Oak & Olive Montessori

On May 18, 2026, our San Diego Muslim community experienced an unimaginable tragedy that forever changed the way many of us think about our children's education and safety. As parents, we were left asking ourselves a difficult question: how can we give our children a place where they are not only safe, but truly able to thrive?

Rather than allowing fear to define our future, we chose to build hope.

A couple of parents came together with one shared vision: to create a safe, nurturing Islamic Montessori environment where children can grow academically and spiritually. We are working tirelessly to open our doors by mid-August, giving families an alternative to a mosque setting that could be dangerous considering our current climate.

We believe our children deserve an education where Islam is not simply part of the curriculum but the foundation of everything they learn and experience. Each day, they will grow through Qur'an memorization, Arabic learning, Islamic Studies, and a rigorous academic education in an environment that nurtures curiosity, confidence, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning. Our vision is to raise a generation that excels academically while remaining deeply rooted in the Qur'an and their faith.

Thank you for trusting us with your child's education.

With gratitude,
The Oak & Olive Board of Directors

Oak & Olive exists to raise children rooted in faith and growing in knowledge. We place the Qur'an at the center of a Montessori-inspired education, combining academic excellence with the character and adab of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In partnership with parents, we nurture the whole child in a safe, welcoming environment.

We aspire to raise a generation with an unwavering Islamic faith: firm in belief, resilient in the face of life's challenges, and carrying the Quran in their hearts. At the same time, we seek to nurture thoughtful, balanced children who will positively contribute to the society in which they live. We hope they will become the doctors, engineers, lawyers, artists, educators, and leaders of tomorrow, while remaining deeply rooted in their Islamic identity and values.

Above all, we pray to raise a generation of Quran memorizers whose hearts are illuminated by the Quran and whose lives reflect its guidance. Our greatest hope is that one day, our own children will stand before us to lead us in Taraweeh prayer, a beautiful testament to a lifetime rooted in faith and growing in knowledge.

Oak & Olive is a California private school serving kindergarten through third grade, operated by Oak & Olive Community Collective, a California nonprofit public benefit corporation. As a private school, Oak & Olive files its own Private School Affidavit with the California Department of Education each year; families do not need to file one individually for a child enrolled here.

Oak & Olive is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Corporation has no formal “members” under California nonprofit law; a Parent Advisory Council gives enrolled families a standing way to raise feedback and concerns, though it does not vote on corporate matters.