Choosing a school is a big decision! I remember when I was deciding with my parents which high school I should go to, I weighed all my options carefully and wanted to make an informed decision. Some go to public school, private catholic school, home school, or Islamic school. Here is a simple guide about different things you should think about and consider when you choose a junior high or high school.

There are two major categories you need to think about: you and the school. Everything can be boiled down to these two categories.

Below is a series of questions you can ask yourself to see if the school is a good fit for you! Ask others who went to the school and ask them about their experience too! You can make a pros/cons list and discuss the options with your friends and family. After brainstorming, think about what is important to you and your parents, make dua and pray Istikhara!

YOU:

• Personality: Are you quiet and keep to yourself? Are you outgoing? Do you prefer mixed or separate genders? What environment do you think you will thrive in? Are you confident or easily influenced?

• Learning: Do you learn best with a lot of extra tutors and support? Do you like a lot of students in the classroom or do you like smaller groups? Do you plan on taking AP classes or honors classes? Do you want to learn certain skills or topics (for your career and/or deen)?

• Friendships: Which friends are going to my school? Do I make friends easily? Are there people who I can be friends with at this particular school? Are these friends going to make me a better person?

• Deen: Will I grow as a person and become a better Muslim at this school? Is there opportunities or time to learn about Islam? Will getting exposure to other religions or ideologies strengthen or weaken my faith?

SCHOOL:

• Academics: Does this school offer classes that are important to me? Is this school academically strong? Does it offer subjects at different difficulty levels? Does it offer the opportunity to take classes for college credit? Are there opportunities for technical skills or positions to easily transition to the workforce? Are there opportunities to learn Islamic Studies, Arabic, or Tajweed?

• Sports: Can I be physically active at this school? Are there sports teams available for me that I can join? Are their varsity or junior varsity level sports?

• Extracurricular Activities: Are there clubs and teams that I can join? Is speech and debate, robotics, science fair, foreign language clubs, or volunteering opportunities available? Are there organizations that will enrich my high school experience?

• Teachers: Are the teachers tolerant and qualified? Are they good teachers and care about their students? Will the teachers role model the behavior I want to have?

• Cost: Is the cost of this school in my parents' budget? Is there additional cost for extracurricular activities, sports, uniforms, or books?

• Location: Is the school close to your home? Is bus or transportation included in tuition? Do your parents have to drive you everyday? Is the school in a safe environment?

Remember, it is an individual choice for each person and their family. There is no right or wrong answer, but there is a school that is right for you. All the best iA!