Overview
PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES
We believe that the source of all knowledge is Allah (SWT) and that knowing Him and His message is the most important knowledge human-beings can obtain. The educational philosophy of MCS is rooted in the Glorious Quran and is shaped around the prayer of Prophet Mohammad (Peace be upon him):
My Lord! Grant me knowledge that is useful (beneficial to mankind).
SCHOOL PROFILE
Community:
The Muslim Community School & Alim Academy (MCS-AA) was established in 1984 to serve the needs of the local Muslim community. It was one of the first certified Islamic schools in the Washington, D.C. Metro area and was the first Islamic school to graduate high school students. It is located in Potomac, Maryland, in one of the state’s fastest growing areas. MCS-AA enjoys a diversified ethnic population from all over the world, including, but not limited to Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Africa, Iran and America.
School:
MCS/AA is a private, non-profit, multi-sectarian educational system that serves the educational needs of students in grades Pre-K (pre-kindergarten) through 12. MCS-AA was awarded the State of Maryland Certificate of Approval in 1989, allowing it to operate as a K-8 school, and then expanded in 2006 to include a high school. The Muslim Community School consists of grades PK – 8, while Alim Academy serves as a college preparatory for students in grades 9 – 12. We also provide an Early Childhood Department with a Montgomery County-licensed pre-school program for young children ages 2 to 4.
MCS/AA enjoys the benefit of being in Montgomery County, Maryland, which is a dynamic community with a strong educational public school district. Our academic program follows the requirements of the State of Maryland and closely follows the curriculum guidelines used in the Montgomery County public school system, often including the textbooks that are used in this system. Coupled with our Islamic Studies program of Quran, Islamic Studies (Akhaq, Fiqh, Islam History), and Arabic, our educational system is designed to prepare students for success in this life and in the hereafter.
Our school embraces a multi-sectarian environment and welcomes diversity among our staff, faculty, and student populations. We welcome interfaith collaborations that help to increase brotherhood and sisterhood among all Islamic traditions.
School Philosophy
Growing up Muslim in a non-Muslim society can be difficult for the young, impressionable lives of our youth. As their educators, it is our responsibility to:
a) Enlighten our students with an excellent academic program within an Islamic environment to foster their spiritual growth;
b) Develop the students’ ability to analyze and solve problems they may face as Muslims growing up in America;
c) Educate the students so they become productive members of the society and build their confidence and abilities to take on leadership roles;
d) Empower them with the knowledge of current events and make them aware of how such events impact their lives;
e) Encourage students to cherish his/her own religious values and respect those with other religious backgrounds; and
f) Create a nurturing and enriching environment resulting in the optimal learning of all students.
We believe such goals can be obtained through high standards of educational achievements built around the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, all taking place in the best caring and supportive environment where all students can experience success.