Preschool and Kindergarten

This division represents the foundation of the student’s academic career. Students are provided basic and concrete knowledge to produce well-educated Muslims who are mindful of Allah and seek knowledge as a lifelong obligation.

From these early ages, our students are engaged in developing a love of learning. Language arts, social studies, math and science are all part of the curriculum, enhanced by library, computers and physical education. Our primary students also receive formal studies in Qur'an, Islamic Studies and Arabic.

Reading and math groups are the norm for the Primary Division, with many of the Academy’s students entering first grade with solid reading skills. Along with reading and writing, literacy involves the development of speaking and listening skills. UAF recommends regular dedicated literacy lessons, but recognizes that students can also develop literacy skills while they learn other subjects in the curriculum.

The math program involves manipulatives and many hands-on activities to build math skills from an early age. Graphing, sorting, classifying and patterning are just some of the ways children are exposed to math, each area developing as the children grow. The social studies and science programs are thematic and encourage children to ask questions and begin to understand how many aspects of their world are connected.

A variety of fine arts are integrated which help develop movement and sensory motor skills. The social climate and students’ behavior are equally important to the students’ academic progress.

VPK

UAF is a Voluntary Pre-K participating school.  VPK applies to children in K4.

Any student who is a Florida resident and has turned four by September 1 is eligible to apply for funding to cover his/her tuition and fees. The program is a full-day program from 8:20 – 3:05. The full-day program includes Arabic, Qur’an and Islamic Studies.

The Voluntary Pre-kindergarten Program (VPK) is designed to prepare Florida's children for kindergarten, and develop the skills they need to become good readers and successful students. VPK provides standards for literacy skills, strict accountability, appropriate curricula, substantial instruction periods, manageable class sizes and qualified instructors. Parents have the option of enrolling children in a year-long program that consists of 540 instructional hours. The Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County administers the Voluntary Pre-kindergarten Program at the local level, which includes registering childcare providers and providing applications and information to parents.

 

VPK registrations will be conducted online/electronically ONLY

Eligibility

VPK is open to all children who reside in the state of Florida and who are four years old. Age eligibility requirements are:

  • A child must be 4-years-old by September 1st of the academic year you are applying for.
  • Children may participate in the VPK program once. Once a child is eligible to enter kindergarten, they are no longer eligible to participate in VPK.

Registration

STEP 1 – Parents/Legal Guardians of eligible four-year-old children MUST complete the Child Application Form (AWI-VPK From 01) AND provide the following items:
Proof of child’s age/date of birth (any of the following):

  • Birth record or certificate
  • Passport
  • A certificate of arrival in the US showing age
  • A valid military dependent ID card
  • A shot/immunization record indicating the date of birth signed by a public health officer or licensed practicing physician.

Proof of Florida Residency (any of the following):

  • Florida driver's license
  • Utility bill
  • Bank Statement
  • Pay Stub
  • Insurance policy
  • Lease or mortgage papers

Parents/legal guardians must register their eligible child with the Early Learning Coalition in the county where the child will attend the VPK program. For example, a child/parent may reside in Pasco County and want to attend VPK in Hillsborough County. The parent/legal guardian must register the eligible child with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County.


STEP 2 - Parents/legal guardians must take the completed Child Application Form (AWI VPK Form 01), along with the proof of age and proof of Florida residency, to a VPK registration location and meet with a representative of ELCHC. Parents/legal guardians will meet with a VPK staff member who will verify the information. Upon verification of the eligible child's age and state residency, parents/legal guardians will receive a VPK Certificate of Eligibility.


STEP 3 - Finally, parents/legal guardians must deliver the VPK Certificate of Eligibility (obtained in Step 2) to their chosen approved VPK provider. This will complete the registration process for parents