About Us
Learn about our school, mission, and community
Our Story
Cordoba Academy is a non-profit educational institution in Lynnwood, Washington, helping young Muslim-Americans grow into confident, spiritual, and well-rounded individuals. Founded in 2015 by a group of committed parents and community members, the school was built on a vision of blending academic excellence with strong Islamic values.
Our name is inspired by the historic city of Cordoba, Spain—a symbol of learning, innovation, and peaceful coexistence during the Islamic Golden Age. Like its namesake, Cordoba Academy aims to be a place where knowledge, faith, and character flourish together.
We began by offering small community programs like summer camps and story times. In 2017, we launched our first co-op classes in a local masjid. In 2018, we transformed a small house into our first school, and by 2021, moved into our current 7,000+ sq ft facility, equipped to support our growing student body and expanding programs.
Today, we offer a variety of educational experiences, including Islamic and Quranic studies, Quranic literacy, STEM and coding classes, creative workshops, and seasonal camps. Our goal is to foster academic success and spiritual growth through authentic scholarship and meaningful community connection.
We envision raising future leaders—young Muslims who are intellectually curious, morally grounded, and ready to make a positive impact in today's world.
Our Mission
To nurture the intellectual, ethical, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual development of young American Muslims, producing confident, spiritual, and professional Muslim leaders who will be an asset to our society.
- Nurture intellectual and academic excellence
- Develop strong ethical and spiritual foundations
- Foster social and emotional growth
- Promote physical well-being and development
Our Vision
Our vision is to establish an institution dedicated to the dissemination of religious and worldly knowledge rooted in traditional Islamic values; providing a high quality of education to improve the quality of life of Muslim communities in America.
- Integrate religious and worldly knowledge
- Uphold traditional Islamic values
- Deliver high-quality education
- Enhance Muslim community life in America
Core Values
Spiritual Advisors
Shaykh Umair Ahmad
Executive Director of Mihraab Foundation
Shaykh Syed Umair Ahmad was born in Denver, CO and soon after moved to Seattle, WA where he completed high school and went on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Central Washington University. As a student, he served as President of the Muslim Student Association at North Seattle Community College where the club was awarded the Most Active student organization on campus. Shaykh Umair later served two years as President of MSA NorthWest and became a key contributor to Islamic Quiz of Seattle. He went on to become an active member in the Greater Seattle community, establishing youth programs in addition to teaching in his local masjid.
Executive Board of Directors
Abdulkadir Sheikh (Imam Bazi)
Director of Spiritual Development & Principal
Imam Bazi is a dedicated Islamic scholar, educator, and community leader who has been serving the greater Seattle area for over 15 years. His journey in both secular and Islamic education reflects his deep commitment to learning, teaching, and nurturing the next generation of Muslim Americans.
Faisal Ahmad
Director of Operations
Br. Faisal was raised in North Seattle and earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Central Washington University and has built a successful career in Change, Process & Project Management. Beyond his professional expertise, he has been a dedicated activist in the Seattle Muslim community since 1995, working tirelessly to uplift and educate the next generation.
Amina Ahmed
Director of Student Success & Vice Principal
Sr. Amina was born in Canada and spent her formative years in Indonesia before returning to North America to pursue higher education. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Commerce and Administration from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. As an undergraduate student, she was deeply committed to community service, actively volunteering in various local initiatives, while maintaining her Muslim values and seeking a deeper connection to Allah.
Shehzad Qureshi
Director of Finance
Br. Shehzad holds a degree in Finance from Central Washington University and has an extensive background in leadership and management. He previously served as a Senior Program Manager at Microsoft before transitioning into a senior management role with the City of Seattle, where he continues to make a meaningful impact.
Arif Samad
Director of Programs
Born and raised in Seattle, Br. Arif has had the unique privilege of witnessing the growth and evolution of the Muslim community in the region. From the Islamic School of Seattle to Umar al-Farooq Masjid, he and his family have played an integral role in shaping and strengthening the local Muslim community.
Farzana Ahmed
Director of Student Enrichment & Learning Coach
Sr. Farzana is a dedicated educator with a Bachelor of Education from Ontario Tech University and over 10 years of teaching experience. Sr. Farzana is passionate about making learning engaging and meaningful. As a certified Minecraft educator, she thrives on designing fun and dynamic lesson plans that seamlessly incorporate Islamic teachings, inspiring students to think critically about history and literature. She takes pride in turning students' initial disinterest in history into a lasting passion.
Faculty & Staff
Melinda Mahmud
Senior Administration Manager
Sr. Melinda brings a strong background in business operations, project management, and organizational leadership, with a deep commitment to creating an efficient and supportive environment for students, staff, and families. Her experience spans both corporate and educational settings, including roles as a Business Manager at the Islamic School of Seattle and as a Business Operations Specialist at Boeing, where she honed her skills in fostering collaboration and driving continuous improvement.
Saima Rizvi
KG & 1st Grade Learning Coach
With over 15 years of teaching experience across the U.S. and overseas, Sr. Saima brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and creativity to her classroom. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Karachi University and has complemented her academic background with extensive professional development in early childhood education.
Qura Peera
KG, 1st Grade & Islamic Studies Learning Coach
Sr. Qura has a deep passion for the Quran and has dedicated her time to both learning and teaching it, spending 10+ years nurturing young learners in their faith and education. She loves the authenticity of children, believing that the best place to witness their natural curiosity and joy is in a classroom full of Kindergarteners and First Graders. For her Cordoba Academy is more than just a school, it's a community. She finds the building charming and deeply values the dedicated people who help it grow, making it a truly special place to teach and learn.
Fouzia Nadeem
2nd Grade Learning Coach
Sr. Fouzia graduated with a Master's in English Literature from Zakariah University and continued her studies to achieve a teaching diploma from Allama Iqbal University. With a deep passion for education and community service, she spent two years working with an NGO, training new teachers in rural areas of Pakistan. Her five years of experience in public schools, combined with three years of teaching at an Islamic school in Kent, Washington, have given her a well-rounded perspective on the American education system.
Hana Khan
3rd Grade ELA Learning Coach
Sr. Hana holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology Studies from Western Connecticut State University and has also pursued advanced Islamic studies, working toward an Aalima degree in New York. With over seven years of experience working with children, she has always been passionate about nurturing young minds and helping them grow with confidence and compassion.
Sadia Rizvi
3rd Grade Math & Science Learning Coach
Sr. Sadia is a dedicated educator with 14+ years of experience teaching elementary students with the Advanced British curriculum in Saudi Arabia. She holds a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) from Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi, and has a strong passion for nurturing young minds. Sr. Sadia finds immense joy in witnessing the progress of her students, guiding them as they grow academically and personally. She is committed to creating a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel supported and inspired to reach their full potential.