l0 Pieces Of Advice When Looking For An Islamic School

Before you type those emotionally laden words into the google search bar: ‘’Islamic schools near me’’ and wander blindly into the fog of Islamic school and recommendation sites, there are a few things you may want to consider when it comes to choosing the right Islamic school for you. 

1. Personal Values 

The most important task before applying to a school is to research the school’s Islamic ethos. You must consider if their beliefs and values align with your own. 

A common assumption parents make is that your chosen Islamic school will approach Islam in the same way you do, or in a way that is familiar, intelligible or even comfortable to you. If you are looking for an Islamic school for your child, you are placing value on Islamic education and grounding – therefore it is important to ensure the schools you are considering meet that expectation. 

2. School Inspection/OFSTED Report

We love our Muslim schools, and we appreciate those people that sacrifice their time and efforts to making it what it is. Like any school, the OFSTED/School Inspection report is a really good place to start (not define…) your research. As Muslims we must have Ihsaan and try our best to achieve excellence, it is important that a school can show that endeavour through their government inspection. An Islamic school that can excel in both religious values and academic standards, is one that has a lot to offer.

A school inspection report will give you a small insight into the day to day life your muslim child might experience. Ofsted reports present one persons interpretation, of one day, in a school. For both Outstanding and struggling schools, this is never the complete picture, and you can never get a full feel of the school from a report alone. It is integral to visit a school too before committing your child to it, or crossing it off your list! 

3. The Head Teacher

As per my experience in many Islamic schools a leader can make or break a school. All Schools, not just Islamic schools, are very much shaped around their leaders. Ideally, you want to find a passionate headteacher who has many years of experience under their belt and who has great interpersonal skills.

Here’s a hack for those who are willing to invest their time: You might want to google the head teacher and keep an eye out for interviews, written work or podcasts if this isn’t available, you could research their Linkedin profile and read the head teachers message on the school’s website to get a sense of their priorities and values. 

Here is a podcast of a headteacher: 

4. Staff Feedback

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Some of the best insight you can get into an Islamic school would be from staff feedback; if anyone knows the ups and downs of a school it’s the ones who invest their lives into it. I have worked in public, private, Islamic and international schools. I have seen some of the most dedicated teachers in Islamic schools, those who are there due to their passion alone. Asking a teacher about a school could give you a good insight into the inner workings, and how a school it organised and run. The Guardian has an article on the amazing insight teachers have when you’re thinking of picking a school.

5. Parent Feedback 

The next best people to ask are parents who attend the school. Reach out to local members of the community, attend community events and see what the local community say about their institution. This is also a great way to meet your potential school mum buddy, or get a frank insight into the school. As ever, parents will have a very personalised view of the school depending on their own experiences – if you hear a chorus of the same opinion you might begin to get a feel of what you’ll be committing to. 

6. Location

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Depending on your zeal, location is very important. I know some parents who are ready to travel an hour and a half just to get that quality islamic education they need. However, it is absolutely impossible to travel that far with four children and a baby or as a single mum with a toddler and a 5 year old.  It is really important to consider practicalities, and have a route you can commit to.

*When researching schools, ensure that are in their catchment area could increase your chances of your child obtaining a space – especially in government funded Islamic Schools.

What I suggest: 

• Make a list of all the Islamic schools in your area you can find them on edarabia with a price range too, whether you’re looking for an Islamic school in the UK or Islamic school in the US they have lists from all over the world. 
• You might want to consider if you will be close enough during emergencies: For example will you be able to get there in time if your child falls ill and needs to get home?
• Will you be able to take some time off work for a school performance?
• Will the distance allow you to have your child participate in afterschool activities or hifz classes?
• Will the distance allow you to attend school trips? 

Location depends on your commitment and availability, i’m sure most parents know the madness of getting children ready in the morning. 

7. Community

It may not seem like it but when you join a Muslim school you tend to become part of the Islamic community in that area. Your child is now part of this social network that will likely follow them into their adolescent or adult life. Their friendships, eid parties, mosque visits, childhood memories will be shaped by this environment as, they eventually become your ‘’other’’ family. Attending events run by the school or Islamic events close by can give you a feel of the Islamic community you’re about to join.

8. Book a visit 

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It bears repeating, the most effective way to select the best school for your child is by undertaking school visits. This is by far the best way to truly understand the school and I’m not just talking about attending a staged, but very lovely, ‘’open day’’ – book, a school tour or walkthrough, it will give the most accurate picture of any Islamic school. 

What you might gauge:

• Children’s behaviour
• Organisation 
• Teacher enthusiasm
• Parent and Staff Rapport
• Resources and Facilities

9. Listing Islamic schools near you

Here is a bank of school’s that may help begin your search for your little muslim. Just so you are aware this is in no way a recommendation of any particular school but a starting point for parents who feel overwhelmed. Here is a school directory for England and one for the US. However, listing the school options you have available around you can help narrow down your final choice.

Islamic Schools (2022 – 2023) 

Tip: Most Islamic Nurseries provide government Funded free hours in he UK

Outstanding Islamic Schools UK	State funded (Free) Islamic schools UK	Islamic Schools in the UK	Islamic schools in the US
	State funded (Free) Islamic schools UK	Islamic Schools in the UK	Islamic schools in the US
Islamiyah School. Blackburn	Gatton Primary School	London	New Jersey
Westwood High,oldham	The Olive School	Quwwatul Islam Girls School	Rising Star Academy
Gatton Primary School	Hujjat Primary School	Noor Ul Islam Primary School	Academy of Greatness & Excellence
Al-Ikhlaas Primary school	Barnet Hill Academy	Hafs Academy	Annoor academy
Azhar Academy	Al-Noor Primary School	Gatton	New York
	IQRA Primary School	Noor Ul Islam preschool	Al Noor
	Zaytouna Primary School	Barnet Hill Academy	Al Ihsan
	Eden boys school	King Fahad Academy	Florida
	Eden Girls school	UK	American Youth Academy (Aya hilsborough county)
		Al Aqsa	Leaders preperatory school
		WestWood High	Universal Academy Florida – Tampa
		Hamd House	Muslim Academy of Greater Orlando
		Leicester Islamic Academy

10. Consider homeschooling / tutoring 

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For some of us, Islamic school just isn’t an option due to finances, practicalities, or personal values – and that’s perfectly fine! You could consider homeschooling or tutoring if you find that you might not be able to give the time you need to your little one.

Tutoring suggestions: 

When parents don’t want to send their child to an Islamic school, and aren’t able to commit to providing their child’s education full time, they may consider the happy medium of tutoring. I provide tutoring services for children from the ages of 4 and above, teaching them how to read and write using different phonics techniques that’s tailored to your child. This foundation is crucial to the development of your child, so it’s important to ensure you get it right. 

www.howtoteachmychild.net

Islamic Homeschooling websites and where to start: 

Here are some Islamic homeschooling websites that might help you get started on another journey through education:

• Umm Assad homeschool
• A muslim homeschool 
• Iman’s homeschool
• tarbiyyah outside the box
• Salam homeschooling
• Homeschool Queens

I hope this was helpful if you’re looking for a tutor please email me at help@howtoteachmychild.com or howtoteachmychild@hotmail.com

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