Ilm Academy administration
Ilm Academy’s faculty members, with qualifications from traditional Islamic institutions and modern Western universities, provide students a distinctive and integrated educational experience.
Mrs. Huma Bokharey
Founder and Head of School
Mrs. Huma Bokharey founded Ilm Academy in 2010 and has served as its principal since its inception, bringing over 25 years of distinguished educational expertise and experience to the institute. She has an MS in administrative sciences, and over the course of her career, her credentials have included the roles of both teacher and administrator in the Challenger School System. Additionally, she has held the position of Corporate Quality Assurance Manager for CA, NV, and UT Challenger Schools.
Mrs. Bokharey is also the founder of Sapienza Educational Publishing, Ilm Academy’s publishing division, established with the aim to produce Islamic school curriculum. Under her leadership Ilm Academy has grown from a school of 11 students in 2010 to 208 in 2025. The school continues to anchor the community through its Tarbiyah and academic program designed to serve the Muslim residents of Fremont and beyond. Mrs Bokharey has been the catalyst for creating a cohesive academic environment and has taken the school to the next level with the WASC accreditation and establishing the Ilm Academy High School program.
Ms. Reshma Farooqui
Principal / Director of STEM program
Ms. Reshma Farooqui brings more than 24 years of extensive experience in various capacities as an educator to Ilm Academy. Her background as a middle school and high school math, science teacher, math/science department head, and mentor teacher has provided Ilm Academy with an invaluable resource. She has a degree in science with a major in chemistry and certification in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School (2023).
As the Principal, Ms. Farooqui continues to support Ilm Academy in all areas for a positive and impactful outcome including successfully facilitating the school with the WASC accreditation process. Her expertise in the A-G articulation framework through University of California has been instrumental in the expeditious approval of Ilm Academy’s high school courses. She applies her philosophy of providing every child with adequate tools to be the best version of themselves into her curriculum design and implementation. Her focus is to support all students by integrating innovative and creative strategies for greater student engagement in every class.
At Ilm Academy, Ms. Farooqui continues to support teachers and students to ensure that learning is accessible to every student and that each child is given the opportunity to discover their true potential.
Ms. Irum Sarfaraz
Director of Language Arts Program/HS ELA and ELC
Ms. Irum Sarfaraz is an accomplished educator, journalist, author, editor, and curriculum developer with more than 25 years of experience in her field. She holds a Master's degree in English Literature along with multiple professional writing diplomas. Her portfolio includes more than 2,000 published articles in newspapers, magazines, and online publications, as well as an anthology, a novel, numerous educational resources, and multiple book translations. Fluent in English and Urdu, she specializes in academic writing, curriculum development, fiction and nonfiction writing, and translation.
For over a decade, Ms. Sarfaraz has served as a dedicated leader at Ilm Academy. She oversees the development of the school's ELA curriculum, mentors faculty, and works closely with them to strengthen instructional excellence across grade levels. Additionally, she teaches High School English Language Arts, AP English Language and Composition (ELC), and Journalism, inspiring students to become confident communicators, critical thinkers, and skilled writers.
Ms. Sarfaraz also serves as School Publications Editor, overseeing the school's publications and student literary initiatives. As Lead Writer for Sapienza Educational Publishing, Ilm Academy's curriculum division, she develops and edits high-quality Islamic educational resources. She also serves as editor of Student Spectrums, the academy's high school blog, providing students with meaningful opportunities to develop their voices through creative writing, and thoughtful commentary.
Passionate about educational innovation, and student growth, Ms. Sarfaraz is committed to cultivating a rich learning environment where academic excellence and faith prepare students for success in higher education and meaningful service to their communities.
Ms. Seena Almahan
Director of Arabic Program
Ms. Almahan has been an educator for over 15 years and holds a master’s degree in the Arabic language. Her broad academic background, combined with her passion for teaching, allows her to bring both expertise and enthusiasm into the classroom. She is deeply committed to sharing the richness and beauty of the Arabic language with her students. Her innovative teaching methods are student-centered and highly engaging. She uses creative pedagogy that transforms language learning into a meaningful and inspiring experience. In her classes, students are encouraged to explore Arabic through poetry writing, calligraphy, and other cultural projects that deepen their appreciation and understanding of the language.
Ms. Almahan’s classroom is a dynamic space where learning is interactive and culturally immersive. Through her dedication and creativity, she has inspired countless students to connect with Arabic in both personal and academic ways.With over a decade and a half of experience, she brings valuable insight and leadership to the school’s Arabic program. She is committed to continuously enhancing the curriculum, ensuring that it remains rigorous, relevant, and inspiring for all learners.
Ms. Shehnila Vaid
Office Manager
Ms. Vaid has been a dedicated and valued member of Ilm Academy since its establishment. During this time, she has supported Ilm Academy in various capacities. She started working as a kindergarten teacher during the early years and her experience now makes her an integral part of the KG program as its key coordinator. Ms. Vaid’s commitment and dedication to Ilm Academy’s growth has had a huge impact in helping the school grow to what it is today.
Ms. Vaid oversees day to day office operations as office manager, and trains and mentors kindergarten teachers as the kindergarten program coordinator. She is extremely passionate about teaching and continues to be a valuable asset for Ilm Academy in making a difference in the school experience of students across all grade levels.
Ms. Wahida Lambe
School Accountant
Ms. Wahida Lambe is an integral member of the Ilm Academy team, bringing dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to serving the school community. As the school's Accountant, she oversees the school’s financial operations while also playing a vital role in the day-to-day functioning of the school.
In addition to her financial responsibilities, Ms. Lambe is one of the key members supporting office operations and student services. She works closely with administrators, faculty, parents, and students, helping ensure that school operations run smoothly and efficiently, making her an invaluable resource for the school.