Online Quran classes have made it possible for families in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to find a qualified teacher without a long drive to the masjid. They have also made choosing harder: there are hundreds of tutors and academies online, and they all look similar. This checklist covers what to look for and what to ask before you commit.

1. Recitation and Tajweed

The teacher's own recitation is the first thing to check. Ask them to recite a passage during the trial class. Listen for clear makharij, correct ghunnah and madd, and a steady pace. A teacher with weak Tajweed will pass the same mistakes to your child.

2. Experience with children

Teaching a six-year-old over a screen is a different skill from teaching an adult. Ask how the teacher keeps young children focused, how they correct mistakes without discouraging the child, and how long they have been teaching children online.

3. A male or female teacher, if you have a preference

Many families prefer a female Quran teacher, especially for girls and for mothers who learn alongside their children. If this matters to you, ask whether the academy has male and female teachers available at the times you need.

4. One-on-one or group classes

Group classes cost less, but in Quran reading and memorization each student needs to be heard individually. In a one-on-one class the teacher listens to every word your child recites and corrects it immediately. For beginners and for hifz, one-on-one classes are usually the better choice.

5. Language of instruction

Your child should understand the teacher's explanations. Check that the teacher can explain in English, or in the language your child speaks at home, such as Urdu or Arabic.

6. A free trial class

A trial shows you how the teacher and your child get on before you pay. Use it to watch the class, see how the teacher assesses your child's level, and ask for a suggested plan. Be cautious of anyone who asks for payment before any trial or assessment.

7. Flexible timing in your time zone

Families abroad often need classes before school, after school or at weekends. Confirm the schedule in your own time zone, what happens when daylight saving time changes, and how missed classes are handled.

8. Progress tracking for parents

Ask how you will know whether your child is improving. Good options include regular tests, a written report and a direct line to the teacher. Without tracking, it is hard to tell whether a year of classes has moved your child forward.

9. Safety and supervision

  • Classes should run on a known platform such as Zoom, with the camera on.
  • Young children should take classes in a shared room of the house, with a parent nearby.
  • You should be welcome to sit in on any class.
  • Communication should go through the parent, not directly to the child.

Give it a fair test

One trial class shows you the teacher's manner, but a few weeks show you the pattern. After the first month, check: does the class start on time, does your child look forward to it, is the teacher correcting the same mistakes less often, and have you received clear feedback? If the answers are yes, you have found a teacher worth keeping. If not, it is reasonable to ask for a different teacher early rather than wait.

Questions to ask in the trial class

  1. What level is my child at, and what should they study first?
  2. How many classes per week do you recommend, and how long should each be?
  3. How do you handle revision for memorization?
  4. How and how often will I receive feedback?
  5. Will my child have the same teacher every class?

Red flags

  • No trial or assessment before payment.
  • The teacher changes often without notice.
  • Classes regularly start late or end early.
  • No feedback to parents for months.
  • Pressure to commit to long prepaid packages.

Matching the teacher to the goal

The right teacher also depends on what your child is learning. A beginner in Noorani Qaida needs patience and a strong focus on letter sounds. A child reading the Quran needs a teacher who corrects Tajweed consistently. A hifz student needs a teacher who manages new lessons, recent revision and older revision every day. Tell the academy your child's goal so they can match the teacher to it.

How Huda Quran Academy answers these checks

Huda Quran Academy has taught the Quran for more than 15 years. Classes are one-on-one on Zoom with male and female teachers, in English, Urdu or Arabic. Timing is flexible around the clock, so families can choose slots in their own time zone. Every new student starts with a free 3-day trial, enrolled students take weekly tests, and parents receive a monthly progress report with classes attended, lessons covered and the teacher's notes. Certificates are given on course completion. See our courses and fees, or read our guide to online Quran classes fees.