About Us
Welcome to Ottawa Islamic School, where faith meets excellence in education.
For nearly four decades, we have been nurturing young minds and hearts in the beautiful city of Ottawa. What began as a dream shared by dedicated community leaders in 1987 has blossomed into a thriving educational institution that serves families from across the greater Ottawa/Carleton region.
At Ottawa Islamic School, we believe that every child deserves an education that honors both their academic potential and their Islamic identity. Our students don’t just learn but grow into confident, compassionate leaders who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world.
Whether you’re a parent seeking the best for your child’s future, a student ready to embark on an exciting educational journey, or a community member looking to support Islamic education, you’ll find a warm welcome here. We invite you to explore what makes our school special and discover how we can help your family thrive.
Our Vision
To be the leading Islamic educational institution in Canada, graduating confident Muslim leaders who excel academically while remaining firmly rooted in their faith and committed to serving humanity.
Our Mission
Ottawa Islamic School provides comprehensive Islamic education that integrates the complete Ontario curriculum with authentic Islamic teachings, Arabic language instruction, and Quranic studies. We create a nurturing environment where students from diverse Muslim backgrounds develop strong academic foundations, deep spiritual connections, and the character needed to succeed in this world and the hereafter.
Our Core
Values
1. Faith-Centered Learning
We place Islamic values at the heart of everything we do, ensuring our students develop both intellectual knowledge and spiritual wisdom.
2. Academic Excellence
We maintain the highest educational standards, preparing our students for success in post-secondary education and meaningful careers.
3. Inclusivity and Unity
We celebrate the rich diversity of the Muslim Ummah, welcoming students and families from all corners of the Islamic world.
4. Community Service
We nurture honesty, compassion, responsibility, and leadership qualities that will serve our students throughout their lives.
5. Character Development
We instill in our students the importance of giving back to their communities and making positive contributions to society.
Our History
Ottawa Islamic School began in 1987 with a simple yet powerful vision: to create a place where Muslim children could receive quality education while staying true to their Islamic identity. Founded by visionary leaders in Ottawa, the school opened as a non-profit institution (Waqf Lillah), driven by service to the community.
From modest beginnings, OIS steadily grew. What started as a small elementary program expanded into four schools—Kindergarten, Elementary, Junior, and High School. We also established a Friday prayer Musalla, becoming a community hub for families.
A major milestone was the approval of our Islamic Studies courses for Grades 9 and 12 (HRE13 & HRE34) by the Ontario Ministry of Education—recognizing our dedication to academic excellence within an Islamic framework.
Who We Are Today
Today, Ottawa Islamic School stands as a leading Islamic educational institution in Canada. We are the only Islamic high school in North America offering full gender-separated classes from Grades 9 to 12.
Our students learn the full Ontario curriculum alongside Arabic, Islamic Studies, and Quran memorization—nurturing both academic and spiritual growth. We are a registered charity and continue to serve a diverse, vibrant Muslim community.
With a 99% graduation rate and 90% of students continuing to post-secondary education, OIS remains committed to developing the next generation of confident, faithful, and capable leaders.
Why Choose Us?
1. Complete Educational Pathway
From Kindergarten through Grade 12, plus Friday prayer Musalla.
2. Ministry Approval
Official recognition for our Islamic Studies courses (HRE13 & HRE34)
3. Balanced Islamic Education
A daily routine of Quran reading, salah, and academics for balanced faith and learning.
4. Outstanding Results
99% graduation rate with 90% of graduates entering universities.
Land Acknowledgement
Ottawa Islamic School stands on the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. We recognize and thank the Algonquin Nation for their care and connection to this land since time immemorial.
As a school guided by faith and community, we believe in justice, respect, and compassion. And we acknowledge the injustices faced by Indigenous Peoples and commit to learning from the past to help create a better future.
We continue to stand with the Algonquin, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities on the path toward healing, understanding, and reconciliation.