Are you seeking an educational institution that not only imparts quality education but also upholds Islamic values? Look no further! In this article, we’ve curated a list of the 10 best Islamic schools in Canada that excel in both education and character development. These schools provide a holistic learning environment, combining academic excellence with the teachings of Islam
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Importance of Islamic Schools
• Criteria for Selection
• Top 10 Islamic Schools in Canada
• Unique Features of These Schools
• Education and Faith: Striking the Balance
• Why Choose an Islamic School?
• Preparing Students for the Future
• Building a Strong Character Base
• Cultivating a Supportive Community
• Challenges and Opportunities
• Conclusion
FAQs
Q1: Are these schools open to students of all backgrounds?
Q2: How do these schools integrate Islamic teachings into their curriculum?
Q3: Do these schools follow the national education standards?
Q4: What extracurricular activities do these schools offer?
Q5: How can I enroll my child in one of these schools?
Introduction
Islamic education in Canada has witnessed remarkable growth over the years. With a focus on academic excellence and spiritual development, Islamic schools have become integral to the Canadian educational landscape. These schools provide a unique platform for students to flourish academically while imbibing the teachings of Islam.
Importance of Islamic Schools
Islamic schools play a crucial role in nurturing young minds. They offer an environment where students can learn about their faith, engage in Islamic practices, and develop strong character traits. This comprehensive approach to education ensures that students not only excel in their studies but also become responsible and compassionate individuals.
Criteria for Selection
The selection of the top 10 Islamic schools in Canada was based on a combination of factors. These include academic achievements, extracurricular offerings, community involvement, adherence to Islamic principles, and overall reputation. Here are 7 Islamic Schools in Canada:
- Al-Risala Academy
Al-Risala Academy is registered under the Ministry of Education and situated in Mississauga, Ontario. Students work to achieve credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diplomas (OSSD). Al-Risala Academy prepares students for University Education with excellent academic and moral standards. We feel that it is our duty to provide your children with the best possible education in the proper environment. The environment of our private school is conducive to learning with the proper attitudes and standards. We want to give parents the choice to provide their children with the best education in the best environment so that their kids can achieve the height of academic and moral excellence. Al-Risala Academy promotes discipline, academic excellence, respect and responsibility.
“Al Risalaschool is a good place to send your children for education and also for learning islamic values. Hard working teachers and vigilant school administration gives a place for students to grow.” – QaiserZahir
It scored 10/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is 1224 Dundas Street East, Unit #15 Mississauga ON, L4Y 4A2.
- International School of Cambridge (ISOC)
ISOC’s curriculum is based on the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines. Integrated Islamic Studies/Arabic to help understand the language of the Quran as well as memorization of selected surahs are taught as part of the program. Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT) and qualified staff ensure high standards of educationEmphasison Islamic values and practices. Class activities integrate Islamic ideas. Students attend Zuhr prayer daily and Friday prayer weekly. The school has recently adopted Growth Mindset approach of world renowned researcher and psychologist, Dr. Carol Dweck, which has proven to drive motivation and higher achievement among students. All classrooms are well-equipped with computers and TV monitors. Yearly participation and achievements in Waterloo Wellington Science and Engineering Fair. Various co and extra-curricular activities are available for the students for their active engagement and hands-on-learning. School trips and tours (both intracity and intercity) are done on a regular basis Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting procedures are in accordance to the guidelines provided in the Growing Success document of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Grade 3 and grade 6 students go through yearly standardized provincial EQAO testing with exceptional test results.
“The efforts of the of the teaching and non teaching staff of the school are highly appreciated. May Allah SWT reward you all for helping to build a stronger muslim community in Cambridge. Our children enjoy every aspect of the school experience and the hifz program is fantastic. JazakhallahKhairan!” – DaudaRaji( a parent)
This school has a google rating of 4.5 and its located in 1550 Dunbar Rd, Cambridge, ON N1R 8J5, Canada.
- Olive Grove School
Olive Grove School is a private Islamic School registered by the Ontario Ministry of Education. OGS is committed to providing high quality education that includes and exceeds the expectations of the Ontario provincial curriculum. In addition to daily studies in Quran, Islam and Arabic language, OGS students are encouraged to focus on character building and healthy living. Due to the excellent reputation of the school, its enrolment has grown from 85 students in the first year of operation to 600 students in the seventh year 2012-2013. – Ministry licensed preschool to Grade 8 – Grade 1 to 8 homeroom teachers are members of Ontario College of Teachers.
