Question 1

What is SoCal Academy of Knowledge?

Accepted Answer

SoCal Academy of Knowledge (SoCal AoK) is a nonprofit (applied for) educational institution dedicated to nurturing students through Islamic education, academic excellence, character development, and practical life skills. Our mission is to develop confident Muslims who excel in both Deen and Dunya — Qur'an, character, and real academics, under one roof.

Question 2

Is SoCal AoK a nonprofit organization?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SoCal Academy of Knowledge, Inc. is a nonprofit (applied for). We have submitted applications for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with both the IRS and the State of California.

Question 3

What makes SoCal AoK different?

Accepted Answer

We combine strong Islamic education, academic learning support, character development, and practical life skills — delivered in small classes by qualified instructors, in partnership with parents, in a safe, gender-separated environment. Our goal is to prepare students for success in this life and the Hereafter.

Question 4

Where are you located, and what are your hours?

Accepted Answer

We are located at 8414 Tampa Ave, Northridge, CA 91324. Our office is open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (818-452-5237, info@SoCalAoK.org). Classes run in the evenings and on weekends; see each program for its schedule.

Question 5

Is SoCal AoK affiliated with a masjid or larger organization?

Accepted Answer

SoCal AoK is an independent organization. It works in partnership with the local masjids and Muslim organizations in the San Fernando Valley.

Question 6

Are your programs gender-separated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We maintain a safe, gender-separated learning environment.

Question 7

What educational programs do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We currently offer: Evening Qur'an Classes (Maktab); Weekend Islamic School; Vocational & Skills Development Programs; and Youth Activities. Two additional programs — the Full-Time Hifz Program and the K-12 Homeschool Learning Support Program — are launching soon. We also host community workshops and seminars.

Question 8

What ages and grades do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Our programs serve children and youth from age six (6) through high school, as well as college and university students, with some vocational offerings open to adults and community members. Eligibility varies by program, and some require a placement assessment or interview.

Question 9

Are the Full-Time Hifz and K-12 Homeschool Support programs available now?

Accepted Answer

These two programs are launching soon. Please contact the Admissions Office or join our newsletter for start dates and enrollment openings.

Question 10

What are the Evening Qur'an Classes (Maktab)?

Accepted Answer

The Maktab (Evening Qur'an Classes) meets Monday–Thursday, 5:30–7:30 PM, providing foundational Islamic education for children who attend regular public or private school during the day. Students learn Qur'an reading and recitation with Tajweed (Nazarah and Hifz tracks), plus basic beliefs, Salah, du'as, Seerah, and Islamic manners and character. Tuition is $50/month.

Question 11

What is the Weekend School, and when does it meet?

Accepted Answer

Our Weekend School offers Islamic education for families who cannot attend weekday classes. Students study Qur'an, Islamic history and beliefs, Seerah, Islamic manners, and memorization of selected Surahs and du'as. It meets Saturdays (girls) and Sundays (boys), 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Tuition is $100/month.

Question 12

What is the difference between the Weekend School and the Maktab (Evening) program?

Accepted Answer

Both teach Islamic education, but they differ in schedule and structure. The Maktab meets on weekday evenings (Monday–Thursday) and works well alongside a full weekday school schedule; the Weekend School meets Saturday or Sunday mornings and is designed for families who prefer weekend learning.

Question 13

What is the Full-Time Hifz Program?

Accepted Answer

The Full-Time Hifz Program is a full-day program focused on Qur'an memorization (Hifz) with Ijazah-certified teachers, alongside Islamic Studies, character development, and K-12 Homeschool Learning Support. Because it is a full-time commitment, it typically requires a student assessment and parent interview for placement.

Question 14

Is the Full-Time Hifz Program the same as the K-12 Homeschool Learning Support Program?

Accepted Answer

No. These are two separate programs with different objectives and tuition. The Full-Time Hifz Program combines Qur'an memorization, Islamic Studies, character development, and K-12 learning support. The K-12 Homeschool Learning Support Program provides academic support only, with no Hifz requirement. Because the programs differ significantly, their tuition and fees are different.

Question 15

Does the K-12 Homeschool Learning Support Program become my child's school of record?

Accepted Answer

No. The K-12 Homeschool Learning Support Program supplements and supports students who are already separately enrolled in home study through an accredited educational institution (for example, LAUSD or a comparable program). SoCal AoK provides structured academic support; it is not itself your child's accredited school of record.

Question 16

Can students enroll in K-12 Homeschool Learning Support without joining Hifz?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Families who want academic support but do not wish to enroll in the Hifz program may register for the K-12 Homeschool Learning Support Program separately.

Question 17

What are the Vocational & Skills Development Programs?

Accepted Answer

These programs prepare youth and adults with practical, real-world skills for higher education, employment, and entrepreneurship — with mentorship from Muslim professionals. Offerings may include Computer Skills, Microsoft Office, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Coding, Business Skills, Financial Literacy, Career Readiness, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Marketing. Offerings vary throughout the year.

Question 18

Who can attend the Vocational Programs?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the course, these programs may be open to middle school students, high school students, college students, adults, and community members.

