Omar Ibn Said Leadership Academy
F.A.Q.


Will my child receive and academics education?
Yes, OISLA is committed to developing leaders that will be both Islamically educated and competitive in the field of  academic.   The students in the OISLA will be taught from the Calvert Home Schooling Curriculum.

Who will be teaching  the students academics?
They will be taught by qualified educator (s) with a minimum of a BA in education or it’s related fields.

Who will be teaching  the hafiz (memorization of Quran) and Islamic Studies?
Our Hafiz and Sheik is Muhammad Abdel Ati.  He is a Hafiz and holds a PHD in Islamic Fundamentals from Al-Ahzar University and has over 25 years of Study and teaching experience.

Will students graduate with a high School Diploma?
OISLA students will graduate with a  GED or a High School Equivalency Diploma, making them eligible to continue their education at the collegiate level if they choose.

Does the OISLA teach a particular Menhaj (Islamic Philosophy)?
No.  OILA only teaches what is in the  Quran and Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Will  OISLA  teach the students a particular Methdab (Islamic school of thought)?
No.  OISLA will not promote or teach a particular methhab.  All Islamic Studies will be based on Quran and the Sunna.  Inshallah in the ALIM portion of the students education they will be taught all 4 major schools of thought. 

My child was raised with the (Shafi) methab can he attend OISLA?
Yes.  We recognize that Muslims are diverse in their Islamic philosophies.  We encourage every Muslim family that believe in Allah and his messenger to apply to the OISLA. 

Is OISLA Sufi or Salafi
OISLA is neither from the Sufi or Salafi.  We re

I am not Muslim, can I send my child.
At least one parent must be Muslim and the potential students must have been raised Muslim and have a basic understanding of Islamic principles.

My child has a physical handicap.  Can the school accommodate my child?
OISLA building is handicap accessible , however at this our program and our staff can not accommodate students with physically disabilities or special needs.

My child has a learning disability. Can the school accommodate my child?
OISLA specialize in leadership training and has a competitive educational  environment that will not accommodate students with learning disabilities at this time.

Are there any other school like the OISLA in my area?
Based on our research the OISLA is the only school of it’s kind in North America. 

What makes this school unique from other Islamic Schools?
OISLA is the only school that combines traditional Islamic education with Global leadership skills.  Our students are not just taught academics with supplemental Islam nor is it an Madressa with supplemental academic studies.
OISLA focuses on both Islamic Studies and academic achievement to produce a well-rounded individual that can become a dynamic leaders in society prepared to address the social, economic, political, medical, educational, environmental and religious issues that confront the global society.

How old does my child have to be to apply to OISLA?
OISLA accepts boys 10 and 11 years old and girls between 10 yrs and 12 years old.

Does my child  have to know how to read Arabic or have memorized a certain amount of Quran?
NO there is no minimum of Arabic or Quran required for students. But the child have a basic Islamic foundation and understanding.

What is the criterion for admission?
Students admission is based on the families' commitment to the goals and mission of OISLA and the child’s desire to attend.

Is there an application fee?
Yes, there is a $25 non-refundable application fee, due at the time you submit your application.

Does my child have to a minimum GPA to be accepted?
Students have to a minimum of C average and show academic consistency.

How much is the tuition to send my child?
The tuition is $10,400 per student.

Is there payment arrangements?
Yes.  There are several payments plans available that will be discussed after students are accepted.

Is there scholarships available?
Yes.  There is scholarships from 10% to 50% of the tuition cost, based on the families’ income.

How do I apply for a scholarship?
Application for Scholarships will be made available after the student is accepted.

When does the school year start?
In 2009 the school year will begin March 31, 2009.  Thereafter, school year will start the first week of September.

When will the students have a  vacation?
There will be three 2 week vacations throughout the year.
The last 10 days of Ramadan and Eid
Two weeks around Eid ul- Adha/ Hajj
Two weeks during the summer months

Is this a year round school?
Yes.  OISLA curriculum is has an achievement timeline. In order to achieve the time line the students are required to attend school year round for the first 3 years.

Who will live onsite and oversee students on a day to day basis?
Students will live under the care of a qualified resident Hafiz of Quran who’s sole purpose is to train students in proper Islamic etiquette and behaviors.

Do you have a day, afterschool or weekend program?
At this time we do not have a day, afterschool or weekend program.  To achieve our goals of creating well-rounded  individuals we feel it is necessary for all students to live on campus.

Is OISLA a Co-ed School?
No, OISLA is a boys only school.  Inshallah we will open a girls-only companion school in a different building in 2011.  The two schools will be physically separate and the students will not attend any classes together.

If I live in New Haven, can my child come home at night?
To achieve our goals of creating a well-rounded individuals with Islamic we feel it necessary for all students to live on campus.

Can I come visit my child?
Parents will be allowed to visit the students at designated visitation days.

Can I bring my child home on the weekend?
Parents can take students home on designated visitation weekends.

Will my child have his/ her own room?
No, students will share rooms with at least one other student.

What type of recreational activities will my child participate in?
Students will have variety of recreational activities, including fishing, biking, camping, boating, horseback riding, archery, skiing, skating and others.

I still have more questions, can I speak to someone in person.
Yes.  Please call Executive Director Shafiq Abdussabur @ 203-675-7075