Embedded Files
Now Accepting Students for 2026 - 2027! Pre-K - 2nd Grade
Mission and Values:
Mission and Values:
Faith.
Faith.
Character.
Character.
Adab.
Adab.
Excellence.
Excellence.
Knowledge.
Knowledge.
"To provide an environment of academic excellence infused with Islamic values. We aim to nurture students who are not only high achievers in the classroom but also compassionate, God-conscious leaders who serve their community with integrity and wisdom. "
"To provide an environment of academic excellence infused with Islamic values. We aim to nurture students who are not only high achievers in the classroom but also compassionate, God-conscious leaders who serve their community with integrity and wisdom. "
The Purpose
The Purpose
Rappahannock Islamic School of Excellence (RISE) was created to give families in the greater Rappahannock region something they’ve never had before: a full‑time, academically rigorous, faith‑centered Islamic school that prepares students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. As the only school of its kind in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Caroline, RISE offers a learning experience that is both deeply rooted in Islamic values and boldly future‑focused.
A Holistic Education Grounded in Faith
A Holistic Education Grounded in Faith
RISE nurtures the whole child—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Students grow in their Islamic identity through daily practice, character development, and a school culture built on compassion, integrity, and service. Faith is not an add‑on; it is the lens through which students learn to understand themselves and their responsibility to the world.
A STEM‑Driven, Project‑Based Approach
A STEM‑Driven, Project‑Based Approach
Our curriculum is built around hands‑on, inquiry‑driven learning. Students don’t just memorize facts—they investigate real problems, design solutions, and learn by doing. With a strong emphasis on STEM, RISE equips students with the critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills essential for tomorrow’s careers, while also ensuring they excel in literacy, social studies, and the humanities.
Learning That Connects to the Real World
Learning That Connects to the Real World
RISE students engage in meaningful projects that connect academic content to real community needs. Whether designing prototypes, conducting experiments, exploring local history, or presenting research, students learn to see themselves as contributors and problem‑solvers. This approach builds confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
A School Community That Feels Like Family
A School Community That Feels Like Family
Families choose RISE because they want a school where their children are known, supported, and valued. Our small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and strong parent partnerships create an environment where every child is seen as a unique learner with unique potential. RISE is more than a school—it’s a community built on trust, belonging, and shared purpose.
Serving the Entire Rappahannock Region
Serving the Entire Rappahannock Region
RISE proudly serves families across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Caroline counties. As the region’s only full‑time Islamic school with a STEM‑based, project‑centered curriculum, we are committed to expanding access to high‑quality, faith‑aligned education for all families seeking an alternative to traditional schooling.
Accreditation: The Rappahannock Islamic School of Excellence (RISE) is an ISLA Member school as of 2025. As of August 2026, RISE has also submitted it's application to become a fully-accredited school by the Middle States Association (MSA) and through Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE). In Sep 2026, RISE successfully submitted additional documents for accreditation such as our 10-Year (Long-term) plan for expanding our services and facilities.
Serving the Rappahannock Region
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." [Muslim].
We are inviting you to be a part of all three.
We believe our children shouldn't have to choose between academic excellence and their identity.
RISE is a new private school which opened its doors in August 2026. Our vision is unique: we are building a learning environment that seamlessly integrates a rigorous STEM and project-based curriculum with a deep foundation in Islamic values and the humanities.
By providing a space where scientific inquiry meets spiritual growth, we are preparing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders to serve both their community and the world.
At Rappahannock Islamic School of Excellence, we are working to establish a school where our children will grow in faith, knowledge, identity, and leadership, an institution rooted in the Quran, academic excellence, and strong character development.
We invite you to plant a seed and grow a legacy: We invite you to support RISE.
What does it look like to attend RISE?
What does it look like to attend RISE?
A Day in the Life of Students and Teachers at RISE
An example RISE Daily Schedule is provided below to give a glimpse into what our daily routine looks like for those curious! Below is naturally subject to change with the topics and materials covered.
Leadership Spotlight
Crystal Walcott
Head of School Development
Crystal Walcott
Head of School Development
Our Head of School brings 24 years of diverse educational experience to our leadership team. Beginning in Early Childhood Development in 2002, they have since earned a Master’s in Special Education (2023) and held licenses across multiple states and educational models, including IB, Inquiry-Based, and Standards-Based environments.
Core Leadership Pillars:
Inclusive Excellence: Leveraging a background in Special Education and behavior intervention to ensure every learner—from gifted to those requiring specialized support—has a seat at the table.
Holistic Synergy: A firm believer in "extending the classroom," ensuring that teachers, therapists, and families work in a seamless partnership.
Pedagogical Innovation: Specializing in Project-Based Learning (PBL) and STEM-focused inquiry that prioritizes student engagement and real-world application.
Adaptive Leadership: Experience spanning public, private, and homeschool sectors, providing a unique perspective on the evolving needs of modern families.
The RISE Value Proposition: Our Business Model
Who is the team behind RISE?
Who is the team behind RISE?
The Straight Path Foundation is led by a 100% volunteer team formed in response to the growing need for high‑quality, faith‑centered educational options for Muslim families in the Greater Rappahannock Region. Our members come from diverse professional backgrounds—including education, engineering, real estate, medicine, finance, technology, and compliance—and share a unified commitment to serving the community.
Representing all four local masajid (ICF, Maryam Center, Masjid Aliya, and FMC), our team works collaboratively to strengthen unity and engagement through educational and recreational initiatives. Together, we are dedicated to building accessible schooling options, meaningful programs, and vibrant community spaces rooted in Islamic values.
RAPPAHANNOCK ISLAMIC SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
We want to hear from you.
We want to hear from you.
We invite you to take the next step with our school. Our RISE team is committed to serving our students, parents and staff with excellence! For any questions, please contact us directly at admin@rise-va.org. We look forward to connecting with you!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse