St. Mary Shnorhali School Շնորհալի Դպրոց

St. Mary Shnorhali School Շնորհալի Դպրոց The Shnorhali School is the primary educational organization within St. Mary aimed at instilling the

Mary aimed at instilling and teaching the love of God, pride in our Armenian language, national identity and culture. The goals of the school is to teach Armenian language and basics of culture in order to help our children and families live authentic Armenian Christian lives and become active members of the community. The School is comprised of two curriculums, one dedicated to Christian Education and the other to Armenian Language and Culture. This unique unified program provides school children K-12 an excellent opportunity to learn about their Armenian Christian heritage.

BUILDING FORWARD: nEW pROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES AT SHNORHALI for 2026–2027Shnorhali Armenian School at St. Mary Armenian ...
09/01/2026

BUILDING FORWARD: nEW pROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES AT SHNORHALI for 2026–2027

Shnorhali Armenian School at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church begins the 2026–2027 academic year with a renewed commitment to growth—strengthening the programs at the heart of our mission while creating new opportunities for students, youth, families, and the wider community. Alongside Armenian language, faith, history, culture, and music, this year brings several important additions designed to make the Shnorhali experience even stronger and more engaging.

A Stronger Start for Our Youngest Learners

Our Kindergarten program is expanding with Musicality & Rhythm, a new developmental opportunity using music, movement, listening, and rhythm to strengthen concentration, coordination, creativity, confidence, and early learning skills.

From Service to Leadership

Shnorhali has redesigned its traditional volunteer program into a more structured Volunteer & Internship Program focused on leadership and professional development for alumni and young adults. Participants will serve the school through defined responsibilities while developing practical skills in communication, teamwork, organization, accountability, and leadership. Interns will also have opportunities for interactive, hands-on Armenian History learning and will be encouraged to complete the Religious Education pathway and final examination required for a Diocesan graduation certificate.

Armenian Folk Dance: Culture in Motion

This year, Shnorhali will offer Armenian Folk Dance as an enrichment club, giving students an active and enjoyable way to connect with their heritage. Through traditional dance and music, students will build confidence, coordination, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for Armenian culture.

Adult Learning & Conversation

Shnorhali is also creating a new opportunity for adults to gather, learn, and connect through guided reading and thoughtful discussion. Conversations will explore selected books and topics related to culture, faith, history, parenting, and community life - creating a welcoming space to exchange ideas and continue learning together.

Clearer Standards, Stronger Community

New comprehensive schoolwide policies and Rights & Responsibilities guidelines will provide greater clarity and consistency while protecting the rights of students, parents, teachers, volunteers, and the school and supporting a safe, respectful, and accountable environment.

A Renewed Partnership with Families

Above all, we hope to build our strongest school-family partnership yet - one rooted in trust, communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to providing our children with the strongest possible educational and community experience.

Registration is open for Shnorhali’s 2026–2027 programs. We invite students, families, volunteers, interns, and community members to explore these opportunities and become an active part of the year ahead.

MUSICALITY & RHYTHM: A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERSThis year, Shnorhali Armenian School introduced Musicali...
09/01/2026

MUSICALITY & RHYTHM: A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR YOUNGEST LEARNERS

This year, Shnorhali Armenian School introduced Musicality & Rhythm, a new developmental program designed especially for our Kindergarten students.

Through age-appropriate music, rhythm, movement, listening, and interactive activities, the program gives our youngest learners another way to strengthen coordination, concentration, creativity, self-expression, and confidence. Led by Eliza Israelyan, the program brings joyful, active learning into the Kindergarten experience while supporting important early developmental skills.

At this stage of childhood, experiences that combine music, movement, listening, and pattern recognition can support the development of attention, memory, language readiness, motor coordination, and social awareness. By creating this opportunity at an early age, Shnorhali is helping children build foundational skills that can support learning far beyond the music classroom.

The addition of Musicality & Rhythm reflects Shnorhali’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities for young children and providing a well-rounded educational experience that supports the whole child. It is an important investment in our youngest students - giving them another way to explore, express themselves, build confidence, and develop skills that will serve them throughout their education.

A new program, a new opportunity, and another important step in helping our youngest students learn, grow, and discover their potential.

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS: SHNORHALI ARMENIAN SCHOOL WELCOMES THE 2026–2027 ACADEMIC YEAR August 23 and 30 marked the opening...
09/01/2026

A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS: SHNORHALI ARMENIAN SCHOOL WELCOMES THE 2026–2027 ACADEMIC YEAR

August 23 and 30 marked the opening of the 2026–2027 academic year at Shnorhali Armenian School, and the school once again came to life with the energy of students, families, teachers, and volunteers. Classrooms and hallways were filled with conversation, laughter, familiar faces, and many new ones. We were delighted to welcome our returning families and equally excited to welcome those joining Shnorhali for the first time. As we begin another year, we do so with gratitude for the opportunity to educate our children and with renewed commitment to our mission of strengthening Armenian language, faith, culture, and identity.

