As Islamic School closes, Board looks to community for next steps

Facing low enrollment, the Islamic School of Seattle at 25th and Cherry is closing. Now the school must reflect on the community it has created since its founding in 1980 and explore options for what will happen to the school's historic building.

"It' a sad time, but it's also been amazing to get the word out and hear back from people who have been involved in the school," said Board Member Natasha Merchant. The school is hosting a farewell celebration at the school June 26 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. They urge anyone who has felt connected to the ISS community over the past 32 years to attend and help in "closing this very large chapter in the community," she said.

The ISS was not your standard private Islamic school. "Since the very beginning, it's had a way of looking at Islamic education in a very holistic model," said Merchant. "Islam is not something separate from the rest of your life," so the school taught school lessons together with Islamic teaching. (...)