12/09/2024
ARK Academy Update
Dear Community Members,
As we continue our promise to keep you informed on the latest ARK Academy developments, we would like to provide you with an update on the work of our full-time Curriculum Designer, Dr. Sherwin Doroudi.
At ARK Academy, we are creating an engaging Islamic studies curriculum designed to nurture God-conscious, lifelong learners. Our goal is to provide students with a broad foundation in knowledge that empowers them to live purposeful lives as thoughtful Muslims. This includes a deep understanding of God and His revelation, the cosmos, and human civilizations and cultures, with a particular emphasis on past and present American and Muslim societies. Our integrated curriculum encourages critical thinking through hands-on activities and assessments. Rather than focusing on rote memorization, we aim to present Islamic teachings in a rich and accessible way.
In Kindergarten, our curriculum is divided into three themes: water, plant life, and animal life. The water unit will consist of a variety of lessons covering topics such as Allah and His signs, Imam Husayn, ablution, the water cycle, oceans, ships, wells, and human hydration among others. Students will explore questions such as “How is water a blessing from Allah?” and “How have humans developed technology to benefit from water?”
The lesson on ships, for example, exemplifies our integrative approach by exposing students to Qur’anic lessons mentioning ships, guiding them toward pondering why ships serve as both blessings from—and signs of—Allah, demonstrating how a sail allows ships to move, and illustrating how the design of ships has changed throughout time.
Our passion and commitment to this project would not be possible without your prayers and support. We are currently actively seeking funding to transition our curriculum design position from a temporary role to a long-term one. Your contributions will help us bring this vision to life and provide a transformative education for our students. To donate, please visit our website donation page, linked below.
As we continue to design our curriculum, your thoughts and feedback are greatly appreciated. If you would like to contribute your expertise or offer suggestions, please email us at info@arkacademyoc.org. We invite anyone with relevant skills or experience to join us in crystalizing our exciting integrated curriculum.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Warm regards,
ARK Academy Board of Directors
