Muslim Community School/Alim Academy

Posted: October 3, 2025

worst school. please please do not put your kid into this school. the school doesn't provide help for kids that actually need it and don't listen to the kids at all. this is a Muslim school and you are failing to show that. there are so many complaints on the principal, on the teachers. I heard only 1 good teacher in this school. there was a teacher who cussed at a student, and made his students take attendance without DOING IT, which is his job. the education might be good if your kid wants to be stressed everyday and never free and gets unmotivated. barely any time to do the homework and there is so much homework even starting from a lower grade. I don't know what makes you think cramping up homework and giving it to young and old students is a good idea. are you dumb? do not put your children in here and the tuition is just baffling. I get you're poor but you are not using the money the right way. I hope Allah forgives you and your school gets shut down.

Posted: October 3, 2025

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Posted: June 18, 2024

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In the past year, MCS has truly evolved, establishing itself as a leading educational institution. One of the most notable advancements is the introduction of online courses, which allow students to accelerate their learning by taking more advanced subjects online while receiving in-class mentorship from teachers. Impressively, MCS is the only school in Montgomery County to offer AP classes to 9th-grade students, giving younger students a significant head start on their academic journey.

The school has also significantly expanded its extracurricular activities, offering a variety of free sports programs such as boxing and soccer. This diverse range of activities ensures that students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and stay active. The small class sizes at MCS are another key strength, enabling teachers to provide personalized attention and support to each student. Many of the teachers are alumni, bringing a unique passion and dedication to their roles. The smaller classes also allow for extended deadlines and bonus assignments, helping students who may need additional time or support.

Technological advancements are a priority at MCS, with improved technology classes that teach students how to use 3D printers, digital boards, and other essential tools. These skills are increasingly relevant in today's job market, preparing students for future careers.

The sense of community at MCS is exceptional, fostering a family-like atmosphere that supports and encourages every student. This nurturing environment, combined with innovative academic and extracurricular programs, makes MCS a standout school in Montgomery County.

Posted: August 31, 2021

This school is not one that has been assessed in a thorough way to make necessary improvements and positive changes for the benefit of all students. They have a Sunni track and they have a Shia track for students to learn Islamic Studies. It's a Muslim School. It's not a Sunni School. It's not a Shia School. Why should Muslim students be separated to learn about Islam or Islamic Studies based on two major schools of thoughts that all children should be learning about and learning from? MCS/Alim Academy hires teachers who demonstrate incompetent teaching and unsafe practices putting Allah's impressionable beings and parents' children at great risk. I don't recommend any parent enroll his/her child in this school. Find a school that your child is deserving of.

Posted: August 31, 2021

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Posted: June 12, 2019

If the school is running great the leadership is great specially Principle Sumaya and the office management Zahra

Posted: June 12, 2019

Well all the teachers are great and they put big effort on students which I have great respect for them

Posted: June 12, 2019

I have not seen any but I am sure the school will handle it on best way

Posted: June 12, 2019

Posted: June 12, 2019

All the teachers and the principal are more committed teaching the students and actually following up the parents on a daily basis

Posted: June 12, 2019

This is the one of this school’s strongest win and really the student will show and sometimes even my kids challenge me what they have learned and I start say yes

Posted: June 12, 2019

Really great people and good environment ....

Posted: January 8, 2019

Helps study more and get better test grades and overall

Posted: January 8, 2019

Some teachers can have favors for certain students but most of them are good! For example all the teachers help kids in hard situations and let them give their work later!

Posted: January 8, 2019

Unlike public schools Alim academy’s kid don’t use any curse language and are good in Islamic behavior!

Posted: January 8, 2019

A really good principal and board! Are always there for opinions and whenever you need to talk! Also they understand life’s very deeply!

Posted: January 8, 2019

It helps you cope with learning when you are in a hard situation

Posted: January 8, 2019

The principal and other teachers are really helpful when bullying happens and also very strict about it too which is good!

Posted: January 8, 2019

100 out of 10 best school ever!

Posted: October 22, 2017

Posted: October 22, 2017

This school gave my child an Islamic character while fostering an environment of caring, kindness, and respect for their identity as an American. In this school, children of all Islamic sects and schools of thought pray next to one another. Moreover, there are even children of mixed-faiths and even other faiths (my daughter had a Hindu classmate). Inclusive and open, MCS is a wonderful place. The teachers and administrators treat our children as their own and I feel safe when I drop them off. I would recommend this school to anyone who asks.

Posted: October 22, 2017

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Posted: May 9, 2016

This school is wonderful place for my elementary level kids. I appreciate the respected staff and all the community members.

