Choosing a Quran teacher for your child is a big decision. You want someone patient, someone who teaches correctly, and someone your child is happy to learn with. Online, it can be hard to tell who is good before you pay.
After years of teaching the Quran, here is the checklist I would use as a parent.
1. One teacher, one student
In a group class, the teacher cannot hear every sound each child makes. In a one-to-one class, every letter your child reads is heard and corrected straight away. For young children especially, this makes a big difference.
2. Correct pronunciation from the very first letter
Some Arabic letters sound almost the same to English ears, but they are different. A good teacher spends time on makharij (where each letter comes from in the mouth and throat) and does not rush ahead. A mistake learned early can stay for years.
Ask the teacher: "How do you correct pronunciation?" A good teacher can explain it simply.
3. A free trial class first
You should never have to pay before you see how a teacher teaches. A free trial class lets you check three things:
- Is the teacher patient and kind with your child?
- Do they correct mistakes clearly?
- Does your child feel comfortable?
4. A clear plan, not just "come to class"
After the trial, a good academy tells you where your child should start and what the next goal is. For example: finish Noorani Qaida, then move on to reading the Quran itself in Nazra.
5. You can see the progress
Ask how you will know your child is improving. Look for:
- a short progress note every month
- permission to sit in on a class whenever you like
- checks before moving to the next lesson
6. Times that suit your family
Classes should fit around school and home life. If you live in the UK or USA, check that the teacher can offer times that work in your time zone, for example after school or at weekends.
7. Clear fees and an easy way to stop
Good academies show their fees openly and do not lock you into a long contract. You should be able to stop before the next month starts without a penalty.
Warning signs to look out for
- No free trial, or pressure to pay for several months upfront
- Large group classes sold as "personal" classes
- A teacher who rushes through letters without correcting sounds
- No way for parents to see what was taught
- Unclear fees or rules about missed classes
Questions parents often ask
What age can my child start online Quran classes?
Children usually start from age 5. In the free class we check whether your child is ready and where to begin.
Is a 30-minute class long enough?
For most children, yes. Thirty minutes is long enough to learn something new and short enough to keep a young child focused.
Can I choose a male or female teacher?
Yes. At Shaikh Islamic Academy you can choose a male or female teacher when you book.
How we do it at Shaikh Islamic Academy
Every class is one-to-one with an experienced teacher. Every student starts with a free 30-minute class with me, the founder. I listen to your child read, find the right starting point and send you a short plan. Parents can sit in on classes and receive a progress note every month. See our Quran classes for kids or book your free class.