ATMS was created by a group of volunteers as a private not for profit initiative. School coordinators, teachers and volunteers work together to run and better the school curriculum and activities continuously. Parents of students are also consulted periodically to receive feedback and bring in adjustments to the program.
Why the name Ibn Rushd ( Averroes) of the School?
Abu'l-Walid Ibn Rushd, better known as Averroes (1126-1198), stands out as a towering figure in the history of Arab-Islamic thought, as well as that of West-European philosophy and theology. Trained in law and medicine and later served as qadi or judge in Seville and Cordoba. In 1182 he was appointed physician to the court of Sultan Abu Ya`qub Yusuf in Marrakech - Morocco. Abu Ya`qub Yusuf caught the attention of Ibn Rushd as an intellectual king for his knowledge and delicate dialogue. Ibn Rushd thought, and logic flourished in Morocco, and became the most cited Muslim thinker in the Western Academia.
Who can attend the school?
Any one who is interested in ATMS’s curriculum is welcome to the school. There are NO restrictions with respect to age, cultural background or religion to register in the school. ATMS has had students of Christian confession and have currently many students of mixed backgrounds.
Is the school affiliated with a specific religious group or association?
NO. Again ATMS is the result of a private initiative. The Arabic curriculum ATMS teaches is similar to the one taught in primary schools in Morocco. In addition, ATMS teaches basic universal Islamic values.
Is the school free of charge?
NO. The school is a not for profit initiative that relies exclusively on payments received from parents or students to cover its expenses. Without those payments, this initiative will not stay afloat and may not even exist. Having said that, ATMS subsidizes partially or fully the tuition cost to parents who can not afford to make the payment. For instance, ATMS offered over $1,200 in subsidies in year 2011-2012 thanks to the generosity of other parents and people who donate to the school towards this special purpose.
What are the general expenses of the school?
ATMS has 3 major expenses: First, the rent of the premises. Second, salaries paid to teachers. Third, books (generally imported from Morocco). In addition to those 3 major expenses, ATMS has miscellaneous costs such as Liability insurance, other teaching materials ...etc. ATMS does not pay its volunteers or coordinators.
Does the school receive grants or subsidies?
Yes. ATMS received a grant from TDSB in year 2010-2011 that helped paying the entire classroom rental cost for that year. It also received a grant in year 2011-2012 from the French “Conseil Scolaire” that will help cover 2/3 of the yearly rental expense. Any subsidy received by ATMS helps reduce the yearly tuition fee per student and makes the access to the school even more affordable.
Does ATMS organize other activities besides the Sunday Arabic class?
Yes. there are many events and activities organized within ATMS curriculum for children such as: Eid Adha and Moroccan Costume Dress Day, Art day, and End of Year Ceremony. Parents organize simultaneous activities such as weekly activities and discussions for moms, Sunday soccer for dads, Pizza Days and the annual End of Year BBQ event.
Can I teach at the school?
Absolutely!! Please express your interest to the school through email and we will contact you should an opportunity become available. Candidates with experience in the education field will be given priority. Our current teachers are extremely motivated and often express to us how they enjoy being part of this initiative.
Can I become a volunteer at ATMS?
Yes !! Please contact the school to express your interest in becoming a volunteer. A volunteer’s work can range from being an assistant to the Arabic teacher, to teaching a special skill to our students (for example Quran Tajweed, art lessons...etc.) to helping to manage the school’s curriculum...etc. Or you can tell the school how you would like to volunteer!!