quran; they are at the end of Surah Al Baqharah البَقَرة سورة and about to start Surah Al Imran آل عمران (reading without repetition). Students also continued practicing Arabic handwriting and learning basic Arabic handwriting rules.
UPPER School
6th grade: Students continued reading the second half of the Noble Quran and they are now at Surah Al Anbiyaa’ سورة الآنبياء, (reading without repetition). The purpose is to improve their reading fluency and improve their Tajweed by applying main Tajweed rules such as (Idghan, Iqhlab and Qalqalah), Gunna and Muddood, Students also reviewed general vocabulary lists such as; family members 1, clothes, and numbers 1 & 2. 8th grade: Students continued reading first half of the Noble Quran and they are now at Surah Al Ana’am الأنعام سورة (reading without repetition). The purpose is to improve their reading fluency and improve their Tajweed by applying main Tajweed rules such as (Idghan, Iqhlab and Qalqalah), Gunna and Muddood, Students also reviewed general vocabulary lists such as; things in the Quran, numbers 1 & 2, and clothes. 10th grade: Students continued learning Arabic grammar and working with the No nonsense Arabic book (Chapters; 9 to 10). Student continued reading first half of the Noble Quran as well and they are now at Surah Al Tawba’ التوبة سورة (reading without repetition) with Tajweed. They also learned a new Arabic vocabulary from the No nonsense Arabic vocabulary book (Chapters; 9 to 11) and reviewed some Quran general vocabulary lists.
I wish you all a relaxing and happy winter break, Insha’Allah.
By Mrs. Fizza Rizvi, Primary 2 Guide
The journey thus far has been nothing short of adventurous. While we’ve encountered some challenging moments along the way, our remarkable students—our great drivers—continue to navigate these hurdles with enthusiasm and determination. Their resilience and excitement to complete this journey inspire us all.
The Practical Life area has emerged as the most trafficked and beloved space in our classroom, attracting not just our young learners but also adults who are drawn to its engaging activities. It is truly enchanting to observe our students as they immerse themselves in these lessons with such precision and genuine interest. They remain busy with a variety of tasks that contribute to their development and the upkeep of our environment. From caring for plants and sweeping floors to vacuuming rugs, washing tables, and crafting beautiful flower arrangements, our friends are continually enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our shared space. As the weather has shifted, we have also begun practicing with dressing frames, including button and zipper frames, which are vital in promoting their independence. We are proud to see them mastering the skills needed to put on their jackets and sweaters by themselves.
It would be remiss not to highlight the Sensorial area, which plays a crucial role in our students’ development. Each lesson within this area is meticulously designed to foster their sensory exploration and development. The knob cylinders, in particular, have become a favorite among our students, with very few remaining on the shelves; there is almost always someone engrossed in mastering this fantastic material that specifically enhances hand-eye coordination. Witnessing them practice and become adept at these lessons brings immense joy, as it demonstrates their growth and accomplishment. They thoroughly enjoy working with various materials, including the rough and smooth boards, color tablets, the pink tower, and the brown stairs, to name just a few.
Our Language and Math areas may not attract as much attention as the Practical Life and Sensorial areas, but when our older students engage with materials from these sections, they dive in wholeheartedly. I cherish the moment they complete a lesson and the spark of accomplishment ignites in their eyes—it’s a sight to behold! Our younger friends are exploring phonetics and connecting sounds with tangible materials, while our older students have begun writing practice in their journals. In Math, there is a noticeable preference for working with the teens and tens boards, as many of them find these materials more engaging than the bead cabinet.
In conclusion, I must admit that this overview barely scratches the surface of the rich experiences our friends encounter daily. The details I’ve shared here are mere highlights; in reality, our students are engaged in a multitude of activities that foster both their individual growth and a sense of community within our classroom.
By Tasneem Mamdani, Primary Guide
Dearest Parents, Salāmun ʿAlaykum, May Allah bless you and your families. As we reflect on the end of the first semester, we are truly grateful to Almighty Allah for His countless blessings and guidance. This semester has been a rewarding journey filled with growth, learning, and shared experiences. Thank you for attending the recent Parent-Teacher Conferences and for your continued partnership in supporting your child’s progress.
