GLENDALE — California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond visited Vahan & Anoush Chamlian Armenian School on Friday, joining students, educators, elected officials, Armenian American community leaders, and supporters for a special student-led campus experience highlighting educational excellence, innovation, Armenian heritage, and whole-child learning.
Widely recognized as one of the leading Armenian schools in the nation, Chamlian welcomed Superintendent Thurmond for an in-depth look at the school’s educational model, which blends rigorous academics with Armenian language and cultural education, leadership development, STEAM learning, arts, athletics, and student-centered instruction.
Throughout the visit, students led nearly every aspect of the program, welcoming guests, guiding campus tours, sharing reflections, and showcasing learning experiences across classrooms and programs throughout the school.
“What I saw today impressed me, and I believe we can learn from this school’s focus on STEAM learning while grounding students in their heritage and cultural history,” said Superintendent Thurmond.
“There’s a reason Chamlian Armenian School was recognized as a California Blue Ribbon School. Students need to be prepared for the economy of the 21st century and have the skills necessary for the future job market while also having a strong sense of community. This approach provides that foundation,” he added.
The visit carried special significance for many students following a student-led letter writing campaign earlier this school year surrounding educational recognition and the importance of celebrating school communities and student achievement.
“Today was about giving our students the opportunity to share their voices, their heritage, and their experiences directly with California’s educational leadership,” said Dr. Talin P. Kargodorian, Head of School at Chamlian Armenian School. “At Chamlian, we believe students thrive when they are challenged academically, grounded in identity and values, and empowered to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose.”
The event also highlighted the strength of the broader Armenian Prelacy school community. Chamlian is one of 13 Armenian Prelacy schools operating under the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, a network founded more than five decades ago to preserve Armenian language, heritage, faith, and identity through educational excellence.
The visit brought together Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, members of the Glendale City Council, representatives from the Office of LA City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, Board of Regents members overseeing Armenian Prelacy schools, principals from sister Armenian schools across California, Chamlian School Board members, Parent Support Committee leadership, and major supporters of the school community.
During the concluding program, students reflected on leadership, civic engagement, educational opportunity, and the importance of student voice. Students also performed traditional Armenian songs and instrumental pieces, highlighting the school’s commitment to arts education, cultural _expression_, and heritage preservation.
Founded under the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Chamlian Armenian School serves students in grades TK–8 and is rooted in the core values of Academic Excellence, Armenian Heritage, Innovation, and Integrity.
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