Lowdown on Schools in Madinah Munawarra

Low Down on Schools in Madinah:

Madinah is a beautiful place to be and there are opportunities to learn at every corner, finding what works for you and your family if you are making hijrah can be a challenge though..actually seems to be for everyone-young or old. There isn’t really one source that covers it all, so I hope this humble attempt of mine will be useful for those seeking knowledge here for themselves and/or their kids.  I tried to focus on schools for kids as I have gotten many emails recently of those who are coming here inshaAllah from all over the world (namely the West though) of how schools work.  If any of you readers are in Madinah or in KSA and have input then please add it..in the comments section and I will appreciate it very much as I am still trying to figure out how all these things work! Also, not meaning to sound redundant as I know I have mentioned a few points here and there through other posts-but I wanted to make it as comprehensive as I could here to help us all get organized in our thoughts and missions of seeking knowledge for the sake of Allah..and Allah Knows Best.

4 Types of Schools

1. Saudi Private: Non-Quran Based

Price tag of 3500-9500 riyals /year (Quran and non-Quran based)

Arabic Medium, everything including math, sciences with the obvious exception of English

Most if not all teachers in these schools are Saudi, young women

Hours are longer ranging from 6:30-1:30 in the spring terms, and 7-2 in the winter (give or take from school to school)

Bus services available but can be up to 2,000 for each kid per term- always a lady on the bus for girl schools known as the ‘Mushriffa’.

Your paying so they’ll listen, give out their mobile phones

Extra-curricular activities like computers, gym, and crafts: don’t let this fool you though because goals for these classes are not established, more like exposure rather than planned lessons

Quran is a defininte part of the curriculum, they follow the national standards, but are not overbearing on the kids and have a more easy approach to fostering memorization

Any type of Government School is going to have a ratio of 1:20 kids (up to 25)

2. Saudi Private Quran-Based

All subjects are taught, including English but Quran is strongly emphasized, maybe more than all other classes.

Best option for children whose parents want them to take Quran seriously and are to let their kids fall behind in other subjects at least a little

Many expat families want their kids in these schools for Primary school so they can transfer into the Government Schools by 6th grade (Motawassit/Middle School) come middle school time (6th grade) due to Quranic component, it becomes much more difficult to get in if you are not Saudi-and if your child has not memorized much Quran according to syllabus, hence the desire to put younger kids in Saudi Private Quran based Schools.  I hear after that its nearly impossible to get in; and the Saudi Private Quran Based-Schools do not place as heavy emphasis on Quran in the Middle schools.

3. Government Schools

School hours are different-shorter days from 7-12:30 in the winter, and 6:30-11:30 (give or take these are estimates-the point is your child won’t be so exhausted if you want to put them in an afternoon program for hifz insha’Allah or in a halaqa at the Haram from Maghrib-Isha. More time to work with them on all subjects at home too insha’Allah.

Classrooms can have up to 40 kids in a class-so there is less attention on individual needs.

Not sure how welcoming they are to parents to pop in at any time, like in the Private schools

Manners are horrendous everywhere here, but even more so in Government so, to wean your child into the culture here might be better before throwing them in these schools.

Over 90-95% of kids I think are Saudi and your child will be different if you are an expat..make sure they are tough and stay true to themselves by placing Allah first

Teachers get better benefit packages and pay I guess too, but they put up with the lack of materials and resources and lack of time to consult with parents.

Children are graded more fairly in government schools (private schools teachers don’t want to upset the parents-although more encouraging towards them, they may claim your child is doing an excellent job when in fact they are only doing OK work)

4. International (English Medium)

Currently only 2 in Madinah (But plans to open Manarat International School after Ramadan 2008-2009-not all grades..inshaAllah i will post more when there is more info available)

Aqeeq International

Girls & Boys sections are not side by side but in same neighborhood

Mostly run by Egyptians with American curriculum, even things like US History

English medium, Arabic taught daily and French is part of the curriculum from 1st grade too (maybe KG)

Islam is a part of all schools by default here, but some are less emphasized than others-Aqeeq is one of them

Quran taught by Saudis

Tons of homework and stress on academics, but weak Islamic and Quran education

Not open to suggestions and serious problem with adab of kids in the classrooms

Girls section is rated fair by parents-but certainly room for improvement and the boys section is worse

Known as the best of the worst schools in English (not a lot of choices in Madinah)

Seems like families of this school make hijrah here for monetary gain vs religious

Indian/Pakistani International School

Haven’t heard much, but heard it was better than Aqeeq, Urdu and Arabic taught early on and perhaps more religiously inclined families. Allah knows best.

