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King Abdullah Academy
Saudi Arabian international school in Floris, Virginia, United States From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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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]
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History
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]
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Campus
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
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
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]
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Legacy and future plans
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In June 2025, it was officially announced that the International Scholars Academy (ISA), a registered nonprofit organization, will serve as the official successor to King Abdullah Academy. While ISA has no affiliation with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it carries forward the 40+ year legacy of ISA/KAA, with much of the same administrative team leading the new institution. ISA is a fully accredited educational institution by COGNIA, currently in the process of authorization to offer the full continuum of International Baccalaureate (IB) programs: PYP, MYP, and DP. The new academy emphasizes academic excellence rooted in Islamic values, Arabic language proficiency, civic responsibility, and global citizenship. More information can be found at www.isava.org.
Meanwhile, Falcon Academy, an initiative started by former KAA parents, plans to open in September 2025 as a private learning initiative. However, Falcon Academy is not accredited, nor is it recognized as the official successor to KAA, but rather operates as an independent offshoot.
In June of 2025 it was announced that Fairfax County, Virginia would purchase the campus, buildings, and equipment for $150 million with the intention of opening a new public high school for the county.[7]
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See also
- 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
External links
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