Picking a school for your child is a big decision. You want a place that teaches maths and reading well. But you also want a place that teaches values you believe in too.
That is why so many parents search for the best private muslim schools when they start their planning. Australia now has 46 Islamic schools teaching more than 38,300 students, a huge jump from just 30 schools back in 2008. That growth is not random. Families want strong academics sitting right next to strong faith. This guide breaks down what to check before you sign any enrolment form.
What Makes an Islamic School Different From a Regular School?
An Islamic school teaches the normal Australian curriculum plus Quran study, Arabic, and Islamic studies inside the same school day. Maths class looks the same as any other school. English class looks the same too. The difference sits in the extra subjects and the daily rhythm. Prayer time gets built into the timetable. Halal food gets served at the canteen. Boys and girls sometimes learn in separate classes once they reach high school age. None of this replaces the core subjects your child needs for university later on.
How Do You Check If the Academic Results Are Strong?
Look at the NAPLAN and ATAR data before you look at anything else. Every Australian school publishes results on the MySchool website, and Islamic schools are no exception. A recent study found Islamic school students take senior maths and science subjects at higher rates than the national average. That is a strong sign of academic push. Ask the school directly for its last three years of exam data. A good school will show you the numbers without hesitation.
What Should You Ask the Teachers Before Enrolling?
Ask about staff qualifications, class sizes, and how long teachers usually stay. High staff turnover is a warning sign worth taking seriously. Here is a short checklist worth bringing to your first school tour.
- Are teachers registered with the state teaching authority?
- What is the average class size in primary years?
- How many teachers have worked at the school for five years or more?
- Is there a dedicated Arabic and Islamic studies teacher, or are subjects combined?
- What support exists for students who need extra help?
A school that answers these questions clearly is usually run well behind the scenes too.
What Does It Cost to Send Your Child to an Islamic School?
Fees vary a lot depending on the state and the school’s facilities. Here is a rough guide based on typical Australian independent school fee ranges for Islamic schools in 2025.
| School Stage | Typical Annual Fee Range | What It Usually Covers |
| Primary (K to 6) | $3,000 to $7,000 | Tuition, basic resources, Islamic studies |
| Junior Secondary (7 to 9) | $5,000 to $9,000 | Tuition, science labs, Arabic classes |
| Senior Secondary (10 to 12) | $6,000 to $11,000 | Tuition, ATAR subjects, career counselling |
Fees rarely include uniforms, camps, or device costs, so ask for the full list before you commit.
Why Does the School Community Matter Just as Much as Grades?
A school is not just a building where lessons happen. It is a community your child grows up inside. Visit during pickup time, not just during an official tour. Watch how staff talk to students. Watch how older kids treat younger ones. A school with genuine spirit shows it in these small, unscripted moments, and no brochure can fake that feeling.
