Islamic Schools vs. Public Schools: A Case Study of the School Choices of Muslim Parents and the Social and Academic Experiences of Students and Young Adults.

摘要

The purpose of this study is to look at the school choices of Muslim parents in New Jersey and the social and academic experiences of Muslim students and young adults. The participants included 90 Muslim parents, 126 Muslim young adults, and 52 Muslim students currently attending a public, private, or Islamic school. Participants completed surveys, and a few were administered interviews that included questions pertaining to the purpose of this study. Findings showed that Muslim parents who choose Islamic schools do so to teach their child (children) about Islam and to surround them with other Muslims; whereas, Muslim parents who chose public schools do so for the quality of education. Overall, this study demonstrated that most Muslim students in either Islamic or public schools didn't encounter social challenges any different than other students; in addition, an overload of schoolwork was reported as an academic challenge.