Language:
We have focused on reinforcing phonetic sounds for all levels of readers. Younger students have been practicing blending sounds and building three-letter words such as cat, mat, and tap, strengthening their pre-reading and phonics skills. Older students have proudly written and shared their own phonetically spelled stories in their writing journals. Sharing these stories with peers has enhanced their confidence and communication skills, laying a strong foundation for future literacy success.
Practical Life:
New additions to the Practical Life area, such as coffee grinding, lacing cards, and sewing cards, have been a big hit with the students. Coffee grinding has been particularly popular, with many children enthusiastically claiming they are making coffee for their dads for Father’s Day! This activity develops concentration, wrist strength, and perseverance, with the added sensory reward of the delightful aroma of freshly ground coffee.
Similarly, sewing cards have enhanced fine motor skills, improved hand-eye coordination, and nurtured independence—skills that prepare children for more advanced tasks like writing.
Students have also been refining their self-care skills, such as switching to their “inside” shoes and hanging their coats upon arrival. Learning to zip their jackets has been an important milestone in their journey toward independence. We kindly ask parents to check their child’s coat zippers to ensure they are easy to use, as difficult zippers can be frustrating for children eager to become self-sufficient.
Sensorial:
In the Sensorial area, students explored shapes using constructive triangles and built complex structures with the Pink Tower and Brown Stairs. Activities like creating mazes with the Red Rods not only refined spatial awareness but also fostered collaboration and problem-solving skills when completed with peers.
Cultural and Science:
Our young learners explored various cultural and scientific topics, such as the parts of trees and leaves, animal adaptations during winter, and how animals migrate, hibernate, or adapt to survive the cold. Students asked curious questions: Does their fur change color in winter?Where do animals live when it’s cold? Books and discussions about winter survival brought these concepts to life.
Older students delved into puzzle map work, learning about continents and countries. They extended their learning by drawing flags and studying landmarks and animals unique to different regions. These hands-on activities nurtured a deeper understanding of the world.
Math:
Much progress has been seen in the Math area. Younger students have gained confidence in recognizing numbers 0–9, while others have mastered teen and tens numbers or worked on odd and even numbers. Some students have progressed to building four-digit numbers and exploring addition and subtraction concepts.
One of the beauties of the Montessori classroom is that children are free to follow their interests. After weeks of focused concentration in math, some students shifted their attention to the Science area, creating “Parts of…” booklets on various topics. This environment encourages deep, self-directed exploration, ensuring that every wave of interest is meaningful and rewarding.
Islamic Studies:
Our mornings begin with the recitation of a sūrah from the Qurʾān, followed by Duʿā al-Marāfah with its translation, and a salutation to the Imam of our time (ʿAJTF).
We discussed how Allah sent the Qurʾān and explored the importance of wilāyah through the example of Sayyidah Fāṭimah (ʿA.S). The students were especially amazed when we shared the story of Prophet Sulaymān (ʿA.S) and the miracle of how he could communicate with animals and understand their conversations. Their eyes lit up with wonder as they absorbed this incredible story.
In fiqh, we focused on the importance of cleanliness and the conditions of ṭahārah before ṣalāh. We also learned about the qiblah.
To commemorate the martyrdom of Lady Fāṭimah al-Zahrāʾ (ʿA.S), the Primary students organized an event in their environment. They recited the Qurʾān, shared poetry, and performed a heartfelt tribute. It was heartwarming to witness their love and sincerity in honoring her memory. Our goal is to nurture a love for the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿA.S) in our students’ hearts by sharing stories that inspire them to emulate these noble personalities as role models.
We are incredibly thankful for your unwavering support this semester. Your involvement in activities like Parent Lesson Night, Cup of Wisdom, and conferences has been invaluable to both the children and our classroom community. We pray to Allah for a safe and enjoyable winter break for all and look forward to welcoming everyone back in the New Year, ready for another exciting semester of growth and discovery, inshāʾAllah. Warm regards.
Exploring the science of Shadow in the outdoor environmentA beautiful example of peer teaching, fostering collaboration and empathyPractical Life ActivitiesLabeling the EnvironmentBuilding CVC wordsMath ActivitiesCare of EnvironmentChildren love their time with Sheikh SaadiZoha brought a Pea-Hen feather, thanks to her mom who found it on line and drove all the way to Mansfield to get it.Maps in actionMaze with Red RodsMaps in actionDifferent stages of the sewing processCreating geometric solids with clay and painting them into colorful 3D masterpieces
By Ms. Hind Sabir, Elementary Guide
Elementary had a thrilling past few months from inside and outside the classroom!
