History of Our School

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving K–12 Islamic IB School

The Australian International Academy of Education Limited, Strathfield, formerly known as The Australian International Academy (AIA), was founded to cater for the needs of Muslim students in Sydney, NSW and was first established in 2006 with our Strathfield School.

This important chapter in AIA’s journey would not be complete without acknowledging the dedication and leadership of Mrs Mona Abdel-Fattah—a key figure in the school’s history. As the first Principal of AIA Kellyville and former Principal of AIA Strathfield, Mrs Mona played a vital role in shaping the identity, culture, and direction of both campuses.

Her warmth, vision, and unwavering commitment to Islamic education left a lasting impact on the AIA community. After many years of service, Mrs Mona retired in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and care that continues to inspire staff, students, and families alike.

AIA is an equal opportunity educational institution dedicated to the provision of high quality education for students from Kindergarten to Year 12 in Australia. AIA’s educational programme is well balanced between the Australian Curriculum and an Islamic environment. Our students are taught to be proud of their cultural identity and while the basic language of instruction for all subjects is English, the Arabic language and Religious Studies are taught at all levels, and all students are required to study a second language. The teaching and learning programmes are centrally monitored to ensure they are of the highest quality whilst being presented firmly within a culturally sensitive perspective. The Tradition of Excellence.

A Community Rooted in Diversity and Faith

AIA Kellyville reflects the rich diversity of the local Muslim community. Our students come from more than 25 ethnic backgrounds, including Australian, Middle Eastern, Turkish, South Asian, African, and Southeast Asian heritage—with the majority born right here in Australia. This cultural richness brings vibrancy, understanding, and global awareness to our classrooms.

AIA staff is likewise composed of a rich international mixture which includes Muslim and non-Muslim staff, and AIA enjoys a high Staff retention rate.

Governance and Leadership

AIA is governed by a professional Board through a company limited by guarantee, responsible for the financial, strategic, and risk management of its schools. The Principal and CEO, with the Deputy Principal and Senior Executive Team, manage the daily operations and long-term development of the Kellyville school.

AIA Through the Years