New KS Academy Instagram!
For KS Academy updates, student videos, and event announcements, follow our KS Academy WA Instagram.
Registration Now Open!
REGISTER NOW!
Knowledge Seekers Academy, Washington
Inspire·Educate·Elevate
Welcome to the Knowledge Seekers Academy! An in-person Saturday program at Highline College in Des Moines, WA, now in its third year.
A personal Gmail is required for EACH student.
When
Saturdays, 10:15 AM to 3:15 PM (clubs until 4:00 PM)
Where
Highline College, Bldg 17, lower level
Ages
5–6, 7–12, 13–17
Fall 2026 start
Saturday, Sept 26
Our philosophy
The heart of a young person is like a fertile ground, whatever you plant in it will grow.
It is essential for us as parents to ensure that what is planted is righteousness, kindness, manners, selflessness, servitude, a sense of purpose and a pathway to understanding how to fulfill that purpose. That is what we provide at the Knowledgeseekers Academy. Our team of teachers are living proof that our program works.
Our motto says it all. We help youth find their purpose and lead purposeful lives such that they become productive, contributing members of society.
Programs by age
Ages 5–6
Arabic letters and Stories of the Prophets. Taught by Sister Um Muhammad ('Ilwiyah Zainab Al-Haidari) and Sister Um Yaseen in the classroom, with Sister Zainub Al-Husaini supporting.
Ages 7–12
AR100 (Arabic), THEO100 (debates and skits on alternating weeks), IL100 (Islamic Law), ETH100Y (Islamic Etiquettes).
Ages 13–17
THEO100, AR100 (Arabic for the Holy Quran), ETH100Y, IL100.
The 7–12 and 13–17 programs have already had a great impact on the youth, who have expressed their excitement to learn and have praised the teachers' teaching style.
Saturday class schedule
10:15 AM
All agesAssembly
5m Quran, 5m Dua Al-Hujjah, 5m Ziyarat Warith/Ashura
10:30 AM
Ages 5–6Arabic
Arabic Letters
'Ilwiyyah Um Muhammad
10:30 AM
Ages 7–12AR100
Arabic
Br. Hussein Al-Fartousi / Sayed Mohammad
10:30 AM
Ages 13–17THEO100
Alternate weeks debates/skits
Br. Ali Manhel & Br. Mohammed Manhel
11:30 AM
All agesBreak
11:35 AM
Ages 5–6Stories of the Prophets
Prophets Stories
'Ilwiyyah Um Muhammad
11:35 AM
Ages 7–12THEO100
Alternate weeks debates/skits
Sec. 1: Sister Zainab & Br. Ali Al-Saedi. Sec. 2: Br. Mohammed & Br. Ali Manhel
11:35 AM
Ages 13–17AR100
Arabic for the Holy Quran
Sayed Mohammad & Sayed Mousa
1:00 PM
All agesSalah & History of the Infallibles
Lecture & competition
2:00 PM
All agesLunch Break
2:30 PM
Ages 7–12IL100
Islamic Law / skits on alternating weeks
M. & Ali Manhel
2:30 PM
Ages 13–17ETH100Y
Islamic Etiquettes / skits on alternating weeks
Sh. Aous & Sayed Mousa
2:55 PM
Ages 7–12ETH100Y
Islamic Etiquettes / skits on alternating weeks
M. & Ali Manhel
2:55 PM
Ages 13–17IL100
Islamic Law / skits on alternating weeks
Sh. Aous & Sayed Mousa
3:15–4:00 PM
All agesSchool ends
Extracurricular clubs
Academy calendar
Open CalendarLatest news
Sept 26: First Day of School!
On Saturday, Sept 26, the Knowledge Seekers Academy starts its first day of school. We look forward to a year full of learning and growth.
What Our Students Say.
Watch interviews with our students about their experience in the classes and the educational and spiritual environment of the academy.
What Our Teachers Say.
On the second day of the program, teachers were interviewed to share their experience and what they would like to see.
Year Start Parent Meeting.
On Wednesday, Sept 30, Sh. Aous will meet with parents to share the curriculum, goals and expectations for students and parents, plus training on Google Classroom.
KS Academy Fall 2026.
On Saturday, Sept 26, the Saturday program starts its third year at Highline College in Des Moines, WA.
5–6 Year Old Program.
KS Academy will continue its children's program for ages 5–6, taught by Sister Um Muhammad ('Ilwiyah Zainab Al-Haidari) and Sister Um Yaseen in the classroom, with Sister Zainub Al-Husaini supporting in the background.
