Al Fatih Academy in Reston | Military Town Advisor

Posted: November 27, 2025

My daughter was bullied by students, teachers and counselor.
I do not recommend this school.

Posted: November 27, 2025

Posted: June 3, 2025

Out of all the Islamic school options, it is one of the best especially academically. However, as a family who has been here for 7 years, we always have felt that we have been treated differently by administration because we are not south Asian. Families and staff are mostly of Pakistani or Afghan decent and the school favors them especially when it comes to discipline issues (even better if your child is female). They do not understand how to manage males who have a diff approach to learning and behavioral management although the addition of Ustadh Ismail this year has helped.

English/literacy is weak so make sure to supplement at home. Overall, its one of the better options but its unfortunate that many families feel unwelcome by some of the management and teachers.

Posted: June 3, 2025

Posted: May 28, 2025

It's an amazing school,
They are Accredited and always strive for excellence.

Posted: May 28, 2025

Posted: February 28, 2025

Amazing school with hardworking teachers and supportive administration. The school itself feels like a large family, and my kids are always engaged both inside and outside school. The education piece along with the Islamic instruction has a perfect balance. One major issue I have noticed is that some of the students with special needs are attending the school, which does not have the proper support for those children. Sadly, the administration is in a tough spot due to conflicts of interest, as some parents may be on the board or in relation to. This situation not only affects others in the class but also the children themselves, as they could thrive better in an environment suited to their needs. Unfortunately, the parents are part of the problem since they are aware their children hit, throw tantrums, and bully other children, yet no discipline is enforced. These parents often have the mindset of "my kid can do no wrong," which ultimately hurts their kids and others around them yet they have no remorse. My advice would be to implement a zero-tolerance policy for behaviors that disrupt classroom learning.

Posted: February 28, 2025

Posted: June 12, 2023

Al Fatih Academy is a wonderful Islamic School institution that has a holistic approach to cultivating an American Islamic identify for the youth of our next generation. I have been a part of the school for almost 10 years now in various capacities, and I can say in every capacity that I've served under, there hasn't been a day where I've regretted the decision to make AFA a part of my life.

Posted: June 12, 2023

Posted: April 5, 2023

Our children used to attend preCovid not any more. However the years our children were there I was not happy with the way things operated which I remember was on a friendly-channel network. Children with affluent parents or family working at the facility were favored. The elementary school principal at that time was the worst. I mean she could talk away anything and deflect issues and dismiss them with no regard. The only good was perhaps the Quran part where the Arabic teachers showed effort. Overall I thought the school was too busy trying to buy acceptance in the community and around the neighborhood rather than act like a serious school catering a certain genre.

Posted: April 5, 2023

Posted: January 31, 2023

Have been an AFA parent for almost 8 years now and it has been the biggest blessing in our attempt to raise well rounded Muslim children, alhamdulillah. The school provides an nurturing environment for the kids to master their academic alongside the Quran, Arabic and Islamic studies.

Posted: January 31, 2023

In my experience, the first step in deciding where to send your child to school, should be to determine YOUR perspective to education. What does the school have to deliver to make you feel like your money is well spent? What expectations do you have for the school to provide to your child? What does your child's success look like upon graduation?

Our family chooses to prioritize spiritual nurturing, character building and a balanced approach to teaching Islam over state of the art facilities and a traditional Islamic school environment. Having my children hear every day, in each class from all teachers about the majesty of Allah from PE to Math, they are reminded of their place in the world as part of Allah's creation. My husband and I don't just send our children to an Islamic school. We are in partnership with it to achieve the same goals for our children.

AFA reminds students how the active engagement with the Quran, the importance of prayer and learning about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (sws) can help them as they strive to have good character, be mindful of their actions and its impact on others and how they can bring about positive change in the world. Similar to the Quaker model of education, AFA has a strong commitment of practice in service to others. Students are engaged in monthly community service projects that remind them of others in their community that may need help.

AFA has HEART and teachers who are mindful of their responsibility in the eyes of Allah (swt) to nurture the spirit and cultivate the mind of the child in their care. And to be honest, they must be doing something right as the school has been in existence for over 25 years.

My husband and I have seen the ROI in our children. The parents of my children's friends - are our friends. AFA parents are like minded parents that will Insha'Allah, continue to support one another and serve as a village to help each other raise the next generation of young Muslims.

Thank you for reading. I wish you and your family the best school for your child.

Posted: January 31, 2023

My kids have been studying in this school for more than a decade now. My son graduated from 8th grade last year. I could not have been more satisfied. I feel so blessed and grateful that we have AFA near us! Alhamdullilah. The atmosphere inside the school is so peaceful and friendly with all smiles. The standard of education has been growing and its been getting better. My son just started public high school and so far he has not been struggling with the courses he has. Overall, its been a pleasure being associated with this school. May God bless all involved!

