Our History
Where it all Began…
In 1918, a great woman by the name of Clara Muhammad was married to the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Together, they dedicated themselves to educating their own children and not leaving their destiny in the hands of the American educational system. They risked their lives and their freedom in an era when not only was independent education illegal, but bold, as independent thinking by African Americans was considered a threat to the United States of America.
As a result of their dedication to their mission, Clara and Elijah Muhammad carved a space in American history –she as The Mother of Education and he as the foundation of Islam in America- and opened up the very first Islamic School in the nation; thus changing the face of freedom and education in America forever. Muslim schools across the United States owe their birth to the vision and commitment of Sister Clara Mohammed who inspired the opening of more than 40 elementary, middle and high schools that were named University of Islam schools. She began her initiation of Muslim schools in the early 1930s.
Atlanta’s Story
The Mohammed Schools of Atlanta, originally the University of Islam, was established in Atlanta in 1965. Under the leadership of the newly-appointed imam and school director, Muhammad University was closed in 1977 for financial reasons. It reopened in January 1980 with a new thrust, a new foundation, a new team of educators, and a new name. The school was renamed Clara Mohammed School in honor of Imam W.D. Mohammed’s mother, Sister Clara Mohammed, who was the catalyst for the establishment of Islamic schools throughout the United States. In 1987, the Muslim community of the Atlanta Masjid decided to add a grade a year to expand to a high school, evolving the revitalized Clara Mohammed School to the next level.
A year later, the high school with less than 20 scholars was named in honor of Imam. W.D. Mohammed. The first high school graduation under the new direction was 1992 with eight pioneer graduates who had the theme “First and Simply the Best”. Each year, the school graduates highly motivated and determined learners who are eager to extend their education and make their mark on the world.
School and Community
Our school is a place where all children are charged with the responsibility to learn and gain all that they can while they are vicegerents (change agents) on earth.
Our school is best known for promoting Islamic education where every subject includes the principles of Al-Qur’an and practical application as the foundation. The Mohammed Schools of Atlanta is under the auspices of the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, a member of the Mosque Consortium, students of Imam W.D. Mohammed. While 70% of our income comes from tuition and the hard work through fundraising by parents, scholars, and faculty, another 20% of income is generated by the Atlanta Masjid community. The remainder of the income comes from generous donations of other friends and supporters. “Instilling the Islamic Vision” is our motto. That “Islamic” vision includes being productive and useful citizens in the community and the world. Most high school classes are held in Abdul Jalil Educational complex, a building that was built by the members of the school and masjid community. The building is named in honor of local philanthropist, the late Mr. Abdul Jalil, who was instrumental in helping Muslims of the Atlanta Masjid finance renovation and establishment of its building and plaza with an interest-free loan in 1990.
Additionally, the gymnasium which doubles as the musallah at prayer time is named in honor of Muslim athlete and philanthropist Shareef Abdur-Rahim who serves as a mentor and contributor to the school and youth of Atlanta. While scholars are separated by gender inside the classrooms, there is a coeducational college preparatory curriculum. The school is an extension of its sister school Clara Mohammed Elementary and Middle Schools, located on the same campus in southeast Atlanta. All three schools are called the Mohammed Schools of Atlanta.