By Mrs. Batool Kamar, Upper School Math Teacher
Grade 6 students started studying ratios. They learned comparing quantities using ratios and used ratio language to describe relationship between two quantities, simplified ratios to obtain equivalent ratios. Students studied the relation between ratios and fractions, and apply ratio relationships to solve real-world problems. As part of this topic, students participated in project “I Spy Ratios” where each student created their own poster with hidden ratios, and had a great time guessing these ratios with their classmates. Then they moved on to learn about rates and average; they used average reasoning, and expressed one quantity per unit of another quantity to find unit rates to solve real-world problems
Grade 6 students presenting their “I Spy Ratios” posters.Grade 6 students calculating the class average on the quiz.
Grade 8 students had an eventful month strengthening their knowledge in algebra, specifically algebraic fractions. They learned and practiced how to express an algebraic fraction in its simplest form using all the factorization methods they learned previously, add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions. This knowledge laid the foundation for solving fractional equations by transformation them to quadratic or linear equations. Students solved everyday problems involving algebraic fractions to consolidate their understanding and apply it. As a part of studying fractional algebraic expressions , a collaboration between 10th graders and 8th graders took place, where each class created their own expression and the other class had to simplify it meticulously, using factorization methods they learned.
Grade 8 students trying to simplify a rational expressionGrade 8 students doing group work
Grade 10 students continued the study of polynomial: they used synthetic division to identify the zeros of polynomial functions, understood the relationship between the coefficients and the degree of a function and its roots, and graphed transformations of polynomial functions from their parent functions. Students then moved on to exploring rational functions, they learned to identify the asymptotes of rational functions, which aids them in graphing the functions. They recalled how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide rational expressions and applied these skills to solve rational equations. As a part of studying rational functions and expressions , a collaboration between 10th graders and 8th graders took place, where each class created their own expression and the other class had to simplify it meticulously, using factorization methods they learned.
The Algebra Collaboration between Grade 8 and Grade 10 .
Grade 6 Life Skills Class: in Life Skills our 6th graders started a unit on Consumer Management, we were glad to have Sr Marzia share her knowledge in Budgeting. Student were given the opportunity to do a real-world mock budget using the average salary of their chosen profession. Students also learned a lot from Shaykh Al-Saadi when they addressed the topic of recognizing influences on consumers’ decisions, including advertisements and psychology behind stores to encourage spending more.
Shaykh Al-Saadi, guest speaker in Life Skills classSr Marzia, guest speaker in Life Skills ClassStudents creating their own mock budget
In December, Grade 10 students started learning about radical functions, they used n-th roots and properties of radicals to rewrite expressions. They applied this knowledge to rewrite functions in order to graph them, and to isolate the variable when solving radical equations. And lastly students practiced how to combine functions using operations and compositions of functions.
Grade 8 students started a new topic on congruence and similarity, and explored their connection to geometric transformations. They understood and applied the idea of congruence, drew the image of a plane figure under a reflection, a translation, or a rotation with and without the coordinate grid. After that they established the knowledge in similarity properties and applied them to solve problems, then learned how to construct similar figures under dilation.
Grade 6 students applied what they know about unit rates to solve problems involving speed, distance and time. Students were later introduced to percents: they learned how to convert fractions and decimals to percents and vice versa; found percentages of quantities; and found a quantity given its percentage.
In December, Grade 6 Life Skills Class: Our class had the pleasure of having Br Faisal Rajani as a guest speaker, addressing an introductory to financial literacy. They developed an understanding of the idea of money, basic banking, credit, loans and interest.
By Mrs. Malak Charara, Science and Electives Teacher:
Grade 6 students moved on to studying plants and how they meet their needs and perform their functions as living organisms. Therefore, they learned about the making of a new plant through pollination and fertilization and how seeds disperse from one place to the other.
Grade 6 students dissecting “Daily Lily” flowers to learn about the male and female parts which are important for the making of a new plant.Grade 6 students conducting an experiment on a celery stalk to learn about the vascular system in plants!Grade 6 students learning about plant transpiration.
