Excellence at Chamlian Armenian School has again been recognized at the highest levels of the state. The California Dept. of Education and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond have named Chamlian a 2025 California Blue Ribbon School, one of only 31 schools statewide and one of just three private schools in California, to receive this honor.

This recognition follows Chamlian’s earlier announcement by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) as a National Blue Ribbon School, reaffirming the school’s status as a model of academic excellence, innovation and cultural enrichment.

The California Blue Ribbon School honor celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and excellence in serving all students. It reflects the dedication of Chamlian’s teachers, students and families to fostering a culture of learning, belonging and achievement grounded in faith, language and heritage.

“The California Blue Ribbon School program celebrates the excellence that defines our state’s education system,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. “I am proud to recognize Chamlian Armenian School as a 2025 California Blue Ribbon School for its outstanding academic achievements, innovative learning approach and community engagement. This recognition reflects the extraordinary work taking place in schools across California, and I am honored to have established this opportunity for schools to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire excellence statewide.”

“We are deeply honored by this recognition,” said Dr. Talin P. Kargodorian, head of school. “To be named among only 31 schools in the entire state and one of just three private schools is an extraordinary achievement. It represents the collective effort of our faculty, our students’ determination to grow and our parents’ steadfast partnership in advancing excellence.”

Chamlian extends its appreciation to State Superintendent Tony Thurmond for recognizing schools of distinction across California and to Glendale City Councilmember Elen Asatryan whose advocacy helped bring this recognition to the state’s attention.

“Chamlian’s recognition as a Blue Ribbon School is a proud moment not just for our community but for all of Glendale. You continue to set a shining example of what commitment to education, excellence and culture can achieve,” said Glendale Councilmember and former mayor Elen Asatryan. “Thank you to Superintendent Thurmond for his leadership and steadfast support of education and our Armenian community, and to Dr. Kargodorian and the Chamlian family for taking the school to new heights. I look forward to our continued collaboration in advancing educational excellence and celebrating our heritage across Glendale and beyond.”

According to the California Dept. of Education, Blue Ribbon schools represent the highest levels of performance statewide, based on overall student achievement and progress in closing opportunity gaps among subgroups. The California Blue Ribbon School recognition program, established to honor certified nominees of the cancelled National Blue Ribbon program, will be awarded for this year only.

California Blue Ribbon schools will be formally celebrated at the California School Recognition Program ceremony in spring 2026 hosted by the California Dept. of Education.