Washington International Academy
Learning and Leading with Wisdom and Purpose
School Motto: Learning and Leading with Wisdom and Purpose
For more than two decades, Washington International Academy (WIA) in Alexandria, Virginia has been committed to nurturing students who excel academically while remaining firmly grounded in their faith. Serving students from Pre-K through Grade 12, WIA believes that Islamic education is not simply an additional subject—it is the lens through which students understand themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Founded in 2000, the school continues to prepare young Muslims to become thoughtful leaders, lifelong learners, and contributors to society by integrating the Islamic intellectual tradition into every aspect of school life.
Grounding Academic Excellence in the Islamic Intellectual Tradition
At Washington International Academy, the foundation of learning begins with a simple yet profound belief: the Islamic intellectual tradition already contains the strategies students need to flourish in the modern world.
The school’s concept-based curriculum is grounded in the Qur’anic conception of teaching and learning, drawing inspiration from Allah’s description of the Ulul Albab (People of Intellect) in Surah Aal ‘Imran (3:191)—those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying down, while also reflecting upon the creation of the heavens and the earth.
In pursuit of both academic success and sound spiritual development, WIA prioritizes dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and fikr (deep inquiry) as overlapping and integral practices.
Each school day begins with daily adhkar, students pray together, and classrooms are filled with meaningful discussions that encourage students to think critically about how their faith informs learning, creativity, and decision-making. Every unit of study incorporates both conceptual and ethical questions, challenging students to apply new knowledge and skills in ways that benefit their communities and seek the pleasure of Allah.
Supporting Character Through Reflection and Mentorship
Character development is intentionally woven into the rhythm of each week.
Every Monday morning, students gather for halaqah, dedicated time to reflect deeply on their learning and engage in rigorous dialogue about their aspirations, shared values, and applying knowledge in real-world contexts.
Each halaqah begins with quiet reflection on a verse of the Qur’an or a hadith, followed by open-ended conversations exploring how that wisdom applies to everyday life. Meetings conclude with dialogic muhassabah, encouraging students to reflect on previous actions while planning intentionally for the week ahead.
These discussions are guided by faculty mentors who serve not only as teachers but also as trusted guides and models of good conduct and sound judgment.
Preparing the Next Generation of Muslim Leaders
One of Washington International Academy’s most exciting milestones is the launch of Futuwwah Prep, welcoming its first cohort of students in August 2026.
Designed as a rigorous interdisciplinary high school program, Futuwwah Prep prepares students for success in college, community, and career by combining academic excellence with the Islamic values adolescents most urgently need.
Students engage in intensive interdisciplinary coursework emphasizing engagement, relevance, college readiness, and the Islamic intellectual tradition. Through collaborative and independent inquiry, they examine timeless and contemporary moral, cultural, and scientific questions while developing original solutions to today’s challenges.
The program culminates in a two-year Entrepreneurship Lab, where students design and launch their own business or nonprofit under the guidance of experienced community mentors—equipping graduates with both practical skills and a commitment to serving others.
A Vision Rooted in Community
Washington Islamic Academy was founded in 2000 by a dedicated group of elders from the Dar Al-Hijrah community in Falls Church, Virginia. Their vision was to create a school where Islam would serve as both a lens through which students interpret the world and the fertile soil in which every student could flourish.
Since its founding, WIA has graduated thousands of confident, successful, and wise young Muslims, many of whom now serve as leaders within their own professions and communities.
Looking toward the future, the school is preparing for its next chapter of growth. In February 2026, WIA launched a capital campaign to secure a larger campus capable of serving more students while expanding its distinctive academic program, with the goal of opening a new home by Fall 2028.
Why Washington International Academy Values ISLA Membership
For Washington International Academy, membership in the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA) extends beyond professional development.
According to school leadership, ISLA connects faculty with “a network of innovative educators that look beyond mere standards towards the greater Qur’anic objectives of academic and spiritual development.”
As Dr. Nadeem Memon shared during the recent ISLA Leadership Retreat, Islamic schools are uniquely positioned to help heal the practice of education. Through ISLA membership, WIA believes its educators are part of the vanguard working toward that renewal by strengthening Islamic education across North America.
Become Part of the ISLA Community
The Islamic Schools League of America is the leading professional network serving Islamic schools across North America. ISLA membership provides schools with year-round professional learning, leadership development, networking opportunities, research, advocacy, member resources, conferences, webinars, and a collaborative community dedicated to advancing excellence in Islamic education.
Whether your school is newly established or has served families for decades, ISLA membership connects educators and school leaders who are committed to strengthening Islamic schools and preparing future generations with knowledge, character, and purpose.
Learn more about ISLA membership and join today: https://theisla.org/membership/
Connect with Washington International Academy
- Website: https://www.wiacademy.org/
- Email: office@wiaschool.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiaacademy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/washington-international-academy
