Motto: We Rise to Greatness
Location: 2702 N. 27th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
School Leader: Mrs. April Slater, Founder/Principal
Year Established: 2024
Grades Served: KG–8th
Current Enrollment: 20 students
Website: www.sunshinelearningacademy.org
In the heart of Phoenix, Arizona, Sunshine Learning Academy is lighting the way for Islamic education with its inspiring motto, “We Rise to Greatness.” Founded in 2024 by Mrs. April Slater, the school currently serves grades K–8, blending academic excellence with a nurturing, values-based environment. To learn more about their vision, journey, and hopes for the future, we reached out to the Sunshine Learning Academy team. Here’s what they shared with us about their school.
Nurturing Faith and Learning
At Sunshine Learning Academy, faith and academics are seamlessly intertwined to ensure students are nurtured in mind, body, and spirit. Daily practices are built around Islamic values—students begin and end each school day with Al-Fatiha, pause to pray Zuhra, and regularly make dua for those in need.
The rhythm of the school year also reflects this commitment. Sunshine closes during the last ten days of Ramadan to prioritize worship and family, and students and staff celebrate Eid together with time away from classes. Fridays conclude with early release so families can attend Jummah prayer together, strengthening bonds between school, home, and community.
Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught every day, giving students the tools to connect more deeply with their faith and heritage while building character rooted in respect, kindness, and responsibility.
Celebrating Achievements
Although Sunshine Learning Academy opened its doors in 2024, the school has already achieved significant milestones. Most notably, the school received a $10,000 grant from the VELA Education Fund.
This grant has allowed Sunshine to expand learning beyond the classroom walls. Students now enjoy monthly field trips that bring lessons to life, as well as enrichment programs like karate classes, drumming workshops, and enhanced curriculum resources. These initiatives support both academic growth and creative exploration, helping students to “rise to greatness” in diverse ways.
Supporting Student Growth and Character
Character development is central to Sunshine’s mission. Each week, the school acknowledges a Student of the Week—a recognition not based solely on academics, but on traits such as good character, kindness, and respect for peers, teachers, and guests.
This emphasis ensures that students understand success is not just measured by grades, but also by the way they treat others and uphold values of compassion and integrity. It is a reminder that education is not simply about what children know, but about who they are becoming.
Engaging Families as Partners
Parents and families are welcomed as active members of the Sunshine community. An open-door policy ensures families can drop in anytime to discuss matters of importance, reinforcing the school’s culture of accessibility and collaboration.
Monthly family potlucks provide opportunities for parents, students, and staff to connect beyond the classroom, share meals, and build lasting relationships. These gatherings strengthen the sense of ummah—a united community striving together for the success and well-being of all children.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth
Sunshine Learning Academy has ambitious goals for the future. With enrollment steadily growing, Principal April Slater envisions moving into a larger facility to better serve families in Phoenix. The school plans to expand programming to include preschool and eventually high school, ensuring students can continue their educational journey within the supportive and faith-centered environment that Sunshine provides.
The vision is clear: build a school that not only educates but uplifts generations, empowering students to rise to greatness in every aspect of their lives.
Voices from the Community
One of the best ways to understand the heart of Sunshine Learning Academy is through the voices of those it serves:
From a Student: “I love field trip day.”
From a Parent: “I can no longer spell things out to my husband that I don’t want my kinder student to know because he understands what I am spelling.”
These simple yet powerful testimonials reflect both the joy students feel in their learning and the meaningful progress parents witness at home.
Join the ISLA Community
Sunshine Learning Academy is proud to be part of the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA) network, connecting with schools nationwide that are dedicated to excellence in faith-based education.
Through ISLA membership, schools gain access to professional development opportunities, leadership retreats, and a collaborative community of educators who are shaping the future of Islamic education. We encourage other schools to join ISLA and benefit from these valuable resources and connections.
➡️ Learn more and become a member: https://theisla.org/membership/
Conclusion
Sunshine Learning Academy may be a young school, but it is already making a lasting impact in Phoenix. Rooted in faith, dedicated to academic and character excellence, and committed to strong family partnerships, Sunshine embodies its motto—We Rise to Greatness.
As the school continues to grow, its vision of shaping students who are confident, compassionate, and connected to their faith will inspire both its own community and the broader network of Islamic schools across the country.
To learn more about Sunshine Learning Academy, visit www.sunshinelearningacademy.org
