Construction of Islamic school building in Columbia, Mo., moves forward

Construction of a building to house an Islamic school in Columbia, Mo., is making progress.

The two-story 10,000-square-foot building will provide classrooms and other space for the Islamic Center of Central Missouri school, reports the Columbia Daily Tribune. The new space is being constructed next to the existing mosque in downtown Columbia.

Completion of the facility is a year or so away, the center says.

The school offers classes for students in grades K to 5. The 70 students enrolled at the school are taught basic public school curriculum; they also study the Quran and the Arabic language. After students reach the fifth grade, they will merge back into public schools. 

The $1.5 million facility will have a standard high school gymnasium that will also act as a space for prayer time. 

A portion of the building has been reinforced to be storm-resistant so it can serve as a saferoom.

The project is being funded largely by donations.