Islamic Academy of Riverside

Welcome to Islamic Academy of Riverside!

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to the Islamic Academy of Riverside. We are proud of our dedicated, experienced staff and enthusiastic learners!

As demands and complexities of teaching children increase, it becomes more evident that we all need to work together to insure that our children reach their potential. We believe that all of us – the school and the community – must work together in an extended family environment to insure success for all our students. We believe it is everyone’s responsibility to empower children with the creative, intellectual, and decision-making skills necessary for them to become academically, socially, physically, and emotionally successful and responsible. At the Islamic Academy of Riverside, we are especially fortunate to be located in great proximity to the Islamic Center of Riverside, which provides unlimited resources and support to the school.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Thirty seven years ago, the Islamic Academy of Riverside pioneered a new trail in the history of Islamic education by setting new heights of excellence in both academic and religious education. The Islamic Academy of Riverside is well established with a highly qualified, caring, and stable faculty which seeks to address the needs of their students, recognizing their special qualities and tapping into their varied interests and talents. We believe in providing a balanced curriculum that prepares our children academically and nurtures them spiritually. With this strong foundation, the school program allocates precious time to provide the additional focus on arts, technology, leadership, and service learning, in our effort to educate hearts and minds.

With that in mind, you are invited to be an active participant at the Islamic Academy of Riverside. Whether you are a classroom volunteer, a member of the PTO, special event participation, or member of one of our school communities, you are encouraged to be involved! Research on schools clearly demonstrates that parent participation in their child’s school coincides with a greater likelihood of academic success for their child.

We invite you to take a tour of our website or come to the school campus for a personalized tour. You may contact our admissions office at 951-682-1202 to make arrangements.
It is our desire to keep you informed of all that is taking place at school. Up-to-date and additional information will be emailed to you through the email we have on file, posted on our bulletin board, and will appear on our school web site. If you have questions or concerns that arise at any time, please do not hesitate to give your child’s teacher or me a call. I look forward to having a long and rewarding relationship with you and your family.

Sincerely,
Reham Shaath, Principal

IAR Mission and Goals

Islamic Academy of Riverside is committed to providing students with sustainable quality-faith based education that prepares students for the 21^st century.

Vision and Philosophy

Our aim is to prepare students to effectively deal with the challenges of a modern technologically advanced society. The school seeks to develop in each student a positive identity as an American Muslim who is equipped physically, intellectually, and spiritually to compete in today’s world, and to establish within each student a strong commitment to family, community and humanity.

Our philosophy is based upon the “Developmental Approach” which entails teaching skills appropriate for the developmental age of each individual student in an active learning environment. Our teachers promote critical thinking and problem-solving through experimentation, exploration, and discovery. An emphasis on Islamic values and responsibilities as American-Muslims help our students develop a positive self-image and prepares their American-Muslim identity.

IAR Background

The Islamic Academy of Riverside was founded in 1987 to serve the Muslims of Riverside and adjacent cities. Although the Islamic Academy of Riverside was developed out of the Islamic Center of Riverside and remains under their guardianship, it has its own autonomy. Both the ICR and the IAR complex are centered in the Inland Empire area of Southern California and serve the needs of more than 6,000 Muslims.

Through the blessings of Allah (SWT) and support from our community, has allowed IAR to begin the 1995-1996 school-year in a newly constructed facility. The school building is comprised of approximately 6,000 square feet of classroom space, along with administrative offices, kitchen and cafeteria, and a multipurpose room. It has the capacity to accommodate up to 200 students.

The Islamic Academy of Riverside, which began with only 6 students in 1987, now maintains a student body of over 130 students with grade levels ranging from preschool through eighth grade. The school offers programs in both core academics and Islamic education. A basic enriched curriculum is provided, which fosters a love of learning and enables the students to expand their horizons. The curriculum meets or exceeds the requirements set forth by the state of California. All major areas of study are presented in a sequential, progressive manner beginning in preschool and proceeding through all grade levels.