About.

Noor Academy is a private Islamic Elementary School and Early Childhood Center. The word Noor in the Arabic language means light. Light is what we hope our students will bring to the world after attending Noor Academy. 

Classes

enrollment

curriculum

calendar

scholarships

Accreditation

Established in 2017

Noor Academy began as a dream for founders Danielle Colling & Samyr El-Refaie in 2013. They took time to finish their education while working tirelessly on the opening of this school. While completing their graduate educations they began a weekend Islamic Studies school called Noor Learning Center. The success of Noor Learning Center gave them the perfect opportunity to pursue their ultimate dream of starting the first Islamic Elementary School in Nebraska. 

Our Mission

"Noor Academy is dedicated to providing its students with a high quality academic and Islamic education by offering a comprehensive program that integrates core subject areas with Islamic Studies addressing the diverse needs of all students. Our school prepares students to become leaders, valuable contributors of the community, and successful in their continued education, while maintaining their Islamic values and identity." 

Our Team

Danielle Colling
Director / Head Teacher / Founder

Danielle Colling is the Head Teacher and Co-Founder at Noor Academy. She received her Bachelor's in Business Administration and Master's in Elementary Education from Creighton University with an Early Childhood Education Endorsement. She has over 10 years experience working with students in an elementary school capacity. She has taught pre-school and is currently teaching the elementary program. Helping children learn and grow are her passions. 

Imam Samyr El-Refaie 
Religious Educator / Founder

Imam Samyr El-Refaie is the Imam of the Millard Islamic Foundation in Omaha and serves as the Head of Islamic Oversight at Noor Academy, where he guides all religious education and programming. He memorized the Qur’an in 2015 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from the University of Nebraska Omaha, a Master’s degree in Aqeedah (Islamic Creed) from the Graduate Theological Foundation, and a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Creighton University. He also leads youth halaqah and leadership programs throughout Omaha, bringing over a decade of experience in Islamic education, mentorship, and community leadership with a strong focus on developing faith, character, and leadership in students.  

Nowairah Syed 
​​Teacher / Curriculum Coordinator

Nowairah Syed received her Bachelor’s in Biology with a minor in Middle Eastern History from George Mason University, Virginia. She has extensive teaching and administrative experience including 3 years as a vice principal in a full-time (K-12) Islamic School in Virginia. She has also served as a Principal of a Sunday School in North Carolina for 4 years until her move to Omaha in 2016. In her leisure time, Nowairah enjoys working with local Muslim youth groups.

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Non-Discrimination Clause:
Noor Academy admits children of any race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to children at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, grants-in-aid, and school administered programs.