King Abdullah Academy
| King Abdullah Academy أكاديمية الملك عبد الله | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
 | |
2949 Education Drive, Herndon, VA 20171 Floris, Virginia United States | |
| Coordinates | 38°55′46″N 77°25′17″W / 38.929399°N 77.421482°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Private |
| Established | 2016 |
| Closed | 2025 |
| Principal | Noha Elghosein |
| Grades | Kindergarten through 12 |
| Website | www |
King Abdullah Academy (KAA; أكاديمية الملك عبد الله) was a private Saudi Arabian international school located in Floris, Virginia, an unincorporated community in Fairfax County, Virginia, within the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.[1]
History
[edit]The school opened in fall 2016 under the direction of the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission to the United States. Its goal was to provide a U.S.-based, English-language curriculum rooted in Islamic values and Arabic language instruction. It primarily served children of Saudi diplomats and expatriates residing in the greater Washington, D.C. area.
The school was built on a 40-acre campus previously zoned for educational use. As such, no additional hearings were required by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. At the time of planning, Supervisor Michael R. Frey reported no public opposition to the site.[2]
Campus
[edit]Located near Washington Dulles International Airport, the King Abdullah Academy campus featured modern academic buildings, a soccer field, walking trails, outdoor classrooms, and an Olympic-style swimming pool. The school was purpose-built with security and architectural standards similar to those used for diplomatic and international facilities.[3]
Academics
[edit]KAA offered instruction in English, Arabic, and Islamic studies. The lower school (K–5) was co-educational, while middle and high school students were taught in gender-segregated classes.[4]
The school adopted a U.S.-based curriculum aligned with the Virginia Standards of Learning and was also a certified International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Students regularly matriculated to U.S. and international universities.
Closure
[edit]In January 2025, the school announced that it would close permanently at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year due to financial and administrative sustainability concerns. According to a letter from the board, the school had been unable to establish a viable long-term funding model to maintain operations independently of Saudi governmental support.[5]
A community petition was launched in an attempt to reverse the closure, but the school’s board of directors confirmed the final decision in April 2025.
The closure affected approximately 450 students and 160 staff members. Legal proceedings were initiated to investigate potential violations of the federal WARN Act, as employees were allegedly notified with fewer than 60 days' notice.[6]
Legacy and Future Plans
[edit]In May 2025, the administration announced intentions to open a successor institution, **Falcon Academy**, as early as September 2025. Although few details were released, early indications suggest it may adopt a more hybrid learning model and seek diverse international sponsorship.
See also
[edit]
- American International School – Riyadh
- American International School of Jeddah
- Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission to the United States
- List of things named after Saudi kings
References
[edit]- ^ "Overview". King Abdullah Academy. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ Olivo, Antonio (December 7, 2015). "With Saudi school headed to Herndon area, Mt. Vernon site use is uncertain". The Washington Post. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ "Education Project Portfolio – Illustrate My Design". Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ "Enrollment". King Abdullah Academy. Retrieved July 25, 2016.
- ^ "Saudi private school in Herndon to shut down, surprising families". FFXnow. February 13, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
- ^ "King Abdullah Academy WARN Act Investigation". Strauss Borrelli PLLC. April 2, 2025. Retrieved May 28, 2025.
External links
[edit]
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- High schools in Fairfax County, Virginia
- Private K–12 schools in Virginia
- 2016 establishments in Virginia
- Educational institutions established in 2016
- Educational institutions disestablished in 2025
- 2025 disestablishments in Virginia
- Religious schools in Virginia
- Islamic schools in the United States
- Saudi Arabian international schools in the United States
- International schools in Virginia
- Virginia school stubs
- Saudi Arabian building and structure stubs
- Middle Eastern school stubs