A community vision brought to life.
For many years, Muslim families in Champaign-Urbana envisioned a full-time Islamic school for their children. There were conversations, previous efforts, and extensive research into what families needed from an Islamic school in our community.
In 2023, that long-held vision became Hidaya Academy.
Dr. Tojan Rahhal and Dr. Ghada Adhami established Hidaya Academy of Champaign-Urbana, serving as Board President and Board Vice President, respectively — at Dr. Ghada’s kitchen table, with kids playing and laptops open.
Together, they established the school’s nonprofit structure, registered the school with the Illinois State Board of Education, and began building the founding team that would make it possible to open a new school in just a matter of months.
Their goal was ambitious: welcome Hidaya’s first students in August 2023.
Dr. Tojan Rahhal Dr. Ghada AdhamiOne of Hidaya’s first major milestones was its inaugural Ramadan Fundraising Gala.
The response demonstrated just how deeply the Champaign-Urbana community believed in the vision. The generosity of community members helped provide the resources necessary to prepare the school and support families so that financial circumstances would not stand in the way of students receiving an Islamic education.
Opening Hidaya required far more than finding classrooms and hiring teachers. A school philosophy, curriculum, policies, finances, operations, staffing, and countless other systems had to be built in a matter of months.
A founding board and team came together around that mission — deeply hands-on, working alongside one another to transform the vision for Hidaya into a functioning school.
Alhamdulillah, just seven months after Hidaya Academy was established, the school welcomed its first students.
Hidaya began with the support of a Muslim-owned building that had the capacity to serve approximately 40 students from PreK through fifth grade.
What had existed for years as a hope within the community was now a school filled with students, teachers, and families.
As Hidaya entered its second year, the focus shifted from simply establishing the school to strengthening it for the future.
Enrollment continued to grow, academic and operational systems matured, and Hidaya pursued formal recognition through the Illinois State Board of Education.
In spring 2025, following an ISBE review of the school’s policies, student and staff records, safety procedures, and operations, Hidaya Academy received official ISBE Recognition status.
About ISBE Recognition →It quickly became clear that Hidaya’s original building would not be large enough for the community’s growing needs.
Once again, the community rallied around the school.
In October 2025, Hidaya successfully raised funds toward a new building that would allow the school to serve more students, expand its grade levels, and continue building toward its long-term vision.
By the 2025–2026 school year, Hidaya Academy had grown to approximately 70 students in Kindergarten through seventh grade.
For the 2026–2027 school year, the school is preparing to serve more than 100 students from PreK through eighth grade, insha’Allah.
In just a few years, Hidaya has grown from an idea discussed among community members into a recognized Islamic school serving a growing generation of Muslim children.
Community members who gave when the school had little more than a vision.
Who poured themselves into building a new institution.
Who entrusted Hidaya with their children in its earliest years.
Who filled its classrooms and gave the school its purpose.
The generosity of the Champaign-Urbana Muslim community, the dedication of Hidaya’s staff and teachers, and the trust and support of its families have made Hidaya a powerful example of what is possible when a community rallies around its next generation.
Alhamdulillah for how far we have come — and insha’Allah for all that is still ahead.
Hidaya Academy’s founding board did far more than govern the organization. In its earliest days, each member selflessly took responsibility for building a critical part of the school.
Co-founded Hidaya Academy and led the establishment and launch of the organization, including nonprofit formation, governance, strategic planning, fundraising, operations, and the coordination of the founding team.
Co-founded Hidaya Academy and helped establish the organization, build community support, fundraise, and develop the foundation necessary to open and grow the school.
Led the development of Hidaya’s Whole Child educational philosophy and helped establish the educational vision that continues to shape the student experience.
Led curriculum research and selection, helped establish Hidaya’s academic systems, and provided on-site leadership during the school’s earliest years. She later became Hidaya Academy’s Principal.
Established and managed Hidaya’s financial operations, budgeting, and nonprofit financial systems.
Joined the founding board as Hidaya prepared for its first year to lead Human Resources and support the recruitment and development of the school’s growing team.
Hidaya’s story is still being written, and there is a place in it for your family.
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