City of Knowledge School was
established by a group of Muslim parents who wanted their children to receive
not only a sound academic education, but also proper grounding in the precepts
of the Muslim religion. They also wished to nurture these children in an
academic environment away from the pressures of the larger community with
persuasion to reject their differences. They wanted children to value education
and to learn moral values as taught in the Quran. The first philosophy of the
school was therefore established by these founders of the school. As the school
began to take shape, the philosophy was shared with teachers, parents and
administrators. Modifications have been few and for the most part represent
refinement of the original philosophy.
The philosophy wraps itself around
the expected school-wide learning results and illustrates what the school is all
about. Each year parents are sent a copy of the philosophy as contained in the
school handbook. Communication is easy in this religious community. Leaders
emerge among parents and they carry the feelings of the many to the places where
changes may be made.
Each year, at the beginning of the school year, a
Parent Orientation is held. Parents are asked for their reactions, suggestions
and support. This year, for the first time, secondary school students will be
asked to review, comment on, make changes to, and/or support the philosophy of
the school.
In its dedication to academic purpose, the school uses, as an important
resource, the State of California's Frameworks and guidelines for sound academic
program. The administrator with the responsibility for curriculum monitors
changes in state programs and objectives so that City of Knowledge students have
access to the newest research in education. The local public school district
assists in this effort by granting City of Knowledge access to its facilities
and information where curriculum revision occurs.
Although the
administration has access to local job market trends, the development of the
school purpose responds more to global needs than to local needs. Today's
students, in this shrinking world, are really citizens of the world. They are
well traveled and their horizons expand way beyond the local community. Students
are encouraged to be responsive to the needs of the local community however, as
they work at planning their senior projects. The first graduating class offered
projects which illustrated their diversity. Projects included:
The City of Knowledge School operates in a building which was once used as a
bowling alley. The building was acquired and renovated for the beginning of the
1997 - 1998 school year. At the present time only a fraction of the building is
used. It comprises 16 classrooms, Pre-school through Grade 12. A Science
Laboratory, computer laboratory and library. Each school year, since the
acquisition of the property, additional classrooms have been added.
The building sits on a lot that is approximately 4 acres. There is more than
adequate room for playing fields and parking lots. The playing fields composed
of large playground, some basketball hoops, volleyball and some soccer nets.
There are some games painted on the blacktop for elementary age children.
There is a relationship between teachers, administrators, staff, students
and parents that is characterized by open communication. All agree in their high
expectations for students.
The school has policies which are aimed at ensuring the safety of all
students and others on campus. To that end, all safety regulations are followed;
students are trained and regularly practice response to drills, and parents are
kept informed about safety regulations.