Question 19

What are Youth Activities?

Accepted Answer

Youth Activities offer a safe, halal environment for our youth to connect and grow — weekly halaqas and discussion circles, sports, trips, and community service — helping young people navigate modern challenges from an Islamic perspective.

Question 20

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Enrollment is a simple three-step process: (1) submit the online application on our Admissions page; (2) complete a brief placement assessment; and (3) submit your documents and registration fee to finalize enrollment. Our team will contact you regarding placement, orientation, and enrollment after you apply.

Question 21

Is there an admission interview or assessment?

Accepted Answer

Some programs — particularly the Full-Time Hifz Program — require a student assessment and parent interview to determine the best placement. Most programs include a brief Qur'an reading-level assessment.

Question 22

What documents are required?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the program, you may be asked to provide: the student's birth certificate; immunization records (if applicable); the most recent report card or transcript; a recent passport-style photo; parent identification; and emergency contact information. Additional documents may be requested during enrollment.

Question 23

Who can enroll?

Accepted Answer

Our programs are designed for children and youth across various age groups, with some vocational programs open to adults. Eligibility varies by program, and some require a placement assessment or interview.

Question 24

When can we enroll — do you have set start dates or rolling admissions?

Accepted Answer

We welcome applications year-round. Placement into a specific class depends on program schedule and availability. Contact the Admissions Office or subscribe to our newsletter for current start dates.

Question 25

Do you offer trial classes?

Accepted Answer

We may offer trial or introductory sessions for certain programs. Please contact us to ask about current opportunities.

Question 26

How do I access the parent portal after enrolling?

Accepted Answer

After your enrollment is approved, we will email you login instructions for our parent portal (parent.socalaok.org), where you can manage your student's information and payments. A few days before classes begin, you will receive a welcome message that includes your child's assigned teacher.

Question 27

How much is tuition, and is it the same for all programs?

Accepted Answer

Tuition varies by program, based on instructional hours, curriculum, staffing, and resources. Current published rates are: Evening Qur'an Classes (Maktab) — $50/month; Weekend School — $100/month. Tuition for the Full-Time Hifz and K-12 Homeschool Support programs will be announced. Please contact the Admissions Office for the latest tuition schedule.

Question 28

Is there a registration or materials fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is an annual registration/materials fee of $50 per year, in addition to monthly tuition.

Question 29

How do I pay tuition, and can I set up automatic payments?

Accepted Answer

Tuition is billed monthly. You can pay by credit or debit card or by Zelle. For card payments, you can set up automatic recurring payments (autopay) for convenience. After your enrollment is approved, you'll manage your payment method and autopay in the parent portal (parent.socalaok.org).

Question 30

Do you offer financial assistance or discounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We do not turn families away for cost. Financial aid may be available upon request for eligible families as funding permits, and sibling discounts are offered. Please contact us to discuss options.

Question 31

What is your refund or withdrawal policy?

Accepted Answer

To withdraw or pause your child's enrollment, please notify the Academy office in writing. Refund requests must be made within 30 days of enrollment; after the first 30 days following enrollment, all tuition and fees paid are non-refundable. We encourage families to contact the Admissions Office as early as possible so we can help with placement or scheduling options.

Question 32

Are donations currently tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Not at this time. SoCal Academy of Knowledge, Inc. is a nonprofit (applied for), with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt applications in progress with both the IRS and the State of California, so contributions are not tax-deductible at this time. Once the IRS issues its determination letter, contributions — including gifts made during this pending period — are expected to become tax-deductible retroactively to the extent permitted by law, and a formal acknowledgment letter will be issued to each donor. Retroactive deductibility is determined by the IRS and applicable law and cannot be guaranteed by SoCal Academy of Knowledge.

Question 33

Why should I donate, and how is my gift used?

Accepted Answer

Your support helps us provide quality Islamic education; expand our Qur'an and Hifz programs; support K-12 homeschool learning; develop future community leaders; offer scholarships to eligible students; build educational resources; and launch vocational and workforce-development programs. Gifts are directed to facility operations, financial aid, program expansion, and social events of the academy. Every contribution — a Sadaqah Jariyah — strengthens our mission of nurturing faith, knowledge, character, and lifelong learning.

Question 34

How can I donate?

Accepted Answer

You can give a one-time or monthly gift through our Donate page, in preset amounts ($50, $100, $250, $500, $1,000) or a custom amount.

Question 35

How can I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

We welcome volunteers across teaching support, events, outreach, operations, and program areas (including our Hifz program). For the safety of our students, volunteers complete the required screening and sign a liability waiver before participating on-site. Submit a Volunteer Application at socalaok.org/volunteers and contact us to get involved.

Question 36

How do I contact you or ask a question that isn't answered here?

Accepted Answer

Reach us at info@SoCalAoK.org or 818-452-5237 (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM), or use the form on our Contact page. We are happy to answer questions about our programs, admissions, and events.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Academy

Our Programs

Program Details

Admissions & Enrollment

Tuition, Fees & Payments

Donations

Getting Involved & Contact