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ABOUT SHNORHALI SCHOOL

WHO WE ARE

Shnorhali School is the educational ministry of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, dedicated to nurturing children in the Armenian language, Christian faith, and the rich heritage of the Armenian people. More than a weekend school, Shnorhali is a vibrant learning community where students discover who they are, deepen their faith, and develop a lifelong connection to their Armenian identity.
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Our mission is to preserve and pass on the Armenian language, history, culture, traditions, and spiritual values to the next generation, inspiring students to become confident, compassionate, and engaged members of both the Armenian community and the broader world.
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Our educational program is built upon two complementary pillars: Armenian Studies and Christian Education.

Through Armenian Studies, students explore the Armenian language, history, literature, music, culture, and national heritage while developing strong communication skills and a deep appreciation for their identity.
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Through Christian Education, students learn the teachings, traditions, feasts, and spiritual life of the Armenian Apostolic Church. By combining classroom instruction with active participation in church life, students develop not only knowledge of their faith but also a personal relationship with God and a lasting connection to their Mother Church.
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At Shnorhali School, education extends far beyond the classroom. Every lesson, celebration, worship service, cultural event, and community activity is designed to help our students grow intellectually, spiritually, and culturally - preparing them to become faithful Christians, proud Armenians, and compassionate leaders for future generations.

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ACADEMIC YEAR OVERVIEW

During the 2025–2026 academic year, Shnorhali School continued to develop its curriculum, making it more structured, purposeful, and aligned with the language and educational needs of the children in our community.

From preschool through 8th grade, the school offers classes in Armenian language, history, music, culture, and religion. For students in grades 9–12, the school offers religion classes as well as community volunteer opportunities, helping them take an active part in church and community life.

Student placement is based on an Armenian language assessment, which helps determine the appropriate learning level for each student. This approach allows teachers to better understand each child’s needs and provide more effective instruction.

The academic year is divided into four quarters. At the end of each quarter, students complete assessments, and parents receive updates on their child’s progress. This system helps the school consistently evaluate student development and provide more focused support when needed.

ACADEMICS, CLASSROOMS, AND SPECIAL EDUCATION

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The teachers and administration of Shnorhali School have developed programs that combine textbook-based learning, individualized lesson planning, and rich cultural content. Each week, teachers prepare lessons and materials that not only build language skills, but also introduce students to prominent Armenian artists, writers, poets, composers, scientists, and important historical events.

The Conversational Armenian Program continues to be an important part of the school curriculum. It gives students the opportunity to practice Armenian with a native speaker, helping them develop fluency, confidence, and everyday communication skills. The program is helpful for students at different levels, as each child is able to speak, listen, and express themselves in Armenian within an environment suited to their abilities.

One of the important new developments this year is the revised three-level Kindergarten structure. It was created to better meet the needs of children of different ages and Armenian language levels. Each stage of the preschool program gradually develops the child’s Armenian vocabulary, listening and speaking skills, cultural awareness, and readiness for the next level of learning.

In addition to Armenian language, culture, and religious education, the school also offers 30-minute history and music classes on an alternating weekly schedule. The history classes are taught by Haykaram Nahapetyan, who introduces students to important topics in Armenian history and meaningful stages in the formation of Armenian national identity. The music classes, led by Armine Khachatryan, introduce students to Armenian musical heritage, from folk songs to the works of well-known Armenian composers.

The school also offers extracurricular clubs, including
Chess, Armenian Miniature Art and Bird Letters, Narek Bells Chorus, Spiritual Choir, and Acolyte  Training. These programs complement the main curriculum and give students opportunities to create, collaborate, and develop their interests.        

Beyond regular classroom instruction, Shnorhali School also provides students with additional learning opportunities through school events, performances, recitals, and cultural programs. These activities extend learning beyond the classroom and allow students to apply their knowledge through Armenian speech, song, music, presentation, and community participation. By taking part in these programs, children build confidence, develop creativity and collaboration, and strengthen their connection to the Armenian language, culture, and identity.