Students spent the opening Sundays meeting their teachers, becoming familiar with their classrooms, and completing brief assessments to confirm appropriate class placement. These first days also allowed teachers to begin building connections with their students and preparing for the academic year ahead.

Parents gathered for the school’s annual parent meeting, where school leadership presented Shnorhali’s educational program, new initiatives, expanded student opportunities, policies, and expectations for the year. Families were introduced to the broad scope of what the school offers - from Armenian language and religious education to history, music, cultural programming, after-school activities, and service opportunities. The meeting also reviewed the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, teachers, and the school, which are designed to protect every member of our community and create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. At the same time, families were presented with a wide range of ways to become involved and support the school according to their interests, skills, and availability.

This year, we are especially encouraged by the return of many Shnorhali alumni who have chosen to give back through our Volunteer and Internship Program. Having former students return to assist teachers, support programs, and step forward when the school needs help is particularly meaningful. They understand Shnorhali as young people who once sat in these same classrooms. Their willingness to return and serve reflects the lasting connection we hope every student will carry with them long after graduation.
We also thank the Parish Council members who volunteered their time to help with registration and make our opening days run smoothly and warmly for our families.

As Shnorhali continues to grow, so does the importance of partnership. We enter this year wholeheartedly hoping to build the strongest partnership yet between our families, teachers, volunteers, school leadership, and church community. Our goal is to create an environment where expectations are clear, communication is open, everyone feels respected and supported, and families know they are valued partners in their children's education. When we work together with trust and a common purpose, we are able to offer our students far more than individual classes - we give them a strong and connected educational community.

At the center of everything we do are our children. We want them to gain knowledge, confidence, friendships, and a deeper understanding of their Armenian heritage while growing in the faith and values that have sustained our community for generations. With God’s guidance, the dedication of our teachers and volunteers, and the support of our families, we look forward to a year of learning, progress, service, and shared accomplishment.
We welcome every returning and new family to Shnorhali and look forward to making the 2026–2027 academic year a strong, successful, and memorable one for our entire school community.

SHNORHALI SCHOOL OPENS ITS DOORS FOR A NEW ACADEMIC YEARToday, Shnorhali Armenian School was filled once again with the ...
08/24/2026

SHNORHALI SCHOOL OPENS ITS DOORS FOR A NEW ACADEMIC YEAR

Today, Shnorhali Armenian School was filled once again with the laughter, energy, and warmth of our students and families. It was a joy to welcome new families, reconnect with so many returning families, complete short student assessments, answer questions, and share a few special moments together.

There is something truly meaningful about seeing our hallways come alive again with children, conversations, and community.

Registration will continue next Sunday. During Religion class, our students will attend Patarag to receive a blessing for the beginning of the academic year, and we will hold our annual mandatory Parent Meeting afterward.

We are grateful for this beautiful beginning and look forward to the year ahead.

GETTING READY FOR A NEW ACADEMIC YEAR AT SHNORHALI!A heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing teachers and volunteers w...
08/24/2026

GETTING READY FOR A NEW ACADEMIC YEAR AT SHNORHALI!

A heartfelt thank you to all of our amazing teachers and volunteers who came together to help clean, organize, decorate, and prepare Shnorhali Armenian School for the new academic year.

Together, you helped clean, organize, arrange, and decorate our classrooms and Cultural Hall, turning many small tasks into something truly meaningful. Every shelf organized, every table prepared, every decoration placed, and every corner cared for was made possible through your teamwork and dedication.

Preparing a school takes much more than supplies and decorations. It takes people who are willing to show up, help one another, and take responsibility for creating a beautiful and organized environment for our community.

Unfortunately, we were all so busy working that we didn’t get many group photos, and not everyone who helped is pictured here - but please know that every contribution was seen and deeply appreciated.

Thank you for helping make our school ready and beautiful for the year ahead!

2025–2026 SHNORHALI YEARBOOKS ARE HEREMore than a collection of photographs, each yearbook tells the story of a year our...
08/17/2026

2025–2026 SHNORHALI YEARBOOKS ARE HERE

More than a collection of photographs, each yearbook tells the story of a year our children learned, worshiped, celebrated, and grew together. Give your child a lasting piece of their Shnorhali journey - and memories of the faith, friendships, and Armenian heritage that shaped it.

Quantities are limited. Secure your family’s copy before they are gone.

