Parent/Student Handbook

High School Instructional Program

Michigan Islamic Academy offers courses in Math, Science, Social Studies, English, Islamic studies, Arabic, Qur'anic Studies, Physical Education, and other subjects through the AP program or as electives with the aim of enabling students to enter the premier universities in the country. Students take regular or honors courses based upon comprehensive evaluation and demonstrated ability. Oral and written language ability plays an important part in whether a student is accepted into the honors program. In addition, advanced placement programs and testing are open to qualified students. The total program stresses individual effort and provides a fair opportunity for individuals to achieve and demonstrate excellence.

At this level, students are encouraged to participate in as many programs for academic excellence as possible. It is with exactly this aim of enabling students to mature into outstanding and academically excellent human beings that Michigan Islamic Academy was established. The MIA course book details specific course requirements, the grading policy, and graduation requirements.

REGULAR COURSES:

Students at level and performing well will be placed in regular courses.

HONORS COURSES:

Honor-level course work indicates that students are performing at a higher level than those who are taking general courses. The additional course work and requirements will increase the pace and depth of study, and will emphasize critical thinking skills. Selection for an HONORS course will be based on student desire and teacher recommendation.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES:

Students enrolled in AP courses can achieve the depth of knowledge in the course to allow them to take a College Board exam for college credit. Teachers use the guidelines of the College Board. In the spring, a test is administered and scored by the College Board. Selection for AP courses will be based on teacher recommendation, current achievement level, and placement exam. AP courses are most commonly given in the junior and senior year. Selection for AP in a coming year will be done in the spring. Students who decide to join AP after the deadline will not be accommodated.

ONSITE COLLEGE COURSES:

MIA is continuing our partnership with Washtenaw Community College (WCC). In an effort to offer our students a challenging and rigorous learning experience, we will be offering various courses that will be taught by teachers and instructors in the public sector. Qualifying students in grades 9-12 will take a college course on MIA campus and also earn college credit. Students will be taught by WCC instructors. This is a great opportunity for our aspiring high school students to earn college credit on MIA campus.

The following is the detailed list of courses offered for high school students with description:

English and Literature

In each of the four years of high school, students build their reading and writing skills with a focus on success on standardized tests and college entrance exams. Literature courses survey classical American, British, and World literature, and modern writers addressing contemporary issues. Students will learn literary concepts and terminology as well as practice critical reading and writing.

The emphasis on writing with vocabulary development and enrichment enables students to think clearly; to write effective, concise prose; and to articulate their thoughts comprehensibly and in a style appropriate to the audience and task. The Language Arts program further stresses grammar, usage, punctuation, and various composition styles. As students’ progress, emphasis shifts from basic composition to specific genres of writing and writing styles, including descriptive, comparison-and-contrast, expository, research and journalistic writing.

Mathematics

Courses offered in the math department include Algebra I and II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Courses are challenging and sequentially designed to develop the aptitude and background of each student. Based upon the needs of students, other courses may be offered, including Introduction to Algebra, Geometry, and AP Calculus.

Science

The science department offers basic and advanced classes. Courses include Science Spectrum, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics. Lectures, laboratory periods, and demonstrations are the primary media used in instruction. The laboratory component is designed to enrich students’ experience in scientific thinking, experimental method, and familiarity with scientific equipment. Each student is responsible for reading assigned material, independent research in assigned topics, and a science fair project. The advanced courses of AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics are taught at the junior and senior levels whenever possible.

Social Studies

Each course covers the events, movements, patterns, scholars, and leaders within the range of the specific topic. Courses in American Government and American History are required. Honors courses and specialized study of various eras or regions are made available at different times, as well as Geography, Islamic History, and Muslim World Geography.

Michigan Islamic Academy provides two classes in United States history, one in junior high and one in high school. Both courses are graduation requirements at Michigan Islamic Academy.

Foreign Language

High School students take four years of Arabic. The objectives of high school Arabic are to develop conversational Arabic, to build a sufficient vocabulary, and to learn the rudiments of Arabic grammar. These skills are to be applied to the reading of the Qur'an and to the understanding of its content. Additional languages may be offered.

Religion

Four years of Islamic studies offer students’ knowledge of Islam’s system of belief, practice, and history. Students are expected to demonstrate the values of Islam in their daily interactions. Behavior and attitude reflect identity. The primary objective of Islamic studies is to firmly root students in a Muslim identity that expresses itself in their speech, character and actions. Islamic studies offer students an opportunity to discuss the issues and dilemmas they face as members of their community. At the high school level, students are asked to read excerpts from the Sirah and discuss them. Geography and history of the Muslim world, its movements and leaders, its successes and shortcomings, and its current challenges within the value system of Islam, is offered to upper-level students.

The daily prayer experience and Friday congregational prayers avail students of an opportunity to draw closer to Allah. The English language is the primary language of instruction and of texts for reading.

Qur'anic study adds the vital link of Qur'an to the school’s Islamic curriculum. The course includes memorization, tajwid recitation, basic understanding of the text, and discussion of the particular times related to revelation. Students gain an appreciation for the miracle of the Quran’s revelation, the preservation of its original text, and the value of the Qur'an in their daily lives.

Senior Project

During high school students’ final year of study, each student selects a topic in a field of particular interest. Students research the topic, develop a position paper on it, create a product, and develop an online portfolio. Each student works closely with a mentor in developing an independent project and gives a visual presentation of this work to a grading panel. The student is graded on research effort, written work, overall development, and presentation of the project.

Physical Education/Health

The physical education teachers encourage students to take charge of their fitness and physical well-being. Exercise can help students develop good habits at an early age. In addition, MIA helps students grow physically, socially, and mentally. Students utilize the athletic facility of the local recreation center and the multi-purpose area in the Islamic Center for organized exercise, stamina, and fitness testing.

Physical education is concerned with the teaching of skills, attitudes, and theories in physical activity. The purpose of the physical education department at Michigan Islamic Academy is to provide students with the opportunity to experience and participate in a variety of physical and health activities which help meet their individual needs. All students are required to earn at least half credit physical education and half credit health prior to graduation.

Electives

Students will be able to enroll in optional courses. Each year they will choose from a selection of courses; availability will depend upon the number of students who sign up for a course.