Armenian Private Schools vs. The Public School System

By: Richard Davitian
BruinBoy88@ucla.edu

Ever since the Armenian Diaspora had immigrated to the United States, there have been controversies within families on whether to send their children to Armenian private schools or to the public school system. This controversy is a heated debate with two extreme view points regarding the various advantages and disadvantages of both systems. It is triggered by the uncertainty within the Armenian community concerning which of the two systems is the more superior one. They both have their pros and cons.

Armenian private schools in Southern California started around the 1960’s and grew increasingly year by year. The schools started with small graduating classes of only a few students. These Armenian private schools have held onto a reputation of tradition, culture, and family. Most importantly, they instill the Armenian culture in their students by teaching the Armenian language.

There have been debates regarding the curriculum that Armenian private schools provide, especially in the English subject. Many families complain that the private schools do not do enough to strengthen the English curriculum. This leads to a domino effect, because after graduating high school, it is believed that these students are not equipped and sufficiently prepared to move onto colleges and Universities. On the other hand, most public schools are known to prepare students for academic challenges after high school. Therefore, many claim that students coming out of the public school system have less of an accent than students coming out of an Armenian private school.

In recent economic times, money has been the main issue. With rising tuitions at private schools, many parents are taking their children out of private schools and putting them in public schools. The popularity of Armenian schools is being questioned every day.

Another issue with Armenian private schools is that they treat some students differently than others. In other words, they play favorites. Armenian private schools also have the tendency to involve themselves with every aspect of the student’s personal lives. This includes problems that occur outside of school. They also create many trivial rules regarding the most unimportant and mundane things; the boys are not allowed to keep facial hair or gel their hair, and the girls are not allowed to have too many piercings or too much make-up. Many argue that this only restricts students from being unique and creative. However, at public schools, students are able to express themselves with different clothing and style. Originality is not frowned upon.

Armenian private schools have also have the reputation of having clean, safe, and friendly environments. Many public schools have been noted for their rather dirty and unsafe environment. There has also been a correlation between drugs and public schools. But in reality, drugs can be found in both school systems. Students in private schools are exposed to drugs just as students from public schools are.

I believe that even though private Armenian schools are not crucial, they are still an important aspect to the Armenian community. Having the opportunity to send your child to a private school is great; it allows the Armenian community to flourish and stay strong. Within Armenian private schools, there is also the unremitting opportunity for young Armenian students to communicate with one another and form life-long friendships. Armenian private schools promote the feeling of family and community, causing students to view their school as their second home.

I have spoken with many students who graduated from Armenian private schools. They always complain about the system and how it is corrupt in many diferring aspects. Parents also complain about the quality of education, refusing to place their kids in Armenian private schools.

Speaking from my own personal experiences of attending an Armenian private school, I believe the school that I attended has taught me countless valuable lessons on life and has given me memories to last me a lifetime. It seems to me that the ones that did not like their experiences at an Armenian private school were the ones who decided to go against the school rules.

I honestly believe that without the Armenian private schools, the young Armenian generation would slowly lose their values and customs. I appreciate the effort that the Armenian private schools put in. It allows students to keep in touch with their heritage and roots. They can hold onto their traditions, culture, and language. They can create lifelong friendships and relate with other students with similar backgrounds. With lowered tuition and the advancement of the English curriculum, I believe Armenian private schools can regain their popularity and create new interest within the Armenian community.