PASADENA–The Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School will launch a high school program in September 2004–with the introduction of a 9th grade class–and has announced plans to add one grade each subsequent year to complete its High School by 2008. The school also announced that its enrollment for the 2004-2005 academic year has reached 350.
In order carry out its expansion project–classrooms will be held on two campuses. Nursery and elementary school classes will continue on the present campus at 2501 N. Maiden Lane in Altadena–California–while secondary school classes–and the new 9th grade class will use the facilities of the First Church of Nazarene of Pasadena at 3700 E. Sierra Madre Boulevard.
The Sahag Mesrob Armenian Christian School was established in 1980 and started in the basement of a church with 70 students–a faculty of 9 and a budget of $125,000. In 1983–through the generous donation of Mr. John Sheen (Hagop Geuvkalayjian) the school was able to purchase the current property–and now–21 years later–is filled to capacity.
The mission of the school is to provide children a Christ centered education–in an environment that promotes Armenian heritage and cultural programs. Students are exposed to Christian teaching and faith; the Armenian language and history; and excellence in learning under disciplined conditions. The school’s activities are non-sectarian and not political.