Private Islamic schools in Canada

Private Islamic schools are religious-affiliated or faith-based schools, associated with the religion of Islam. There are many Islamic schools in Canada, including schools in Toronto (and the GTA), Mississauga, Brampton, and Scarborough. While each Islamic private school has its own focus and approach, they’re united in their aim to provide students with a strong Islamic education and to instill traditional Islamic beliefs.

Islamic schools don’t require students to be Muslim. In practice, though, most of their students are Muslim, and they’re expected to participate in religious practices during school.

Some Islamic or Muslim schools focus specifically on teaching Arabic or Persian. These schools don't teach any other secular or non-secular subjects. These Arabic-Islamic schools are typically afterschool or weekend programs. They offer classes for kids of different ages, anywhere from once to several times a week.

What is the curriculum like at Islamic schools?

Islamic schools in Canada, like other private religious-affiliated schools, offer a dual-track curriculum that balances secular academics and religious studies. This integrated approach provides a well-rounded education grounded in both faith and academic rigor.

Secular curriculum: Islamic schools offer a strong secular education. Subjects such as math, science, English, French, and history are taught by dedicated instructors in a rigorous and engaging manner. These are usually delivered as a separate part of the curriculum, though sometimes integrated with religious themes to form an integrated curriculum.

Most Islamic private schools don’t offer music or dance. Some traditional schools also don’t offer drama. However, all core academic subjects are covered thoroughly.

Religious curriculum: The religious studies component provides a solid foundation in the Muslim faith. Students closely study the Quran, learning about Islamic law and how it applies to real life. In some cases, students memorize the Quran or significant portions of it.

Religious studies focus on monotheism—the belief in a single, all-powerful God—as well as God's attributes and their relationship to Islamic law. Students may also explore stories about prophets, historical Islamic figures, and the broader history of Islam and Muslim culture.

Arabic is a required subject in almost all Islamic schools. Although challenging due to its different alphabet and structure, many students find learning Arabic to be rewarding. It enhances literacy skills and deepens their understanding of grammar and language. Fluency is uncommon, but the learning benefits are still substantial.

What religious practices are part of daily life at Islamic schools?

In most Islamic schools in Canada, especially traditional ones, students participate in regular prayer. Prayers may take place in a mosque on school grounds or in a designated area within the school. While there are five daily Muslim prayers, students typically complete one or two at school and the rest at home.

Students observe Islamic holidays such as Ramadan. During Ramadan, fasting from dawn to sunset may be required. Schools also enforce dietary guidelines—students cannot eat pork, and alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden. These rules often extend beyond school, as students are encouraged to follow them at home as well.

Dress codes are commonly enforced. Girls may be required to cover their heads and wear modest clothing such as long dresses. Visible jewellery may be discouraged. Boys may be asked to wear long pants in accordance with school guidelines.

How do Islamic schools promote values and character?

Islamic schools aim to instill traditional Islamic values—those codified in the Quran. These include honour, trust, honesty, and justice. Students are also taught manners, etiquette, and appropriate social conduct as guided by Islamic law. This character education is a central part of the learning experience in Islamic schools in Canada.

Private Islamic schools in Canada have lots of potential benefits, with some of the main ones below.

What are the benefits of an Islamic school?

Strong academics: A dual-track curriculum can be highly beneficial. Many students find it both challenging and rewarding to study religion (the religion of Islam) alongside core secular subjects. This is especially true when Arabic language learning is included as part of the program.

Islamic identity: Islamic schools focus on helping students build and strengthen their Islamic identity. Through learning about Islamic traditions and beliefs, students gain a deeper understanding of their religion and cultural heritage.

Islamic community: Students interact daily with peers who share similar backgrounds, values, and interests. This fosters close relationships and a strong sense of belonging within an Islamic community.

Language learning: Islamic schools often require students to study Arabic. Research shows that learning a second language offers significant cognitive and academic benefits, such as enhanced literacy skills and improved performance across subjects.

General private school benefits: Private Islamic schools offer many of the same benefits of private schools in general. These include smaller class sizes, lower teacher-to-student ratios, more specialized instruction, and highly dedicated educators.

Low cost: Many Islamic schools are relatively affordable compared to other private schools. Tuition at some schools can be as low as $3,000 per year. Financial support is often available through bursaries or sliding-scale tuition. Additionally, if the school is registered as a charity or affiliated with one, part of the tuition may be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.

There are some frequently asked questions about private Islamic schools. Some have already been addressed in other sections, so below we focus on those that haven’t been fully covered.

How do I know if a private Islamic school is the right fit for my child?
Choosing the right school means finding a good match between your child and the school in terms of religion, academics, culture, and values. Each Islamic school has its own curricular approach, level of religious observance, philosophy, and educational orientation. Touring schools and speaking with administrators can help you identify the best Islamic schools for your child’s needs.

How much is tuition?
Tuition varies, just as it does across all types of private schools. Some Islamic schools charge as little as $3,000 per year. Many also offer financial aid options such as subsidies, tax credits, and sliding-scale tuition to help make education more accessible for families.

Are private Islamic schools accredited?
In Canada, high schools must meet provincial curriculum requirements to award official high school diplomas. Some Islamic private schools are also accredited by independent organizations such as the Council of Islamic Schools in North America (CISNA), which supports quality standards in Islamic education.

What kind of training should teachers have?
Teacher qualifications can vary depending on the school and the subject matter. Ideally, teachers will hold undergraduate degrees in their subject area. A diploma from the Ontario College of Teachers—or another provincial teacher’s college—and formal training in education are also highly valuable qualifications.