1- INTRODUCTION

1.1             A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Members of Our Community—Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and Staff,

My name is Dr. Ibrahim Sakaji, and it is both an honor and a privilege to introduce myself as the new Principal of The Universal Academy of Pittsburgh.

For more than four decades, I have dedicated my life to education—serving as a professor of Islamic Studies, Culture and Arabic language at universities across the Middle East and the Washington, D.C. area, as well as in leadership roles as Vice Principal and Dean of Students at respected academic institutions. These experiences have deepened my commitment to nurturing school environments where students are respected, inspired, and supported to reach their fullest potential.

As an educator and a leader, I firmly believe that a school is more than a place of academic instruction—it is a community, a sanctuary of values, and a foundation for lifelong growth. Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered. My vision is to foster a learning environment grounded in Islamic principles, where spiritual and moral development are just as important as academic excellence. InshAllah, my goal is to ensure each student thrives in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing atmosphere, while our teachers and staff receive the support they need to excel in their vital roles.

I also believe deeply in the power of partnership between home and school. Your voice as parents and guardians is essential, and I value your trust and collaboration. Together, we will work to cultivate young leaders with strong character, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose.

In the weeks ahead, I look forward to meeting you and your children. My door is always open, and I wholeheartedly welcome your thoughts, questions, and ideas.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community. I am truly excited about the journey ahead—and all that we will accomplish together.

Warmest regards,

Ibrahim Sakaji Ph.D
Principal
The Universal Academy of Pittsburgh

 

1.2             PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK
The purpose of the Student Handbook is to give students and their parents/guardians an understanding of the general rules and guidelines for attending and receiving an education at the Universal Academy of Pittsburgh (UAP).
In case of conflict between a policy put forth by the Board of Directors and the provisions of this handbook, the board policy most recently adopted by the board will prevail.
Because policy adoption and revision is an ongoing process, this document will be reviewed annually and can be amended at any time at the discretion of the board. The handbook is a contract between the school and parents/guardians or students. If policy changes are enacted during the school year, the administration will communicate those changes to students, staff and parents/guardians.
 
1.3             VISION STATEMENT
To create a school recognized for its rigorous curricula in both core academics and Islamic knowledge by fostering students that preserve Islam and Islamic identity while becoming positive and productive members of the society.

1.4             MISSION STATEMENT
To provide academic excellence in core curricula to our students guided by Islamic principles in a safe and nurturing environment.

1.5             GUIDING PHILOSOPHY
In order to achieve the above mission, it is important for UAP staff and faculty to remember:

• Parental involvement, cooperation, and support are essential for the success of the school.

• The school atmosphere and environment must be consistent with Islamic teachings and morality, according to the “middle-path” understanding of Islam.

• Curriculums must be balanced across the standard and religious studies.

 
1.6             NON-DISCRIMANATION POLICY
The Universal Academy of Pittsburgh (UAP) is an equal opportunity education employer and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, and handicap in its admission, activities, programs, or employment practices.

1.7             CONTACT INFORMATION
Principal:                        Dr. Ibrahim Sakaji
Email:                             isakaji@uapschool.org 
Address:                         2103 Hampton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Phone:                            (412) 241-2124
Fax:                                 (412)-241-2123
Website:                          www.uapschool.org
Admin email:                  admin@uapschool.org

1.8             SCHOOL CLOSINGS, DELAYS AND EMERGENCY
UAP follows Pittsburgh Public Schools for weather-related school closings and delays. Please check the local news for closing and delay listings. The school will send a notification on closing or delay the earliest possible. 

1.9         THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is the governing body for UAP. The board seeks to guide and support the school administration; develop procedures for operations, academic standards, and policies for the school; evaluate school performance; develop objectives for the academic school year; provide financial transparency to all parents.
Members for the 2024-2025 school year are as follows:
Dr. Ahmed Abdul Wahab, Dr. Fatma El Hamidi, Dr. Ibrahim Abukhiran, Aisha Ali, Omar Hemmali, Bekmurod Rustamov.

Members of the board can be contacted via email at uapbod@uapschool.org
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1.10         FACULTY
UAP strives to provide highly qualified and experienced educators. Our teachers are positive role models dedicated to the school’s mission and student success. Our educators work hard to stay abreast with the most current teaching pedagogies and are active in their pursuit of professional development. Our educators strive to model tolerance, cooperation, and public service to our students.
 
1.11         PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)
PTO membership is open to all parents and teachers who wish to be active in contributing to the success of UAP. The purpose of the PTO is to provide a medium for constructive

parent communication, involvement, and participation. The PTO enhances the educational experiences at UAP and plays a key role in making activities and events at UAP successful. To get involved with our PTO, please contact: admin@uapschool.org
 
1.12         Amendments &/or Addendums
​The Board of Directors, the managing board of the school, reserves the right to modify any policies or procedures at any time. Ideally, timely notification will be announced, although changes are considered adequate without such notice.
In the event of amendments or addendums during the school year, a written notice/email will be sent to parents, so that they are aware of these changes.

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1.13        Organizational Structure

Narrative

The Board of Trustees serves as the ultimate governing authority responsible for strategic oversight and mission integrity. The Board of Directors manages operational governance and supervises both the Superintendent and Principal, who lead separate domains—operations and academics respectively—while collaborating to ensure the school’s overall success.

Level 1 – Board of Trustees- Universal Education Foundation (UEF)

Role: Ultimate governing authority; responsible for mission, vision, and institutional integrity.

Duties: Approves major policies, hires or ratifies key leadership (Board of Directors, ensures alignment with mission and long-term sustainability. Appoints the superintendent (i.e. managing director of the school)

Level 2 – Board of Directors (UAP)

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Role: Manages and oversees the school’s operations, finances, and policy implementation.

Duties: Supervises both the Superintendent and the Principal, approves budgets, monitors performance, and ensures compliance with Board of Trustees directives.

Level 3 – Superintendent and Principal (Parallel Authority)

Both report directly to the Board of Directors, not to each other.
They collaborate but oversee different domains:

Superintendent

Focus: Non-instructional operations

• Budget/Finance

• HR & Personnel

• IT & Facilities

• Maintenance & Security

• Title Funds/EITC Management

• Donations/ Taxes/ Insurance

• Website

Responsibilities: Strategic planning, budgeting, operations, policy compliance, and institutional development.

Principal

Focus: Instructional leadership

Supervises:

• Assistant Admin(s)

• Teachers & Staff

• Student & Academic affairs

• Curriculum & Instructions

• Students Assessment

• Evaluations

• Accreditation

• Extra-Curricular Activities

Responsibilities: Curriculum, teaching quality, student achievement, discipline, and parent engagement.

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