Armenian Sisters Academy

The school has undergone a lot of exciting changes since the last batch of reviews were written that are worth noting. One of the school's beloved nuns has returned as principal and has ushered in a new era at the school. She has had many consultations with parents and makes a concerted effort to address any concerns. She has also inaugurated a Strategic Planning Committee to assess and continue to improve all aspects of the school. The school has a committed group of teachers who go above the call of duty for the good of the school, which keeps its tuition significantly lower than many other private institutions to remain accessible to all. Also exciting is that for the first time since the school's earliest years, the eighth grade class is planning a year end trip to Armenia to cap off their time at the Academy. The many changes have infused excitement into the school community and is definitinely worth considering in regards to any enrollment decision.

I just can't give this school a glowing recommendation because I spent extra money and time to supplement my children's math and writing skills so that they would be at baseline for high school. They were always A+ students and academic excellence recipients at the ASA; but in the bigger picture, they were under average in some core basic skills. This was a real eye opener for me. I always believed that private school education was so ahead of the curve. Turns out I was very wrong. Luckily we pulled through it and my kids are doing great. I read the many reviews, it doesn't seem as though the school has yet resolved some of the same issues we also experienced. They do a good job with the whole Armenian thing, and I wish them well.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband graduated from this school. I sent my chlidren to this school based his his positive input and experiences. The truth is that the school fell below my expectations on many many levels. It was not the kind and Christian environment I envisioned for my children. I pulled them out (before 8th grade). Three wonderful nuns left the school the year we left. I won't go into the reasons for their departure since I have to adhere to an objective format. However; I will say that the Principal and the current administration & board have a lot on their plates with regard to the challenges this school is facing. I hope they succeed because I admire and respect the concept of an Armenian day school that perpetuates the language and culture.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm so sorry but I just don't think this is a very good school because (in my opinion and personal experience) it lacks basic standards regarding communication. I was hoping that we could last at ASA because I completely love the idea that Armenian language is taught. In my experiences and my children's daily experiences, any negative input or challenging questions - ranging from curriculum to general FAQ's are frowned upon. It has become apparent (to us) that the administration and some faculty are not ammenable to open lines of communication. I can't recommend any school that tries to discourage parents from having constructive, open discussion. Luckily, our child is completing the Montessori program, and we have other plans for elementary school. Really, I'm so sad that it hasn't worked out for us as we hoped it would.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of a young child attending this school, my first priority was that the school continue what we have started at home: to offer a nurturing, caring environment in order to inspire creativity, spirituality, socialization and a love for learning. In the last two years we are confident that this is the environment that our child is thriving in and are looking forward to enrolling our second child later this year. I feel that the quality of education for this age group is exceptional, though I am concerned about the reasons that other parents have mentioned for leaving the school. I hope that the administration and board will promptly address these issues.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in currently in middle school. I can find no 'exceptional opportunity' for him/her at the Armenian Sisters Academy. I have patiently waited for the curriculum to improve. I tolerated the 'old world' (as previously phrased) behavior and remarks by some faculty as well some volunteer parents. I disagree with the previous posting; I do not recommend the Armenian Sisters Academy. In our experience my child's benefits do not outweigh the shortcomings. Therefore, it is best for our child to attend a different school next year. Of course, he/she will miss the Armenian interaction, and daily language lessons but not the Academy's obsolete and often subversive ways of communication and discipline. We will supplement our cultural interests through Armenian organizations and our local Armenian Church. I certainly do not have any animosity toward the ASA. I just feel we need to send our child to a better school.
--Submitted by a parent

This school provides an exceptional opportunity for students. It has a strong academic focus. Along with the instructional experience, they are educated in the arts, culture, ethics, public speaking and civic duty. The children at this school are the most mature, responsible and good-hearted kids I've seen in an elementary school - characteristics that are fostered in the secure and safe environment. Yes, some of the more traditional 'old school' approaches can be a bit over the top. But those influences are a minority and truly, are well intended. As for the academics...children are more than prepared for secondary school, and often, the children start off immediately in honors programs. They could strengthen the science & math curricula; recognizing that, they have been focused on doing so since 2009. They should continue this. They have the facilities to do so; they just need to allocate more class time to these subjects.
--Submitted by a parent

I do not recommend this school. We were very disappointed in the curriculum. The administration did not address our numerous concerns regarding privacy issues, discipline, or academics. I was not fond of the constant stream of volunteer mothers on the premises during school hours. It was disruptive for my child. In my opinion, the school should not rely so heavily on parents to do administrative work. For example, I do not wish to share my personal financial information or healthcare issues with other parents. I am aware that the school is undergoing a challenging time; but as a parent I must choose what is best for my children. My dedication to the school has limits. We will be moving our children to another school. I hope that the ASA is able to address some of their challenges, and move forward in these economic times.
--Submitted by a parent

I am unhappy with the science and math curriculum. My children are not challenged. We are definitely considering pulling them all out and enrolling them in a different private school. I have spoken to the principal about my concerns but she did not address my specific questions or offer a solution. No one from the board has ever addressed my concerns either. When my first child started at this school, there were over 190 students. Today there are about 150 students enrolled. I hope that the principal and administration explore the reasons for our departure, and make some much needed changes.
--Submitted by a parent

As a parent of more than one child who attended the Armenian Sisters Academy, I was not at all pleased with the academics. My children both are attending 'premier prep' highly rated private schools, and the Academy had very little to do with their admission or preparedness. In fact, our experience regarding the academics at ASA was that their curriculum had open gaps; this became evident in my children's academic preparedness. ASA could use a stronger math and science base; the writing and literature was weak. When I expressed concern to the principal and board of directors, it was scuffed off and I was told that I was the only parent who ever experienced this.
--Submitted by a parent