Monday Academic Enrichment HSGC 2026-2027 School Year

Assalaamu’alaikum, the Homeschool Co-op of Greater Chicago (HSGC) is pleased to open registration for academic enrichment classes for the 2026-2027 school year for ages 6 and up. Academic classes will run once a week on Mondays from 10:30am-2:30pm for the entire year. Our school year begins August 31st, 2026 and runs until May 24th, 2027, taking breaks for Labor Day (Sept. 7th), Winter Break (Dec. 21st & 28th), Eid al-Fitr (March 1st & 8th), and Eid al-Adha (May 21st) inshaAllah.

Location: ICNA Center. 1S270 Summit Avenue, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

We will offer classes for the following groups:

Group 1 ages 6-9

Group 2 ages 10-12

Group 3 ages 12+

Our mission at HSGC is to facilitate opportunities for our children to become God-conscious citizens of the world and grow through socialization, enrichment, play, academics, and exploration. Our co-op seeks to foster a healthy learning environment where families come together to nurture a love of learning.

Traditionally our programs have required a parent or authorized adult on-site during all classes. However, for our Monday program we will allow parents who are not teaching or volunteering to drop off their children. We are exploring this arrangement due to limited space and to minimize disruption to classes in session. As a co-op, however, our priority is preserving a wholesome and nurturing learning environment, so if we feel that a child would benefit from the presence of their parent or another adult, we will discuss with the family accordingly.

Volunteer sign-up for assisting with pick up/set up and drop off/clean up will be arranged at the beginning of the year, and if other volunteer needs of the co-op arise thorughout the year we will be in communication with the families. We expect all families to assist with these responsibilities to help our co-op run smoothly and at a low cost.

Monday daily schedule

Drop off - 10:15-10:25am (volunteer sign-up)

10:30-11:30am Session I

• Language Arts Group 1: Sister Irene
• Science Group 2: Sister Bushra
• Arabic Group 3: Sister Nuha

11:30am-12:00pm Lunch

12:00-1:00pm Session II

• Arabic Group 1: Sister Nuha
• Language Arts Group 2: Sister Irene
• Language Arts Group 3: Brother Scott

1:00-1:30pm Dhuhr Salah

1:30pm-2:30pm Session III

• Science Group 1: volunteer teachers
• Arabic Group 2: Sister Nuha
• Science Group 3: Sister Donna

Pick up - 2:30pm (volunteer sign-up)

Clean-up - 2:30-2:45pm (volunteer sign-up)

The Story Lab (Language Arts)

Sister Irene Kapustina

Group 1 (6-9) and Group 2 (9-12)

Course Description: A creative language arts class where books come alive. Through reading, discussion, writing, and performance, students will cultivate a lifelong appreciation of literature while developing strong reading comprehension, writing, grammar, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. Together, we will explore great stories and discover how books help us better understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. 

Teacher Biography: Irene Kapustina is an educator, theatre director, storyteller, and publisher with a B.A. in Theatre from Loyola University Chicago and an M.A. in Applied Theatre from the City University of New York. She is the Founder and Creative Director of The Angle Project and the Founder and Publisher of SPARROW Youth Literary Magazine. Irene combines literature, writing, discussion, and performance to help students become confident readers, writers, and communicators.

The Craft of Reading and Writing Well: A Course in the Study of Literature and Logic 

Brother Scott Doolin

Group 3 (12+)

Course Description: This course invites students to become thoughtful readers, careful thinkers, and confident essay writers. Through the study of literature, students will learn to read deeply, paying close attention to language, structure, themes, and the author's craft. Rather than simply asking what a text says, students will explore how it communicates meaning and why it matters.

Beyond this, students will learn and develop the habits of clear and logical thinking through analytical and persuasive writing. They will learn to construct a sound thesis statement, put forth evidence towards their point, recognize and avoid faulty reasoning, and communicate their ideas with precision and clarity. Class discussions, written analyses, and creative assignments will encourage students to engage with texts thoughtfully while cultivating intellectual curiosity and careful judgment.

