Glendale, CA, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Chamlian Armenian School has expressed its disappointment following the abrupt cancellation of the National Blue Ribbon Schools program by the U.S. Department of Education. This decision, which took many by surprise, has spurred students and faculty to take action, including writing over 1,000 letters to education officials and initiating a petition that gathered more than 1,300 signatures. The school community feels a deep sense of betrayal as they aimed for this prestigious recognition, which has historically eluded Armenian schools.
Glendale, CA – Chamlian Armenian School has raised its voice in protest after the U.S. Department of Education abruptly canceled the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools program. This decision, announced on August 29, 2025, disappointed both students and faculty who had worked diligently to prepare for this prestigious recognition.
Before the cancellation, Chamlian Armenian School was among the select few chosen from over 130,000 schools across the nation. Typically, only around 300 schools are recognized each year, including about 50 private institutions. The program was established in 1982 to honor academic excellence, and Chamlian viewed the recognition as a testament to its longstanding commitment to education.
In response to the announcement, more than 1,000 students from Chamlian wrote letters to key education officials, including the U.S. Secretary of Education and the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. These letters urged for reconsideration of the decision, emphasizing the school’s readiness and the effort put forth by faculty and staff over several months to achieve this honor.
The news of the program’s cancellation surprised Chamlian School officials, who learned about it through a news article shortly after the official declaration was made, receiving no prior notification from the Department of Education. Just days before the cancellation was revealed, the school was requested to prepare a 200-word description and images for the National Blue Ribbon program’s website, leading to feelings of betrayal among the school community.
Talin Kargodorian, the head of Chamlian School, expressed that the recognition would have been a significant validation of the school’s half-century contribution to education within the Armenian community. She noted that for over 50 years, Armenian schools have yet to be recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, highlighting a lack of acknowledgment for their achievements in the educational sector.
Additionally, a petition initiated by Chamlian gathered over 1,300 signatures, calling on the Department of Education to honor the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools cohort. This reflects a strong community desire for recognition and equity within the educational achievements of minority-serving institutions.
Artin Ghazarian, chairman of the Chamlian School Board, emphasized that the process for awarding such recognitions should remain free of political influence. Meanwhile, the Glendale Unified School District indicated that other schools, such as Clark Magnet High School, were also left in limbo, awaiting confirmations before the program was canceled. Historically, the Glendale Unified School District had a commendable track record, with ten out of thirty schools earning Blue Ribbon recognition in previous years.
As of now, Chamlian students and staff await a response to their outreach regarding the cancellation, hoping to change the course of this unexpected decision affecting their future.
FAQ
What is the National Blue Ribbon Schools program?
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program is an initiative established in 1982 by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize K-12 schools for their academic excellence.
Why was the program canceled in 2025?
The U.S. Department of Education announced the cancellation of the program on August 29, 2025, but specific reasons for this decision have not been disclosed.
How many schools are typically recognized each year?
Each year, around 300 schools are recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools, including about 50 private institutions, chosen from a pool of over 130,000 schools.
What actions have the students and faculty taken regarding the cancellation?
Students at Chamlian Armenian School have written over 1,000 letters to education officials, and a petition with more than 1,300 signatures has been initiated to urge the Department of Education to reconsider the cancellation.
Has Chamlian Armenian School ever received the Blue Ribbon recognition before?
No, Chamlian Armenian School has not been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School despite its decades of service and educational contributions to the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houston’s Top-Ranked High Schools: A Comprehensive Overview
Additional Resources
- Glendale News Press: Chamlian Responds to National Blue Ribbon Cancellation
- ABC15: 6 Arizona Schools Receive National Blue Ribbon Recognition
- Los Angeles Times: Monte Vista Elementary Embraces Blue Ribbon Honor
- Wikipedia: National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
- Google Search: National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
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