AFTERSCHOOL ACADEMIC AND ENRICHMENT CLUBS

Shnorhali School offers a variety of after-school clubs that enrich the educational experience beyond the classroom. These programs provide students with opportunities to develop new skills, explore their interests, strengthen their connection to Armenian heritage and the Church, and build lasting friendships through hands-on learning and collaboration.
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CHESS CLUB
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The Chess Club develops strategic thinking, concentration, problem-solving, and sportsmanship in a fun and engaging environment. Students learn new strategies, practice with classmates, and participate in friendly competitions that strengthen both critical thinking and confidence.
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ARMENIAN MINIATURE ART $ BIRD LETTERS CLUB
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Inspired by the rich tradition of Armenian illuminated manuscripts, this club introduces students to the beauty of Armenian miniature art and decorative bird letters (Trchnagir). Through guided artistic projects, students learn about Armenian history, symbolism, and artistic heritage while developing creativity, patience, and fine motor skills.

NAREK BELL CHOIR

The Bell Choir introduces students to the art of handbell performance through teamwork, rhythm, and musical expression. Students learn proper ringing techniques, musical notation, and ensemble performance while contributing to church celebrations and special school events.

"SHNORHALI VOICES" SPIRITUAL CHORUS

The Spiritual Choir offers students the opportunity to learn and perform the sacred music of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Through the study of sharagans and liturgical hymns, students deepen their appreciation of Armenian spiritual traditions, develop vocal skills, and participate in church services and special celebrations.

ACOLYTE  TRAINING

The Acolyte Training Program prepares students to serve during the Divine Liturgy with reverence, responsibility, and understanding. Under the guidance of the clergy, students learn the traditions, prayers, and responsibilities of altar service while strengthening their faith and becoming active participants in the life of the Armenian Church.

ARMENIAN FOLK DANCE CLUB
The Armenian Folk Dance Club introduces students to the rich traditions of Armenian dance while fostering a love for Armenian culture and heritage. Through learning traditional dances from different regions of Armenia, students develop coordination, rhythm, teamwork, and self-confidence. The club regularly performs at school events, cultural celebrations, and community programs, allowing students to proudly share and preserve Armenian traditions through dance.

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SPIRITUAL EDUCATION AND CHURCH LIFE

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At Shnorhali School, spiritual education is an essential part of our mission. Our goal is not only to teach students about the Armenian Church, but also to help them feel a deep and meaningful connection to their Mother Church through prayer, worship, learning, and active participation in parish life.

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One of the important features of Shnorhali School is the morning Badarak Education Program, a 30-minute program that takes place in the sanctuary of the church. Through this program, students learn about the structure and meaning of the Divine Liturgy, study selected parts of the Badarak, sing sharagans and liturgical excerpts, and become more familiar with the feasts, traditions, and spiritual values of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

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As part of their religious education, students also attend Badarak once a month. These visits give students the opportunity to observe and participate in the Divine Liturgy in a meaningful way. During their time in the sanctuary, students are invited by Der Hayr to kneel together at the base of the altar and take part in the Confession and Absolution. Students who have received the sacrament of Baptism may also receive Holy Communion.

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Shnorhali School also encourages students to take an active role in church services. Each Sunday, one student is assigned to read the Midday Readings from the Holy Scriptures during Badarak. This is a meaningful and joyful experience for our students and their families, as they not only learn from the Holy Scriptures but also share God’s message with the parish community during the Divine Liturgy.

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Children are a vital part of the Christian faith. Through observation, participation, and guidance, they learn how to worship, pray, serve, and grow within the life of the Church. The church provides a sacred and welcoming environment where children learn moral values, virtue, the Word of God, and, most importantly, begin to feel the presence and guidance of God in their lives.

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By connecting classroom learning with living faith, prayer, worship, and community participation, Shnorhali School helps students develop a lasting bond with the Armenian Church and understand their important place within the life of the Christian community.

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CONCLUSION

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Educating our children in religion, Armenian language, Armenian history and culture and the desire to raise and educate a new generation of Armenian students that will help to preserve our heritage and culture, is the primary mission and priority of Shnorhali school.

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