What type of school is New Horizon School Westside?
New Horizon School Westside (NHSW) is a private, independent, developmental-Preschool through Fifth Grade school. Our hands-on, and project-based learning approach represents a blend of best practices drawn from the progressive, developmental and traditional educational philosophies and is designed to prepare students for success in the 21st century. New Horizon School Westside is committed to providing quality academic education based on high, universal moral values in a progressive Islamic environment. We are dedicated to nurturing a positive American Muslim identity and a devotion to God through the teachings of Islam and a strong commitment to family, community and humanity.
When was NHSW founded?
Born out of the mission of providing quality academic education in an environment infused with high moral and Islamic values, the Islamic Center of Southern California established the New Horizon School Westside in 1995. Being part of the New Horizon School System, which was founded in 1984, we are afforded the opportunity of dedicating ourselves in providing quality academic education that integrates universal and moral Islamic values within a global and progressive society. As such, we are dedicated to nurturing a positive American Muslim identity and a devotion to God through the teachings of the Qur’an (the holy book of the Muslims) and the Sunnah (the non-controversially relayed traditions of the seal of the messengers, Prophet Muhammad) and a strong commitment to family, community and humanity.
Is NHSW accredited?
At NHWS we are committed to achieving the highest level of accreditation. Currently, we are accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Achieving these accreditations, allows NHWS to be official recognized for achieving a standard of excellence by adhering to established high, uniform standards set forth by the independent agencies.
Information about the independent agencies:
The California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) is a non-profit organization of elementary, middle and secondary schools in California. The Association serves and strengthens its schools by setting standards of academic quality and ethical conduct, by providing for the professional growth of faculty, administrators, and trustees, and by promoting ethnic and socio-economic diversity. (For more info go to http://www.caisca.org)
WASC’s fundamental cause involves helping schools meaningfully create the highest quality learning experience they can envision for all students. WASC advances and validates quality on going school improvement by supporting its private and public elementary, secondary, and postsecondary member institutions to engage in a rigorous and relevant self-evaluation and peer review process that focuses on student learning. (For more info go to http://www.wascweb.org)
What is the total enrollment?
At New Horizon School Westside we strive to provide students the best opportunities to learn and develop. We focus on making sure that the student to teacher ratio is balanced between providing the adequate social environment for the student to interact with their peers and the attention student need to interact with the faculty. The student to teacher ratio are kept at about 1:10. There are 110 students in the 2012 – 2013 school year. We encourage parents of potential students to visit our facilities and see our classroom environment. We are confident that not only will you appreciate our student to teacher ratio but also experience our family friendly environment in which students, faculty and staff work together to achieve the school’s vision.
When can I take a tour of NHSW?
The school faculty and staff value the opportunity to meet you and discuss our school’s philosophy and show you our facilities.
One of the best ways to find out about our great school is to take a tour. It is one thing for you to read about the achievement and accolades of NHWS but it’s a much more informative experience to meet our staff, see our learning environment and tour our facilities. We have dedicated the last Wednesday of every month for tours but also feel free to contact us about making special arrangements. Either call us (310-231-6092 or email us (info@newhorizonwestside) to make an appointment to tour the school During the tour you will meet the principal, Dalal Antabli, a dedicated NHWS parent and founding faculty member, as well as visit classrooms and meet with teachers.
What are your school hours?
Our school hours are set to provide maximum learning opportunities, ensure safety and provide flexibility when needed.
Our preschool hours are from 7:45am to 3:15pm. Instruction starts at 8:30am
Our elementary hours are from 7:45am to 3:30pm. We expect students to arrive by 7:45am.
Maximum Learning opportunities
Unlike many public and private schools our preschool and kindergarten days don’t end at noon. We provide the maximum opportunity for preschoolers and kindergarteners to learn and develop during their most impressionable years. Furthermore, we have after school enrichment activities available for students in elementary school and extended day care for all students.
Safety
We have a unique drop off/pick up procedures. Each day, dedicated faculty and staff pick up each student from their parents’s cars, and escort them inside the school facility. Conversely, each student is released to the parents at the parents’ car. In addition to providing safety, our unique drop off/ pick up procedure allows parents, staff and faculty to interact on a daily basis. The faculty and staff responsible for coordinating and facilitating drop off and pick up rotate weekly. This allows staff and faculty to know student’s parents and establish a family-like bond with students. Social events are much more interactive and familiar to staff and parents and make for robust and fruitful learning and developmental environment for students.
Flexibility
In addition to our traditional school hours, we have flexible schedules for preschoolers. Please contact us for more information.
Do you offer daycare?
We make it easy for parent to accommodate their busy schedule by providing extended daycare between 7:15am and 7:45am and between 3:30pm and 5:45pm for an additional charge. In addition, we offer after school enrichment programs such as Quran, Drama Club, and sport activities. We also offer a Homework Club on Monday-Thursday for Elementary students from 3:30 to 4:45pm.
What makes NHSW special?
NHSW emphasizes the documented connection between parent involvement and school success. Adding to NHSW’s unique character are the many special events that are traditions here, from the International Day, to the Arabic Day, and Hajj Simulation. NHSW also stands out for its enrichment programs; Drama Club, Tajweed classes, and hands on, interactive science programs.
What enrichment programs does NHSW offer?
It is our goal to develop in each student a balanced character enriched with knowledge and skills, inspired to academic performance and excellence, and committed to the betterment of humanity. Toward this end, we offer students all the core academic subjects, as well as instruction in Arabic, Qur’anic and Islamic Studies, Physical and Health Education, Computers, Library, Music and Art.
Is the Kindergarten day shorter than the older grades’ school day?
Unlike many public and private schools, our preschool and kindergarten days don’t end at noon. We provide the maximum opportunity for preschooler and kinder gardeners to learn and develop during their most impressionable years. Furthermore, we have after school enrichment activities available for students in elementary school and extended day care for all students.
Do you offer Religious Studies and any foreign languages?
Yes! One of the strength of NHWS is that in addition to providing quality academic education based on high, universal moral values, we are also dedicated to nurturing a positive American Muslim identity and devotion to God through the teaching of Islam and a strong commitment to family, community and humanity. Through its curriculum and co-curricular programs, New Horizon students are taught to integrate Qur’anic principles, academic skills and ethical behavior in order to make a positive contribution to our community.
We offer Qur'anic and Religious Studies daily. Furthermore, the school is decorated with the “value of the month” posters to encourage student not only to read about Islamic values but to embody them. We also teach the Arabic language daily. Our religious program and Arabic programs adhere to The Bureau of Islamic and Arabic Education (BIAE), a coordinating and resource center to the New Horizon Schools, which is dedicated to developing curricula and supplementary material and trains the teachers to effectively and efficiently disseminate the program.
How many students are in each class?
Our preschool teacher to student ratio is 1:12.
Our elementary teacher to student ratio is 1:16.
Does NHSW accept students with special needs?
No. Unfortunately at this time, NHSW is not equipped to accept students with special needs.
What type of tuition plans do you offer?
We have an annual and semi-annual payment plan. We also offer a 10 and 12 month payment plan.