DANVERS, Mass. — The Danvers School Committee on Monday approved an application from the Islamic Education School to operate a private school in Danvers, after members said their vote was limited to whether the school's instruction meets state standards, not its religious teachings or its building.

The committee approved the superintendent's recommendation by voice vote at its Nov. 9 meeting. No members were heard voting no.

Superintendent Bauer told the committee that school representatives made contact in early October after buying a property in Danvers. Bauer said the district used the same process it followed when Great Rock Christian Academy sought approval in 2023.

Under state law, a school committee approves a private school when it is satisfied that the school's instruction equals that of the local public schools in "thoroughness and efficiency" and in progress made, Bauer said. The review covers "educational adequacy" — curriculum, instructional hours, teacher qualifications, learning materials and student assessment — along with attendance and records requirements, Bauer said, adding that the process was reviewed with the district's attorney.

Bauer said the school's planned calendar runs 184 days, that staff undergo criminal background checks and fingerprinting, and that its curriculum is aligned with state frameworks, although private schools are not required to follow them.

A school representative told the committee the school is seeking approval for kindergarten through 12th grade and has about 70 students, who come from Revere and communities across Massachusetts. The representative said the school would move from Revere and might also keep its location there.

"What we're asking today is just to be judged on the same academic standards as every private school in Massachusetts," the representative said, adding that "some families want their children's education to include their faith."

One committee member said some members had received emails raising concerns, and asked Bauer to explain the law "for the sake of the crowd." "We're not voting on a building, we're not doing anything for zoning," the member said. "That's outside of our realm." Another member said, "regardless of the beliefs that are taught in the school, that is not what we're voting on, to be clear."

During public comment earlier in the meeting, several supporters spoke. Tark Abdullah, a volunteer at the school and a volunteer imam at an associated Islamic center in Revere, said the goal was "to maybe ease some of the apprehension that people have." Another speaker said, "Islamophobia, the fear and hostility aimed at Muslims simply for being Muslim, is a measurable reality," and urged the town to say "your faith is not a threat."

Julie Bulduck DeFilippo, chair of the Danvers CPAC, said the law requires all such private schools to seek local approval, "so this is nothing new or special for this particular school."

Michael Bean, speaking "as a citizen," asked the committee to table the vote "because people are just finding out about that," and said more residents may want to weigh in. Another speaker, who described being a third-generation Danvers resident, asked why another school was needed and suggested the town focus on its public schools.

Before the vote, a resident the chair addressed as Mark tried to speak from the audience. "This is open meeting law, Mark," the chair said. "Mark, this is not how meetings run." The chair said public comment had been held at the start of the meeting and offered to meet with residents who had questions, saying "this is not the time or place to do that."