Where Faith, Character, and Learning Grow Together
The Islamic School of Columbia Missouri (ISCM) is an ISLA school member serving families in Columbia, Missouri with a strong commitment to Islamic values, character development, and academic growth. Established in 1998, ISCM serves students from daycare through sixth grade and currently enrolls 73 students under the leadership of Principal Solieman Salhab.
ISCM’s school motto captures the heart of its community: “We are Islamic School STARR’s. We are Safe, Team players, A Learner, Respectful, and Responsible.” This guiding frameworkshapes how students learn, interact, and grow—academically, spiritually, and socially.
Living Islamic values every day
At ISCM, Islamic values are not limited to the classroom—they are lived daily. One of the school’s signature practices is Green Deen, where every Thursday before dismissal, students clean the masjid grounds and school grounds. This hands-on experience teaches students that caring for the environment is part of their responsibility as Muslims.
Students also engage in a Hadith of the Week program, with each grade presenting and discussing hadith, Quranic ayat, Islamic values, and the Sunnah. These presentations build confidence, deepen understanding, and allow students to learn from one another while strengthening their connection to Islam.
Milestones, diversity, and a shared love of faith
Each school day at ISCM begins with remembrance of Allah. Every morning, students recite Ayat al-Kursi, the four Quls, du‘a, and the Islamic date together—grounding the day in faith before academic learning begins.
ISCM is especially proud of the diversity within its school community. This year alone, the school serves students and teachers from 20 different countries. To celebrate this unity, students learned how to say “I love Allah and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ” in many languages, including Malay, Indonesian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Turkish, Pashto, Urdu, Farsi, and more. While languages and cultures differ, students are reminded that their love for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ unites them.
Building character and student well-being
Character development is central to the ISCM experience. Each month, the school highlights a specific value exemplified by the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, while continuing to reinforce values introduced earlier in the year. These teachings help students connect Islamic character to real-life behavior.
ISCM also hosts Award Assemblies, recognizing students who demonstrate behaviors aligned with the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. These celebrations reinforce positive actions and show students that living their faith is something to be honored and encouraged.
Families as partners in the school community
Parents and families play an active role at ISCM. Families volunteer through the PTA, support fundraising efforts, chaperone school trips, and help plan whole-school events. This strong partnership between home and school creates a nurturing environment where students feel supported by a caring community invested in their success.
Voices from the ISCM community
Students consistently share how ISCM makes them feel safe, supported, and inspired.
“One reason I love the ISCM is the teachers push me to be better. Another reason is that my friends make me feel like I am in a safe place. And I love learning about Islam,” shared Amaal Bashri, a fourth-grade student.
Another fourth grader, Nuraisya Fitra, added, “I love that we learn more advanced things than public school does. The teachers are really nice and learning is fun!”
Parents echo this impact. One parent shared, “Islamic School of Columbia Missouri has nurtured my child’s growth in every way—strengthening character, deepening faith, and inspiring a genuine love of learning.”
Accreditation and commitment to quality
ISCM is accredited by the Missouri Nonpublic School Accrediting Association (MNSAA) (www.moqualityschools.com) and the Council of Islamic Schools in North America (CISNA) (https://cisnausa.org/). These accreditations reflect ISCM’s commitment to academic excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement within an Islamic framework.
Looking ahead and growing through ISLA
Looking to the future, ISCM’s goal is to enhance students’ learning experiences, build strong Muslim identities, and provide real-life experiences that prepare students to become future Muslim leaders.
ISCM is an ISLA school member because, as the school shared:
“To broaden our staff/teacher knowledge on how to give instruction, manage classroom behavior, and teach students according to the Islamic values/mannerisms, and according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.”
Through ISLA, ISCM benefits from research, professional development, and relationships that strengthen educators and school leadership.
Connect with Islamic School of Columbia Missouri (ISCM)
Address: 408 Locust Street, Columbia, MO 65201
Email: office@theiscm.net
Phone: 1-573-442-1556
Follow ISCM on social media:
Facebook: Islamic School of Columbia Missouri – ISCM
Instagram: @iscmschool
Become an ISLA school member
Islamic School of Columbia Missouri is one of more than 120 Islamic schools that are members of ISLA. ISLA school membership provides access to research, resources, and relationships that help schools strengthen instruction, leadership, and community impact.
To learn more about becoming an ISLA school member and joining this national network, visit:
https://theisla.org/membership/
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