A day at the Institute
Days are built around congregational prayer, structured study, and communal life.
Morning prayer
Congregational Fajr prayer followed by morning supplications.
Classes and study
Structured lessons with your teacher, followed by independent study and review, with breaks between sessions.
Islamic education program
Structured sessions based on the student's level:
- Qur'an recitation and tajweed
- Fiqh, aqidah, and ethics
- Classical and Qur'anic Arabic
Night prayer
Congregational Isha prayer and evening wrap-up, followed by lights out and quiet hours.
Sohbet and istishara
A weekly spiritual discourse (sohbet) focused on youth development and contemporary Islamic ethics, plus a weekly facility cleaning and student consultation meeting (istishara) where students share feedback with management.
Student life and boarding
A structured residential environment built around each student's health, wellbeing, and academic progress.
A home away from home
During the school year the Institute is the student's home away from home. Dorm staff work alongside each student's advisor on matters of safety, physical and emotional wellbeing, and academic progress.
Leave policy
Leaves are granted at the discretion of the boarding staff in consultation with the student's advisor, taking into account the student's health, academic standing, and conduct.
Overnight stays
Overnight outings are not permitted during the week. Overnight stays require a written request from parents, and we do not permit students to stay at residences without adult supervision.
Holidays and breaks
The program runs year-round, including through the summer. The boarding program closes only during the scheduled breaks listed in our academic calendar. Students who do not return home during these periods stay with a family member or approved custodian, or may join an organized trip.
What we expect
Punctual attendance at all congregational prayers, active engagement in daily lessons, participation in the cleaning and duty roster, and keeping personal and shared spaces orderly. Students are expected to uphold mutual respect and Islamic etiquette at all times.
Dress code
Students wear a suit during the day: a dark jacket, a light-colored long-sleeved shirt tucked in, dark dress pants, dark socks, and a tie. Outerwear stays outside the classrooms, and nightwear is worn only in the dormitory. Students keep both formal and athletic shoes.
Meals
Three balanced meals are served daily in the dining hall. Students eat together at assigned places, with proper etiquette observed and food waste avoided.
Conduct
Tobacco, alcohol, vapes, and any illegal substances are strictly prohibited, as is disruptive behavior toward staff or peers. Infractions follow a clear progression: a verbal warning, then a written warning, and in severe or persistent cases, dismissal from the program.
Boarding supply list
All books and study materials are provided by the Institute. Boarding students bring the following personal items.
Clothing
- 5 dress pants (black, navy, or blue gray)
- 5 dress shirts (navy, white, or light colors)
- 2 suits with ties (blue or black)
- 7 sets of underwear
- 7 pairs of black socks
- Dress shoes and everyday shoes
- Slippers for indoor use
- Winter coat, hat, and gloves
- Modest athletic clothing for sports
- Pajamas and a bathrobe
Bedding and towels
- 2 sets of twin bed sheets
- Pillow and pillowcases
- Blanket or comforter
- 2 bath towels and 2 hand towels
- Laundry bag or hamper
Personal care
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Shampoo, soap, and deodorant
- Comb or brush and nail clippers
- Shower caddy or toiletry bag
- Any prescription medication, clearly labeled
Study and prayer
- Personal mushaf (Qur'an)
- Prayer rug and prayer cap
- Notebooks and folders
- Pens, pencils, highlighters, and erasers
- Backpack or book bag
- Desk lamp
Other
- Water bottle
- Alarm clock
- Hangers for the closet
- Small storage bins or drawer organizers
- Umbrella
Please label all clothing and personal items with the student's name. Shirts with symbols, pictures, or writing on them are not permitted. Contact your branch before bringing electronics or appliances, as policies vary by location.
Academic calendar
UAMA Alimiyyah Program, 2026 to 2027 academic year. Classes run year-round, including through the summer, with scheduled breaks.
Dates may be adjusted. Families are notified in advance of any change. Contact your branch for the full monthly schedule.