Islamic Charter School in MN Responds to Public Need

December 5, 2004

Source: Grand Folks Herald

Wire Service: AP

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/news/state/10346467.htm

On December 5, 2004 the Associated Press reported, "in the middle of a Twin Cities suburb, more than 200 Muslim students study their own heritage and culture, and most importantly, they feel they belong. When Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy opened its doors for the second year this fall in the former Inver Grove Heights Elementary School, the Islamic charter school had 765 applicants for about 215 seats in kindergarten through fifth grade. Forty of 50 spots for next year's kindergarten class are already reserved. Eight 2-year-olds already have been signed up for the 2007 kindergarten class... Islamic private and charter schools are springing up around the nation as the American Muslim community grows. More than 80 such schools now operate in the United States, according to the Islamic Schools' League of America."