Education Guide & Table · Illinois
Islamic Schools in Greater Chicago: Grades, Accreditation & Focus Compared
Greater Chicago is home to some of the most distinguished, academically rigorous full-time Islamic schools in the United States. Families evaluating private Islamic education can compare grade spans, accreditation bodies, student populations, and campus focus below.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| School Name | Location | Grade Range | Accreditation | Key Highlights | Listing Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Foundation School (IFS) | Villa Park (Greater Chicago (West)) | PreK–12 | Cognia (NCA CASI) & ISBE | 550+ students, founded 1986, AP courses, robotics, full athletic program | View listing ↗ |
| Universal School | Bridgeview (Greater Chicago (Southwest)) | PreK–12 | Cognia / AdvancED & ISBE | 650+ students, established 1990, adjacent to Mosque Foundation, STEM labs | View listing ↗ |
| Aqsa School | Bridgeview (Greater Chicago (Southwest)) | PreK–12 (Co-ed PreK-5; All-Girls 6-12) | Cognia Accredited & ISBE | Founded 1986, dedicated all-girls leadership academy for junior high & high school | View listing ↗ |
| College Prep School of America (CPSA) | Lombard (Greater Chicago (West)) | PreK–12 | Cognia Accredited & ISBE | Top Illinois academic ranking, National Merit scholars, intensive AP curriculum | View listing ↗ |
| MCC Academy | Morton Grove & Skokie (Greater Chicago (North)) | PreK–12 | Cognia Accredited & ISBE | Established 1989, dual suburban campuses, strong Quran memorization & science | View listing ↗ |
| Ave Sena Academy | Des Plaines (Greater Chicago (Northwest)) | PreK–8 | ISBE Registered | Elementary & middle school focus, small class sizes, individualized attention | View listing ↗ |
Analysis & Evaluation
Key Insights for Families & Community
Accreditation & State Standards
All featured full-time schools hold regional accreditation from Cognia (formerly AdvancED / North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement) and official recognition from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). This ensures that academic credits, high school transcripts, and diplomas meet standardized collegiate prerequisites nationwide.
Campus Focus and Philosophies
- STEM and Academic Rigor: Schools like CPSA in Lombard and Universal School in Bridgeview have built formidable reputations for STEM competitions, Science Olympiad, and college matriculation into top institutions including UIUC Grainger College of Engineering, Northwestern, and the University of Chicago.
- Single-Gender Leadership: Aqsa School provides a distinctive collegiate environment where young women occupy 100% of student leadership, athletic team, and academic honors positions throughout middle and high school.
- Comprehensive Community Campuses: Both Islamic Foundation School (Villa Park) and MCC Academy (Morton Grove/Skokie) integrate their schools directly with community mosques, offering daily congregational prayers, active youth halaqas, and extracurricular athletics.