📚JOIN THE SHNORHALI ARMENIAN SCHOOL TEACHING TEAMAs Shnorhali Armenian School continues to grow, we are looking for dedi...
08/15/2026

📚JOIN THE SHNORHALI ARMENIAN SCHOOL TEACHING TEAM

As Shnorhali Armenian School continues to grow, we are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic teachers to join us for the 2026–2027 academic year.

A teacher can leave a lasting mark on a child’s life. At Shnorhali, that impact goes beyond the classroom - you can help a child find confidence in the Armenian language, understand where they come from, deepen their faith, and feel proud of the heritage they carry forward.

If you love working with children and feel called to share your knowledge of Armenian language, culture, or religious education, we would be very happy to hear from you.

Come teach, inspire, and help shape the next generation of Armenian children.

If someone special comes to mind as you read this, please share this opportunity with them.

SHNORHALI ARMENIAN SCHOOL ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE 2026–2027 ACADEMIC YEARWe are excited to welcome our students a...
08/15/2026

SHNORHALI ARMENIAN SCHOOL ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF THE 2026–2027 ACADEMIC YEAR

We are excited to welcome our students and families back for a new year of learning, faith, culture, and community.

We will begin the year with our annual celebration of the Day of Knowledge and Education, a meaningful Shnorhali tradition that marks the beginning of a new academic journey for our students.

Our school opening will take place over two Sundays, August 23 and August 30, giving students time to meet their teachers, reconnect with classmates, complete brief assessments, and prepare for the year ahead.

We look forward to welcoming both returning and new families and beginning another wonderful year together at Shnorhali Armenian School.

📚 Welcome to the 2026-2027 academic year!

Dear Shnorhali Community,We would like to warmly invite you to an important and timely community event taking place on T...
06/11/2026

Dear Shnorhali Community,

We would like to warmly invite you to an important and timely community event taking place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, hosted at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church.

The evening will feature a special lecture titled “Western Armenian at a Crossroads: Preserving a Living Heritage” by His Eminence Archbishop Levon Zekiyan. This presentation will offer a meaningful reflection on the current state of the Western Armenian language, the challenges it faces in the diaspora, and our shared responsibility in preserving this vital part of our spiritual and cultural identity.

Given the significance of this topic for our community and the future of the Armenian language, we strongly encourage families to attend and take part in this important discussion. The event also includes a dinner reception and a brief presentation on the Padus-Araxes Summer Programs, followed by the lecture.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, June 11, 2026
Location: St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, 4125 Fessenden St NW, Washington, DC 20016
Dinner Reception: 6:30–7:30 PM
Lecture: 7:30 PM

This is a valuable opportunity for learning, reflection, and community fellowship, and we hope many of you will be able to join.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Warm regards,
Shnorhali School Administration

SHNORHALI SCHOOL CONCLUDES THE 2025–2026 ACADEMIC YEAR WITH FINAL RECITALSOn June 7, Shnorhali School concluded its 2025...
06/11/2026

SHNORHALI SCHOOL CONCLUDES THE 2025–2026 ACADEMIC YEAR WITH FINAL RECITALS

On June 7, Shnorhali School concluded its 2025–2026 academic year with a memorable day of student performances, highlighting months of learning, creativity, and dedication. Students across multiple grade levels took the stage to present literary, theatrical, and cultural works that reflected both their academic growth and their deepening connection to Armenian heritage.

The second-grade students opened with a performance of the fable “The Camel’s Child”, using storytelling to emphasize the importance of the mother’s role in our lives. Their presentation carried a warm message of care, family, and appreciation, and concluded with a lively performance of the “Echmiatsin” dance dedicated to the Feast of the Holy Etchmiadzin.

Fourth-grade students brought Hovhannes Tumanyan’s “The Pot of Gold” to life, sharing a timeless story centered on honesty and moral choice. Fifth-grade students, together with Conversational Armenian learners, performed Tumanyan’s “The Liar”, engaging the audience through humor while reinforcing the importance of truthfulness and integrity.

The program concluded with a powerful joint performance by sixth and seventh-grade students titled “A Conversation Across Time.” Through a dramatic dialogue featuring Hamo Sahyan, Komitas, Hovhannes Tumanyan, and Paruyr Sevak, students reflected on Armenian identity, cultural legacy, and the enduring values of language, faith, and homeland. The performance moved from poetic reflection to a collective message of peace, unity, and hope for Armenians around the world.

Throughout the day, students demonstrated confidence, teamwork, and a strong connection to Armenian literature and culture. Their performances reflected not only what they learned this year, but also the values and identity they continue to build as part of Shnorhali School.

We extend our gratitude to the teachers, students, volunteers, and families whose support made these performances possible, and we proudly celebrate the successful conclusion of the 2025–2026 academic year.

Address

Washington D.C., DC
20016

Opening Hours

9:30am - 2pm

Telephone

+17038351181

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