Madrasah Wak Tanjong was founded in 1958 by Ustaz Mohd Noor Bin Taib and was initially called Madrasah Addiniyah. It began with 100 students and 4 teachers and operated from the home of Ustaz Mohd Noor.

In 1959, a plot of land was acquired and a new school building was erected to cater to the increasing student enrolment. This school building was built at the current site of MWTAI.

In 1975, Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah was registered with the Ministry of Education of Singapore as required under the Education Act.

1987 saw efforts made to raise funds to acquire the neighbouring piece of land in order to extend the school premises and to modernise it. Everyone rolled up their sleeves in the fund-raising, the school committee, teachers, students and countless volunteers devoted their time and effort to collect enough money for the new and improved madrasah.

The year 1993 saw the erection of a modern and sophisticated building with the latest infrastructure to provide a conducive learning environment for 800 students manned by 40 staff members. This is the school building that we see today at 589, Sims Avenue, Singapore 387600.