Is this a Shia curriculum?

Yes. Islamic studies are taught in the Shia (Twelver / Ithna Ashari) tradition of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), covering the roots and branches of the faith, practical fiqh, and the lives of the Prophet (s) and the Imams (a.s.).

Do you teach Quran tajweed?

Yes. Students learn correct recitation with proper makhraj and tajweed rules step by step, alongside memorization of suras with understanding of their meaning.

What languages are classes taught in?

Classes are taught in both Arabic and English, suited to children and youth growing up in Calgary.

How are students placed into levels?

By age and the last level a child completed; teachers confirm the right level during the first weeks of the year.

What your children learn

Our Curriculum

Three subjects that complete each other — Arabic, Quran, and Islamic studies — in graded levels for every age, from grade 1 to grade 12.

Arabic Language Classes

The language of the Quran, taught for our children

Arabic books

To understand the message of the Quran, we must understand its language. We teach Arabic in a simplified, clear method designed for children and youth growing up in the West.

Letters, their sounds, and their shapes at the beginning, middle, and end of words
Reading with harakat, then sentences and short stories
Writing and dictation, from single words to paragraphs
Simple grammar: plurals, pronouns, verb types, subject and object

Quran Classes for Kids

Recitation, memorization, and understanding

Quran books

Students learn correct recitation with proper makhraj, memorize suras from Juz Amma and beyond, and grow to understand the meanings of the verses.

Correct recitation and pronunciation (makhraj)
Tajweed rules, step by step
Memorization of short suras, then Ayat al-Kursi and beyond
General meaning of suras, word meanings, and simplified tafseer

Islamic Studies (Shia / Twelver)

Beliefs, character, fiqh, and history

Religion books

A complete program in the Shia (Twelver / Ithna Ashari) tradition of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.): the roots and branches of the faith, akhlaq and values, practical fiqh, and the lives of the Prophet (s) and the Imams (a.s.).

Aqeedah: knowing Allah (swt), the Prophets, and the Imams (a.s.)
Fiqh: wudhu, salat, and fasting — practical and age-appropriate
Akhlaq and Islamic values for everyday life
History: stories of the Prophets, and the lives of the Prophet (s) and Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), plus beloved duas like Dua al-Faraj

Looking for a specific program? See our Quran classes for kids , Arabic classes , and Islamic studies in Calgary.

Graded levels

How Students Progress

Stage 1

Foundations

Letter sounds and shapes, short suras, the basics of wudhu and salat, and knowing Allah (swt), the Prophets, and the Imams (a.s.) in a way young hearts love.

Stage 2

Building

Reading words and sentences, dictation, memorizing longer suras with their meanings, stories of the Prophets and Imams (a.s.), and everyday practical fiqh.

Stage 3

Deepening

Grammar and free writing, tajweed and simplified tafseer, the roots and branches of the faith, and detailed seerah — all the way to grade 12.

Students are placed by age and the last level they completed; teachers confirm the right level during the first weeks of the year.

A Saturday With Us

Classes run from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Al Zahra Learning Center. We balance serious lessons with play and creative activities, and students pray salah in congregation every school day — because school is not just classes, but a small community where our children grow in love of Allah, His Messenger (s), and his Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).

Curriculum Questions

Is this a Shia curriculum?: Yes. Islamic studies are taught in the Shia (Twelver / Ithna Ashari) tradition of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), covering the roots and branches of the faith, practical fiqh, and the lives of the Prophet (s) and the Imams (a.s.).
Do you teach Quran tajweed?: Yes. Students learn correct recitation with proper makhraj and tajweed rules step by step, alongside memorization of suras with understanding of their meaning.
What languages are classes taught in?: Classes are taught in both Arabic and English, suited to children and youth growing up in Calgary.
How are students placed into levels?: By age and the last level a child completed; teachers confirm the right level during the first weeks of the year.