Classes in session for 2026–2027 · Registration closed
Madinatul Ilm School
مدينة العلم
A Shia (Twelver / Ithna Ashari) Islamic Saturday school in southeast Calgary — Arabic, Quran, and Islamic studies, raising young hearts and minds that grow in knowledge, faith, and character.
Every Saturday · 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM · Grades 1–12
﴿وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا﴾
“And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” — Quran 20:114
Our subjects
What We Teach
Arabic Language
From letters to reading, writing, and grammar — taught in a clear, simplified method designed for children growing up in the West.
Learn moreQuran
Recitation with correct makhraj, tajweed, and memorization with understanding of the verses.
Learn moreIslamic Studies
Beliefs, akhlaq, fiqh, and the lives of the Prophet (s) and his Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).
Learn moreSchedule
Saturdays 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Grades
Grade 1 to grade 12
Tuition
CA$300 per student / year
Location
Southeast Calgary
About the school
Why “Madinatul Ilm”?
Our name comes from the words of the Prophet (s): “I am the City of Knowledge, and Ali is its gate.” In this small city, we open a gate for our children to the language of the Quran, the lives of the Prophet (s) and his purified Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), and the timeless values of Islam.
Madinatul Ilm is the Saturday school of Al Zahra Learning Center in southeast Calgary. We are a Shia (Twelver / Ithna Ashari) Islamic school — a weekend madrasa covering Arabic, Quran, and Islamic studies across grades 1–12. We combine serious learning with play and creative activities in a safe, loving environment — and students pray salah together every school day.
“We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.”
School year 2026–2027
Registration Is Closed — Classes Are in Session
Registration for 2026–2027 closed on September 19, 2026 and classes are now in session. We are not accepting new students this year. Registration for 2027–2028 will be announced here and on our Facebook page.
Each school year
How Registration Works
- 1
Fill out the form
One online form covers your whole family — up to 6 students.
- 2
Send the fee
E-transfer CA$300 per student to info@alzahralearningcenter.ca.
- 3
You are in
See you at school on Saturday from 10:30 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Madinatul Ilm a Shia school?
- Yes. Madinatul Ilm is a Shia (Twelver / Ithna Ashari) Islamic school, teaching in the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (s) and his Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). Families of all backgrounds in Calgary are welcome.
- What are the school hours?
- Madinatul Ilm is a weekend Islamic school — classes run every Saturday from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM, so your Sundays stay free.
- Which grades can enroll?
- The school welcomes students from grade 1 through grade 12.
- How much is registration?
- CA$300 per student for the school year, paid by e-transfer to info@alzahralearningcenter.ca.
- How do I register my children?
- Registration for 2026–2027 closed on September 19, 2026 and we are not accepting new students this year. Next year’s registration will be announced on this site and on our Facebook page.
- What do students learn?
- Arabic language, Quran recitation and memorization, and Islamic studies and values in the Shia (Twelver) tradition of the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) — in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment that combines learning with play and creative activities. Students also pray salah together.
- Where is the school located?
- At Al Zahra Learning Center, 3750 46 Ave SE #109, Calgary, AB T2B 0L1, in southeast Calgary.