STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT OF EXCELLENCE CLASS PROGRAMS IN ISLAMIC SCHOOLS: A CASE STUDY OF MA AL-HIKMAH BANDAR LAMPUNG

Abstract

This study examines the management practices of the excellence class program at Madrasah Aliyah Al-Hikmah Bandar Lampung as an integrative model in Islamic education. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving key stakeholders, including school leaders, program coordinators, teachers, and students. The study focuses on how planning, organizing, implementation, coaching, and evaluation are systematically carried out within the program. The findings reveal that the excellence class program is managed through a rigorous student selection process combining academic and Qur’anic competencies, supported by a structured organizational system and implemented through enriched learning strategies, including extended instructional time, active learning methods, tahfidz activities, and global-oriented programs through the Al-Hikmah International Study Center (AISC). These management practices contribute to significant outcomes, as reflected in students’ achievements in academic and non-academic competitions and the successful admission of graduates to reputable national and international universities. The study highlights that the integration of academic excellence, religious competence, and global orientation within a coherent management framework constitutes a distinctive model that enhances the quality and competitiveness of Islamic education. This research contributes to the development of educational management theory in Islamic contexts and provides practical insights for implementing excellence-based programs in similar institutions.