Grade 8 students concluded their investigation of planetary science by learning how light properties like brightness and color help astronomers study faraway celestial objects. Therefore, they were introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum and its characteristics. They moved on to explore new topics in basic physics like types of forces, how they were discovered and were introduced to Newton’s three laws of motion. Students learned how to calculate the net forces acting upon an object and whether those forces are visible or not. They moved on exploring the concept of magnetism as one of the invisible forces and how it helps us in our everyday life.
In their elective yearbook class, grade 8 students further practiced applying what they’ve learned about design and writing captions and descriptions into some yearbook events’ templates.
Grade 8 students working with spring scales and loads to understand and measure the forces of pushing, pulling and friction.Integrating science and electives in grade 8.Grade 8 students working on their colorful solar system poster
Grade 10 students concluded their studies of Unit 4 where they learned about the role of cells, focusing on how cells use energy and information transmission to communicate and replicate through systems of complex transduction pathways. They also learned that cells need to respond to their environment to maintain homeostasis and that they can also replicate and regulate replication as part of the cell cycle that provides for the continuity of life. Besides, students were introduced to calculating the standard deviation and error of a set of data as they will need this skill for upcoming analytical tests.
Grade 10 students conducting an experiment to test the claim of Nabisco’s advertisement that compare double stuffed Oreos with regular Oreos. It was possible through the calculation of the standard deviation and error of their collected data.
By Br. Yusuf Ali, English, History, and Social Studies Teacher:
10th Grade History students created skits and recorded them to bring alive events such as the American Civil War. 10th Grade English students continued to read, The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Students in 6th and 8th Grade English read the book, Peace be Upon Ibrahim, and they are working on their literary analysis.
January 2025
Friday Jan 10th, Half Day – Father’s Day
Saturday Jan 11th, Parent Ed Session
Alhamdulillah! We thank the parents, families, and community for their continuing support and encouragement. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, we would love to hear from you! Please leave your comments!
Al-Salamu Alikum Dear Parents, I pray that you all are well Insha’Allah. Here is a summary of your children’s Qur’an work during the previous month.
Primary Level One: (Children ages 4 and 5 who joined Quran Studies for the first time this year). Primary Level Two: (Children age 5 and older). In these two Primary levels, we usually focus on the correct phonetics (Makharage) مَخارِج and pronunciation of Arabic letters and words, and on the correct memorization of several small Surahs and Duaa’s. (All Duaa’s are from the Noble Qur’an).
Level One: Practiced surah Al Kauthar الكوثر, and Surah Al Fatiha الفاتحة, they also practiced Duaas prophet Muses (as).
Level Two: Practiced Surah Al filالفيل and Surah Quryish قريش.
Elementary Group One & Two (Level One Qur’an). Elementary Group Three (Level Two A – Qur’an: Students who finished learning the reading grammars last year). Elementary Group Four (Level Two B -Qur’an). Our main focus at Level Two (Groups Three & Four) is on improving student’s recitation of the Noble Quran. Elementary Groups Five & Six (Level Three Qur’an). Our focus at Level Three (Groups Five & Six) is on reading, on Qur’an vocabulary memorization, and on writing; our goal is to help children learn the most efficient way of Arabic writing, and to help them develop a sense of direction of their Arabic writing (which is the opposite of English writing), and develop a sense of the right size and shape of Arabic written words.
Groups One & Two: Students are still practicing the small Arabic letters (the connected form of Arabic letters), and the three main vowels (Fatteha, Kasra, and Dhammah). They also learned the Tanween vowels.
Group Three: Students continued reading the last 4 Juzah of the Nobel Quran and they are now at Surah Al Tur الطور(reading without repetition).
Group Four: Students continued reading the first half of the Nobel Quran and they are now half way through Surah Al Baqharah البَقَرة سورة (reading without repetition). Students also started writing Arabic words and learning basic Arabic writing rules.
Groups Five & Six: Students continued reading the first half of the Nobel Quran, and they are now at the end of Surah Al Baqharah البَقَرة سورة and some have started Surah Al Imran آل عمران (reading without repetition). Students have also worked on improving writing, reading, and memorization of Quran vocabulary: animals 1 & 2 in the Quran.
Upper School
6th grade: Students continued reading the second half of the Nobel Quran and they are now at Surah Al Taha سورة طه, (reading without repetition). The purpose is to improve their reading fluency and improve their applying of the main Tajweed rules such as (Idghan, Iqhlab and Qalqalah), Gunna and Muddood, Students also reviewed general vocabulary lists such as food 1 & 2, colors, time 1, etc.
