Islamic schools in the GTA (Mississauga)

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Salaam GTA parents,

Do any of you have a child or children in Olive Grove School or Al Huda Elementary school in Mississauga?

I really want to send my kids to Olive Grove as it is the #1](http://gupshup.org/gs/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=1) ranked school in the region, but the waiting list is at least 3 years. In 3 years, my daughter will be in grade 2. I was really hoping she could start Islamic school as of September 2017 as she will be in SK and I think its important to start early, however, I also want to send her to the best school.

I am looking for some advice as I am really torn on what to do. Should I keep her in public school until her name comes up at Olive Grove Islamic School (that would be 3 years time). I fear that if she starts Islamic school in 3 years, she will be behind all the kids as they will have already learned a lot more quran, surahs etc. Also, I hear that kids at Olive Grove (and majority of Islamic schools in GTA) are actually ahead of public school kids in other subjects as well because the academics are very strong in the Islamic schools. Has anyone had a child start at Olive Grove or another Islamic school after grade 2? What was the experience like? Did the child lag behind the other kids? Was the child able to quickly catch up to the other kids?

Or is it better to pick another Islamic school (i.e. Al Huda) for the time being from let’s say SK to grade 2 and then switch her to Olive Grove when her name comes up there? I don’t want to switch her schools too many times so I am not sure if I should just have her stay put in public then switch to Islamic in 3 years or do another Islamic school until her name comes up at Olive Grove! I am wracking my brain trying to figure this out! My daughter is extremely shy so I don’t want to keep switching schools but at the same time I want her in Islamic school ASAP. I really don’t know what to do!

Also, I would love to hear from Olive Grove parents as to how much homework the kids get every night. In order to make Islamic school happen, I will have to go back to work. I need to make sure I will have time to sit with them and help them with their homework.

I also want to hear from parents who have a kid in Al Huda in Mississauga. How do you like it? Do they offer tax receipts for a portion of the tuition fees?

I know I have a LOT of questions. I appreciate any insight you can offer! Thank you!

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Re: Islamic schools in the GTA (Mississauga)

Wsalam,

My daughter is not going to either OGS or AHE.

We went through this when we were trying to enroll our daughter in Islamic School. At the end, we enrolled her in Al Falah Islamic School in Oakville in grade 2. We thought it was more important for her to be in an Islamic environment than keep waiting for her turn in another school. I am happy with her progress. It is fulfilling my goal for her to be in an Islamic environment and gain Islamic knowledge.

Yes, kids who went to school had a bit more Islamic education than my daughter, however, she picked up and adjusted very quickly and inshaAllah so will your child too.

If you are really concern, you can enroll your child in MCNA or Sunday school etc. until then.

Just so you know, there are other schools that have opened up in the recent years that may be worth looking. The fees is also relatively affordable.

Al Manarat Heights | Enlightenment of the Heart and soul
Blue Crescent School – Enrich your Today, Build your Tomorrow

Not sure if it is any helpful but thought I’d share my experience.