Phoenix Muslim School was established in 1998 in a modest setting consisting of one building, 52 learners and three staff members which has expanded into one of the best performing schools in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The school is a pioneer in the region, as it provides academic education with an Islamic ethos. The school was established by prominent members of the community and members of the Orient Old Boys Club. The school is registered with the Department of Education as a section 21 non-profit organization.
It is affiliated to the Association of Muslim Schools (AMS) which is a unifying body that allows interaction between independent schools whereby the learners engage in interschool sports and co and extra-curricular activities.
From these humble beginnings, the school mushroomed to a sizeable institution catering for the needs of learners from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Currently the learner enrolment stands at 559 (2023) and a staff complement of 56 (2023). This tenfold growth is testimony to the fact that this institution has played a vital role in the development of the Muslim community in Phoenix, and the trend indicates a need for further expansion and growth. In this regard plans have been drawn up to construct an entire block on the current premises at 22 Charclay Gardens, Clayfield, Phoenix. Much credit must be given to prominent members of the community and members of The Orient Old Boys Club whose vision and commitment translated into a reality.
The school was built through the sponsorship of generous donors and benefactors for the needs of the community of Phoenix including indigent, needy and formally disadvantaged communities. This gesture established social integration and the shedding of racial and other discriminatory practices and behaviors in a new South Africa.
The school is registered with the Department of Education and Culture, KZN and offers a well-balanced and CAPS compliant curriculum and is inclusive of a comprehensive Islamic education. In addition, the school caters for the physical development of learners by providing sporting activities, such as Netball, Volleyball, Soccer and Athletics. Extracurricular activities afford learners the opportunity to participate in local and provincial Olympiads. Learners have excelled in many of these out house challenges and have received the highest accolades on offer.
The school offers a rich and diverse curriculum alongside Islamic studies. The education that is offered is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional encapsulating features that enrich and inspire learners to attain goals and acquire knowledge, wisdom, skills, values, morals and positive attitude and fine qualities of dynamic leadership. In keeping with its progressive vision, the school has approved the introduction of Coding and Robotics as part of the curriculum to be offered for learners in the foundation phase in the 2024 Academic year. A dynamic and resourceful educator is currently under training to fulfill this specific role.
Our motto is “Striving for excellence.” This is actioned by the teachers who are committed to providing education of the highest quality. This is evident in the excellent Matric Pass Rate since its inception. The quality and standard of education has been acknowledged by parents, members of the community and officials from the Department of Education. In 2009 the school attained a 100% Matric Pass Rate and was awarded a trophy by the Mayor of Durban at a prestigious awards function. The school was awarded a certificate by the Pinetown District Office and a plaque by the Association of Muslim Schools for this achievement. The school has established an inhouse teacher training program which has added much value to the growth of the school. Several outreach programs enabled the empowerment of the community to start their own businesses and home industries. The Gift of The Givers initiated a very successful Jump Start entrepreneurship program for FET Learners. This program provided learners with a range of skills in the world of business.
The school comprises of fully equipped classrooms and specialist rooms including a computer room, science laboratory, library corner in classes, prayer facilities and an easily accessible sports field. Every effort has been made to provide learners from many cultures, quality education and pleasant and safe surroundings. A private security company ensures the safety of learners, staff and visitors at Phoenix Muslim School.
Having children from disadvantaged and a variety of backgrounds presents socio economic challenges, substance and alcohol abuse and dysfunctional families and single parent households present many challenges to learners’ educational development and progress. Through the unstinting and compassionate efforts of the school SMT, staff, school counsellor, religious scholars and the Board of Directors (BOD) learners have been supported in achieving excellence and success in their education.