Chamlian Armenian School has officially been named a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School, an honor awarded to only 55 private schools nationwide annually by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) — the nation’s highest distinction for academic excellence. Out of thousands of private schools nationwide, only 55 were selected — and Chamlian is proudly one of them!
This award recognizes Chamlian’s academic excellence, innovation, and the incredible efforts of its students, faculty, and community.
Chamlian had already been selected by the U.S. Department of Education earlier this year following a rigorous year-long evaluation process. When the federal program was unexpectedly discontinued prior to this year’s announcements, CAPE stepped in with a new national initiative to ensure that the country’s most distinguished private schools still received the recognition they earned.
This highly selective distinction celebrates schools that exemplify exceptional academic outcomes, a mission-driven culture, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. To be selected as one of only three schools in California and the first Armenian school in the nation underscores Chamlian’s leadership in private school education. Fewer than 0.2% of private schools across the country receive this National Blue Ribbon distinction each year.
This national recognition reflects the dedication of Chamlian’s teachers, the perseverance and curiosity of its students, and the unwavering partnership of its parents and supporters. Chamlian continues to shine as a school that upholds high standards, inspires purpose, and cultivates achievement grounded in values and vision.
In a statement, the school said: “Chamlian Armenian School is deeply honored to receive the National Blue Ribbon distinction in recognition of its exceptional academic excellence, the tireless efforts of its dedicated teachers, and its unwavering commitment to excellence. This recognition is a true testament to the collaborative efforts of our teachers, students, and parents, who together continue to strengthen Chamlian’s excellence and ongoing progress.”
“We are deeply grateful for your continued support and belief in our mission. Together, we have built a school that stands tall on the national stage — a true model of educational excellence,” the school added.
As earlier reported in September, Chamlian had already been selected as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School earlier this year, becoming the first Armenian day school in the United States to receive this rare honor. For months, faculty, staff, and administrators devoted hundreds of hours preparing data, submitting reports, and documenting the innovative practices that make Chamlian a model of academic achievement. Two weeks before the announcement, however, the U.S. Department of Education abruptly canceled the program. In response, students, parents, alumni, and community members mobilized in an unprecedented letter-writing campaign urging federal and state leaders to honor this year’s National Blue Ribbon School cohort. Chamlian’s community wrote to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and members of Congress, and a national petition soon followed.
Today’s official recognition by CAPE stands as the culmination of that advocacy — a victory not only for Chamlian but for all schools that refused to let excellence go unrecognized.
