Ferrahian graduating senior class of 2026
In Armenian communities around the world, one question often comes up: “Can Armenian schools truly compete at the highest academic level in the United States?”
At Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School, the answer is clear—and it can be seen in real results.
What started 62 years ago with just 12 students has grown into the largest Armenian day school outside of Armenia. Today, Ferrahian serves more than a thousand students across expanding campuses. But its success is not just about size. It’s about consistency, strong values, and years of dedication from the community.
That dedication shows in the achievements of its students.
This year’s graduating class is a great example. Eighty-five students earned a total of 119 college acceptances. These included top public universities in California—like UCLA and UC Berkeley—as well as UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Irvine. Students were also accepted to leading private universities such as Stanford, USC, Boston University, Georgetown, Pepperdine, and others.
These numbers don’t just show success—they show quality. Ferrahian students are not only applying to top schools; they are getting in.
Independent data supports this as well. According to the San Francisco Chronicle’s 2026 rankings, Ferrahian is among the top private high schools in California when it comes to admissions to University of California campuses. In a system where thousands of students compete for limited spots, this is a strong sign of academic strength.
So what’s behind these results?
Ferrahian offers challenging classes, including honors and Advanced Placement courses. Students are taught how to think critically, work independently, and prepare for college from an early stage. These outcomes are not accidental—they are built into the school’s approach.
At the same time, the school places strong emphasis on real-world preparation. Ferrahian has developed a well-structured internship program, along with life skills classes, that help students explore different careers while they are still in school. This gives them the opportunity to gain practical experience, understand their interests, and start building the skills they will need in the future.
But academics are only part of the story.
Ferrahian is also deeply committed to preserving Armenian identity. Students learn the Armenian language, history, and culture as a core part of their education—not as an extra. The school has found a balance between academic success and cultural roots, helping students grow both intellectually and personally.
It’s no surprise that in recent years, interest in Ferrahian has continued to grow. The school is expanding to meet this demand. Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, new kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade classes will be added, along with improved facilities to support future growth. This shows that Ferrahian is not only maintaining its legacy—but actively building for the future.
Learning at Ferrahian also goes beyond the classroom. The school regularly invites respected leaders from religious, political, educational, scientific, business, and cultural fields. Students have the chance to meet and learn from these professionals, gaining real-world insight and inspiration.
As Principal Sossi Shanlian explains, “At a time when assimilation is a real challenge for diaspora communities, Ferrahian shows that strong identity and academic success can go hand in hand. Its achievements are not occasional—they are part of who we are.”
From its humble beginnings to its place among top schools in California today, Ferrahian stands as a powerful example of what vision, commitment, and community can achieve.
—