“Amazing school teachers and staff! My kids have not missed any part of the curriculum despite the pandemic. The principal, Mr. Bakbak is extremely hardworking and a great leader. Thank you OGS!“ – Salman.
It scored 9.6/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is 2300 SpeakmanDr, Mississauga, ON L5K 1B4, Canada.
- Islamic Foundation School (Ajax)
Established in 1969, the Islamic Foundation of Toronto (IFT) is one of the oldest Muslim organizations in Canada. It began as a 3000 sq. ft. building at Rhodes Avenue initially which was later transformed into the towering institution that it is today.It would come to house an extensive repertoire of religious and educational programs as well as highly needed social services. To nurture our future generations, we recognized that adequately preparing our children is vital to tackle the challenges that come with living in this society. It was to this end that an elementary school was initiated, emphasizing excellence in education in an environment that fostered Islamic values.
“From my list this is one of my favorite mosques. This is well organized and clean. They have lots of parking spaces. And one of the top Islamic education center in Toronto I believe” – Shakiruzzaman Chowdhury.
It scored 10/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is 441 Nugget Ave, Scarborough ON M1S 5E1.
- The Islamic Institute of Toronto Academy
The IIT Academy is an elementary Islamic School established by the Islamic Institute of Toronto. Our vision is to produce students who are fully conscious of their accountability to God, confident in their identity as Muslims, and ready to fulfill their obligations as citizens of Canada.
We will strive to nurture the intellectual, social, spiritual, moral and physical well-being of our students, fostering integrity, excellence of character and a deep sense of responsibility as they grow to become exemplary Muslims and productive citizens of the world. The ultimate objective of any worldly endeavor is the achievement of felicity in the next world. The IIT Academy will create harmony between the intellectual, physical and spiritual dimensions of each child.
“A true asset to the community. IIT serves as a mosque, school, Islamic studies institution and a community centre. The board does an excellent job in keeping the community engaged with programs for toddlers, youth and adults. There is ball hockey programs for both boys and girls, basket ball programs, scouts, youth driven expos and fairs. The institution is home to world renowned scholars and the entire management is always visible, avaliable and approachable.The parking lot is huge and gets packed during Jummah but there is ample street parking along Neilson to accommodate the large congregation. For daily Salah, you will find Zuhr especially the front doors are locked of you come 10 mins before salah, this for security of the children inside, as the musalla is part of the gym. For prayers as long as you are within 10 mins of prayer time there is no issue entering the premises. IIT is a cornerstone of the community and a second home for many of us. May Allah continue to bless this and all our communities, mosques and Canada.“ –Famy J.
It scored 10/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is 1630 Neilson Rd, Scarborough, ON M1X 1S3, Canada.
- Al-Ameen Elementary School
Al-Ameen Islamic School is a JK-8 Grade school. our mission is to provide a high quality education in a supportive environment that inspires students to achieve their full potential. The school environment promotes and nurtures a sense of self-worth, discipline and understanding of the rights of fellow students and fellow human beings.
The school values are derived from the Islamic principles which directly correlate with the “Values for Canadian Schooling” of care and compassion, doing your best, fair go, freedom, honesty, trustworthiness, integrity, respect, responsibility, understanding, tolerance and inclusion.
“I have been with this school from the start. There have been many improvements. Arabic teachers are particularly very good, staff is very hardworking. It’s worth the money. My kids have improved academically and learnt to be hardworking and competitive. They make sincere efforts to inculcate Islamic values in the children. And provide ample amount of opportunities to learn different skills.” – KhadizaSharief.
It scored 9.5/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is 389 Main St N, Brampton, ON L6X 3P1, Canada.
- ISNA Elementary School This school offers academic Program Junior Kindergarten (Age 4) – Grade 8 The school provides an academic program based on Islamic values that prepare students for high school. The school’s program is based on Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum guidelines. Subjects taught are: Math English Language Arabic Science Social Studies Quran Islamic Studies Computer Studies French (Grades 4-8) Gym. “As someone who’s gone to ISNA elementary my whole life, I have to say I wouldn’t choose any school over it as I had the best experience possible. It was fun, exciting, wonderful and amazing and the teachers are absolutely wonderful as well. Although there are times when they might seem strict, overall they are supportive and kind and willing to talk with a student on a personal level and allow them to express their feelings and opinions, making them feel confident and allowing their voices to be heard. Although recess wasn’t that long it wasn’t short either, and it was enjoyable and relaxing because of all the students there and my friends who made every moment count and allowed it to be as fun as possible. “ – Mariam Kilany. It scored 9.3/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is 1525 SherwayDr, Mississauga, ON L4X 1C5, Canada.
- Islamic Foundation School (Scarborough)
With the ever changing realities and challenges that exist for Muslims across the globe, in 2016 the Islamic Foundation of Toronto established a youth group that proactively aims to engage and support Muslim youth through training, workshops, events, conferences and leadership opportunities.
Additionally, IFT Youth seeks to foster youth involvement and development at the masjid with the overarching purpose of developing good Muslim youth who are empowered to make positive contributions to the society at large.
It scored 9.2/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is 441 Nugget Ave, Scarborough ON M1S 5E1.
- Abraar Islamic School
Abraar Elementary School is a full-time Islamic School that serves the Muslim community in Ottawa, Canada. The school accepts students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 10 Abraar School provides: A great learning experience fully compliant with the Ontario curriculum Quran and Arabic programs, and Great Islamic environment for growing and learning.
“I believe this school is very good. The elementary was very fun and had an amazing staff, due to the budget being super low in the Secondary it is not as good. But I believe this school has very good potential, and I believe that in around 2-3 years or so they can make even better than the elementary! This school, holds many memories for me and I would not like to see this school be buried through the ground with negative responses.“ –Ibrahim Hasan.
It scored 8.2/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is ABRAAR Secondary SCHOOL, 1085 Grenon Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 8L7, Canada.
- An-Noor Private School
An-Noor Private School first opened its doors at the Windsor Mosque, in 1994, as a JK class with only seven students. Our current building, on Janette Ave., was purchased in 2003 and accommodates over 300 full-time students. It also houses a full-time daycare centre and Preschool facility, serving daily hot breakfasts and hot lunches cooked fresh in our in-school kitchen Conveniently located in the heart of Windsor, our diverse student population proudly reflects the rich cultural mosaic of our fine community
“MashaAllah An-noor is one of the best islamic schools in Ontario. They set the bar very high for my expectations of how an Islamic school should be run. Exceptional and responsive admin, wonderful principal, and loving and caring teachers are what you will find at this school. Highly, highly recommend this school!!.“ –Zenab Khan.
It scored 8.1/10 by Fraser Institute and this school’s location is 1480 Janette Ave, Windsor, ON N8X 1Z4, Canada
Unique Features of These Schools
The unique features that set these Islamic schools apart include rigorous Islamic studies programs, strong community engagement, dedicated faculty, focus on character development, and a commitment to academic excellence.
Education and Faith: Striking the Balance
Islamic schools in Canada strike a harmonious balance between education and faith. Students not only excel academically but also develop a deep understanding of Islamic values, ethics, and teachings.
Why Choose an Islamic School?
Choosing an Islamic school for your child provides an environment that aligns with your family’s values. These schools offer a holistic education that prepares students to excel academically while remaining grounded in their faith.
Preparing Students for the Future
Islamic schools equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a diverse and rapidly changing world. The focus on critical thinking, empathy, and ethical decision-making prepares students for a successful future.
Building a Strong Character Base
Character education is a cornerstone of Islamic schools. Students are taught virtues such as honesty, compassion, and humility, which are integral to Islamic teachings and essential for personal growth.
Cultivating a Supportive Community
Islamic schools foster a strong sense of community among students, parents, and teachers. This support system creates a nurturing environment where students feel valued and motivated to achieve their best.
Challenges and Opportunities
While Islamic schools face challenges such as balancing secular education with religious teachings, they also have the opportunity to shape a generation of well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
Conclusion
The 10 best Islamic schools in Canada exemplify excellence in education and spiritual development. These schools provide a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically, uphold their Islamic values, and become responsible global citizens.
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FAQs
Q1: Are these schools open to students of all backgrounds?
Yes, these schools are open to students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. They embrace diversity and welcome students who are interested in their educational and spiritual offerings.
Q2: How do these schools integrate Islamic teachings into their curriculum?
These schools integrate Islamic teachings through dedicated Islamic studies classes, Quranic recitation, and the incorporation of Islamic values across subjects. Students learn how to apply these teachings in their daily lives.
Q3: Do these schools follow the national education standards?
Yes, while these schools prioritize Islamic education, they also adhere to the national education standards to ensure that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for higher education and beyond.
Q4: What extracurricular activities do these schools offer?
These schools offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, community service projects, and Islamic clubs. These activities contribute to students’ holistic development.
Q5: How can I enroll my child in one of these schools?
Enrollment processes may vary, but generally, you can visit the school’s website or contact their admissions office for information about enrollment requirements, application deadlines, and procedures.