International-not recognized by Saudi Ministry of Education

1 or 2 schools one is known as having a strong founder who has been here in Madinah for several years. But  from what I have heard the building is small and unkempt, not recognized by the Saudi Ministry of Education which creates a big problem when transferring out into another Saudi school, private or government

 Homeschooling

 You must provide them with a certificate of completion to register your children in the Saudi schools. We did this when my oldest completed 2nd Grade with Calvert and alhamdulilah they accepted it but it is not an easy process and I wouldn’t  be surprised if this was a problem for others even with the certificate of completion-as rules here in Saudi seem not to be standard. But the stamp of approval needs to come from your home country’s Saudi office.

Quran/Arabic Lessons

Tahfeez/Hifz programs are everywhere. Young and older boys can be found are in every masjid in every neighborhood from Asr-Maghrib and some between Maghrib –Isha.

Girls have local schools looking like homes mainly same times as above.  They tend to focus on Arabic as it relates to Quran and Memorization. They don’t do tafsir, and the classes tend to be huge.

Saudi women tend not to be in these classes unless they are older and illiterate. You find mainly expat women going for the classes and Saudi girls of all ages going for their classes in the Asr-Maghrib time slot.

 Young boys and girls under 6 go for rawda and tamheedi which translates into preschool and pre-kindergarten attend in the mornings as well for about 3 hours-classes parallel to morning classes for women. Kids as young as 3 yrs. old can begin.

Programs are funded by government so tend to be free, but some are as costly as 50 riyals a month for each person enrolled. Not a big difference of quality of education

Teachers teaching mostly are young have memorized the whole Quran masha’Allah, but the minimum requirement is to have memorize at least 20 Juz.

At the Haram, Masjid an-Nabi there are morning Halaqas for women; Asr-Maghrib and Maghrib-Isha classes for girls and women.  Requires registration at the beginning of the Islamic year which fill up quickly.  But you can always sit and listen and recite along with them as these classes are mostly in the prayer areas of the Haram. No problem with that insha’Allah.

Boys halaqa are available in the women’s section of the Haram only for 5-6 year olds-then they get kicked out to the men’s section which their male guardian or male family member should seek to register  

Boy classes for those seeking for Hifz, filled with expat boys ranging from 6-maybe through 12 ish..from 7:30-11:30 I think (yanni, that’s an estimate of time), and there are also asr and maghrib programs for them there insha’Allah. Perhaps for men too? My husband told me there are halaqas throughout giving lessons on Tawheed, Fiqh and Fiqh with answer/question sessions with various Imams as well as Hudhaify, masha’Allah. Mostly in Arabic, but some un Urdu and during busy peak hours youll hear Turkish and English-same at the women’s section.

Islamic University of Madinah provides Arabic classes for non-arabic speaking boys and men for about 3 hours a night. They currently do not provide classes for women there, as far as I know.

Tutors are available insha’Allah in Madinah to help out and the prices vary quite a bit. Most women prefer to teach Quran & Arabic in their homes and will not venture out into yours. Some charge 50 riyals an hour, while others charge 700/month for 3/days a week (almost 2hours/lesson). Some will say 100 riyals a week plus 10 riyals each way if they are far from you –to cover transportation.

Fathers can find men tutors for their boys by heading to the Masjid-maybe by asking the imam for referrals.

Masjid Quba does not currently have classes for girls, but they do for boys Asr-Maghrib..not sure if they have them for boys in the morning. I’ve been trying to find that out.

Extra Stuff 

School across the street from Madinah National Hospital

for preschool, pre-K and KG boys and girls in the mornings with a tutroring program for girls from 5-9pm 5 days/week. They go with their books from school and get extra help in Quran, Arabic, all other subjects and English, Arts  & Crafts gym..everything they claim. 500 riyals/month for full time. You can opt for part-time too for a lower rate. Field trips and parties on Thursdays. Open year round, including summer. Closed during Eids and Ramadan, just opened up this year (in Spet, beginning of academic year).

Qodrat Math

Just heard this program is opening up soon in Madinah too. They follow the Math You See Philosophy. Pricey as well but focus is on problem solving claiming high academic standards. I emailed them a few days ago but no response yet. If anyone has any info on this let me know I guess this a widespread program and hear it is in Riyadh too. Check it out, www.qodrat.com.  

 

May Allah increase us all in knowledge, eman, ibaadat, and ihsaan..we are all in need, and may Allah make our kids way smarter than us!! Ameen.

 

….and with Allah is all Knowledge.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 at and is filed under Hijrah . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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12 Responses to “Lowdown on Schools in Madinah Munawarra”

  1. burgundy Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at

    Can you go outside by yourself in madinah in the morning for a stroll, maybe to a park? is that something that sounds normal for there? is it safe for you to venture outside?

    also, besides everything else, how are you emotionally? have you been able to make friends or meet with likeminded western muslim expats?

