News Summary
Students and staff at Chamlian Armenian School in Glendale, CA, express disappointment over the cancellation of the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. After significant preparation, the school was set to be recognized for its academic excellence but received the sudden news that the program had been canceled. The community has since rallied, writing letters and launching petitions to advocate for recognition and highlight the importance of educational excellence.
Glendale, CA — Students and staff at Chamlian Armenian School respond to the cancellation of the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
In Glendale, California, the students and staff at Chamlian Armenian School are expressing disappointment after learning that the school will not receive recognition through the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools Program. The federally designated program, which has traditionally honored outstanding schools across the nation, was abruptly canceled by the U.S. Department of Education on August 29, 2025, just days after the official announcement.
Background on the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program
Established in 1982, the National Blue Ribbon Schools initiative has served as a prestigious award recognizing academic excellence and exemplary teaching practices. Each year, approximately 300 schools are selected from across the country, including roughly 50 private schools. Usually, the program aims to highlight high-performing schools that serve as models of success and innovation in education.
Chamlian Armenian School’s Selection and Preparation
This year, Chamlian Armenian School was chosen from over 130,000 schools nationwide, marking a significant achievement for the institution. The school had initiated months of extensive preparation, involving hundreds of hours by faculty and staff to meet the demanding criteria of the program. The recognition was seen not only as a validation of the school’s long-standing efforts but also as a tool to bolster its reputation and assist with fundraising initiatives.
Impact of the Program’s Cancellation
Despite the preparations, the school was notified that it would not be included in the 2025 cohort due to the program’s cancellation. This news was relayed through a news article published days after the Department of Education’s decision, leaving school officials without prior warning. Furthermore, they were asked to provide a brief description and a photograph for the program’s website, which became moot after the cancellation was announced.
Student and Community Response
In response, over 1,300 letters have been written by students to key officials, including the U.S. Secretary of Education and California’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, urging recognition for the 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools. A petition supporting the schools has also been launched, emphasizing the importance of honoring schools that have demonstrated excellence, including Armenian educational institutions, which have not received national recognition in over five decades of service.
Statements from School Officials
School leadership, including Talin Kargodorian, the school’s head, expressed regret over the decision. They highlighted the extensive efforts invested in the process and noted that receiving the Blue Ribbon honor was a validation of the school’s five decades of community service. The leadership also emphasized that political factors should not influence the recognition process. Additionally, the school’s officials have reported no response from the Department of Education following their inquiries about the cancellation.
Related Developments and Broader Context
The Glendale Unified School District indicated that Clark Magnet High School was also awaiting confirmation before the program was canceled. Historically, several district schools have received Blue Ribbon awards, with about 10 out of 30 GUSD schools earning the distinction in previous years. This highlights the significance of the recognition within the district and the disappointment caused by its sudden suspension.
Community and Future Outlook
The cancellation has sparked concern among local educators and community members who see the Blue Ribbon as an important acknowledgment of excellence. The ongoing efforts by students, parents, and school officials aim to advocate for future recognition programs and ensure that deserving schools continue to receive acknowledgment for their contributions to education.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
