History
Mind Builders Islamic Academy, previously known as Kalamazoo Islamic School (KIS), was originally established in 1974. It started as a Sunday school located within Kalamazoo Islamic Center (KIC) to meet the need for Islamic education for the children of Muslim families living in and around the Greater Kalamazoo area. At inception, KIS primarily served to provide education to Muslim students at Western Michigan University and gradually expanded to encompass students of various age-groups that live within Kalamazoo County, averaging approximately 120 students enrolled per year. As the number of students grew in size, school expansion became necessary. In 2015, and through multiple efforts and generous donations of the Islamic community, a new headquarters for KIS became available after the purchase of a 30,000 square foot facility on a 10-acre property at 805 Osterhout Ave in Portage, MI. KIS continued its educational activities during Sundays at its new headquarters allowing for further growth and expansion of the school. In 2022, KIS underwent a renovation process and was rebranded to Mind builders Islamic Academy (MBIA).
Our Mission
To offer our youth a nurturing environment that enables them to better understand core Islamic values and principles, be proud Muslims, and transform into strong leaders and reformers of their community
Our Vision
To be the go-to hub for building the Islamic identity. We aspire to create a generation of Muslims that are unique and discrete in qualities, and bearers of the highest of standards
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Compassion
Sister Aisha Rashid
1st Grade Teacher
Our Staff
"Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,
My name is Sana Allooze. I have a background in Early Childhood Education and have experience working as a preschool and classroom teacher. I currently work with four-year-old children in the preschool program at the Islamic School. I began my career at the Islamic School in 2005 and worked there until 2012. After taking a break, I was fortunate to return to the school, and I am very happy to be part of the school community once again. Working with young children is something I truly enjoy and value. I am passionate about creating a safe, positive, and nurturing learning environment where children can grow, learn, and develop with confidence. I also appreciate the opportunity to support children in their early years while helping them build strong academic, social, and Islamic foundations. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working at the Islamic School and look forward to contributing my experience, dedication, and love for teaching to the students and the school community."
Sister Sana Allooza
Pre-K Teacher
"I have been working in the field of education for more than 20 years, specializing in teaching kindergarten children. I strive to provide a nurturing and enjoyable learning environment that combines education, Islamic values, and instilling love for the Holy Qur'an. I feel proud to see many students grow and develop year after year, and i pray to Allah to continue giving me the opportunity to educate our children."
Sister Nada Alakhras
Kindergarten Teacher
" Assalamualikum My name is Aisha Rashid and I’m a teacher at an MBIA where I teach first-grade children. I love teaching young children about Islam and helping them learn good values.
I have a diploma from a government high school and a bachelor’s degree from BZU.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing games, and watching sports such as cricket, soccer, and basketball. One of my hobbies is learning about world history.
My favorite colors are green and white. I am a caring teacher who enjoys learning, teaching, and spending time with the people I love."
Sister Aisha Rashid
1st Grade Teacher
"Assalamo Alaykom, My name is Rima Alharayzeh. I’m passionate about teaching and enjoy creating a positive and welcoming environment for my students. I love helping my students learn, grow, and build confidence. I’m grateful to be part of their learning journey and to work together with their families."
Sister Rima Alharayzah
2nd Grade Teacher
"Hello! My name is Batoul Alkharssa, and I am happy to be part of the school community. I have a master’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and enjoy working with children and supporting them as they learn, grow, and build confidence.
I believe children learn best when they feel welcomed, respected, and supported. I enjoy getting to know each student as an individual and helping create a positive and caring environment where they feel comfortable being themselves.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family. I look forward to getting to know your children and being part of their school experience!"
Sister Batoul Alkharssa
"Assalamu Alaikum! My name is Arwa, and I have been teaching the Quran and Islamic Studies for over 22 years. Throughout my teaching journey, I have been dedicated to helping students develop a strong connection with Allah, a genuine love for the Quran, and a deeper understanding of Islamic values.My teaching approach is patient, encouraging, and tailored to each student’s individual learning needs. I strive to create a respectful and nurturing environment where students feel comfortable, confident, and motivated to grow both academically and spiritually. I also value strong communication and partnership with families, as I believe it plays an essential role in every student’s success.It is a privilege to guide students in their Islamic education and support them in becoming knowledgeable, confident, and compassionate Muslims."
3rd Grade Teacher
Arwa Salhiya
4th Grade Teacher
"Assalamu Alaikum! My name is Sara Alhawamdeh. I am grateful to be returning to MBA for my fourth year and am excited to begin a new journey teaching sixth grade this year. I hold a B.S. in Chemical Technology from Jordan and have experience teaching and supporting students in different educational settings.I have completed both foundational and advanced studies in Tajweed. I am passionate about helping students develop a strong connection with Islam and grow confident in their Muslim identity. At this important age, I encourage my students to ask questions, understand the meaning and wisdom behind Islamic teachings, and learn how to apply Islamic values in their everyday lives. My goal is to help them not only learn about Islam, but truly love their faith and feel proud to live by it, insha’Allah.Outside the classroom, I am a mother of three and enjoy crochet, arts,and crafts."
"Salam! My name is Yumna Aslam, and I am delighted to be part of KIS. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). As a keen social scientist, I strongly believe that we are shaped by what we give back to our society and the impact we have on those around us.I have experience teaching in a school environment and working closely with children, and I genuinely enjoy being a part of their learning and development. I believe that religion, morals, and ethics go hand in hand with academic growth, helping students develop not only intellectually, but also spiritually and personally, so they can naturally carry and amplify what they learn in their everyday lives, InshaAllah."
Sister Sara Alhawamdeh
6th Grade Teacher
5th Grade: Sister Enas Malhar
6th Grade: Sister Asma Dairi
8th Grade: Sister Deena Warsi
Seniors: Brother Nouman & Sister Rashida
Secretary: Sister Eman
Treasurer: Brother Munzer
Sister Yumna Aslam
7th Grade Teacher
