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Brighter Horizons Academy

United States, Garland

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $8,982 - 10,900
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 900
Type Co-educational
Opened 1999
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages Arabic
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Brighter Horizons Academy is a Pre-K through 12 Islamic day school in Garland, Texas, offering the IB Primary Years Program alongside the American curriculum and Advanced Placement courses. Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies are integrated into daily learning. Since 2002, the academy offers a dual credit option for 11th and 12th grade and graduation options. Naviance and College Guidance support college preparation and applications. The Main Campus sits on 9.6 acres in Garland, with two buildings on the site and surrounding land exceeding 14 acres. Facilities include 36 classrooms, science labs, a library, a Multi-Purpose Hall, a gym, a high school lounge and weight room, and prayer areas with Wudu spaces. The school supports TAPPS athletics, a range of clubs, performing and visual arts, and service activities, with a mission to graduate practicing Muslim leaders and responsible citizens. It is the largest Pre-K through 12th accredited Islamic school in South.

3145 Stars Dr. (formerly Medical Plaza Dr.), Garland, TX 75044, USA

The Essentials

Brighter Horizons Academy has 900 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
Garland, Texas, United States. The campus is located at 3145 Stars Dr., Garland, TX 75044 (Formerly Medical Plaza Dr.).

Stages
Pre-K through 12

Type
Islamic school

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Islamic

Bus service
IHAB Transportation offers morning and afternoon routes to and from the Academy from Wylie, Plano, McKinney, Irving, Sachse, Murphy, Mesquite, Arlington and other surrounding DFW areas.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Verona Uniforms is the uniform vendor. Shirts, tunics, dresses and PE uniforms must be purchased through Verona; pants and two-piece hijabs for 5th grade girls may be purchased from any store. Hoodies must be from Verona.

Food Options
Providing Lunch – It is the parent's responsibility to provide a lunch from home or to purchase a lunch ticket to purchase lunch from the Academy. Lunch tickets cost $7 per ticket. Sack lunches are allowed; if a student does not have a lunch or a lunch ticket, a $7 charge is applied.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by Islamic Services Foundation (ISF), the parent organization.
Fees

Annual tuition at Brighter Horizons Academy ranges from USD 8,982 to USD 10,900 for 2026/27.

Application & enrollment fees

- Application fee (new applicants): $50 per child (non-refundable).
- New-family enrollment / commitment fee (at acceptance/testing): $1,000 per family (collected at time of testing/acceptance as a commitment fee). Refunds of the new-family enrollment fee are not automatic and are subject to the Academy's published enrollment policies.
- Re-enrollment / returning-student registration fee: $100 per re-enrolling child. Late re-enrollment penalties apply (see re-enrollment communications).

Tuition (2026–2027) — standard (non-Wakeel) rates and sibling structure

- Annual tuition may be paid in full or in 9 monthly installments.
- Standard (non-Wakeel) tuition by sibling order (annual / monthly installment):
- 1st student: USD 10,899.50 per year (USD 1,211.06 per month).
- 2nd student: USD 9,809.51 per year (USD 1,089.95 per month).
- 3rd student: USD 8,719.53 per year (USD 968.84 per month).
- 4th student: USD 7,629.63 per year (USD 847.74 per month).
- 5th student: USD 6,539.64 per year (USD 726.63 per month).

Tuition (2026–2027) — ISF Wakeel Program (reduced) rates

- Families who opt into the ISF Wakeel Program are charged a reduced tuition schedule. Annual tuition may be paid in full or in 9 monthly installments.
- Wakeel participant tuition by sibling order (annual / monthly installment):
- 1st student: USD 8,981.81 per year (USD 997.98 per month).
- 2nd student: USD 8,083.59 per year (USD 898.18 per month).
- 3rd student: USD 7,185.45 per year (USD 798.38 per month).
- 4th student: USD 6,287.27 per year (USD 698.59 per month).
- 5th student: USD 5,389.09 per year (USD 598.79 per month).
- Wakeel program contributions are per family (not per student); the Wakeel program offers two contribution plans (Plan A: flat contribution; Plan B: income-based contribution). Plan B requires supporting financial documents; contributions may be paid in full or in installments with tuition.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition payment options: pay the annual amount in full or in 9 monthly installments. Installment amounts are shown above for both Wakeel and non-Wakeel schedules. Late or missed payments are subject to the Academy's published late fees and collection policies.
- Official payment collection is made through the family Sycamore portal using the PayJunction feature (allows credit card or ACH payments). Steps to add payment methods and pay invoices are provided through the family account.
- Alternative accepted payment methods and processing fees: Sycamore/PayJunction is the preferred method. Other accepted methods include Chase Quick Pay, Zelle, cash, checks, cashier's checks and money orders; debit/credit card or certain alternate channels may incur a service/processing fee (credit/debit card transactions carry a +3% service fee in some payment flows and certain alternate methods may incur a per-transaction processing fee). A returned check fee applies for non-sufficient funds. Specific transaction fees and processing charges are applied per the Academy's payment policy.

