School teaches Arabic, appreciation of diversity
By Bob Andres
The Amana Academy, a tuition-free, public Fulton County charter school in Roswell, is believed to be the only elementary school in Georgia to offer Arabic language studies.
Principal Shereen Salam is quick to point out that Amana Academy is not an Arab or Muslim school. “A firm command of Arabic is only one of our mission statements,” she said.
Salam wants the school to appeal to mainstream students. She believes that immersing children in a diverse environment at a young age is the best way for them to understand and appreciate other cultures, and helps to bridge cultural barriers.