Islamic education places a high value on both religious and secular subjects. A good madrasa should provide a comprehensive education in both areas. Learning takes place in a variety of institutions such as study circles (ḥalqah), elementary schools (maktab or kuttab), palace schools, bookshops and literary salons, and various types of colleges such as meshed, masjid, and madrasa. All these schools teach essentially the same subjects. Choosing a madrasa that provides a well-rounded education and a good academic excellence reputation is important.