Courtesy • Commitment • Collaboration
Every Islamic school has a unique story, but the strongest among them share a common purpose: nurturing students who excel academically while growing in faith, character, and service. This month, ISLA is pleased to spotlight Houston Peace Academy (HPA) in Spring, Texas—a school that has steadily grown over the past 15 years while remaining firmly rooted in its mission of providing an excellent Islamic education in a nurturing environment.
Serving students from Preschool through Grade 8, Houston Peace Academy is guided by its motto: Courtesy • Commitment • Collaboration. These values are reflected not only in the classroom, but throughout every aspect of school life.
Faith at the Center of Every Day
At Houston Peace Academy, Islamic values are intentionally woven into the daily experience of every student.
Each morning begins with a school-wide assembly featuring Qur’an recitation, adhkar, and reminders, helping students begin their day with the remembrance of Allah. Throughout the year, students explore monthly Islamic character themes—including honesty, gratitude, patience, and compassion—which are reinforced across classrooms and school activities.
Students of all ages prepare and lead assembly presentations connected to these monthly themes, providing meaningful opportunities to reflect on Islamic teachings while developing confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills.
Weekly halaqas connect the Qur’an and Sunnah to students’ everyday lives and current challenges, while congregational prayer, practicing Islamic manners, and participating in acts of service help cultivate kindness, responsibility, generosity, and respect.
By consistently modeling and practicing these values, Houston Peace Academy strives to nurture students who are grounded in their faith, demonstrate strong character, and positively contribute to their families and communities.
Celebrating Growth and Meaningful Milestones
This past year marked an especially significant chapter in the school’s history as Houston Peace Academy celebrated its first-ever Grade 8 graduating class—an important milestone in its continued growth and commitment to providing a complete Islamic educational journey.
Another highlight was the school’s inspiring Mercy to Mankind event, a school-wide celebration dedicated to the life and character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Students from preschool through middle school researched, designed, and presented projects highlighting different aspects of the Prophet’s ﷺ life, teachings, and noble character. Through interactive displays, artwork, models, demonstrations, and presentations, students deepened their understanding of the Seerah while sharing their learning with families and the broader school community.
The event beautifully reflected Houston Peace Academy’s commitment to making Islamic learning engaging, meaningful, and rooted in love for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and confidence.
Developing the Whole Child
Houston Peace Academy believes that education extends well beyond academics.
The school intentionally supports students’ spiritual, social, emotional, and physical well-being through a variety of integrated programs designed to help every child flourish.
Weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) classes develop emotional intelligence and executive functioning skills through the lens of Islamic values.
Students also participate in Physical Education, Taekwon-Do, archery, and gardening.
The gardening program encourages students to appreciate Allah’s creation while developing responsibility, patience, teamwork, and environmental stewardship.
Taekwon-Do reinforces its five tenets—Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit—which closely align with the character traits Houston Peace Academy seeks to cultivate. The school proudly celebrates two students who recently earned their black belts, with many more expected to reach that milestone in the coming year, in shaa Allah.
HPA’s archery program, inspired by a sport encouraged in the Sunnah, has also seen tremendous success. Last academic year, the school’s archery team qualified for the Texas NASP State Tournament, reflecting students’ dedication, discipline, focus, and perseverance.
A Community Built on Partnership
Houston Peace Academy recognizes that parents are among a child’s first and most important teachers.
The school fosters a strong partnership with families through regular communication, volunteer opportunities, school celebrations, educational events, and community service initiatives.
That partnership is evident in the remarkable 950 volunteer hours contributed by HPA families during the previous school year—a reflection of the school’s warm, collaborative culture and shared commitment to student success.
One parent shared:
“Houston Peace Academy has been a blessing for our family… Being in a non-Muslim country, HPA has allowed our children to be taught Islamic values and grow with loving hearts.”
Students echo those sentiments.
One shared:
“When I think about HPA, I am most proud of the connection my class has, the achievements I have gotten, and all of the laughter I experienced. This school changed my life for the better.”
Another reflected:
“It is a beautiful school filled with caring teachers and a humble environment… best of all, we are in the house of Allah and we pray together in the masjid.”
Looking Ahead
Founded in 2010 as a Montessori program serving just 11 Preschool and Kindergarten students, Houston Peace Academy has steadily expanded one grade level at a time.
Through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other obstacles, the dedication of its staff, families, and community—together with Allah’s grace—allowed the school to continue growing.
Today, HPA serves approximately 110–130 students from Preschool through Grade 8. Looking ahead, the school’s next major milestone is the establishment of a high school, allowing it to continue serving students and families through every stage of their educational journey, in shaa Allah.
Why Houston Peace Academy Values ISLA Membership
Houston Peace Academy values its membership in the Islamic Schools League of America (ISLA) because it connects the school with a nationwide network of Islamic educators committed to excellence.
Through ISLA, the school benefits from collaboration with fellow leaders, professional development opportunities, educational resources, and the sharing of best practices that strengthen both schools and communities.
By learning together and supporting one another, ISLA members continue advancing the quality and impact of Islamic education across North America.
Connect with Houston Peace Academy
- 📍 16700 Old Louetta Rd., Spring, TX 77379
- 🌐 Website: houstonpeace.org/
- 📧 Email: admin@houstonpeace.org
- 📱 Facebook: facebook.com/Houston.Peace.Academy
- 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/hpa.houstonpeace/
Become an ISLA School Member
ISLA School Membership connects Islamic schools with a vibrant network of educators, administrators, and school leaders committed to excellence in faith-centered education. Members benefit from professional development, collaboration, leadership resources, networking opportunities, and programs designed to strengthen Islamic schools across North America.
Learn more about becoming an ISLA School Member at theisla.org/membership/.
