Lower School

1st grade - 3rd grade

In the Lower School at ISSI, our goal is to provide students with an outstanding lower school education in order to set a firm foundation for learning. A content-rich lower school curriculum sparked by the faith and values of an Islamic School are the keys to our students’ success.

The lower school utilizes the outline provided by classics model. This method, in which various areas of study are integrated, is at the heart of the ISSI lower school curriculum. Our dedicated and experienced teachers work in teams to design creative lessons that tap their young students’ natural curiosity and desire to learn.

As an Islamic School, faith is at the heart of all that we do and all that we teach. Our lower school educators are dedicated to supporting the work of parents, who are the primary teachers of their children. Along with parents, we work to instill a love of the Qur'an and Sunnah and of learning, along with habits of virtue that will help our lower school students meet the challenges of education and of life beyond the school’s walls.

Our English curriculum builds strong foundational skills in reading and in writing in order to prepare students to read great works of literature with critical understanding, to recognize truth and beauty in written text, and to participate in analytical discussions verbally and in writing. Our elementary students develop skills in researching a topic and in written and oral presentation.

Reading Instruction

Lower school students learn to read in the early grades through an intensive phonics program that hones skills in decoding and spelling and that promotes rapid progress in reading fluency. Students learn how to critically analyze what they read, searching for cause and effect in stories, connecting and comparing texts, and determining the author’s perspective.

Classic Literature

Lower School students read, analyze, discuss, and write about classic works of children’s literature and other great texts and stories. Nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and traditional children’s stories are featured in Kindergarten and First Grade classrooms. Our students become familiar with Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology and classic children’s literature. Many of the texts are studied in conjunction with related topics being presented in other areas of the curriculum, such as History and Science.

Grammar

Grammar and Usage, Vocabulary, Spelling, and Handwriting/Cursive writing are explicitly taught. Students progress from understanding simple sentence structure in early grades to diagramming more complex sentences in the later grades.

Writing

From rough draft through revision and production of a final document, all phases of writing are learned by students. The study of Grammar, Spelling, Vocabulary, and classic literary works contribute to the students’ mastery of the writing process.

Oral Presentation

Lower School students receive instruction and support to gain skill in preparing and presenting oral reports.

The goal of our lower school Mathematics curriculum is to build strong skills in mathematical thinking and foundational math concepts.

Our curriculum is based on a traditional approach that provides our students with a strong foundation for understanding more complex concepts in later years.
Our teachers are trained in the most up-to-date methods of teaching math and they incorporate these methods into the presentation of concepts.
Students receive the best of both worlds: a traditional math program that includes proven new ways to deepen understanding of abstract and complex topics.
Lower School students do not use calculators, instead relying on building mental math skills. Through daily practice, students build strong number sense and master skills.

Good Character

To build a strong sense of identity, possessing good character and manners.

Prophetic Lifestyle

To live a balanced, healthy lifestyle in light of the Prophet teachings.

Spirituality

To be grounded in faith and reason.

Cultural Literacy

To be well-read and culturally literate in the Western and Muslim tradition.

Trained Mind

To know the meaning of things (grammar), prevent mistakes in thinking (logic), and communicate effectively (rhetoric).

Students in the Lower School at ISSI learn to appreciate the beauty and order of the universe through their studies in Science beginning in KG and continuing through grade 5.

Students are presented with scientific facts and theories and are given tools and opportunities to test them during class..
Through the course of their Lower School years, students will study biology in such units as the systems of the human body, basic cell structure, animal classifications, plant reproduction, and more.
Physical science is studied through units such as simple machines and electricity.
Weather and climate are studied and connected to the study of Geography.
The lives and accomplishments of major scientists are studied each year.
In combination with English curricular requirements, students complete simple research projects, write reports, and give oral presentations on their findings.

Our Qur'an curriculum consists of 4 major steps:

Qaidah - Arabic Reading: Alphabet - Short ayaat from the Qur'an.
Tajweed - Proficiency in Reading. Being able to read with the correct pronunciations and follow rules that apply to specific letters in different situations.
Completion of reading Juz Amma with correct Tajweed as well as other chapters from the Qur'an.
Memorization of the Qur'an

This is done on a one on one method, where students learn at their own pace and excel at a quicker pace giving them the confidence to keep moving through the different steps.

The goal of our dedicated physical education teachers is to provide training in the development of large motor skills and the promotion of healthy living habits.

Lower School students participate in physical education classes in our spacious gym three times per week.
Eye-hand coordination, basic strength, balance, and agility are developed through carefully planned lessons, including basic movements, , tumbling, running, skipping, jumping rope, ball throwing and catching skills.
Skills and rules related to sports, such as soccer and basketball are taught and practiced throughout the elementary years.
Contests, games, and team play are part of the learning strategies. The elements of improvement of personal skill level, support for teammates, respect for opponents and the quality of sportsmanship are stressed

Sunnah sports are skill sets we will incorporate in our physical education program:

Horseback riding
Archery
Swimming
Wrestling
Running

The Arabic Immersion program is where our students will learn to only communicate in Arabic with their teacher and with one another. They will learn conversational Classical Arabic.

Learning conversational Arabic is highly beneficial for those looking to read and understand the Quran. It provides deeper connection to the language, enabling learners to grasp the and context of the text. This understanding enhances the ability to appreciate the Quran's teachings, fostering a more meaningful spiritual experience. Additionally, conversational Arabic can aid in engaging with the Muslim community and participating in discussions about the Quran and its interpretations.

Personal Development for students will be a daily class split into two categories:

Prophetic Wellness refers to the holistic approach to health and well-being based on the teachings, lifestyle, and guidance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah and promotes physical, spiritual, emotional, and social health as interconnected parts of a balanced life. Here’s a breakdown of what it includes:
1. Physical Health
2. Spiritual & Mental Health
3. Balanced Lifestyle
4. Social Wellness
Life Skills
1. Self Discipline and Responsibility
2. Communication and Conflict resolution
3. Social and Emotional Inteligence
4. Civic and environmental Responsibility