In this article
- 1. Who Are the Teachers, and What Are Their Qualifications?
- 2. Are Female Teachers Available?
- 3. Are Classes One-to-One or in Groups?
- 4. Can Classes Fit My US Time Zone?
- 5. How Long Is Each Class, and How Often?
- 6. Is There a Free Trial?
- 7. How Will I Know My Child Is Progressing?
- 8. Is There a Clear Path from Beginner to Advanced?
- 9. What Are the Prices and the Refund Policy, in Writing?
- 10. In Which Language Does the Teacher Explain?
- Extra Questions When the Student Is a Child
- Extra Questions for Adults and New Muslims
- Red Flags to Watch For
- A Simple Way to Compare
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
The best online Quran academy for your family is the one whose teachers are qualified, whose classes fit your time zone, and whose progress you can actually see. Rankings and “top 10” lists rarely tell you that. Instead, ask every academy the same ten questions and compare the answers. Below, each question explains what a good answer looks like and how Elbayan Academy answers it.
1. Who Are the Teachers, and What Are Their Qualifications?
What to look for: formal Islamic study and an Ijazah in Quran recitation. An Ijazah with a Sanad means the teacher was certified by a teacher before them, in a connected chain.
Our answer: all teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University, and all hold an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Elbayan Academy is an independent academy and is not part of Al-Azhar.
2. Are Female Teachers Available?
What to look for: a clear yes, not “we will try”. Many families want a female teacher for daughters, sisters and mothers.
Our answer: yes. The sisters memorization course is taught by female teachers only, for female students. See our women’s program.
3. Are Classes One-to-One or in Groups?
What to look for: in Quran reading, the student must read aloud and be corrected. One-to-one gives the most reading time.
Our answer: all classes are one-to-one.
4. Can Classes Fit My US Time Zone?
What to look for: teachers available at the hours your family is free, including late evenings and weekends in Pacific time.
Our answer: classes run 24/7. Our USA time-zone guide shows how Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific times convert to Cairo time.
5. How Long Is Each Class, and How Often?
What to look for: a length that suits the student. Young children focus best in short sessions; frequency matters more than length.
Our answer: classes are 30 minutes. Plans are 8 classes a month (2 a week) or 16 classes (4 a week).
6. Is There a Free Trial?
What to look for: a trial with no card details, so you can judge the teacher before paying.
Our answer: yes, a free trial class with no payment.
7. How Will I Know My Child Is Progressing?
What to look for: written reports and clear milestones, not just “doing well”.
Our answer: a monthly progress report, and a certificate of appreciation at the end of each stage.
8. Is There a Clear Path from Beginner to Advanced?
What to look for: a curriculum that starts with reading and leads to Tajweed, memorization and, for those who want it, an Ijazah.
Our answer: beginners start with the Noor Al-Bayan course, then move to the recitation and Tajweed course and Hifz classes. Advanced students can earn an Ijazah in Hafs from Asim and study the Ten Qiraat, both Sughra and Kubra.
9. What Are the Prices and the Refund Policy, in Writing?
What to look for: published prices in US dollars and a refund policy you can read before paying.
Our answer: $5 per class; $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16; 20% off annual plans; 10% family discount. Refunds: full refund within 7 days if no class was taken or after the first class; remaining balance after 2 to 4 classes; no refund after 4 classes. More detail in affordable Quran classes in the USA.
10. In Which Language Does the Teacher Explain?
What to look for: for most American children, explanations in English, with Arabic used for the Quran itself.
Our answer: classes are taught in English, Arabic and French.
Extra Questions When the Student Is a Child
- From what age do you teach? At Elbayan Academy, children start from 6 years old.
- How do you keep young children engaged? Short 30-minute classes, praise for effort, and a certificate of appreciation at the end of each stage help.
- Should a parent stay nearby? For young children, a parent in the room during the first classes helps them settle in and keeps the device working.
- Does the teacher explain in English? Children raised in the US usually understand best when explanations are in English and the Arabic is reserved for the Quran itself.
Extra Questions for Adults and New Muslims
- Can I start from zero? Adults who cannot read Arabic start with the letters, exactly like children, but at an adult pace.
- Can classes fit my work schedule? With classes running 24/7, early-morning, lunch-break and late-night slots are possible in every US time zone.
- Can I learn Arabic as well as the Quran? Many adults combine Tajweed with Arabic for adults to understand what they recite.
- Is a female teacher available for me? Sisters can choose a female teacher.
Red Flags to Watch For
- No information about who the teachers are or what they studied.
- Prices you only learn after giving card details.
- No refund policy, or one that is only explained by phone.
- Promises of a fixed result by a fixed date, regardless of the student’s level.
- Group classes presented as one-to-one.
A Simple Way to Compare
Write the ten questions in a note, send them to two or three academies, and take a trial class with each. Watch how much of the trial your child spends reading aloud, and whether mistakes are corrected kindly and clearly. That trial will tell you more than any ranking.
Explore our online Quran classes for kids, our classes for adults, or read more about Elbayan Academy.
Start with a Free Trial Class
Elbayan Academy teaches one-to-one, 30-minute online classes with certified teachers from Al-Azhar University, each holding an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Female teachers are available, classes run 24/7, and you receive a monthly progress report. Plans are $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16. Book a free trial class on WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best online Quran academy in the USA?
Compare academies on teacher qualifications, one-to-one classes, time-zone fit, a free trial, progress reports, clear prices and a written refund policy, then take a trial class.
What qualifications should an online Quran teacher have?
Look for formal Islamic study and an Ijazah in Quran recitation with a connected Sanad. At Elbayan Academy all teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University and hold an Ijazah with a Sanad.
Is Elbayan Academy part of Al-Azhar?
No. Elbayan Academy is an independent online academy based in Cairo. Its teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University.
Are online Quran classes one-to-one?
At Elbayan Academy, all classes are one-to-one and 30 minutes long.
Can I try a class before paying?
Yes. The first class is a free trial with no payment.
