A faith-based preschool and day care serving children as young as 6 weeks old will open at 1227 W. McDermott Drive in Allen on Tuesday, Sept. 8. The school currently enrolls more than 150 students and is relocating its entire operation to the Watters Crossing area.

Ameen Academy, which has operated in Plano for more than a decade, is moving from 3401 Silverstone Drive to a nearly 14,000-square-foot commercial building on a 1.36-acre lot, a company representative told Community Impact.

The school confirmed the move in an announcement on its website.

The school blends a state-aligned academic curriculum based on Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills standards with Islamic studies, Arabic language instruction, Quran studies and Hifz (Quran memorization). Its instructional approach combines traditional and Montessori methodologies, and the school uses MAP testing by NWEA to measure student growth.

Programs cover infant and toddler care, preschool for ages 2 through 5, pre-K, elementary grades through sixth grade and aftercare. The school describes itself as one of the few Muslim infant daycare programs in the region.

Growth from 16 students

Ameen Academy started with 16 students and three founders. It has grown to a community of more than 150 learners, according to a message from the school's board of directors on its website.

Preschool director Shaheen Madni brings 35 years of experience in early childhood education and has been with Ameen Academy for 12 years.

She holds a bachelor's degree in home economics and child development. Managing director Farina Zeeshan has 16 years of administrative experience and has also been with the school for 12 years. Noor Anwer directs the school-age programs.

Extracurricular offerings include a Young Muslim Quiz Competition, annual science fair, Math Madness, spelling bees in English and Arabic, and a multicultural festival.

Community service projects include Ramadan charity drives that have raised funds for water wells in Africa and an annual canned food drive supporting local food pantries.

What's next

The McDermott Drive property, built in 2000, was previously marketed as a daycare or charter school location. Ameen Academy's new Allen campus puts it within reach of families across Allen, Plano, Frisco and McKinney.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families can reach the school at (972) 885-0786 or ameenacademy.org.