Saudi private school shuts down in Herndon, shocking families

This is the last school year for King Abdullah Academy.

After close to a decade in the Herndon area, the Islamic private school announced in late January that it will close for good after the 2024-2025 academic year, citing challenges with identifying a “viable financial path to self-sustainability.”

According to a parent, the news “completely surprised” families and administrators.

The parent said via email that “so many families are impacted, and they’re trying to figure out how to navigate this time.” The parents are trying together to see if we can fund ourselves, but it is heartbreaking for the children as their friends come from all over Northern [Virginia].

King Abdullah Academy was launched in August 2016 by the Saudi Arabian government after moving to its new campus of 40 acres at 2949 Education Drive, east of Dulles International Airport.

The school, formerly known as Islamic Saudi Academy, operated from Mount Vernon High School in Herndon until 1985. Fairfax County is now able to redevelop Mount Vernon (8333 Richmond Highway) after the academy left. started construction in the fall.

According to the administrative team of King Abdullah Academy, there are now 1,030 students in kindergarten through grade 12. It offers a certified International Baccalaureate Program, and aims to support academically while “maintaining values of Islam” and “proficient with the Arabic Language,” according to its website.

Campus amenities include a soccer pitch, a trail network, outdoor classrooms (including playgrounds), courtyards, and an Olympic-style eight-lane swimming pool.

The academy’s announcement of its closing said that it was “extremely proud” about the legacy built over the last nine years.

The announcement stated that “The Academy provided education to students from dozens of different nationalities and native languages, maintaining a graduation rate of almost 100%.” This school has been a cornerstone for education, innovation, community building, and affecting the lives of many people in Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, and beyond.

However, a recent financial review found that “the school was running at a significant and persistent loss, and unfortunately, there was no path to self-sustainability,” the administration team said.

The school also charges a tuition of $11,250.

Salwa Linjawi, Director General of King Abdullah Academy, acknowledged the disappointment and the uncertainty that the closure would bring. She said in an announcement that the school’s leaders were “committed” towards providing support services for the community to minimize disruptions.

The school website has more information about the release of Jan. 30, which is posted here:

Inshallah, we are committed to providing a smooth academic year 2024-2025. This will enable another class of students to graduate, and we can prevent any shortcomings in the educational services that we provide.

The Academy will provide an optional service to rising 8th grade students and rising 12th grade students who wish to earn their degrees online through a fully-certified curriculum in the school year 2025-2026. The Academy will fund the program.

We will do our very best to serve everyone associated with this institution for the remainder of its existence. We are proud of the bond we have built with you all over the years. We look forward to all the achievements that our students will make in the future.

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