There has been a remarkable growth of private Islamic Schools in America during the past 15 years. In a study that was done in 1987 by the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT) there were only about 50 verified schools in America. Now, in 2004, there are approximately 220. In just 2003 alone there were probably at least 6 new schools that opened. This is a trend that will continue so the League felt that it is important (and timely) to provide some resources that communities can refer to in the planning stages of opening a new school in your community.

There is no "right" or "typical" model for opening a new school. An Islamic school is typically community based and supported and is created to meet the needs of the community it serves. Some schools evolve out of a home-schooling effort; some are initiated and supported by a community Masjid; others are founded by a group of parents who share similar educational goals for their children. Schools range in size from 10 students and 1 grade right on up to larger schools with a student body of 600 or more students spanning grades Pre-K through 12.

Many schools begin with just 2 or three grades, typically Pre-K4 through 1st and expand a grade each year.

In a effort to provide some useful "how to" information, Islamic school administrators who participated in the founding efforts of a new school were sought out and agreed to provide information and insights about their experience. Please click on the following links: