Are you wondering what schools made it to the list of the best Islamic schools in Pennsylvania? What makes them so unique? And for the record, is Pennsylvania a good place for students of Islamic background? You may ask.
Pennsylvania is a state known for its rich history and diverse communities. It also boasts a vibrant Islamic educational landscape.
In this article, we uncover the finest Islamic schools in Pennsylvania, institutions that not only provide top-notch education but also instill strong values and a deep understanding of the Islamic faith.
These schools offer a unique blend of modern academics and traditional Islamic teachings, fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and spiritually.
From preschools to high schools, Pennsylvania’s Islamic institutions cater to a wide range of educational needs, ensuring that young minds are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century while remaining rooted in their faith.
These educational institutions stand out in Pennsylvania’s Islamic community and have a commitment to academic excellence and dedication to nurturing the next generation of Muslim leaders.
While there are quite a large number of schools in the state, if none catch your fancy, you can explore our archive of the best Islamic schools for other options in the United States.
Is going to Islamic schools a good option?
There are many reasons why Islamic schools are a good option for parents who are conscious of their children’s spirituality. Here are some:
- Islamic schools provide a holistic direction to education, combining academic excellence with moral and spiritual development. Students learn not only academic subjects but also Islamic values, ethics, and character.
- Many Islamic schools are open to students of all backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and intercultural understanding. They often encourage diversity and respect for different beliefs and traditions.
- Also, Islamic schools tend to have close-knit communities and supportive networks. This fosters a sense of belonging for students.
- Muslim schools often foster a strong sense of cultural identity and pride, helping students connect with their heritage and Islamic traditions.
- These schools create an environment where students are taught to apply Islamic principles to everyday life, instilling values such as compassion, social responsibility, and ethical decision-making.
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How many Islamic schools are in Pennsylvania?
For the 2023–24 school year, there are 12 accredited Islamic private schools in Pennsylvania serving 1,036 students, with the best-ranked being Manarah Islamic Academy, Al-Aqsa Islamic School, and Quba Institute Day School.
The schools are categorized into 3 high schools, 12 elementary schools, and 8 preschools, one of which may fall under more than one category. Keep in mind that some of these schools are co-ed, while others are gender-specific.
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What is the acceptance rate of Islamic schools at Penn?
While different Muslim schools have their acceptance rates, the average acceptance rate in Pennsylvania Muslim schools is 45%. 45% is lower than the Pennsylvania private school average acceptance rate of 86%.
What this means is that out of 100 applicants, only 45 make it into any of the Muslim schools in Pennsylvania. That is tough. We encourage you to be better prepared for admission before you apply.
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What are the best Islamic schools in Pennsylvania?
While there are a lot of great schools integrating Islam and academics in Pennsylvania, only a few are ranked the best. Our job here at Ziiky is to help you find the perfect school for you. As such, we have done our research and come up with the best Muslim institutions in Pennsylvania.
Our choice of schools was made based on the overall quality of the school, the universal rankings of the school, and the structure of the school to ensure the students are equipped with character and learning.
Here are some of the best Muslim schools in Pennsylvania, based on factors such as academic excellence, extracurricular offerings, and parent satisfaction:
1. Al-Aqsa Islamic School
- Grade: K-12
- Contact: (215) 765-6660
- Total number of students: 257
- Location: 1501 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19122
Al-Aqsa Islamic School is a K–12 Islamic school in Philadelphia County accredited by the Middle States Accreditation Association and a member of the Islamic School League of America (ISLA).
Al-Aqsa Islamic School is the number one Muslim school in Pennsylvania due to its fine blend of Islamic education and academics. The school instills Islamic values in every child while ensuring they are groomed academically and socially.
Currently, Al-Aqsa Islamic School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for the highest percentage of students of color and the largest student body. Yearly tuition at Al-Aqsa is $3,880, and the average class size is 25.
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2. Universal Academy Of Pittsburgh
- Grades: PK-12
- Contact: (412) 241-2124
- Total number of students: 109
- Location: 2103 Hampton St, Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Universal Academy of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County serves 109 students in grades prekindergarten to grade 12. Regardless of the population, every child gets maximum attention and has one-on-one interaction with their teachers.
Currently, the student-to-teacher ratio of Universal Academy Of Pittsburgh is 8:1 and the school ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for the highest percentage of students of color
3. Manarah Islamic Academy
- Grades: PK-8
- Contact: (610) 799-6223
- Total Number of students: 138
- Location: 1988 Schadt Ave., Whitehall, PA 18052
Manarah Education Foundation in Lehigh County is a non-profit 501(c)(3) academy with a focus on the educational and social needs of the Muslim community.
Manarah is fully equipped to groom every child spiritually and academically. The school has a mosque, library, and full-time Islamic elementary school. Also, there is a gym, science lab, computer lab, and library well-equipped with technology features for remote learning if needed.
Currently, the yearly tuition at Manarah is $5,500
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4. Quba Institute Day School
- Grade: K-8
- Contact: (215) 473-8589
- Total number of students: 79
- Location: 4637 Lancaster Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131
The Quba Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Philadelphia County is the oldest indigenous Muslim organization or mosque in Philadelphia, dating back to 1967.
Quba has been at the forefront of Islamic education and has established partnerships with the Muslim Student Associations of local universities to expand the level of competency of their educational outreach programs.
All students enrolled in Quba come out well grounded, having deep foundations in academics and religious values instilled in them. Tuition at Quba is $5,200, the acceptance rate is 45%, the average class size is 12 students, and the application deadlines are July 31 and September 30.
5. 63rd St. Multicultural Academy Of Academic Excellence
- Grades: PK-12
- Contact: (267) 292-3573
- Total number of students: 126
- Location: 1141 N 63rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19151
63rd St. Multicultural Academy of Academic Excellence serves 126 students in grades Prekindergarten–12, and it is located in Philadelphia County.
The school’s main focus is to ensure students know and understand Islamic values and principles and integrate them into their daily lives while becoming academically sound as well.
The 8:1 student-to-teacher ratio at 63rd St. Multicultural Academy of Academic Excellence fosters one-on-one learning and special attention for each child.
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6. Islamic Day School Of Philadelphia
- Grades: K-5
- Contact: (215) 248-0896
- Total number of students: 13
- Location: 222 E Durham St, Philadelphia, PA 19119
Islamic Day School of Philadelphia in Philadelphia County is a Montessori co-ed school serving 13 students in grades kindergarten–5.
Due to its membership with the Islamic School League of America (ISLA) and the American Montessori Society (AMS), the Islamic Day School of Philadelphia offers a fine integration of both academics and religion.
Because the student population is small, the student-to-teacher ratio at Islamic Day School of Philadelphia is 7:1. At the moment, the school ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for the highest percentage of students of color.
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7. Education: The Key Learning Center
- Grade: PK-7
- Contact: (215) 743-0750
- Total number of students: 24
- Location: 6744 Grover’s Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19142
Education I.S. The Key Learning Center serves 24 students in grades prekindergarten–7 in Philadelphia County.
The school is a special emphasis school serving students who may be hard of hearing, deaf, speech impaired, orthopedically impaired, have cognitive delays or impairments, are seriously emotionally disturbed, multi-handicapped, visually handicapped, or blind.
The student-to-teacher ratio at Education I.S. The Key Learning Center is 6:1.
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8. Al-Huda School, PA
- Grades: PK-5
- Contact: (717) 737-5395
- Total number of students: 94
- Location: 1007 Ranavilla Ave., Camp Hill, PA 17011
Al-Huda School, PA, is another special education Muslim school in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. As a special emphasis school, Al-Huda welcomes students who are deaf, blind or have any health or physical challenges.
These students are groomed both in the values and conduct of Muslims as well as academically. To adequately serve the 94 students enrolled in grades Prekindergarten–5, the student-to-teacher ratio at Al-Huda School, PA, is 9:1
9. Al Noor Islamic Academy
- Grade: PK-5
- Contact: (570) 991-6107
- Total number of students: 41
- Location: 991 Scott Street, Wilkes Barre, PA 18705
Al Noor Islamic Academy in Luzerne County serves 41 students in grades prekindergarten–5. With a student population of 41, the average class size is 5 students to one teacher.
Al Noor Islamic Academy offers a unique blend of secular and Islamic curricula while respecting and practicing Islamic and Muslim values. The mission of the school is to provide the highest quality education to the diverse community of Muslim children within an Islamic environment that nurtures and builds each child’s identity as a Muslim American.
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10. The Islamic Education School ties
- Grade: PK-8
- Contact: (215) 387-5230
- Total number of students: 109
- Location: 4431 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
The Islamic Education School in Philadelphia County is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to operate as a full-time school that offers the teachings of Islam as per the guidance of the Qur’an.
The most important objective of the school, in line with A.I.C.P., is to spread the correct knowledge of the religion, teaching Muslims and non-Muslims about Islam by spreading the Islamic obligatory knowledge and supporting it with clear evidence.
You can be sure your child gets a well-rounded education while becoming spiritually sound.
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How much does it cost to attend Muslim schools in Pennsylvania?
The cost of attending Islamic schools in Pennsylvania varies, but tuition generally falls within a range of a few thousand dollars to over $10,000 per year.
Many schools offer financial assistance and scholarship programs to make education more accessible for families with limited resources. The availability and eligibility criteria for financial aid may differ among schools.
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