8th grade: Students continued reading first half of the Nobel Quran and they are now at Surah Al Nisaa’ النساء سورة (reading without repetition). The purpose is to improve their reading fluency and improve their applying of the main Tajweed rules such as (Idghan, Iqhlab and Qalqalah), Gunna and Muddood, Students also reviewed general vocabulary lists such as body parts 1 & 2, etc.
10th grade: Student finished reviewing last year’s Module One (Chapters 1 to 7) of the No Nonsense Arabic book, and started learning Module Two (chapter 8). They also continued reading the first half of the Nobel Quran, and they are now at Surah Al Ma’iydah المائدة سورة (reading without repetition) with Tajweed. Student also learned new Arabic vocabulary from the No Nonsense Arabic Vocabulary book and reviewed some general Quran vocabulary lists.
Grade 6 Life Skills Class: Our 6th graders were eager to learn more about volunteering in their community from our guest speaker Sr Malahat Kizilbash, representative of Who is Hussain in Dallas. They discussed what does it mean to be a part of a community and to give back, and how does it affect us as individuals and as a community. Then they learned about environmental issues to understand their impact and each group presented ways to make positive changes in their daily lives considering one of the issues. Later they learned key safety measures to practice at home, including but not limited to fire safety, and first aid basics.
Life skills guest speaker: Sr Malahat KizilbashStudents exploring the basics of first aid.6th graders presenting their thoughts about environmental issues.
• Grade 6 students started by examining decimals, they recalled how to add, subtract, and multiply decimals, and then learned how to divide decimals as well. They explored how to write fractions as decimals as vice versa , rounding their answers for non-terminating decimals. Students then learned more about units, where they applied their understanding of decimals to convert metric measurement units. Students reviewed and extended their understanding to more complex calculations and applied them to solve multi-step word problems, by specifying the given , looking for keywords, determining the unknown, and the steps to finding it. Students are currently extending their understanding of real numbers by learning and positive and negative numbers.
Grade 6 students doing math classwork.
• Grade 8 students learned how to solve simultaneous linear equations in two variables algebraically, using both elimination and substitution methods, and they were provided some application problems to help them improve their problem-solving skills. Students recalled their previous knowledge of the distributive law of multiplication to multiply two or more algebraic expressions. They recognized how to spot algebraic expressions which can be expressed as the expanded form of the three special products and factorize them accordingly. Then they examined factorizing quadratic expressions that are not of the form of the three special products in both cases where the leading coefficients is 1 or different that one. Building on what they learned, students were able to solve quadratic equations by factorization using the Zero Product Property, and check if their solutions do satisfy the equation in hand.
Grade 8 students visualizing algebraic manipulation and expansion using algebra tiles.
• Grade 10 students continued learning about quadratic functions where they solved quadratic equations using factoring, completing the square, and the Quadratic Formula. They were also introduced to complex numbers and solved quadratic equations with complex solutions. Then they moved on to study polynomial: students created, graphed, and interpreted polynomial functions using key features, such as the intercepts, leading coefficients, degree of the polynomial, and the turning points. Applying what they know about operations, students practiced adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing polynomials using long division and synthetic division methods. They understood how to rewrite expressions as well using polynomial identities, Pascal’s Triangle, and the Binomial Theorem.
By Mrs. Malak Charara, Science and Electives Teacher:
Grade 6 students resumed their investigations to understand the Diversity of life Allah (swt) has magnificently created. Therefore, they studied microorganisms around us that belong to the Kingdom Protista and why they are considered as living things. We were able to compare viruses and bacteria and conclude whether viruses were living things or not! Students also explored the amazing plant and animal cells’ structures and functions.
Grade 6 students observing the bacterial colonies that grew on a Petri dish. They chose several locations in the classroom, took samples and inoculated their group’s Petri dish.
Grade 8 students continued their studies about our only natural satellite “The Moon!” and did experiments to mimic the types of craters it has and what factors affect their formation. They explored the major classifications into which outer space objects are organized (solar system, galaxy, and universe) as well as the life cycle of stars. Later, we focused on learning more about our solar system and its planets and other celestial objects.
Below: Grade 8 students mimicking the formation of craters on the moon and studying the affecting variables:
Grade 8 students sorting the cosmos cards set into categories based on their similarities and distance from the sun.
In their elective yearbook class, grade 8 students learned about the seven basic elements of design, practiced applying what they’ve learned into some yearbook events’ templates. They were also introduced to the fundamentals of writing titles and captions for pictures.
Grade 10 students moved on to explore unit three to build on knowledge gained in Unit two about the structure and function of cells, focusing on cellular energetics. They learned that living systems are complex in their organization and require constant energy input and that energy capture and use has different routes depending on the nature of the organism and whether it is a producer or consumer. Therefore, students gained a deeper understanding of the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Students also studied about enzyme structure and function since our biological reactions are catalyzed via enzymes, learning the ways in which the environment plays a role in how enzymes perform their function(s).
Grade 10 students conducting the “Toothpickase” lab activity to study how biological reactions’ rates are affected by the concentration of the catalyzing enzyme and other factors.
By Br. Yusuf Ali, English, History, and Social Studies Teacher:
In social studies, the 6th graders completed their study of the Neolithic Age and are beginning a unit on the Early Bronze Age Civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley, the 8th graders are studying the Ancient Empires of Athens, Rome, China, and India, and the 10th graders are continuing a focused study on the role of capitalism, slavery, and white supremacy on the rise of the British Empire and American independence.
In English, both the 6th and 8th graders are reading Peace Be Upon Ibrahim, a collection of narrations about the life of Ibrahim Hadi. The 10th graders completed Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave and wrote a paper exploring the themes of dehumanization and innate human nature (the fiṭrah).
As the year is rolling along and leaves begin falling from trees, so do our lessons and experiences, falling into the minds and lives of our citizens in the Elementary. This month we will look at Parent Lesson Night, Celebrations of Life, and Pets. We will also take a closer look at one of the most enjoyable and successful self-construction experiences your child will have in the El – Research & Presentations.
جزاكم الله خيرا
Hind Sabir
Spotlight of the Month: Research & Presentations
The Elementary classroom departs from the Primary in that it opens not only the world but also the universe to the child. Aside from the lessons presented, the students embark on a journey based on their own interests. In this adventure, reading and writing take center stage, unbeknownst to the researcher who is doing the best work of their current station in life which is to ask ‘why.’ The age of reasoning is upon them and they are here to collect and order their facts and impart their newfound knowledge.
The process of research begins with the need to read. The facts are then put into their own words and restated in a manner that brings the child understanding and order. There are questions to be answered not just facts to copy and write. The first question is ‘why’ but by the end of the research the ‘why’ and ‘how’ are explored and answered. For older children, the process takes more details and answers more questions. Writing and penmanship are addressed here – helping the child understand that if you can’t understand it, then don’t write it – make time to understand.
The next step is to write their work. Similarly, if you can’t read your own handwriting, correct your work so you can educate others through your words. When addressing these needs, children are not typically frustrated, rather they understand the need and work through the process with great effort and struggle.
As the work moves toward perfection through their reading, writing, and editing, students begin thinking of their projects and how they wish to present their findings. Some opt for 3D projects or drawings, while others opt for a Going Out where they can get in touch with an expert.
Finally, when all areas have been addressed, presentation time is on the horizon. Students gather their hard work and present and rehearse their presentation. It is then delivered to an audience of their peers. Older friends teach and educate younger friends, and in turn younger students command the audience of older friends.
In this process, children are constructing themselves. Children are finding that they have a role to play in disseminating knowledge to others as beings on this planet. It is a beautiful to watch this assembly of knowledge among our Elementary citizens, الحمد لله .
Mustafa and Hananeh Present ‘Mountain Lions’
Abrahim presents ‘Geckos’.
Fatima Presents Quails
Taleen Presents ‘The Solar System’.
AliNaqi Presents ‘Lions’.
Ali Shayan Presents ‘Sports Cars’.
Marziya and Zahra Present ‘Gems’.
Kian Presents ‘Acids & Bases’.
Faatemah Presents ‘Blue Jays’.
Muhammad Jawad, Hasnain, Haidar, Alizain, and Muhammed Hadi present a segment of ‘The Great Wall of China’.
Mustafa, Sahar, and Hananeh present ‘Pentominoes’ – a larger segments of dominoes.
Haniya and Fatima present ‘The Sequoia Tree’.
Zahra and Inaya present ‘Italy’.
Ayeza and Hanna Fatimah present ‘Water Beads’.