Teacher Biography: Scott Doolin graduated with both a BA and an MA from Zaytuna College, where he focused on the study of Islamic Theology. He is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Chicago. Scott has held a lifelong passion for reading, literature and the humanities, and has been blessed to share this passion with young home-schooling students for nearly a decade.

Science Essentials for Middle School

Sister Donna Kassar

Group 3 (12+)

Course Description: The science program will introduce more advanced topics in life science, physical science and earth science. The students will engage in interactive experiments and real-world problem-solving to develop a deeper understanding of the natural world. Students will apply the scientific method, design and conduct experiments, analyze data and draw conclusions. This will build critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Teacher Biography: Donna Kassar is a veteran homeschooler and one of the founding members of the HSGC. She homeschooled her 5 children and continues to provide support to current homeschoolers. She also teaches economics at the College of DuPage and City Colleges of Chicago. She loves working with co-op and is thrilled to get to know everyone.

 Science in Action

Sister Bushra Hussaini

Group 2 (9-12)

Course Description: Students will investigate topics in chemistry, physics, earth science, biology, and engineering through experiments, challenges, model building, and collaborative projects. Each class emphasizes scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. A special Scientist Spotlight will introduce students to influential Muslim scientists, connecting their discoveries to the topics being studied. Students will maintain a science notebook and participate in engaging activities that foster curiosity and a deeper appreciation for Allah's creation.

Teacher Biography: Bushra Hussaini is a homeschooling mom of five who is passionate about helping children discover the joy of learning. By profession, she is a speech-language pathologist, and is currently taking a break from her career to focus on homeschooling her children. Bushra enjoys creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of exploration.

When she’s not teaching, Bushra enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and playing board games. She is excited to learn alongside your children in exploring Allah's creation through science.

Jump Into Arabic! Begin your journey to acquire the language of the Quran

Sister Nuha Abu Shama

Groups 1 - 3

Course Description: This course will encourage students to enrich their Arabic language skills and begin acquiring the language of the Quran. Students will learn how to communicate with friends and at home through engaging activities and games. Students will use the Noor al-Arabiyah (Light of Arabic) curriculum, designed specifically for non-native Arabic speakers, along with the Iqra Arabic Reading series, with books selected to match each student's age and level.

Throughout the school year, students will build confidence in practicing everyday conversations while strengthening their spelling, and writing skills. By the end of the year, students will be more comfortable to participate in basic Arabic conversations and have greater confidence in reading and writing Arabic.

Teacher Biography: Nuha Abu Shama is an Arabic language and Quran teacher with over 20 years of experience teaching all ages. She has an early Childhood Education degree from Al-Balqa University in Jordan. Sister Nuha hopes that it will be a year full of activity and growth to help the children reach their Arabic goals.

Registration secures your child’s spot for the entire year. There is a one-time, non-refundable fee of $55. For 2 or more siblings enrolled, you will receive $10 off the registration fee. Certain classes may have additional fees for workbooks and supplies which will reflect on your monthly invoice.

Tuition invoices will be sent monthly. Payments are due on the 1st of each month for a 9 month academic school year. 

Tuition

3 Sessions: A monthly payment of $108 per month per student ($972 for the year).
2 Sessions: A monthly payment of $90 per month per student ($810 for the year)
1 Sessions: A monthly payment of $80 per month per student ($720 for the year).

Limited needs-based scholarships are available. Please contact info@hsgchicago.org for more information.

Financial Responsibility

Parents/guardians are responsible for paying all membership dues, tuition, and any additional class-related fees by the stated deadlines.

• Membership and Tuition: All membership dues and tuition must be paid according to the HSGC payment schedule.

• Late Payments: Late payments may incur additional fees. Continued non-payment may result in suspension from classes or loss of enrollment.

• Refunds: Membership dues are nonrefundable. Tuition and class fees are nonrefundable after the payment deadline.

• Property Damage: Parents/guardians are responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing any property damaged by their student while participating in HSGC classes or activities.

• Late pick up: Parents picking up their child(ren) 15 minutes late or more will be assessed a $15 fee plus $1/minute.

Please contact us at info@hsgchicago.org for any questions.