This study aimed at analyzing the problems faced by islamic boarding schools in Seberang, Jambi and the active role they participate in the implementation of national education goals of Indonesia. This study was a case study with a qualitative approach. The number of participants in this study were the heads of schools, teachers, and managers who work in two boarding schools in Seberang, Jambi. The data were collected by observation, interview and group discussion techniques. The observation results were presented descriptively. Analysis of interview data began with transcribing the results, re-checking, eliminating the parts that are not needed, and codify the results to be used as themes. The data from group discussions served to reinforce the interview data, codified, and analyzed. The examination of data validity was using triangulation. The results show that there are some problems namely the lack of qualified teaching staff, traditional teaching methods, inconsistant curriculum policy, inadequate educational facilities, and unsufficient schools finance