Assalamu Alaykum!
Dear brothers and sisters,
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself to this wonderful Muslim community here in Jacksonville, Florida. My name is Omar Chatila, and I am the new Principal of Al-Furqan Academy. I have a Bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Maryland College Park, as well as a Masters degree in Management from Wake Forest University. I am moving here from Louisville, Kentucky, where I was the Vice Principal of the Islamic school there.
As you all know, Al-Furqan Academy has been established in this community since 1997 Alhamdulillah. Currently we have grades K-6 (Full tuition scholarships available through Step Up!), as well as a FREE VPK program. We are also planning on expanding our Middle School program next school year to offer grades 7 and 8 as well insha’Allah. We have a rigorous curriculum as well as a team of qualified teachers who are committed to the success of our students. So far we have about 120 students enrolled for the upcoming school year, with more new families registering as the first day of school approaches (this Monday, August 18). The school has come a long way since it was established back in 1997 Alhamdulillah, and insha’Allah I plan on leading our team of dedicated teachers and staff members to even go above and beyond by the help and mercy of Allah!
Our plan for this year is to improve the quality of academics of all subjects taught at our school (such as Math, Science, English, Social Studies, Islamic Studies, Quran, Arabic, Physical Education, etc.) as well as introduce new extracurricular activities and after-school clubs (such as Art class, Archery club, etc.). Our school is already accredited by the Florida Kindergarten Council (for grades Pre-K to 3rd grade), but we will also be looking to get the whole school accredited insha’Allah, including all Elementary and Middle School grades that we currently offer. We will also be reaching out to the families and parents and getting them involved in the Education of our students as well as in the continuous improvement of our school. We will be incorporating more assessments this year as well as using online tools to help us better track the progress of our students and target their individual learning needs.
Please join us this Saturday, August 16, from 10:00AM-12:00PM for the school wide orientation for all the students. I look forward to working with everyone in our community to further develop our school, and I am excited about all the engaging and educational programs and events that we have planned for our students for this upcoming year!
Baaraka Allahu feekum,
Assalamu Alaykum!
Omar Chatila