Al-Arqam Islamic School

We made so many changes in our life: changed homes, jobs to come to this school, initially I did not realize all aspects of school & focus only on Islam, which is great! however the biggest problem is the attitude of the teachers! Its unbelievable, Elementary school teachers behave like big bullies! They yell at students, as a result, children get scared & tend to runaway. My daughter commented how her Non Muslim teacher hugs each & every child upon entering & leaving the school, which is the Prophetic way of loving young children. I think school should employ teachers based upon their credentials & evaluation & not based upon the fact that they want a job after coming from overseas, and decide to teach when they cannot find a job in their own careers.It is impossible to make the principal understand this. The children as the result of constant nagging they hear since KG are used to hear nagging when they are older.I saw middle schools girls turning their backs when the VP was talking! Discipline is NOT nagging, its LOVE with rules, that's the way of Islam & our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), BTW the teachers who teach Quran especially Sheikh Rafaat & Br. Bassem are the best!
--Submitted by a parent

Al-Arqam is worth the relocation that I have made for my children. The school doesn't only focus on Islam, but all the other subject required by the state of Califonia. And let's not forget, the first senior graduates of Al-Arqam accepted to UC Berkley, Davis, and a few other great colleges...means that the school is doing something right. Great school, caring enviroment and zero tolerence for the public school attitude. I love it.
--Submitted by a parent

I had put my son in this school after he had been in public school for 3 years, At first I was hesitant after reading the last review on the lady whose son is failing in this school, I have to correct this lady. This school is where we all need to put our children in. My son was in public school for 3 years, he had been bullied, gotten into fights, learned a lot of bad words, starting acting like the kuffar, etc, etc. And I have to say, Islam is really what is going to benefit us all in this world and the hereafter. Public schools don t do this at all, they don t even teach our children anything. And if you don t want your child to focus on TOO Much islam, well hope you find this in public schools, which you aren t, especially in High School. Just see for yourselfs,
--Submitted by a parent

One of the worst decisions I have ever made. I regret every minute that my son spent in this school. The environment he was in more secure and safe, but the boys around him were immature. He did learn more about Islam and his culture, but he was failing his classes. He's a smart kid, but if he goes from principals list every semester, to 2 F's in his report card, obviously the school focuses TOO much on Islam and not enough on general education(which is the point of school). Please, parents, don't blindly enroll your kid in this school... Because when he/she goes into the real world, they won't be able to handle it. Now My son is in 8th grade at Holmes Jr. High, and he hasn't gotten a grade any lower than a B+, The teachers need to learn more about motivation...
--Submitted by a parent

Our school is a wonderful place. We certainly go through periods of struggle that I would call 'growing pains' since we are a relatively new school and add a new grade level every year. Our students occasionally have to put up with less than perfect conditions in terms of the classroom sizes and a few other things. Overall the school does an great job and has well-developed resources. The thing that can't be beat is the atmosphere of the school..its very friendly and the students and teachers have strong bonds. It is very positive for Muslim youth as it gives them a firm grasp on their cultural identity. Academically the level is very high especially in middle and high school.
--Submitted by a teacher

Excellent environment, safe, well-behaved students. Teachers treat kids like their own with full respect. Administration work extremely hard to keep school advancing and progressing in the right direction. I am very happy with the school ;).
--Submitted by a parent

great school to teach our children about islam.
--Submitted by a parent

Al-Arqam is an IB World School. You can't get better than that! Go Torchbearers!
--Submitted by a parent

al- arqam is such a great school! religous wise it is perfect for muslims! u should totally go there! <3 al arqam!
--Submitted by a student

the best decision i made is to put my children in al-arqam. excellent teachers. very small class size. very understanding administration and efficient and proffessional board members. we all know each other by name and the children get one on one personal attention from every one. all my children were reading books by the first month in first grade. way to go al arqam. keep up the good work.
--Submitted by a parent