Posted: May 13, 2022

Great school a lot of school work though but glad my kids are loving this place. We like the community involvement and how involved the school is in various community services / activities which thereby are good lessons to kids as well. Highly recommend

Posted: May 13, 2022

Posted: April 25, 2022

My kids have been attending Al Fatih Academy for six years and we couldnt be happier as a family. Sending our kids here has made our family-life improve because of all the goodness that spreads from our kids day-to-day learning into our home. Social-emotional learning is embedded to the core of AFA! The leadership team is strong and they have a hands-on approach with our children. The teachers and support staff are wonderful!

Posted: April 25, 2022

Posted: March 23, 2022

If you are the parent who cares only about academic rigor and test scores, AFA is not the place for you. If you want to raise mentally, emotionally healthy children who know how to live life joyfully, I can't think of a better place. Given it's K-8, I think it's too early to out your kids in the pressure cooker of grades and academic rigors anyway. This school has most caring teachers and lives its creed and core values and is inspiring my children to love learning and become strong citizens of their communities, this country and the world.

Posted: March 23, 2022

My children have been attending Al Fatih Academy for several years (8 years for my older child, 5 years for my younger child). We have been impressed by the school's ability to balance the spiritual, language, and religious curriculum along with the Virginia state curriculum. The school leadership team has also quickly resolved or handled any concerns that we've had in the past. Most importantly, we have been grateful for the lessons that our children have learned around integrity, stewardship, and purpose. I would highly recommend this school for any parents that want their children to be strong Muslim-American contributors to society.

Posted: March 23, 2022

Posted: December 6, 2021

Completely agree with other parent who reviewed on Dec 1st. Beware of dangerous lack of leadership this year from the principal. Due to Covid protocols parents are rarely in the building and she is the only person overseeing the staff and addressing any problems. Maybe things will be better when parents can be in the school again, or when there are new leaders.

Posted: December 6, 2021

Posted: December 1, 2021

The worst principal you could ever encounter. Unfortunately, she is in charge of elementary and middle school this year. Stay away from the school as long as she is in charge of your kid's education and emotional health.

Posted: June 16, 2019

It is a very good school with very talented and skilled teachers.

Posted: June 16, 2019

The teachers are absolutely amazing and they adapt to their students learning styles to most effectively help them learn.

Posted: June 16, 2019

It is an Islamic school which teaches the children the Islamic way of respecting others and so on.

Posted: June 16, 2019

Posted: June 12, 2019

Flexible deadlines and homework thats customized to the students pace

Posted: June 12, 2019

Great staff and great curriculum that is diverse and ambitious. Definitely would recommend

Posted: October 18, 2017

At this school your children blossoms into a responsible and caring adult . They thrive to become successful at all aspects of life . The school is dually accredited by ADVANCED and CISNA and have incorporated islamic studies , Arabic language as well as moral and ethical values with the state standards academics.

We have been associated with school since our first born joined preschool and could not have been more satisfied with what we have gained and learned as a family from nurturing teachers and admins at this facility .

Alfatih academy provides the balance for the life of a growing children in this frenzied times of compelling academic rigor , after school activities and insane social and political madness that surrounds life . Students are taught to mediate and mull over what causes their pain,anger or any unpleasant feelings and reminded to be thankful and kind for all favorable that they experience and pass it forward to the people around them . It weaves all these critical aspects into teaching in a very organic fashion .

The teachers at this school would always go an extra mile to provide what each students to reach their potential in their subject matter.

The school lacks gym, special computer lab or science room but is been aware and working towards adding it to their facility as they avail resources.
However , they use their available resources very creatively to meet with the requirements .

It takes a village to raise a kid and Al Fatih Academy and its members makes up for one for your child .

Posted: October 15, 2017

Teachers make an effort to challenge students who are ready to do more and do their best to address those who need more help. This is especially visible in the Guided Math approach they take.

Posted: October 15, 2017

One of my children did experience something that some may say was close to bullying. As soon as it was discovered it was addressed immediately and "nipped in the bud". The teachers and staff are vigilant and work hard to create a nurturing and warm atmosphere for all students.

Posted: October 15, 2017

Teachers truly care about kids learning the subject matter. Less emphasis is given on knowing facts and more emphasis is place on understanding concepts and applying them through project based learning.

Posted: October 15, 2017

There is an on-going effort to make sure children have a strong character. Weekly Friday sermons (khutbahs), class projects, volunteer activities and monthly and year-long themes that support the core values are a few examples of how this is done. Most importantly children are given the opportunity to discuss core values and what they mean so they participate in the process rather than just being directed to act in a certain way.

Posted: October 15, 2017

Leadership is constantly working to improve the quality of the education and educators at the school through professional development and adoption of new programs as needed.

