El-Ber Islamic School, Queens | Fees, Rankings, Address, Admission, Vacancies, Reviews & More

I have one child that attends kindergarten. From the very beginning, the secretary and teachers are always available for communication. They are all very professional and clear in conversation. I appreciate that my child has learned to recite Surahs from the Quran, and can read / write Arabic. As well, my child is at a perfect level on other areas of education, such as reading, writing, and math. New material is being taught and my child comes home with work that was completed at school for me to see and review .
On the very first day of school the two teachers introduced themselves and emailed me their information, extending their availability if ever needed to discuss questions or concerns. The secretary always greets the children and parent warmly upon arrival and from what I have seen, always, sanitizes children’s hands and takes temperature readings. I
Mention this because I understand that due to COVID-19, parents may have concerns about screening at schools and safety measures. I was one of them. She is very professional In sending home memos that pertain to the school participation and year. She also provided a very clear breakdown of the payment plan for tuition. The money is worth it for the quality, education, and dedication that is put onto the children. It is so genuine that one feels safe leaving their child there. In fact at dismissal the children are lined up Inside the school in an orderly fashion, and in a calm manner , so as to protect our children from wandering away during the very hectic time of dismissal. Staff seem To be alert and I feel very safe. Lastly, I am very pleased the school protects children’s privacy by not posting pictures without a parents consent . Most certainly they ask the parent to sign a form during registration, which was explained to me first, Either allowing or not allowing such photos to be taken and/ or posted . Another nice addition is that my child prays with her classmates before leaving school, thus teaching her good habits from The very beginning. Needless to say, I am a very pleased parent. I myself went to private school and I see the group and quality effort put into protecting, educating, and communicating with the children as well as parent.

I was interested in the 3k program for my son. They didn’t give any access to the inside of the building for parents. There was no Zoom meeting, tour of the classroom or meet and greet with the teachers-at all. I met with Terry once, to give the paperwork for registration and that’s was it. A school where I would have potentially left my 3 year old child.

Also, I find it strange that Terry Elzoery has posted a 5 star review about the school. The reason for this, is because “Theresa Elzoery” a.k.a Terry, is the Secretary ( her title as she signed it in the email I received from El-Ber). Shouldn’t staff include that they are staff members when giving such reviews?

The only communication after giving the registration paperwork, was via email, informing me that the first day of school was changed. I called Terry several times, she never returned my calls. My requests for a Zoom to see the teachers and classroom were denied by Mohammed. Another staff member told me I would get access on the first day of school.

The first day of school, Mohammed (I believe, the director), tells me that I can’t see the classroom until the end of the day. He goes on to say that none of the 3k programs are allowing parents to enter the buildings.

They were also very unprepared, I saw teachers walking in, after the parents were there waiting in front of the school. My child will be attending another 3k program in a district school. I was given an entire orientation on the same day of registration. I met the teachers, saw the classroom, bathroom and inside of where my child will be for the next 10 months.

I am not ignorant to the current state of affairs with covid. I have requested a Zoom meeting with Mohammed and staff beforehand but even that simple request could not be fulfilled. Simply disappointing.