Families switch academies for many reasons: a teacher leaves, times stop working, progress stalls, or prices change. Switching itself is not a problem. The risk is losing weeks while the new teacher works out where you are, or losing memorisation during a gap. A little preparation avoids both.

Step 1: Record exactly where you are

Write down, or ask your current teacher to confirm:

• Reading: current Qaida lesson, or mushaf page and juz.
• Memorisation: surahs or juz memorised, which are strong and which are weak.
• Tajweed: rules covered and rules still being worked on.
• Mushaf edition: which print (for example 15-line Madinah or South Asian), since hifz students often memorise the page layout.
• Weekly schedule that has worked well.

Step 2: Check your current contract

• Is there a notice period?
• Are there unused prepaid classes, and can they be refunded or used before you leave?
• Will any recurring payment stop automatically, or do you need to cancel it?

See hidden costs for the kinds of terms to look out for.

Step 3: Choose the new academy carefully

Use what you have learnt. If the reason for switching was teacher turnover, ask how teachers are assigned. If it was timing, confirm slots in your time zone before committing. Our checklist in how to choose an online Quran academy can help.

Step 4: Use the trial for an assessment

Share your notes before the trial, then let the new teacher assess for themselves. They may find gaps the previous teacher missed, or decide you can move faster. A good teacher will tell you honestly whether to continue from the same point or review a little first.

Step 5: Keep practising during the gap

A gap of a week or two is fine. A gap of two months can undo a lot, especially for hifz. Keep up:

• Five to ten minutes of reading daily.
• Daily revision of memorised surahs. See muraja'ah methods.

Step 6: Give the new teacher time

Children often need three to five lessons to settle with a new teacher. Teaching styles differ, and the new teacher may correct things the old one let pass. That can feel like going backwards, but it usually means better accuracy. If after a month or so it is clearly not working, see what to do if your child does not connect.

Switching mid-hifz

For hifz students, continuity matters most:

• Ask the new teacher to start with a revision check of everything memorised.
• Keep the same mushaf.
• Agree a daily structure (new lesson, recent and old revision) in the first week. See hifz schedule.

Talking to your child about the change

Explain simply why you are switching, without criticising the old teacher. Show them the new teacher's photo, and remind them that all their hard work comes with them.

If you are considering Online Study Quran Academy, share your notes when you book the free trial. The teacher will assess your level and continue from where you are. You can see our teachers on the teachers page.