Bayaan Academy: ‘An Islamic School Like No Other’

“A humble beginning of a much bigger vision of producing well-polished individuals who will know how to make a living and how to live.” — Sr. Magda Saleh

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a 21st century “school?” 

Words like classrooms, students, homework, school bells, etc. often come to mind. A modern archetypal school would indeed consist of a large campus with lots of technology and hundreds of students, classrooms and desks, as well as structured recreational provision.

However, what if I told you there was a school that recently started with only 12 students, with no campus, no classes and was conducted exclusively at the back of a mosque with partial, foldable tables and some chairs? This was the reality for Bayaan Academy, a private Islamic school in Tampa, Florida, for over three years.

Origin

In 2015, Bayaan began as a homeschool co-op and was founded by parents and educators looking to provide students with standard and Qur’anic education. From a dozen students, it is now a full-time Islamic school registered with the state of Florida, educating 130 students from grade school to high school.

Pictured: Award Assembly at Bayaan Academy in ISONET in 2017

The term “Bayaan” is Arabic. It is one of the Qur’an’s names. It also denotes eloquence and clarity of communication. Because this program is specially created to give a thorough hifdh curriculum combined with intense academic study, the term was chosen to represent the entire concept.

Bayaan Academy is now seen as an Islamic “magnet” school with special emphasis on Qur’an Tajweed and Memorization and Arabic to Understand Qur’an. It contracts with Ahlul-Qur’an Academy for the Hifdh Program.

Vision and Mission

Bayaan Academy aspires to meet the best academic standards in Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and Technology, with equal emphasis on the Qur’an, Tafseer, Arabic for Understanding the Qur’an and Sunnah (Prophetic traditions).

Pictured: Students at work, Temple Terrace Campus in 2018

They achieve this goal through two main techniques: tackling their promise to meet high academic standards and promoting a God-centered culture where everyone is respected. It wants students to become “torchbearers” for future generations as well as be successful in the society we live in.

Within these goals, the school also offers a caring atmosphere that supports students’ creativity as well as their academic, social-emotional, physical and spiritual development.

Two students who joined the school from its inception, Rayan Birjas and Muhammed Maarij Mustafa, have only good things to say about their experiences.

Rayan Birjas was full of praise: “[Bayaan Academy] continuously hires and works with the most qualified and knowledgeable teachers—in both academics and Islam—to benefit, teach, and nurture the students. The teachers are unlike any other teachers in other schools. They don’t just teach, but genuinely care about your wellbeing and health, which reflect in their work and style of teaching.”

Muhammed Maarija appreciates the environment: “It feels more like a family rather than a school. Everyone treats each other with mutual respect and you can feel the good and Barakah (blessing) all around you. I am so blessed to be here.”

Pictured: Athkar (morning supplications) at Bayaan Academy, Morris Bridge Campus in 2018

Future

In May of 2020, Bayaan Academy bought 14 acres of lush land for the Wesley Chapel Campus, the first-ever Pre-K to 12 Islamic school in Pasco County, with the help of a fantastic community. The school is now undergoing design and permitting. Construction of the new building will commence within the next 12 months, insha’Allah.

Pictured: Groundbreaking at new land in 2020

Bayaan Academy anticipates further expansion, and insha’Allah will be a fully accredited school with approximately 250 students from grades Pre-K to 12. If you would like to learn more about Bayaan Academy, you can visit their website, and if you would like to donate, please visit their donation site.

Ahmad Dibo is currently a 16-year-old in 10th grade with a passion for English, Journalism and Communication Studies. He enjoys reading and writing and, as cliche as it sounds, learning. He hopes to pursue a career in the aforementioned fields.