Posted: October 15, 2017

I have 3 kids at this school and feel the school has helped us bring our kids up with strong values and a good sense of right and wrong. The school also provides a strong integrated academic program that exceeds VA SOL requirements and integrates Islamic principals in an effective manner.

Posted: October 15, 2017

Homework is used as a tool appropriate to the grade level of the student. In lower elementary homework is used to help encourage the love of reading and practice skills as appropriate. In middle school homework is used in a "flipped classroom" approach where kids read up on a topic in advance to make the most of their class in time. These are a couple of examples but in all cases busy work is avoided and an effort is made to allow kids to have the time they need to balance activities, school and family.

Posted: April 24, 2017

I have two middle school aged children currently enrolled in the school who have been here since they were in Pre-K. Enrolling my children here was one of the best decisions I have made for them as a parent. Al Fatih Academy does a wonderful job of thoroughly preparing their students academically, especially in math and sciences. Many students graduating here go on to taking AP classes in public schools and a few even have been accepted to Loudoun Academy of Science and TJ as well. Alumni have consistently given credit to Al Fatih with preparing them well for their studies beyond the school. The school ties in the Virginia educational standards of learning with the added Islamic teachings of spirituality, morality, community service and charitable works. In addition to the challenging academics, the school focuses on developing socially and morally well rounded students. The school is dually accredited by AdvancedEd (an International accreditation organization) and CISNA (Council of Islamic Schools of North America). There is a lot of 'hands on' learning with several field trips a year per grade. The PTO and parents are very involved and the school has a family feel to it. Almost everyone knows each other. We have had a wonderful experience with the school and would recommend it in a heartbeat.

Posted: April 24, 2017

As with any private school, they do not have the funding nor resources to cater to children with an IEP.

Posted: April 24, 2017

100%. This is the main reason why I send my children here vs. another private school.

Posted: April 24, 2017

My children are very happy with their teachers. The teachers are always available during resource hour to spend extra time explaining concepts with the student as long as the student expresses a need and desire for added help. I have been very pleased with the teachers for their academic support to my kids.

Posted: April 24, 2017

The homework re-emphasizes what they have been working on in class. Although there have been a few times the students have complained of several teachers assigning homework simultaneously in the past, the school has definitely lightened the homework burden starting this year compared to previous years. All in all, I have no major complaints.

#	Name	Type	City	State	Distance
1	Fox Mill Estates	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Herndon	VA	1 mi
2	Franklin Glen	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	3.3 mi
3	Fox Farm	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Great Falls	VA	6.1 mi
4	Stonehurst	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	7.5 mi
5	Barkley	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	7.9 mi
6	Lewis Park	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	8 mi
7	South Riding	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Chantilly	VA	8.4 mi
8	Little Rocky Run	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Clifton	VA	8.5 mi
9	Kings Park West	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	9.2 mi
10	Shreevewood	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	9.2 mi
11	Middleridge	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Fairfax	VA	9.6 mi
12	Willow Woods	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	10.2 mi
13	The Elms	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	10.5 mi
14	Long Branch	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	10.5 mi
15	Broyhill Crest	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Annandale	VA	11 mi
16	Falls Church City	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Falls Church	VA	11.5 mi
17	Burke Conservancy	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	11.5 mi
18	Burke Station Square	Neighborhood/Subdivision	Burke	VA	11.8 mi

#	Name	City	State	Distance
1	Chantilly	Chantilly	VA	4.3 mi
2	Vienna	Vienna	VA	6.2 mi
3	West Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	9.2 mi
4	Ashburn	Ashburn	VA	9.7 mi
5	Falls Church	Falls Church	VA	10 mi
6	Burke Centre	Burke	VA	11 mi
7	Burke	Burke	VA	11.3 mi

Base	Distance
NRO Chantilly	5.6 mi.
Defense Health Headquarters Falls Church	9.9 mi.
Mark Center Alexandria	15.6 mi.
Walter Reed Medical Center	15.6 mi.
Fort Myer	16.1 mi.
Henderson Hall	16.7 mi.
Pentagon	17.6 mi.
Fort McNair	19.6 mi.
Fort Belvoir	19.7 mi.
Coast Guard Headquarters DC	19.9 mi.
Bolling AFB Joint Base Anacostia	20.2 mi.
Washington Navy Yard	20.6 mi.
Marine Barracks Washington	20.7 mi.
Indian Head Naval Base	26.2 mi.
Andrews AFB	27.5 mi.
Quantico Marine Base	27.9 mi.
Fort Detrick	34.8 mi.
Fort Meade NSA	35.8 mi.
Dahlgren NSWC	45 mi.
Shepherd Field	46.1 mi.
Coast Guard Curtis Bay	46.7 mi.
US Naval Academy	47.6 mi.
Annapolis Naval Station	48.5 mi.

Al Fatih Academy

Reston, VA 20191

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Reston, VA 20191

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