Sahar and Mustafa present ‘Salamanders’.
Parent Lesson Night
Thank you to all the parents for signing up as students during our Parent Lesson Night. We were blessed to welcome parents to be taught by our co-teachers – their children. Children chose a lesson that they wanted to impart on their parents.
New Elementary Friends in the Environment
Thanks to the research and Going Outs of Muhammad Jawad, Jawad, and Mujtaba, the Elementary is pleased to announce the presence of our newest citizens, neon tetra fish. They are freshwater fish of the characin family and are native to the Amazon basin of South America. We initially had four tetras, but unfortunately two died during the transition process from bag to aquarium. Once good and constant care is provided by the students, we hope to add one class of vertebrates as time goes by. Our next class will be the amphibians.
Celebrations of Life
We are blessed to celebrate the lives of our students, Hasnain, Marziya, and Taleen.
Taleen, signing her book that she donated to the EL Library.
Marziya presenting her COL timeline.
Hasnain presenting his COL slideshow.
Taleen presenting her COL timeline.
Hasnain posing with the boys for his COL present-day photo.
Salaamun Alaikum Dear Parents, Kindergarten students began the year reviewing types of lines, shapes, patterns, and colors. We incorporated all of these artistic tools to create a Kandisnsky inspired artwork with chalk pastels.
Lower Elementary students experimented with using geometric shapes to create crystals and the effects of adding salt on watercolor paintings. We are now working on drawing silhouettes of masjids and using printmaking skills for colorful backgrounds.
Upper Elementary students are learning about still life drawing as well as scale by trying to draw pine cones 5x their actual size. We are also enjoying adding our own flair to our drawings by choosing various mediums.
Middle School Art students have been working on distinct shading techniques including, cross hatching, stippling, and blending. 8th graders jumped at the opportunity to recreate their favorite snack wrapper to a larger scale using their mathematical skills.
Dear Wisdom Academy family, Alhamdulillah, October has flown by! The teachers have written summaries and provided their own classroom photographs to give you a glimpse into our wonderful school activities. Please take some time to read and enjoy!
Alhamdulillah! We thank the parents, families, and community for their continuing support and encouragement. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, we would love to hear from you! Please leave your comments!
We are thrilled to return and share the latest happenings in our classroom with everyone! It’s a wonderful time for us, especially because we have welcomed a new friend into our community. She has brought an incredible amount of positive energy, and we feel genuinely fortunate to have such a vibrant group of friends around us. Every moment spent together is something we truly cherish.
Let’s give you a glimpse into what we’ve been up to. For our first-year friends, we are busy engaging in a range of exciting lessons. They have been diving into wonderful activities such as spooning, pouring, and stringing. Along with these foundational activities, they are also practicing with sandpaper letters, which help them become familiar with the shapes of letters, and exploring the color box and two fantastic sensory experiences: the pink tower and the brown stairs. These exercises not only introduce them to important concepts but also lay the groundwork for their future learning.
Our second-year friends are equally busy! They are revisiting past lessons to solidify their understanding while also welcoming brand-new lessons. Some of the new skills they are exploring include reading and writing using movable alphabets, which allows them to play with the structures of words. They’re also learning to compose numbers, which involves understanding their relationships, and discovering the names of the tens. The excitement of having new friends in the group has sparked a lovely sense of camaraderie, and it’s heartening to see how they willingly assist their younger peers, fostering a warm and collaborative environment.
You might have noticed that I haven’t mentioned much about direct reading, writing, or numerical skills yet. This is intentional, as Montessori education emphasizes the importance of laying a solid foundation first. The initial phase focuses on preparing our students for reading, writing, and mathematics through practical life and sensorial activities. Each lesson they engage in has an indirect purpose, incorporating essential skills into their play. For example, when they work with the color box, they not only learn to identify and match colors, but they also connect these colors to their surroundings, enriching their environmental vocabulary. Activities such as spooning and pouring aim to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination—crucial abilities that ultimately contribute to how they will hold a pencil later on.
Overall, our classroom is a hub of learning through joyful exploration, and we can’t wait to share more updates as we continue this incredible journey together!
In addition to our academic pursuits, we’ve had an abundance of fun, thrills, and excitement throughout the year. As many of you are already aware, one of the highlights of our week is the extraordinary story time we enjoy every Wednesday, led by the talented Shaikh Saadi. His engaging storytelling captivates our friends, who eagerly look forward to each session filled with adventure and imagination.