  2. suhaa Says:
    April 30th, 2008 at

    Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah Wabarakatu:
    Hi Burgundy,
    Yes-going to the mall in the morning for a stroll is normal, but things are not always open by default in the morning as in the US. saudi women tend not to venture out of their homes in the morning because they sleep in if they are not working (which a very small percentage actually work outside the home-i’m talking Madinah too)

    When the weather is tolerable you’ll see women, kids and whoever walking outdoors getting their needs. Taxis are generally safe, but to get in one its best to get with an older man rather than a young one..and many women do this, however many women have their own personal drivers too. while others, like me, do not do either due to modesty issues of being in a car with a non-mahram..but i would if i had to in case of an emergency-or just get behind the wheel myself if needed! :-)

    emotionally i am doing well alhamdulilah. i used to have my own car, ‘more freedom’ of going to various places like kids schools and doctors offices or the supermarket and parks back in the US which I won’t lie and tell you i do miss..

    but c’mon, this is MADINAH!! :-)

    there are local neighborhood parks. the ones that are nicer are further out. they are not as nice as the western ones but they are doable. its safe to venture out and i have friends who do it morning and night for their needs without their husbands. some are enrolled in hifz/arabic schools in the mornings and take the bus, while others are able to suffice going to the local markets and shopping or venturing out towards the haram.

    in terms of friends..Subhan’Allah, I do not get out much alone-always my children around me, and stores and things with my husband too..but it is out of Allah’s Mercy I have been able to meet an incredible amount of Western Muslimaat-Canada, US, UK, Australia, France, South Africa..some converts, some muslim all their lives..but all the western families I know struggle-but would NOT trade living in Madinah for anything else and will put up with the change of..everything..here to live in the City of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

    Many could easily have stayed back in their western countries for better schools, more opportunites for women, better pay/salary for the men, more organization and respect for time, closer to family and all that is known really with endless beautiful things of this donia..because the West offers so much for this life. But those who have last here do it for knowledge in Islam, having the chance to pray at the Haramain easily, to avoid the fitnah of immoral public behaviors whether its dress or whatever form of trials Muslims face over there practicing their deen correctly.

    Coming here to Madinah Munawarra there will be trials inshaAllah..but if you are coming here for the pure sake of worshipping Allah, for safeguarding your Deen, and having the priveledge to be a resident of a holy city…then the times you enter the Haram you will feel at ease and that sense of sakinah, and you will realize inshaAllah that everywhere there is a struggle but that you have been blessed out of Allah’s Mercy to struggle in a holy land where not only tests will be thrown at you but your good deeds will be multiplied, and will be reminded to refuel your intentions of this hijrah for His Sake everytime you walk upon the courtyard of the Haram inshaAllah.

    Everyone is struggling no matter where on Earth..no matter what faith one has.. Alhamdulilah we are Muslims..so then if we have the opportunity to head for Madinah and we don’t..then we should be careful and question how Allah will judge that. struggle in the West or struggle in the City of the Prophet?

    Pray Istikhaara and put your trust in Allah-nothing is easy unless He makes it easy.

    I love Madinah and I pray to live and die here..even if it’s not up to Western standards..and I get that impression from many many many western Muslims who make hijrah here too..you might just feel the same.

    may Allah do what is best for you & your family.

  3. Ghada Ghazy Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at

    Dear Brothers or Sisters
    Asalamu alikum
    As you all know Madina is a beautiful place to live. I am a teacher who would like to work in this peaceful atmosphere. Please if you can send me e-mails of some of these schools. I am a qualified teacher from Australia with Egyptian background. I have tought in Egypt as well as in Australia, both british and American curriculums.
    Would appreciate your help may Allah bless you all. Gazakum Allah Khairan.

  4. suhaa Says:
    May 1st, 2008 at

    Wa’Alaikum Asalaam Warahmat Allah Wabarkatu:

    Dear Sister Ghada,

    InshaAllah I will try my best to provide you with contact information of these schools. Please be patient with me and give me a few days to do this inshaAllah. Perhaps the International Schools is what you are looking for? I know the Manarat International that is trying to open up after Ramadan is looking for Western teachers, Aqeeq is also always looking (Using American Curriculums) But if you desire the Arabic Private schools then please inform me and inshaAllah I will try my best to help you.

    There is a university here called Taibah University that often/always needs English speaking professors AND teachers too..male AND female.

    JazakAllah kheir for your needed duaa for us & May Allah also do what is best for you & your family,

    BarakAllah feeki
    your sister,
    suhaa

  5. Umm Hibaat Says:
    May 2nd, 2008 at

    Assalaamu Alaykum Suhaa,

    Jazakillahu khayran for this post. Ma sha Allah, it’s very beneficial!

