About Chamlian Chamlian Armenian School, affiliated with St. Mary’s Apostolic Church, is a fully accredited institution with 500 students in grades 1-8 located in the foothills above Glendale. For the past 30 years, in a variety of significant roles, the school has served the Armenian communities of Glendale, La Canada- Flintridge, La Crescenta, Tujunga, Burbank, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley, and sections of Los Angeles.

The Board of Regents is the governing body, which oversees and supports the organization and the procedures of the school and its various related entities including the Education Committee, Finance Committee, Administration, Faculty, and Staff. The Regents work in relationship with The Educational Committee of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Armenia.

The English subjects’ academic curriculum of the school is based on the California State Framework and that of several school districts including the Glendale Unified School District. In addition, the academic curriculum for Armenian language, literature, history, and religion follows guidelines of the Prelacy Educational Council. Chamlian Armenian School is the only Armenian School in which both Eastern and Western Armenian dialects are taught. This unique aspect services the large numbers of Armenians whose geographic roots are areas where Eastern Armenian prevails.

Chamlian Armenian School strives for academic excellence, and continues to regularly update its curriculum and its resources. Among the features that reflect our achievements are two iMac computer labs, one elementary and one Junior High, offering computer training, computer literacy, and scientific programming activities. The school was networked using quality technology and a DSL connection to the Internet. Several areas, including the library and computer labs, are connected to the Internet. Many classrooms have one or more computers in them, and additional computers are available for long term use in all classrooms.

Art courses for higher grades and an art room/studio have been established. Students have participated in several contests and activities throughout the community, including “Celebrating Community” and “I Love My Neighborhood,” and have excelled in their endeavors. The Fine Arts program continues to grow as a vital element of our school curriculum.

A state of the art science lab for our upper elementary and Junior High students is in full operation. Computers and audio-visual equipment are utilized during science instruction, as are hands-on, interactive lessons.

Our science books are all updated and meet California State Science Standards. We have a fully functioning science lab where students conduct science experiments. We participate at the Los Angeles County Science Fair- Junior level. We have won many top prizes and honorable mentions and have advanced to the California State Science Fair, where again we’ve won top prizes. In the school year 2000-2001, we’ve advanced all the way to the National Science Fair.

Our students have also enjoyed success in the Math Olympiads, the Scripp-Howard National Spelling Bee (always in the top 10), the National Geography Bee, the annual Agriculture in the classroom Writing Contest, Poetry Contests, and so on.

Our school library is computerized, and over 16,000 books are bar coded and entered into the computer system. We currently use the Follett software library program along with its technical support. Each class has a weekly slot scheduled during which they may visit the library, check out books, read, and/or do research. The library also has a reading club, library assistant students, field trips, a bargain book sale, holiday activities, and various contests, all of which enhance the fun and education of our students at Chamlian.

We have several student clubs on campus for the enjoyment and social growth of our students, and for the elevation in their awareness and interaction in community activities. The Junior High Student Council and Booster Club, for example, sponsor food drives for the needy, visit the elderly at the Ararat Home, collect toys for children during the holidays, and have fun at school dances and on field trips. The Armenian Club, Computer Club, and Media Club also offer our students a diversity of experiences both on and off campus.

Chamlian Armenian School is a pro-active, interactive challenging institution with its goals and dreams for the 21st Century well on the way to realization.