Fees due before the start of the school year (one-time / annual items)

- Supplies fee: USD 100 per student (due before start of school year).
- Technology fee: USD 75 per student (due before start of school year).
- Athletic fee: USD 70 per student (due before start of school year).
- Book / resource / art fees (annual):
- Grades 1–10: USD 340 per student.
- Grade 11 textbook fee: USD 265.
- Grade 12 textbook fee: USD 190.
- Dual-credit textbook fees: variable based on number of credits taken.
- Student supplies and other required fees (examples): PSAT testing fee for grades 8–10: USD 20/year; in-house testing (grades 6–7): USD 15/year; student parking permit: USD 25/year; PTO membership: USD 10/family; PTO volunteer account: USD 50/semester/family (parents who volunteer may receive credit).

Other recurring and optional costs

- Hot lunch program: USD 7 per meal.
- Aftercare (until 5:00 pm): USD 20 per day. Late pick-up fee: USD 10 per day. Field trip and after-school program fees vary by activity. Uniform purchases and school-supply purchases vary by item. Graduation fees (paid in April): 5th grade USD 75; 8th grade USD 100; 12th grade USD 350.
- Uniforms vendor and supply: Verona Uniforms is the official uniform vendor; shirts, tunics, dresses and PE uniforms must be purchased through Verona. Pants and some hijab items may be purchased elsewhere per the uniform policy. Uniform items and enforcement guidelines vary by division.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. Brighter Horizons Academy is a full-time Pre-K through 12 day school; no boarding program or boarding fees are published.

Refund information and withdrawal terms

- Withdrawal notice requirement: a written 30-day notice (Withdrawal Form) is required for all withdrawals during the school year or during the summer. Failure to provide the required 30-day notice obligates the family for the next tuition installment. No school records are released until the withdrawal process is completed and the account is fully settled.
- Refund policy on withdrawal: No refunds are issued for tuition or fees for the month in which the Withdrawal Form is submitted. Families remain financially responsible for tuition and fees as outlined in the published withdrawal policy; no exceptions will be made except as explicitly stated in Academy policy documents.
- New-family enrollment fee and other admission fees: the new-family enrollment fee is a commitment fee; refunds are not automatic and are handled per the Academy's admissions policy and published refund conditions. Application and enrollment fees are generally non-refundable unless specifically stated in the Academy's admissions/refund provisions.

Fee payment methods and transactional details

- Primary payment channel: Sycamore family portal with PayJunction (credit card or ACH). Payment methods are added in the family account and invoices paid online.
- Alternate methods & fees: Chase Quick Pay, Zelle, cash, checks, cashier's checks, and money orders are accepted in some cases; debit/credit card payments outside of PayJunction may incur a +3% service fee and some non-PayJunction methods carry a USD 50 processing fee per transaction. Returned checks incur a USD 25 fee; repeat returned checks may require alternative payment methods and additional processing charges. Specific processing fees and acceptable channels follow the Academy's published payment procedures.

Summary

- Published 2026–2027 tuition is provided as two schedules: the standard (non-Wakeel) schedule and the reduced Wakeel schedule; both schedules list annual and 9-installment monthly amounts by sibling order. Fees due before the start of school year, recurring program fees, optional program fees, and transactional payment terms (including PayJunction/ACH/credit card availability and processing charges) are documented in the Academy's tuition and policy materials.
Academics

