School History

Founded in 1975, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School proudly serves the communities of Glendale, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Tujunga, Burbank, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley, and select areas of Los Angeles, California. What began with just eight students in modest accommodations next to a church has flourished into a vibrant educational institution now operating at its full capacity.

 

Over the last quarter of a century, Chamlian Armenian School has cemented its reputation for academic excellence and staunch dedication to Armenian heritage, becoming an essential part of the Armenian-American community's educational landscape. This journey of unyielding commitment has nurtured a dynamic and cohesive community, bound by shared values and a collective vision for the future. Foremost among these values are innovation and integrity, reflecting our commitment to preparing students as innovative leaders who conduct themselves with integrity, ready to shape the future.

 

Our school's growth, powered by community support and the visionary philanthropy of Mr. & Mrs. Vahan & Anoush Chamlian, set a foundation for an environment where innovative teaching methods and learning opportunities allow students to excel and embody leadership, steeped in a reinforced cultural identity and forward-thinking approach.

 

The decades of the 1980s and 1990s were marked by significant advancements in the student body and the breadth of our academic and extracurricular offerings. Initiatives like the introduction of dual Armenian dialect instruction and attaining early WASC accreditation showcased Chamlian’s dedication not only to high educational standards but also to innovation and integrity in connecting our students with their heritage more effectively and deeply.

 

Entering the new millennium, Chamlian's shift toward technology, innovation, and increased community engagement fostered a more inclusive and collaborative spirit. This period witnessed substantial advancements in curriculum development and the enhancement of our facilities, driven by the active involvement of our entire school community.

Complementing our principle of inclusion, every ten years, we undertake a comprehensive strategic planning process with input from all stakeholders. This ensures that our school's direction is in sync with the evolving needs and aspirations of our community, keeping innovation and integrity at the forefront of our approach to education.

 

As we celebrate this milestone of a quarter-century, Chamlian Armenian School looks back on our achievements with pride and forward to our future with eagerness. Our narrative is one of resilience, deep community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to our heritage. We remain dedicated to nurturing and guiding our future leaders, equipping them with the mindset and tools to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond, all while upholding the highest standards of integrity.