History of the Armenian Sisters Academy the Armenian Sisters

History of the Armenian Sisters Academy The Armenian Sisters Academy of Radnor, PA is one of three Armenian day schools in the United States directed and managed by the Armenian Sisters Academy of the Immaculate Conception; in Radnor, Boston and Los Angeles. In the early 60’s, Armenians from the Middle East came to the United States because of either civil war or turmoil in their own countries. Therefore, the Armenian Sisters followed their people and built their schools to educate the new generation of these immigrants. Founded specifically for the teaching apostolate, the Armenian Sisters have never abandoned their original commitment. At the request of Monsignor Stephen Stepanian, Pastor of St. Mark’s Armenian Catholic Church of Philadelphia, in 1963 the Sisters came to establish an Armenian day school. The greater Philadelphia community were delighted to have an Armenian school where the rich Armenian culture and language could be preserved and passed on from generation to generation…where children could be taught love of their heritage as well as a love of learning…where the “whole” child could be educated in a loving and caring environment…where the highest possible educational standards would prevail and where Christian values and the faith of our forbearers could be taught. The dedication and professionalism of the Sisters was becoming widely recognized in the Armenian community. The dream of providing area youngsters with a quality education while helping to perpetuate the Armenian language and culture became a reality. In May of 1975, cornerstones for a new school building were blessed by clergy of the area’s five Armenian churches, and in the incredibly short time of five months construction was completed. On October 17, 1975, the first students of the new school eagerly crossed the threshold of a magnificent structure that was now the Armenian Sisters Academy…a tribute to the selfless dedication, hard work and perseverance of the founding Sisters. In 2003 the Academy took upon itself another challenge to expand the structure of the physical plan of the school to meet the academic needs of the 21st century. In 2005 the students entered the threshold of the new construction with enthusiasm and excitement. The Montessori philosophy is the guiding approach to education at the school. Its techniques encourage children to learn through discovery and teach them to be self-sufficient and self-disciplining. The learning environment is one of freedom, within limits, in an atmosphere which is both exemplary and enriching. The Montessori approach provides an excellent opportunity for the child to develop self confidence, a respect and love for others and a real enthusiasm for learning. It is an ideal complement to training within the family. One indication of the Academy’s commitment to excellence is its accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Criteria for accreditation include the school’s teaching philosophy, its academic program and activities, the physical facilities and all other aspects of school life. It serves to validate the school’s success in meeting its own high standards in carrying out its responsibilities to students, the community and the founding traditions. The Academy is a member of the American Montessori Society, the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). Through hard work and dedication, the Sisters have reaped a harvest of 513 alumni of whom we can be proud. As many Academy alumni excel in academic and professional pursuits, many live as proud American Armenians, serve as leaders among Armenians and, now, raise their children as good American Armenians. Graduates of the school win honors at prestigious and respected colleges and universities and pursue graduate studies. Along with their school, alumni have come of age, rising to diverse and accomplished professional ranks including doctors, engineers, international financiers, teachers, certified public accountants, builders, writers, artists and entrepreneurs. The rewards are the children of our alumni, now numbering sixty-six, who attend the Academy, carrying on its traditions and perpetuating the Armenian spirit. A visit to the Academy is a wonderful experience. You’ll see children learning in addition to their usual English curriculum, Spanish, as well as Armenian. You’ll see them at work in the science laboratory and seated at computers. You’ll find bright young minds responding to the inspired teaching of a dedicated staff in an atmosphere of love, care and intellectual stimulation. .

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