In this article
- Canada’s Time Zones and Cairo
- After-School Schedules That Work
- Planning Around the Canadian School Year
- Children Who Speak English or French
- What Children Learn
- A First Month for a Beginner in Toronto
- Siblings and Family Plans
- Tips to Keep Kids Engaged
- Female Teachers
- Prices in US Dollars
- About the Teachers
- Start with a Free Trial Class
- Frequently Asked Questions
Children across Canada can take one-to-one online Quran classes with a qualified teacher from home, whether they live in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary or Vancouver. Classes run 24/7, so the only planning needed is converting your preferred after-school time. This guide covers Canada’s time zones, schedules that fit the school year, and what classes cost.
Canada’s Time Zones and Cairo
Elbayan Academy is based in Cairo. For most of the year, Cairo is ahead of Canada by:
| Time zone | Main cities | Hours behind Cairo | A 4:30 PM class is, in Cairo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland | St. John’s | 5.5 | 10:00 PM |
| Atlantic | Halifax, Moncton | 6 | 10:30 PM |
| Eastern | Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Mississauga | 7 | 11:30 PM |
| Central | Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon | 8 | 12:30 AM |
| Mountain | Calgary, Edmonton | 9 | 1:30 AM |
| Pacific | Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria | 10 | 2:30 AM |
Canada and Egypt change their clocks on different dates, so for a few weeks in spring and autumn the gap is one hour smaller. Most of Saskatchewan does not change its clocks at all, so its gap with Cairo shifts by an hour during the year. Agree your class time in your local time and double-check it when clocks change.
After-School Schedules That Work
Canadian elementary schools usually finish around 3:00 to 3:30 PM. Common patterns:
- Two classes a week (8 a month, $40): Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 PM. Ideal for beginners aged 6 to 9.
- Four classes a week (16 a month, $80): Monday to Thursday at 6:00 PM. For children memorizing the Quran.
- Weekend mornings: Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM, for families with hockey, swimming or other weekday activities.
Planning Around the Canadian School Year
- September: a good time to start, with a fresh routine.
- Winter break: children are home and rested, a good time for revision.
- March break: keep normal slots if you are at home, and check class times after the clocks change.
- Summer: some families move to 16 classes a month for faster progress, then return to 8 in September.
- Long winter evenings: an indoor routine like a short Quran class can be easier to keep than activities that need travel in snow.
Children Who Speak English or French
Classes are taught in English, Arabic and French. Children in English-medium schools follow easily. French-speaking families in Quebec and elsewhere can choose classes taught in French. Most of each lesson is the child reading and the teacher correcting, so language matters less as reading improves.
What Children Learn
- Reading from the letters with the Noor Al-Bayan course, from 6 years old.
- Tajweed: see Tajweed for children.
- Hifz: Quran Hifz classes for kids, with steady revision.
- Arabic: Arabic for kids.
A First Month for a Beginner in Toronto
- Week 1: level check and the first letters, Tuesday and Thursday at 4:30 PM Eastern.
- Week 2: more letters and joining.
- Week 3: short vowels, with ten minutes of daily practice at home.
- Week 4: simple joined words and the first monthly progress report.
Siblings and Family Plans
Each child has their own one-to-one class and plan, so siblings at different levels never hold each other back. Back-to-back slots, for example 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM, keep the evening simple for parents. A 10% family discount applies when more than one family member studies.
Tips to Keep Kids Engaged
- Keep the same days and times every week.
- Prepare the tablet, headphones and book before class.
- Practise ten minutes a day on days without a class.
- Celebrate each certificate of appreciation at the end of a stage.
- Read the monthly report together and set one small goal.
Female Teachers
Female teachers are available for girls. Mothers can also learn with a female teacher in the women’s program.
Prices in US Dollars
- $5 per 30-minute one-to-one class.
- $40 a month for 8 classes, or $80 for 16.
- 20% off annual plans, and a 10% family discount for siblings.
- A free trial class with no payment.
Prices are in US dollars; your card or PayPal account converts the amount to Canadian dollars. Payment is by PayPal, Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer.
About the Teachers
All teachers are certified from Al-Azhar University and hold an Ijazah with a connected Sanad. Elbayan Academy is an independent online academy based in Cairo. Every child receives a monthly progress report and a certificate of appreciation at the end of each stage.
See all our online Quran classes for kids, or read 10 questions to ask before choosing an online Quran academy; the same questions apply in Canada.
Parents can learn too: learn Arabic online in Canada, a plan for busy adults.
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
Can kids in Canada take online Quran classes?
Yes. Classes are one-to-one, online and run 24/7, so children in every Canadian time zone can choose an after-school or weekend time.
What is the time difference between Toronto and Cairo?
For most of the year Cairo is 7 hours ahead of Toronto. The gap is one hour smaller for a few weeks when clocks change.
What age can children start?
Children can start one-to-one classes from 6 years old.
Are classes taught in French?
Yes. Classes are available in French, English and Arabic.
How much do classes cost in Canada?
Prices are in US dollars: $5 per 30-minute class, $40 a month for 8 classes or $80 for 16, with 20% off annual plans and a 10% family discount.