Posted: December 2, 2015

A wonderful environment and caring teachers...
I am glad my daughter goes to this school.
Most importantly, the teach students discipline.

Posted: January 18, 2015

No good reviews for a long time then all of a sudden 15 4 star or greater reviews in the matter of a month! That is greater than 10% of the schools enrolled student body! It appears that the school itself is falsely trying to increase its ratings after 5+ years as being a 2-3 star school. There are no average SAT/ACT scores reported from the graduating classes. This leads me to strongly doubt the latest posts of their students being 5 years ahead academically. What 10 sports teams (which is what the school is reporting on Greatschools.org) does this school have? Parents, save your money and heartache. If this school cannot be honest, even with them being a religious school, then what are they hiding?

Posted: April 29, 2014

The Muslim Community school is a very warm and loving atmosphere, where children are treated with love and respect. In turn, they are expected to respect and love their elders/teachers. This is in large part the reason it is able to withstand the many trials it happens upon each year. The dedication of some core administrative staff and teaching staff has helped the school flourish both academically and in boosting the overall morale of the school as an above-average learning institution with a family-like atmosphere. This year has especially been trying, and to witness the resolve and problem-solving skills of the administration, staff, parents and students working together towards a common goal has been inspiring and a lesson in the power of sincere intention and hard work. I salute those who have worked tirelessly to help the school continue to thrive despite the odds. These are lessons in persistence and determination that cannot be taught in a text, yet this school teaches by example. For those directly involved in this process, God Bless you for your efforts!

Posted: April 26, 2014

My School is........AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE MY SCHOOL!!! I love my classmates,i love my schoolmates,i love my teachers,i love the staff,AND I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY PRINCIPAL!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Allah,for placing me in an environment that i myself love love love !!! I thank my teachers ,friends , and the principal who helped me be who i am! LOVE YOU MCS FOREVER AND ALWAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted: April 15, 2014

In the name of allah.our school is very safe and lovely and we like it.

Posted: April 10, 2014

I would like to start off saying that this school has a friendly environment. The school itself consists of many teachers not only proud to teach, but also proud to be with students. Subjects taught in this school are not just the main MCPS curriculum, but also ethical values and Islamic practices. The standard of education is very high, and the students are about five years above their level. The principal is a kindred soul, and caring for students. However, she could become disciplinary if she wants to. Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the MCS family, the teachers (Sr. Nahla, Sr. Saba, Coach Tim, Sr. Maryam, Sr. Kemi, Sr. Nusrat, Sr. Rayan, Sr. Mahboubeh, Miss Yeater, Br. AbdulJalil, Sr. Mahboubeh, Sr. Itidal, Sr. Farideh Imani, Sr. Farida Khan, and Sr. Farideh Garmroudi), the Board, the SGA, and our beloved principal, Sr. Somayyeh.

Posted: April 10, 2014

The most beautiful thing about the school is that you feel everyone including staffs and families, are a big family, who care for each other. Having polite kids and well educated families are the other reason to name this school one of the bests.

Posted: April 8, 2014

This school is an outstanding school which has an environment full of warmth and friendship. A message to all community members: This school has low academic standards because of lack of money. How about you stop complaining and help? Certain community members only complain about issues, but when it comes to helping MCS, they back off as if it has nothing to do with them. If you truly are concerned with the welfare and success of MCS students, then stop speaking words that you show no support of. MCS has students with unlimited potentials and teachers who are caring and articulated. MCS can be like any other school, but it depends on our support. May Allah (SWT) help us become more aware of our responsibility of upholding this school's banner.

Posted: April 7, 2014

I'm a parent of a current student. Our child has attended other schools and therefore has a perspective on what she does and does not like. She has developed a tremendous affiliation with the school, staff and her classmates. She has found a place where she belongs, is welcomes and looks forward to being a part of. She is progressing well in her secular education while also receiving exposure to foundational education in core religious beliefs and practices. The school is of course limited in resources and seems to be on a recurring cycle of new management. It seems that the current leadership has been able to finally get the school on a solid financial foundation upon which to build and plan. The continued success of the school will rest on the active participation of the parents and community. If you are looking for a place where the staff will treat your child as their own, are open to improving and where you can have a real say, this is the pace for you! May Allah continue to support the MCS team in their noble endeavor - I see even brighter days ahead iA.

Posted: April 7, 2014

My children have attended MCS for seven years and we're so grateful for the nurturing Islamic environment of the school. When I taught at the school I did my research and their educational standards surpass MCPS guidelines. No community is flawless, but this one instills the values and the character that I sought for so long in both my children. I know that the foundation they receive at MCS will give them the strength of character and the academic excellence to succeed in whatever field they choose in the future. Thank you MCS for your many years of service!

