Tierra Encantada Named IFA Franchisees of the Year

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Tierra Encantada, the leading provider of Spanish immersion early education, has been honored with the prestigious 2026 Franchisees of the Year award from the International Franchise Association (IFA). The recognition comes as the franchise partners of the company, Zargham Amid and Mustafa Durrani, continue to expand their network of centers in Northern Virginia. Since opening their first center in Alexandria in 2022, the duo has grown to operate three locations, with plans for a fourth center and additional growth in the region.

Zargham Amid and Mustafa Durrani have been instrumental in building Tierra Encantada's presence in Northern Virginia. Their commitment to the brand's mission of providing a premium early education experience for children ages six weeks through six years has been recognized by the IFA. The franchise partners have combined full Spanish immersion, a play-based STEAM curriculum, globally inspired scratch-made meals, and intentionally designed learning environments to support the development of the whole child.

The IFA's Franchisees of the Year award is a testament to the hard work of the franchise partners and the trust families place in them every day. The award comes as the franchisees continue to expand Tierra Encantada throughout Northern Virginia, with plans for further growth in the region.

The IFA's Franchisees of the Year award is a significant honor for Tierra Encantada, as it recognizes the company's commitment to excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. The award comes as the franchise partners continue to expand their network of centers, with plans for additional locations throughout the Virginia market.

Tierra Encantada, founded in 2013, is one of the fastest-growing early education brands in the United States, with corporate and franchise locations open or in development across 15 states. The company is recognized by organizations such as Entrepreneur, Inc., and the Financial Times. Tierra Encantada's mission is to provide a premium early education experience for children by combining full Spanish immersion, a play-based STEAM curriculum, globally inspired scratch-made meals, and intentionally designed learning environments that support the development of the whole child.

The IFA, the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide, works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance, and promote franchising. The IFA's advocacy summit, where the award was presented, was held in Washington, D.C. on September 14-16, 2026.