Meet Kayla, a gentle kindergartner at Al-Aqsa Islamic Academy who has dreams of becoming a doctor and loves math. Her favorite time during school is recess and playing with her fellow classmates.
Kayla
Q: What do you like to do for fun?
A: Playing with my friends.
Q: What is your favorite subject at school? Why? What do you like most about it?
A: I love math because it’s fun and I like numbers.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your school?
A: My favorite is recess at my school’s playground.
Q: Who is your role model and why do you look up to them?
A: My friends because I like them.
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A: A doctor.
Q: What are you most looking forward to this school year?
A: To graduate kindergarten.
Siti, Kayla’s Mother
Q: What are your hopes for your child in the next 5 years?
A: That she will get a great education, gain confidence and learn more.
Q: What makes this school a better fit for your child over the hundreds of other Philadelphia schools?
A: As a minority, I am trying to teach her that all humans are created equal. I want her to learn about being a Muslim and I believe Al-Aqsa has taught their students great lessons about everything.
Q: Why do you think it is important for your child to attend a tuition-based school in Philadelphia? Are there any improvements you have seen in your child’s academic skills since choosing a tuition-based school?
A: Because I believe they (tuition-based schools) have a better education structure. I also think that tuition-based schools have their own special advantage, I have seen the difference since enrolling my child.
Q: How did you feel when you were notified that you won the CSFP lottery? What was your child’s reaction when told they received a scholarship?
A: It felt amazing.
Q: How does your scholarship from Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia affect your family?
A: It is affecting my family greatly. If I didn’t win the scholarship, I wouldn’t be able to enroll Kayla in her school.
Q: What would you tell other parents who are looking to apply for a Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia scholarship?
A: CSFP helps low income families enroll in better schools. They can help afford the cost of tuition. Go for it and apply online or by mail. Follow their website and Facebook page for the news.