Posted: April 7, 2014

My kids attend the pre-school. They love it. It's a very affordable private school (relatively), and the teaching of islam is great. They are exposed to positive behaviors and they get one on one attention. They do a lot of work and follow Montgomery County Public Schools curriculum. Plus, they have ample space to run - an indoor gym where they do PE, and an outside playground. I recommend it.

Posted: April 7, 2014

The other day my 14 yr old son thanked me for sending him to MCS. I asked him what he likes about this private school. He said "mom I spend time with kids from other schools, they are good and everything, but our values are different. At MCS I can keep and continue to learn good values, how to share, accepting, respect, be non judgmental and have fun at the same time. Practice my faith every minute. The most important thing is that no only I get a sound education but my teachers teach us life lessons." As a parent I can see how home and school compliments each other! Thank you MCS.

Posted: April 7, 2014

Excellent school: The teachers, administrative staff, and volunteer parents make this a wonderful educational institution for the kids. My children have been attending the school for over 6 years and they absolutely love it. The best part of this schools is the feeling of family and community- I always witness positive interactions between kids in older grades with the younger ones.

Posted: April 7, 2014

This school is truly one of the best places that I could imagine for the healthy growth of my child physically, emotionally, and psychologically. I personally have gone through more than 30 years of schooling, including high levels of professional schools, and I am very proud to see my child benefiting from this one in a kind healthy environment for her growth.

Posted: April 4, 2014

We were most grateful to find this small but very capable Muslim based private school were principles are taught and upheld everyday in a caring, nurturing, respectful and inspiring environment. Our son was struggling socially when he made the jump to public middle school. The lack of kindness and respect was overwhelming. This school saved his life. There has been misunderstanding regarding the religious basis taught here. Let me reassure you, true Islam is taught here, the Islam shared by all "denominations" of Islam so don't worry which Muslim your child is because they will feel amongst their brothers and sisters. There has been much transition administratively recently, however I feel they have reached a near perfect balance at this point with a very strong, professional, nurturing principle. Also the quality of the high school teachers are excellent. As further proof of this school's capability, this year's graduates have received acceptances from Georgetown Univ, GWU, American Univ, UMD, and others. Lastly, there is ample opportunity for parent involvement.

Posted: March 19, 2014

This is a grate school , we moved here from another place my daughter was having difficulty leaving her old school but enrolling her in this school was the best decision I've made, she is in love with this school. In her school she has learned to be a faithful student and compassionate human being every body in the school like a family to her they are so nice and caring , she is doing good regarding her grades and very comfortable and happy and am so pleased, her teacher Mariam is any child's dream teacher and the principle Somayyah does not fit a profile of principle because she is so kind and caring yet she knows how to apply the rules with her polite way . If you are looking for school where the faith and the family value are enforced in a very pleasant way this is defiantly the school for your child.

Posted: March 19, 2014

hi every body. i love this schools prek. my son showed better behaviors as soon as i register him at school and gain weight. i love the fruit and healthy snacks that serves for kids at school. i love cultural events and decoration as well

Posted: January 26, 2014

MCS has/had the potential to be a great school, an ideal for many Muslim families in the DC Metro area. It is sad to see that even the latest review on this site was from 2012, number of students being around 121. However, we are in 2014 and the students are under 70, for a school PreK to 12th grade! If you just had some real independent parents who have nothing on their mind but the success of the school/students then you would see a difference. Money issues, staff and administration would all be resolved. Parents would all work for the common good of the children. No one else should have any business running the school of this size. Parents have been fooled by "others" that we can make MCS better, by better management, better website, increasing student enrollment, better administration, better adherence to bylaw.... all failed!!! Show some purity and work for Allah only! Things will get better, iA.

Posted: March 2, 2012

Parent of children currently attending MCS but we plan to go elsewhere really soon. Academic stds are poor, teachers are so-so with an exception here and there. Only this year started quran class...strange for an islamic school. The school can not retain good teachers and administration changes constantly. The school claims to be islamically "non denominational"...but clearly is NOT.....I know of many parents whom have taken the kids out b/c of this reason. I'm just concerned that my kids aren't learning like they should be. I've had experience at another Islamic school and it was an amazing school academically....so yes I do have a comparison. The 4/5 star reviews are just not true. I sincerely hope the MCS improves as it is a blessing for the community BUT lets face reality that our children have to go out in the real world and they should be prepared academically!!!!!!!