Annapolis Muslims Start Homeschool Umbrella

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Makkah Learning Center (MLC) at the Islamic Society of Annapolis started a homeschooling umbrella for concerned parents, Medina Homeschool.


A two track program is in offered. One which is academically rigorous— expecting more from students. The second—less academically intensive track— will accommodate hifdh students and unschoolers so the requirements are less. “It is our aim at Medina Home School to give parents control of what their children learn and when they learn it,” says Imam Mikaeel Smith, director of the program.  Islamic studies are compulsory under the Medina umbrella. Students can take classes with the Imam at MLC or provide proof of Islamic Studies during semesterly reviews.

The Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.10.01 which governs homeschoolers, dictates that ‘all homeschool programs require the supervision of either the Board of Education or an umbrella school approved by the state of Maryland. After parents properly notifying the school system of the intention to use a home study program, umbrella schools provide the necessary supervision required by state law.’

In an umbrella school relationship, a representative from the school must meet with parents to discuss the child’s progress periodically during the school year. State law requires at least one annual review of the child’s academic program by a representative of the umbrella school. The representative may discuss the chosen curriculum or educational program, observe instruction for a short period of time, and review portfolio documents to assess the student’s progress. “We are the reviewer and [the parents] do not have to go to the county,” says Imam Mikaeel who will maintain files on each student and notify the county of their progress.

Parents pay fees to the umbrella school for each year a child is enrolled under the umbrella program, to cover the cost of teaching assistance and reviews. “[Many] parents cannot afford the expensive umbrella school fees that range from 250  to 350 per child per year.” Medina Homeschool costs $100 for the first child in the family and the rest of the siblings’  fees are $10 each. These charges will cover the cost of qualified reviewers’ visits.

COMAR is clear that the parent or guardian is to be the primary provider of the home instruction.  Other adults may assist with a special area of interest but such adults are not permitted to replace the parent or guardian as the primary provider of instruction.

Keeping this in  mind, onsite classes will be offered through the Medina Home School on Thursdays at the Makkah Learning Center facility. A daylong schedule of classes on subjects such as civic engagement, and  science will be offered.

Parents are encouraged to take advantage of these classes. Parents can register students through the home school but all class fees and availability will be completely at the discretion of the tutor. Families enrolled with Medina Home School will get first priority but the classes will be open to all homeschoolers in MD. Retired professors will tutor on site at MLC exclusively for homeschoolers as the umbrella grows, other families can also benefit. An umbrella protects you from the elements and we want to offer this protection, says Imam Mikaeel Smith the director of the school. Help make homeschool inexpensive and fulfill the purpose of an umbrella, which is to covers you from the environment.

“One of the words for umbrella in Arabic is shamsiya, (shade from the sun) whatever environment you are in, we want to be an umbrella. [The] parent know what is the best for [ie] Abdullah and Zaynub, we just want to provide the shade,” says Imam Mikaeel.


Medina home school will not dictate how your child will be taught but will provide you with the rescoruces and help families with thier homschool goals.


With several veteran homeschooling families on board, “We want to have luncheons and brunch [for parents] who can pool their extensive online and offline resources,” says Imam Mikaeel.

“America is beautiful country and [we] have this benefit,” says Imam Mikaeel, who thinks that every masjid should offer this service to parents.

M&M Learning Center in Collge Park, MD offers an umbrella program, as does Al Huda School and Al Rahmah School.


 

 

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