Spotlight on Tarbiyah Academy: An American Muslim Leadership School in Maryland
Located in Elkridge, Howard County, Maryland, Tarbiyah Academy has been shaping confident, principled Muslim youth since 2015. Serving students in grades K–8 with a current enrollment of 190, the school is led by Head of School Hagar Aboubakr and CEO Rasha Elhaggan. Guided by its motto—An American Muslim Leadership School—Tarbiyah offers a unique blend of Islamic values, academic excellence, and holistic development.
Faith at the Core of Every Day
At Tarbiyah Academy, Islamic values are more than curriculum—they are a way of life. Each day begins with a powerful school-wide gathering for Qur’an recitation and morning adhkar, grounding students and staff in spiritual reflection and intentionality.
The school’s Qur’an program encourages students to engage deeply with meaning, not just memorization. Daily Dhuhr prayer and Friday assemblies with Surat Al-Kahf recitation and lessons on Jumu’ah reinforce a consistent rhythm of faith and connection.
Character Development Through Islamic Behavior Principles
Tarbiyah Academy’s approach to behavior management is rooted in Islamic principles. Students are not just corrected—they are guided. They take part in the problem-solving process, learning self-awareness, self-accountability, and the importance of making amends. These practices foster personal growth and mirror core Islamic values like tawbah (repentance), responsibility, and excellence in character.
One parent shared,
“Tarbiyah Academy has had such a beautiful impact on my daughter’s growth. I’ve seen her flourish not just academically, but in character, confidence, and her connection to her faith… the nurturing environment and the teachers’ genuine care have all shaped her into a well-rounded, thoughtful young person.”
Nurturing the Whole Child
Tarbiyah’s holistic approach goes beyond academics. The school addresses each student’s social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and mental well-being. A dedicated school counselor, Ms. Soha Tabana, provides individual support, in-class SEL lessons, small group “lunch bunches,” and collaborates with parents and teachers. Her presence ensures that empathy, care, and emotional development are at the heart of each student’s learning journey.
Celebrating Identity and Joy in Learning
Students at Tarbiyah Academy experience their faith in vibrant, meaningful ways—through events like Hijab Day, Hajj Simulation, Qur’an Competitions, Arabic Literacy Week, Palestine Day, and Muslim Scientist Dress-Up Day. These school-wide programs deepen pride in Islamic identity and bring joyful learning to life.
Through a partnership with the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World (CICW) at Shenandoah University, faculty also engage in Prophetic Pedagogy—teaching methods inspired by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, such as storytelling, reflection, and questioning. This approach enriches classroom experiences and strengthens connections between Islamic tradition and student learning.
A Major Milestone: IB Middle Years Authorization
In May, Tarbiyah Academy reached a significant milestone—authorization to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6–8. Building on its status as an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) school, this achievement extends inquiry-based, globally focused learning into the middle school years while staying grounded in Islamic values.
Another parent expressed:
“TA has had a positive impact by setting an Islamic foundation. They’ve instilled values and provided a strong academic background. Our kids are independent thinkers with strong communication skills, and they’ve benefited from supportive educators who blend deen and duniya beautifully.”
Preparing for the Future: School Expansion
As interest in Tarbiyah Academy grows, the school is launching a building expansion to increase classroom space, add grade levels, and welcome more families. The expansion reflects Tarbiyah’s ongoing commitment to accessible, excellence-driven, Islamically anchored education.
Parents as Partners
Parent engagement is central to life at Tarbiyah. From planning Ramadan activities and coaching teams to serving on the Board of Directors, parents help shape the school’s vibrant culture. The Friends of Tarbiyah Academy (FTA), the school’s official parent group, leads efforts around major events like the STEAM Fair, Staff Appreciation Week, and the Raising Amazing parenting series, highlighting the shared responsibility of nurturing future leaders.
Tarbiyah Academy continues to lead as a model of holistic Islamic education, where faith and scholarship grow hand-in-hand, and students are prepared to lead with purpose, confidence, and compassion.
A Sneak Peak of Tarbiyah Academy:
🌐 Learn more at: tarbiyahacademy.com
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