We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the parents who took the time to attend our lesson night. Your presence and support played a vital role in the evening’s success, and we truly appreciate your involvement. We hope you found the lessons delivered by our intelligent and enthusiastic new teachers both enjoyable and informative!
We are excited to return next month with even more captivating stories from our classroom, promising to make each session an enriching experience for everyone involved. Stay tuned for the upcoming adventures!
I pray this message finds you and your families well.
Alhamdulillah! Another month has passed, and it’s wonderful to see our students adjusting so beautifully to their environment and daily routines. Reflecting on their progress is truly inspiring—they’ve established a sense of routine, formed a supportive classroom community, and are beginning to take real pride in their space. It’s heartwarming to watch them carefully put away materials, arrange flowers, and complete their classroom jobs with such care.
Language: In language, our younger students are mastering sounds like C, B, L, and O, while older students are building words, blending sounds like “th,” “ch,” and “sh,” and practicing handwriting. Handwriting practice includes pencil control with metal insets and tracing shapes to support letter formation.
Practical Life: The children are busy mastering skills like spooning, pouring, polishing, and using dressing frames. They’re learning to care for themselves and their environment—whether it’s dusting shelves or cleaning up after snack and lunch. These exercises build confidence and independence, helping children take ownership of their surroundings.
Geography and Cultural Studies: We’ve begun our North America geography studies as part of our year-long journey across the continents. The kindergarteners have been exploring the places, animals, and flags of North America, and they’re enjoying “pin-pricking” outlines of different countries—a hands-on activity that’s been a big hit!
Pumpkin Exploration: Our botany studies have focused on the lifecycle and parts of a pumpkin. The children enjoyed washing the pumpkins, observing their textures, counting bumps, and checking their weight. We estimated the number of seeds inside, counted them, roasted them, and even shared some pumpkin pie together! The kindergarteners also experimented to see if a pumpkin would sink or float.
In addition to pumpkins, this month we also explored the world of birds! From penguins to peacocks, blue jays, and mourning doves, the children discovered various bird types, their nests, and habitats. Bird riddles made our lessons even more exciting! We also linked this to our Islamic Studies, discussing how Allah provides each creature with exactly what it needs to thrive.
Math: Students have been exploring counting with number rods, practicing addition with the snake game, and even working on the stamp game to deepen their understanding of numbers and place value. It’s wonderful to see their excitement as they develop confidence in counting, addition, and the basics of the decimal system!
Sensorial: Sensorial materials like the Pink Tower, Broad Stair, Red Rods, Color Tablets, and Knobbed Cylinders are designed to refine children’s senses, helping them observe, compare, and categorize the world around them. These activities engage the senses and establish a foundation for future learning in mathematics and language.
Islamic Studies: This month, we began our chapter on the Ahlul Bayt (A) as part of our Rabi’ Al-Awwal celebrations, focusing on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his Family. They’ve been practicing the phrases when you sneezes say, “Alhamdulillah and when someone else sneezes say, “Yarhamukallah” ” to express gratitude and compassion, incorporating these phrases into their daily lives. Please continue practicing this at home to support their learning.
The children also made their own Tasbeeh with glow-in-the-dark beads and have a special homework assignment to recite the Tasbeeh each night before bed.
Our lessons this month have included:
The Kalima in Arabic and English
Allah as Ar-Raaziq (The Provider).
Allah is Everywhere.
The Birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Picnic: Thank you to all the parents who contributed to the success of our annual picnic! It was a joy to see everyone in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Parents’ Lesson Night:
We deeply appreciate everyone who took time from their busy schedules to join us for Parents’ Lesson Night. The children were thrilled to showcase their work.
We’re grateful for your partnership in your child’s education, and we encourage you to schedule a class observation or join us for parent-teacher conferences. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns about your child’s progress.
As we close this month, we are truly thankful for the blessings of learning and growth that Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon us. We look forward to the months ahead as our students continue to flourish academically, socially, and spiritually.
Dear Wisdom Academy family, Alhamdulillah, another school year has begun! The teachers have written summaries and provided their photographs to give you a glimpse into our wonderful school activities. Please take some time to read and enjoy!
Alhamdulillah! We thank the parents, families, and community for their continuing support and encouragement. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, we would love to hear from you! Please leave your comments!
