Letter from the CA Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation Re: Chamlian Armenian School 2025 National Blue Ribbon School

October 1, 2025
The Honorable Gavin Newsom
Governor, State of California
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
The Honorable Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
California Department of Education
1430 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Newsom and Superintendent Thurmond,
The California Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation would like to urge you to
recognize Chamlian Armenian School in Glendale, California as a 2025 National Blue
Ribbon School, the highest federal recognition of academic excellence.
Chamlian Armenian School completed every step of the rigorous application process
and just weeks ago received confirmation of its selection as a 2025 National Blue
Ribbon School. However, the school was recently informed that the Federal
Government was rescinding National Blue Ribbons School recognition.
Students, educators, families, and the community have put forth a tremendous amount
of effort to secure this prestigious award and we urge you to acknowledge these efforts
by awarding Chamlian Armenian School as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School
recipient.
The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) formally announced the list of
private school honorees for 2025, which included three schools in California, among
them Chamlian Armenian School. That announcement can be found here: CAPE 2025
National Blue Ribbon Private School Nominations. Other states have already taken swift
action. North Dakota, South Dakota and Alabama have announced their 2025
honorees. Most notably, Connecticut’s Governor and State Department of Education
issued public recognition and created a state-level program to ensure that their schools
receive the honor they deserve.

The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes public schools, however,
there is no equivalent recognition pathway for private schools. Without action,
California’s private school students, including many from historically underrepresented
communities, will be denied recognition for their achievements.
We strongly urge you to recognize the 2025 National Blue Ribbon Schools in California,
including Chamlian Armenian School. They have done the work, met the standards, and
deserve the honor. California must demonstrate the leadership expected of our state
and ensure its schools are celebrated at the highest levels.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. If you have any questions, please contact
Natalie Bruton-Yenovkian with the Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation at (916)
396-9738.
Sincerely,

John Harabedian Sasha Renée Pérez Jessica Caloza Nick Schultz David Tangipa
Chair, Assemblymember Senator Assemblymember Assemblymember Assemblymember

9458 TREELAKE ROAD, GRANITE BAY, CA 95746 • PHONE: (916) 396-9738

THE CALIFORNIA ARMENIAN LEGISLATIVE CAUCUS FOUNDATION (ID# 47-3314636) IS AN INTERNAL REVENUE CODE

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