Brighter Horizons Academy teaches IB (PYP), American Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Brighter Horizons Academy offers a Pre-K through 12 curriculum including the IB Primary Years Program and grade-level curricula for Elementary, Middle School, and High School. Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies are integrated into the program. Since 2002, the Academy has offered a dual credit program for 11th and 12th grade, with three graduation programs introduced for the Class of 2019. Naviance and College Guidance support college preparation as part of graduation planning. Brighter Horizons Academy is the largest full-time Pre-K through 12th accredited Islamic school in the South, with a mission to graduate practicing Muslim leaders and responsible citizens.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides academic guidance through counselors who support students' growth and development. Academic counselors align with the mission to support the academic achievement of all students and prepare them to become leaders and citizens. Students receive guidance and opportunities during this period of rapid growth and change. Behavioral Guidance is part of Student Life, with resources to report bullying. The Health Office supports student well-being and safety by monitoring health and addressing barriers to learning.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ESL training and credentials are held by staff. An ESL-certified teacher provides ESL instruction, and staff have Teaching English as a Second Language qualifications. A teacher has English as a Second Language experience abroad. Staff languages include English; many teachers are fluent in English, with additional language skills noted by faculty.

Mental Wellbeing
Academic counselors support students' social and emotional growth and academic achievement. They guide students through growth and change and coordinate college guidance. The Health Office promotes student health and well-being and serves as a health advocate to remove barriers to learning. Behavioral Guidance under Student Life supports a safe and respectful school climate.

Safeguarding
Behavioral Guidance is provided for safeguarding student well-being and includes a bullying reporting mechanism. The Student Handbook references safeguarding topics and the Student Code of Honor. The Health Office protects student safety and health through policies and procedures, including immunizations and health forms. Contagious illness policies and health screenings support a safe school environment.
Parent Experience

History
Brighter Horizons Academy is in Garland, Texas and sits on 9.6 acres. The Main Campus opened in September 1999 as phase one of three and serves grades 4–12. The Islamic Services Foundation (ISF) is the parent organization of Brighter Horizons Academy. In January 2005, ISF opened the adjacent Early Childhood & Elementary building (ECE) after renovations to the former medical plaza; this expanded PK–3 education. The ECE building was updated in Summer 2017, and the campus comprises two buildings on one site.

Community
Brighter Horizons Academy values partnership with families; BHA emphasizes that its relationship with parents is foundational to its success. Student Life offers various activities, clubs, sports, and more. Extracurricular offerings include Sports Clubs, Academic Competitions (including National Geography & Spelling Bee Contests), Service‑Oriented Clubs (Student Council, National Honor Society, UNICEF Club), Science Club and Science Fair, Arts & Crafts, and Book Clubs. Volunteer opportunities and informational sessions provide parents with chances to engage with school programs.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Monthly PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) meetings are held. Periodic Parent/Teacher Conferences are held. Coffee with the Leadership Program provides opportunities to meet school leadership. Volunteer Opportunities are available for parents. Informative Sessions on School Programs are offered to keep families informed.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Main Campus sits on 9.6 acres in Garland, Texas. The Main Building houses grades 4–12 and includes 36 classrooms, a Computer Lab, 2 Science Labs, a Library, a Multi-Purpose Hall, a Gymnasium, a Prayer Area with Wudu spaces, a High School Student Lounge, a High School Weight Room, and Staff Conference Room, as well as Health Office and Student Behavioral Guidance and Academic College Guidance offices. In 2005, the adjacent Early Childhood & Elementary building opened to serve PK–3, with 15 classrooms, a Computer Lab, a Media Center/Library, ISF-BHA Musallah, Wudu Areas, and an IB-PYP Conference & Resource Room. The campus comprises two buildings on over 14 acres of land and includes an outdoor playground, basketball courts (indoor and outdoor), a soccer field, a track, and a gymnasium. Technology and learning resources include Sycamore Education for parent–teacher communication and Accelerated Reader for reading. The school provides health, behavioral guidance, and college guidance offices to support students.

Sports Facilities
Indoor and outdoor basketball courts are available on campus. The campus includes a soccer field and a track for outdoor activities. A gymnasium provides indoor basketball courts and volleyball. The TAPPS High School Athletics Program includes Track & Field, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer, and Volleyball.