    I understand that your post is specific to Madinah, but here are a few things that seem to be different in Jeddah:

    The price tag for Saudi private schools seems to be quite a bit higher here!
    English is taught in the Saudi private non-Qur’an based schools. English and Physical Education seem to be the main differences between the private schools and the government schools (at primary level as they do English at higher levels in all schools).
    Also, here, it tends to be harder for kids that are already in private schools to move over to government schools. Moving the other way around is obviously not an issue as you’re paying.
    Government schools here in Jeddah, have many non-Saudi students (Egyptian, Syrian, etc.)
    There are government Qur’an based schools, which are almost impossible to get in to in Jeddah but may a possibility in other parts of the kingdom.

    Jazakillahu khayran for your blog in general ma sha Allah. Take care sis.
    Wassalaamu Alaykum.

  6. suhaa Says:
    May 3rd, 2008 at

    asalaam alaikum warhamat Allah wabarkatu:
    jazakAllah kheir umm hibaat for all that useful info!!

    from what ive learned so far, i guess there are gvt schools which are also very difficult to get into here.

    i think madinah’s cost of living is generally cheaper compared to jeddah and riyadh. the expats from the west tend not to be coming for the money because salaries here are also lower. but for those from egypt, india/pakistan..and other less economical countries- they make much more pay. Allah knows best..

    barak Allah feeki umm’hibaat.. :-)

  7. Umm Hibaat Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at

    Assalaamu Alaykum sis,

    I’ve tagged you over on my blog!!! :)

    xxx

  8. burgundy Says:
    May 6th, 2008 at

    Your answer was very comprehensive and helpful. Pretty much what I was looking for. Thankyou!

  9. Amatullah Says:
    May 18th, 2008 at

    Assalamu alaykum ukhti fillaah.
    I pray that you and your family are in the best state of health and eemaan.
    Firstly, Jazakillaah khayr for putting huge effort and loads of your precious time to help other muslims by providing relevant info on hijrah to Al Madinah.
    Ukhti, I really want to make hijra to Madinah, but I heard that it is very hard almost impossible to get an iqaamah there. Can you please give me any advice/info you might have regarding getting an iqaamah there. Wa jazaakillaahu khayr

  10. suhaa Says:
    May 19th, 2008 at

    Asalaam Alaikum Warahmat Allah Wabarakatu:
    Umm Hibaat,
    Sorry havent completed the tag yet, coming around to it soon inshaAllah.

    Burgundy,
    Alhamdulilah you found my answer useful. May Allah do what is best for you & your family..ameen.

    Amatullah,
    Really like your name, mashaAllah. jazakallah kheir for the much needed duaa for me & my family. To make hijrah here to Madinah, putting religion aside-KSA needs to show there is a valid reason for you to be here. Namely a job. Not all people who get a job here can get their families to come with them. If your English skills are excellent-which, just from your writing above seem as if they are mashaAllah, and Madinah is your goal..then try sending your resume to Taibah University. Always looking for western teachers male & female for all their departments too it seems. Also, medical professionals like therapists, nurses, doctors..and others are always needed. They tend to hire from 3rd world countries but if they find a native tongue western-they will take them right away inshaAllah. There are single women here who work & live in Madinah-working at that university. Make sincere duaa..once you get a work visa that turns into an iqama once you are here inshaAllah.

    The first and foremost, duaa duaa duaa…never give up on it..Allah Knows where you will live & die..and although you may be very far away..do not say it is difficult to be living here in Madinah, He already has your life planned, and it could very well be that you live here for the rest of your appointed donia.

    Also, the Hijrah to Madinah google group has a detailed post on getting an iqama i think. Although do not be intimidated by the process-because for some it is very easy. Put your trust in Allah..and He will make a way for you here inshaAllah.

    may Allah facilitate a hijrah to madinah for you and for those who sincerely seek it.

  11. Amatullah Says:
    May 19th, 2008 at

    Ameen to your duaa’s ukhti.
    I dont think working in a uni is for me (i’m a uni student myself so i dont have the relevant requirements to be teaching.). What about the schools there for children, is there any job offers for teachers etc..? Also i was wondering, I heard that it is possible to start a business there and you can get an iqamah by showing a bank statement that shows you have 100,000 SR minimum in your.-To prove you are ready to start a business. Is this correct sis? have you heard of anything like this? Also is it possible to buy an apartment in Madinah and can you get an iqamah because of the property you own?
    I’m sooo sorry ukhti for bombarding you with my questions but your the only person who can probably give me an answer..I dont know anyone else in Madinah. May Allaah reward you abundantly.Ameen.

  12. Umm Yusuf Says:
    June 1st, 2008 at

    Assalaamu Alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu,

    Mash’Allah this is a very informative post and in fact, a very informative blog! May Allah accept your efforts and reward you. ameen

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