School History

Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School was founded in Glendale, California in 1975, and has been continuously serving the Armenian communities of Glendale, La Canada- Flintridge, La Crescenta, Tujunga, Burbank, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley, and sections of Los Angeles.

Over the past four decades, the school campus has grown considerably. It began in 1975 with only 8 students in a few rooms adjacent to the church. In 1979, the student population grew to 180 with students attending pre-school through 4th grade. By 1982, grades 5-8 were added and the number of students increased to 300. The decision was thus made to purchase the present campus, allowing the school to grow to its present-day capacity.

Chamlian is committed to providing each student with the highest quality of education in a nurturing environment where students can learn and grow. The school offers a strong academic program in all the core subject areas, as well as a strong Armenian Studies curriculum which includes courses in language, history, and culture.

Chamlian has been fully accredited by WASC since 1983, with its last accreditation in 2020, when the most recent self-study visit occurred. Chamlian demonstrates a commitment to the continuous self-study cycle and the Focus on Learning process.  

Chamlian is one of eight Armenian Schools throughout Southern California governed by the Board of Regents of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Board of Regents oversees and supports the procedures of the schools and their various related entities including the local Board, Administration, Faculty, and Staff.