Academic Facilities
Main Campus includes 36 classrooms, a Computer Lab, 2 Science Labs, a Library, a Multi-Purpose Hall, a High School Student Lounge, a High School Weight Room, and a Staff Conference Room. There are Health Office, Student Behavioral Guidance Office, and Academic College Guidance Office. The PK–3 Early Childhood & Elementary building contains 15 classrooms, a Computer Lab, a Media Center (Library) and a Media Center/Library, ISF-BHA Musallah, Wudu Areas, and an IB-PYP Conference & Resource Room. Technology resources include a Sycamore Education system for parent–teacher communication and Accelerated Reader for secular and Islamic literature. Texas-aligned curriculum is adopted, with STAAR, EOC, and MAP testing, and PSAT for college admissions; Duke TIP Talent Identification Program is offered.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Brighter Horizons Academy offers a range of sports and physical activities. Elementary students participate in soccer; middle school teams include basketball, volleyball, and soccer; TAPPS High School Athletics includes track & field, cross country, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. The program encourages teamwork and fitness through interscholastic competition. Extra-curricular activities include Sports Clubs, Academic Competitions (Geography and Spelling Bee), and service-oriented clubs such as Student Council, National Honor Society, UNICEF Club. There is also a Science Club with an annual Science Fair, Arts & Crafts Clubs, and Book Clubs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
National Geography and Spelling Bee contests are part of Academic Competitions. The Science Club and the Annual Science Fair support inquiry and experimentation. Book Clubs promote reading and discussion across grade levels. The Junior World Affairs Council engages students in global topics and current events.

Arts & Creative
Arts & Crafts Clubs provide hands-on creative activities for younger students. Drama Club offers performance opportunities for high school students. Creative Arts Club engages middle school artists in visual arts projects. A Media Club gives students opportunities to explore film and digital storytelling.

Cultural & Language
Junior World Affairs Council engages 9th–12th graders in international topics and cross-cultural understanding. The Council fosters dialogue on global cultures and current events. The internationally oriented clubs broaden cultural awareness across student activities.

Social & Hobbies
Chess Club, LEGO League, and coding clubs such as MineCraft Coding & Designing are offered as social and hobby activities. Drama Club and Page Surfers Book Club provide opportunities for performance and reading-based social engagement. Other groups include Spine Crackers Book Club, Arts & Crafts Club, and a variety of media-related clubs for different age ranges.

Community & Service
Service-oriented clubs include Student Council, National Honor Society, and UNICEF Club. The school supports volunteering and service projects through student life activities. Volunteering opportunities connect students with the broader community.

Leadership & Professional
College Guidance offers dual credit college courses on campus and at Richland College, with Honors and Advanced Placement options. PSAT, SAT, and ACT guidance is provided through the College Guidance Department, along with college applications support. Naviance and advisory programs help students plan for college and career paths.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Sports and Physical Activities include elementary soccer; middle school basketball, volleyball, and soccer; and TAPPS high school track and field, cross country, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Life Skills Programs feature Everfi Financial Literacy, annual Life Skills Seminars, Tarbiyah (character education), and health education forums. Drug abuse and anti-bullying forums promote student wellbeing. Health Education and awareness activities are part of the school's ongoing wellness approach.
Languages

Language Provision
The Language of Instruction at Brighter Horizons Academy is English, and English Language Arts comprises about eighty percent of the school week, with Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Quran comprising about twenty percent of the school day. All students in the Primary Years Program are enrolled in Arabic as a Second Language, and the school aims for proficiency in two languages. Home and Family Languages support bi-literacy and intercultural awareness, including assistance for parents seeking mother tongue instruction; English and Arabic are used as languages of inquiry within an IB framework.

Bilingual Teaching
The Language of Instruction is English; all subjects except Arabic are taught through English. Arabic is taught as a second language, with Modern Classic Arabic offered to all Primary Years Program students.
Reputation

Accreditations
Cognia accreditation.
Admissions

Admissions
How to Apply: The Office of Admission assists with the application process. Schedule an admission visit; campus tours include Sneak Peek Previews and Admissions Open Houses. Transfer Students: Kindergarten through 12th grade transfer students are accepted until the end of the first quarter. Pre-K transfer students are accepted anytime throughout the year, including the fourth quarter. Tuition and Fees: The tuition schedule for the current academic year is available. Financial Aid: Financial aid and scholarships are offered to families who demonstrate need by Islamic Services Foundation. To apply for assistance or a scholarship, contact Islamic Services Foundation at (972) 414-5090.

Scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships are offered to families who demonstrate need by Islamic Services Foundation. To apply for assistance or a scholarship, contact Islamic Services Foundation at (972) 414-5090.
School Events
The school has not added events
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