Islamic Whole Child Education Philosophy

Nashville International Academy is a model Islamic whole child education school

Our goal at NIA is to help children grow into well-rounded Muslims who are God-conscious and inspired by the example of Prophet Muhammad SAW, who think critically to solve real-world problems, make healthy choices, give back to the larger community through service learning, and display exemplary character through faith in action.

We have adopted a reputable whole child framework from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s (ASCD) Whole Child Approach and infused the tarbiya and spiritual component within it to establish the NIA Islamic Whole Child Education framework for education

The NIA Whole Child Education tenets are outlined as the following:

  • Each student is inspired and guided by their faith in Allah SWT and His messenger, Prophet Muhammad SAW, to cultivate and lead a morally upright life and career with an ultimate goal to earn Allah’s pleasure.
  • Each student is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment and participation in a global environment.
  • Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults.
  • Each student learns in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults.
  • Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community.
  • Each student learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle.

Additionally, NIA has established an Islamically rooted and research-based social and emotional learning program, NIA’s 4Cs Social and Emotional Learning Model.

The NIA 4Cs Social and Emotional Learning Program contains four central tenets

Conscience

Compassion

Control

Courage

The 4Cs framework has been integrated into the daily life of students and faculty at NIA. Students experience daily reminders, participate in special events, and receive instructions about compassion, control, conscience, and courage.

Our goal at NIA is to nurture the wholesome potential in every child while promoting both educational excellence and spiritual development in a safe, supporting, and stimulating environment. We believe that strong communication between home and school forms the basis for the caring, nurturing, family atmosphere that is essential to NIA. This type of climate promotes excellence in teaching that results in high academic achievement and enables children to realize personal excellence at all levels.

As a whole child education school, our aim is to provide a well-rounded curriculum that equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving, and 21st-century skills to be successful in college and beyond. We follow the TN State Standards and provide additional deep learning experiences for our students, such as project-based learning. In addition, we provide Arabic language study for all our students, as well as religious studies classes in Quran and Islamic studies. Our students receive weekly art and physical education courses. As part of their educational experience, our students participate in several field trips.

We are committed to instilling in children a love for truth and knowledge, preparing them to be dedicated learners. NIA’s nurturing environment respects all students as individuals created by Allah (SWT), each with unique abilities and needs. They are taught by skilled and knowledgeable teachers who love children and are dedicated to helping them realize their highest potential spiritually, intellectually, physically, socially, and creatively.

Class size is limited so that students receive individual attention, achieve mastery of materials, and have abundant opportunities to participate and lead. Our whole-child educational model emphasizes Islamic character development and academic excellence. The profile of NIA’s alumni and graduates include valedictorians, successful professionals and educators, community leaders and imams, and change agents in the community.