Our team
Having the best team is the best way to get the best results. That's why our teachers are our top students. Students who have taken the Knowledgeseekers program are taught to teach the material and to perfect it.
Leadership
Sh. Aous Asfar
General Supervisor
An educator humbly serving youth across North America through a curriculum he developed to help youth find their purpose in life, lead ethical lives, and become thriving members of society.
Sh. Basill Al-Haddad
Supervisor
Born and raised in Seattle, WA, Sh. Basill has dedicated his life to educating and mentoring youth in North America, working with Sh. Aous to develop and mentor youth through education.
Sayed Mohammad Al-Sharah
Administrator
One of the original students of Sh. Aous and Knowledgeseekers Youth Seattle admin. An engineer finishing his degree at UW who has been taught and mentored by Sh. Aous for several years. He handles administration and teaching. Very responsible, trustworthy and knowledgeable, a great mentor for the community's youth.
Teachers
Br. Ali Manhel
Teacher · 7–12 & 13–17
A graduate of the Knowledgeseekers Program, taught and mentored by Sh. Aous since age 9. Strong command of the program material and one of Sh. Aous's top students. Seven years later he is a teacher and mentor to the youth.
Br. Mohammed Manhel
Teacher · 7–12 & 13–17
Also a Knowledgeseekers graduate, mentored on the program since age 10. One of Sh. Aous's top students. Seven years later he is a teacher and mentor to the youth.
Sayed Mousa Al-Husaini
Teacher · 7–12 & 13–17
A Knowledgeseekers graduate and one of Sh. Aous's top students. Hungry for knowledge, social and inquisitive. A college student and club soccer player who brings discipline, consistency and fun, plus deep knowledge from constant mubahathah with Sh. Aous.
Br. Ahmed Al-Ibadi
Teacher
A Knowledgeseekers graduate and one of Sh. Aous's top students. Always inquisitive and striving to learn. A great mentor for the kids with years of study under Sh. Aous.
Br. Ali Al-Saedi
Teacher · 7–12 & 13–17
One of the most dedicated students, whom Sh. Aous counts among his top 5. Studied under Sh. Aous for 4 years without missing a single class. Completed the homework, understood the material and was tested on teaching it.
Sister Zainab Al-Saedi
Teacher · 7–12 & 13–17
Teaches the 7–12 and 13–17 groups. Completed 4 years of the Knowledgeseekers Program with Sh. Aous and is one of his top students. Demonstrated strong understanding of the material and was tested extensively on her ability to teach it.
Br. Mahdi
Teacher · Ages 5–6
Teaches the 5–6 year olds. Brings excitement and energy to everything he does. An engineer by trade, dedicated to giving the kids a good environment and education.
Sister Zainab Al-Haidari ('Ilwiyah Um Muhammad)
Teacher · Ages 5–6
Teaches the 5–6 year olds. Experienced at other Islamic schools and currently a teacher at Rise Academy. A mother of two. Started as a volunteer and staff support in 2024.
Sister Zainub Al-Husaini
Teacher · Ages 5–6
Extensive experience teaching at other Islamic schools and currently a teacher at Rise Academy. Expert with the 5–6 age group. Currently supporting in the background.
Br. Hussein Al-Fartousi
Teacher · AR100 (Ages 7–12)
Teaches AR100 for ages 7–12.
Sister Um Yaseen
Teacher · Ages 5–6
Teaches in the 5–6 classroom.
New students: how it works
Register
Register using the form below.
Accept the Google Classroom invitation
You will be added to a Google Classroom. Accept the invite you receive by email.
Attend class on Saturday
Be sure to attend class on time.
Do your assignments
Homework is assigned in Google Classroom. Check it and upload your assignments there.
Important links
Google ClassroomStudent Absence FormKS14 InstagramKS Academy WA InstagramKS14 MerchRetreat WebsiteKS YouTubeFacebookOffice of Ayatullah SistaniIslamic laws, Q&A and announcements in many languages including English, Arabic, Farsi and Urdu.Al-Ayn Social Care FoundationOrphan care organization established by the office of Grand Ayatullah Sistani, where you can pay zakat, khums, kaffarah, fidyah and more.
Location & contact
Classes held at
Highline College, Bldg 17, lower level
2400 S 240th St., Des Moines, WA 98198
KSAcademyWA@gmail.comJoin the Washington Academy
Register your children today.
Enroll your children in our in-person Washington program with one family registration. A personal Gmail is required for each student to access Google Classroom.
Already enrolled? Manage your tuition billing.