Islamic schools prepared to start year in new Amherstburg building

Two new Islamic schools in Amherstburg say they are ready for the quickly approaching school year in their new building.

A new home for Windsor’s Islamic schools is ready to open just in time for the new academic year.

Representatives for the An-Noor Private School and Windsor Islamic High School cut the ribbon Sunday at the former Western Secondary School in Amherstburg.

They were joined by members of the Windsor Islamic Association (WIA) and elected representatives from all levels of government.

“So, in the current facility we can accommodate about 600 students,” said Dr. Osman Tarabain, a member of the WIA’s board of directors.

As of Sunday, about 350 students are enrolled in the elementary school, and 80 students are starting the year at the high school.

Student population has outgrown the private school’s current site on Janette Avenue, which was bought in 2003.

Expanded capacity across the 95,000 square feet is expected to draw families from outside of Windsor-Essex.

“We have been approached by families from the Toronto area who are looking to relocate to this region, and the first thing they ask about are schools,” Tarabain said.

“Many have expressed interest in this particular school and wanted to know whether this was opening in September, so they can decide accordingly.”

Earlier this month, the WIA confirmed the acquisition of the property from the Greater Essex County District School Board.

After closing in June 2022, the property was listed for sale in the fall of 2024.

Since the purchase, about $300,000 has been spent on cleaning, painting, and renovations for classrooms and washrooms.

“There’ll be some renovations done in the back, and it’s not going to affect the function of the schools,” Tarabain said about the remaining work.

The two schools will consist of about 25 staff members to start the year.

As the population continues to grow, the WIA expects the property size will allow for an expansion to meet the demand.