Frequently Asked Questions
For your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of the questions we hear most frequently. We also invite you to review our student handbook for more details or for clarification on our policies. If you still have questions, give us a call—we’re happy to help!
What time does school begin?
- All students must arrive at school by 8:20 a.m.
- Students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. must report to the office for a pass and will be marked tardy. A middle or high school student with an unexcused tardy must conduct community service during lunch.
What is the Canvas Management System?
Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) simplifies teaching and learning by bringing together the digital tools teachers, students, and parents use. It helps us all stay organized and informed.
- Grades
- Assignments
- Materials
- Email notifications
- Announcements
What is the school’s uniform policy?
Kindergarten through 12th-grade students must arrive in full uniform on the first day of school.
We use Lands’ End as our school uniform supplier.
- Log into the Lands’ End website.
- Create your account using our Preferred School Number, 900168295.
- Add the student’s information.
- Begin shopping with your personalized product checklist.
- If you need help, contact Lands’ End Customer Service at 800-469-2222.
Footwear for All Students
All students must wear plain, solid black, soft-soled, closed-toe, low-heeled flats, tennis shoes, dress, or canvas shoes without any other color. A small, discreet brand name is acceptable. Soles may be black or white. Laces must be black or white. Students may wear any color socks which cover the ankle and are not sheer; footie socks are not permitted.
Boys Kindergarten–Grade 12
Plain, loose-fitting, navy or black dress pants (no jeans, sports pants, pants with stretchy cuffs, tight, or sagging pants), or shorts). Gray polo long/short-sleeve with logo, plain navy sweater, vest, or hoodie with logo. All uniform items must be ordered from Land’s End. Jewelry is not acceptable for boys. Middle and high school boys must change to gym clothes (gym pants and t-shirt) for gym class. Boys may not wear jewelry.
Girls Kindergarten–Grade 4
Plain navy jumper with logo and white or light blue long/short-sleeved blouse, plain navy dress, or indicated plaid jumper with logo from Land’s End must be worn. Girls must wear white or navy tights or navy legging with any color socks. Plain navy sweatpants may be worn only in winter. Sweaters, hoodies, and vests worn in the classroom must have logo and be from Lands End. Jewelry of any kind is strongly discouraged.
Grade 5 Girls
Plain navy blue jumper, plaid jumper, or plaid skirt (must be midi-length at least falling below the knee). A white two-piece hijab or hijab with underpiece attached is required for girls in grade 5. Note: the Lands End skirt is only permitted for girls in grade 5. Relaxed fit or boot cut leggings may be worn under the skirt or jumper.
Girls 6th–12th Grade
Plain navy or black ankle length Abaya/Kurti (knee length) with matching pants which must have the MIA logo and must be purchased directly from MIA. Under the ankle-length abaya any plain navy or black pants or leggings may be worn (no jeans); under knee length Kurti, the matching uniform pants must be worn. Girls can choose a navy sweater, vest, blazer, or hoodie with logo from Land’s End. The hijab for middle and high school girls may be any style, plain white, black, or light gray with a matching under piece. Students must wear a pin/magnet to close their hijab. The student’s neck and ears should not be exposed. No ankle socks shall be worn. Up to two pieces of jewelry is permitted but not encouraged. Make-up or nail polish is not permitted. Middle and high school girls must change to gym clothes (gym pants and t-shirt) for gym class.
Friday Dress Days
On Fridays, students may wear their finest clothing in observance of our weekly Islamic holiday.
For more detailed information about our uniform and dress policy, please see the Student Handbook.
Can MIA students drive to school?
Yes. Students who drive to school must park to the far right of the entrance. We only allow students to transport classmates with written permission from both parents.
Does MIA offer student transportation to and from school and extracurricular activities?
Yes, we outsource our transportation to a third party. They offer transportation in Ann Arbor, Canton, and Farmington Hills. If you have questions regarding transportation, please email or call Abdallah Jaber at 734-717-5970.
We offer transportation to all our field trips and sports events. This service comes with an additional cost. You’ll find the information on the Google permission forms we send to families before these excursions.
What if my child is ill?
If your child is ill, please call our office to let us know. Please check FACTS for their missed assignments. If your child is in middle or high school, please refer to the Student Handbook for details about making up coursework in the event of illness.
If they become ill or injured during school hours, we will call you or, if we cannot reach you, the emergency contact person to take them home. Please be sure we have an up-to-date emergency contact person on the first day of school.
May students carry a cell phone and other electronic devices at school?
Students may bring their laptops or tablets to use during class only if the teacher requires it. Students may only carry cell phones, hand-held games, enhanced watches, calculators, and other devices capable of storing information and/or connecting to the internet at school if a teacher specifically authorizes it.
Does Michigan Islamic Academy serve lunch?
MIA students may purchase a hot lunch every Monday for only $5.00. We serve pizza on Wednesdays for $1.50 per slice. (We do not serve meals during Ramadan.)
When was MIA built?
Michigan Islamic Academy was first established in 1985. We invite you to learn more about our history.
How will I know what subjects my child will learn this year?
At MIA, we follow each grade’s Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations. Please see our Academics page for more details.
Is MIA accredited?
AdvancED accredits Michigan Islamic Academy through the North Central Association. The Michigan Department of Education recognizes us as a private academic institution.
Does MIA conduct student assessments throughout the year?
Teachers conduct ongoing and formal assessments throughout the year. We issue report cards at the end of each term and send periodic progress reports to parents. Students in grades 3 through 9 also take annual M-Step tests, and students in grade 11 take the Michigan Merit Exams (MME).
Is it necessary to schedule an appointment to see the facility and/or talk to the teachers?
For our students’ safety and security, Michigan Islamic Academy has a closed campus policy. To visit our campus, you may arrange a tour of our facility. Parents who want to schedule an appointment with their child’s teacher may call the school office to make arrangements.
What are the typical class sizes at MIA?
We are pleased to offer a low student-to-teacher ratio. The average class ratio is 16:1 for elementary students and 20:1 for middle and high school students.
Does Michigan Islamic Academy offer extracurricular activities?
MIA offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including a student government organization, an elementary boys soccer team, basketball teams for middle and high school (based on student participation), a newsletter club, a health club, and the Model United Nations. MIA also offers academic clubs such as the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society, and the Elementary Honor Society. Please see our Clubs & Activities page for more information.
How can parents get involved?
We welcome your involvement! We encourage Michigan Islamic Academy parents to volunteer 20 hours of service to our school. We also feature a flourishing Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) with many opportunities for parents to volunteer and coordinate various school projects. Please see the PTO page for more information.
What is the dismissal process?
MIA uses an app called Pikmykid for dismissal. They announce their arrival via Pikmykid and MIA releases students to their parents/guardians.