Note From the Principals Desk

Assalamu-Alaikum,
Our expansion project brought us more than new class rooms. As we move classes into the new building we are also happy to add new courses and expectations to our well established, challenging curriculum and programs.The new building has added a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) lab and STEAM classes for 4th through 7th grade, art club after school, and Lego Robotics Rookie Team in Middle School.
Our continued academic enrichment includes adding Vocabulary to the Middle School curriculum, additional literary pieces, and Common Core Mathematics. We have also added Advanced Placement Psychology, 10th Grade AP Physics and Dual Credit classes with Moraine Valley College to our high school program.
We are focused on expanding our Positive Behavior Intervention System PBIS and School wide expectations for students and faculty alike. A kind word can go a lot farther and last forever in the heart of a child.

I pray that Allah (SWT) will allow me to serve this school, teachers, students and families with the best of intentions and the wisest of actions always. The Qur’an teaches us that our actions should always encompass fairness, morality, compassion, mercy, modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace. I intend to apply these values to the best of my ability as the Principal of Universal.
As educators, here at Universal, we always start our day with the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammed (SAW) and remembrance of Allah on our tongues and in our hearts and mind. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was always concerned with teaching Muslims to have the best manners and personal characteristics as well as to excel in everything they do. This is our focus and goal with one another and our students.
We are more than academics. Universal is rooted in the heart of our community. We will continue to work with our partner institutions to help students grow and live a healthy life as young Muslims in our society

Student Activities
We encourage students to take part in our clubs, school-wide events, and regional and state-wide competitions. Universal offers different clubs and groups, including:

Humanitarian Aide
Senior Trips
Girls on the Run
NHS
Model UN
Science Fair
Debate
STEM Club
Robotics
Debka
Book Club
Art Club
IMAN/Dawah Club
WYSE

Athletics
Sports are an integral part of our overall educational plan because they help develop mature, responsible young adults. Participation in sports enriches personal growth and development, and sets standards for leadership and excellence. Our Programs include

· El-HS Boys & Girls Basketball
· El-HS Boys & Girls Soccer
· HS Boys & Girls Volleyball
· Elem-HS Wrestling

Honors & Distinctions
Universal School students routinely take first place at Regional and Sectional Science Fair, WYSE, and MYST competitions.  Last year, 31% of our AP students were recognized as AP Scholars, AP Scholars with distinction, or AP Scholars with Honors. Universal School is also recognized nationally as a leading Islamic School  by ISNA, ICNA, and CAIR among others. (list of distinct awards)

Impact on Community
Throughout middle school and high school, students are involved in community service. By connecting classroom curriculum with service projects, students extend their knowledge to improve academic achievement, build social skills, and develop civic skills and attitudes. The first High School Chapter of IMAN (Inner-city Muslim Action Network) was established at Universal allowing students to actively work in the community to help those in need

Celebrating 25 Years
We strive to firmly root our students in a Muslim-American identity that expresses itself in their speech, character, and actions. Our Mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating Islamic learning environment that enables students to achieve their maximum educational potential, and prepare them for their future roles in society as responsible citizens.