Landmark $9.6 Million Gift from Alex and Lina Megerdechian Makes an Armenian H

The site of the soon to be Alex and Lina Megerdichian High School

GLENDALE, Calif. — Chamlian Armenian School has announced plans to establish a new Prelacy high school in Glendale, extending the Chamlian educational journey beyond eighth grade. An extraordinary $9.6 million gift from Alex and Lina Megerdechian has fully funded the property acquisition, establishing them as the namesake benefactors of the new Alex and Lina Megerdechian High School.

The announcement was made during Chamlian’s Blue Ribbon Soirée, an evening celebrating the school’s National Blue Ribbon recognition and the community whose generosity continues to shape its future.

For more than four decades, a high school has been a cherished dream for the Chamlian community. This transformational gift from Alex and Lina Megerdechian brings that vision closer to reality, laying the foundation for a continuous Armenian educational journey rooted in academic excellence, innovation, Christian faith, and Armenian heritage. For Alex and Lina, the gift reflects a personal commitment to Chamlian, where their three children are currently enrolled.

“Alex and Lina Megerdechian have given that dream a place to take root,” said Artin Ghazarian, Chair of Chamlian’s School Board. “Their unprecedented gift makes this a defining moment for our children and for the future we will build together.”

Designed to serve approximately 400 students, the planned high school will build upon Chamlian’s educational program through a future-prep, collegiate model in a state-of-the-art learning environment. Inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, internships, mentorships, community service, and partnerships will connect the classroom to the wider world, helping students explore their interests, discover meaningful pathways, and prepare to lead in a rapidly changing world.

The emerging academic vision brings together the arts, sciences, humanities, business and entrepreneurship, and engineering. Students will engage across disciplines, apply their knowledge to real challenges, and develop the judgment, confidence, and sense of purpose to shape their futures.

“We envision a high school where students are known, challenged, and inspired to explore who they can become, while remaining deeply connected to their Armenian language and heritage, Christian faith, and the values that guide them,” said Head of School Dr. Talin P. Kargodorian.

Located in Glendale, at the heart of a vibrant Armenian community, the new campus will offer students the opportunity to pursue their aspirations while strengthening their connection to their faith, language, culture, and community. The school is advancing the academic program, architectural planning, and required approvals while developing the scope and funding strategy for construction.

With the property acquisition fully funded through the generosity of Alex and Lina Megerdechian, Chamlian invites the entire community to support the capital campaign to build the new high school campus.

The Alex and Lina Megerdechian High School Fundraising Gala will take place on October 1, 2027, at Grand Manor in the heart of Glendale. Hosting the gala in Glendale carries special meaning as families, alumni, friends, and supporters gather in the city the new high school will call home. Legacy naming opportunities will be available throughout the campus. Additional gala details and ways to contribute will be announced.

The property is secured. Bringing this school to life will be the community’s next great undertaking. With the community’s philanthropic support, Chamlian will build an educational home that expands opportunities for our children and serves generations to come.

Vahan & Anoush Chamlian Armenian School is a TK–8 school dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, integrity, and Armenian heritage. A National Blue Ribbon School and the first Armenian school in the nation to receive this distinction, Chamlian nurtures students’ intellectual curiosity, strengthens their cultural identity, and prepares them to lead lives of purpose and responsibility.