TCA Arshag Dickranian School

The Tekeyan Cultural Association Arshag Dickranian School was established in 1981 to provide the students with the opportunity to learn the Armenian language, History and Culture, along with implementing the California State Curriculum.

In 1990, the School had its first High School graduates.
 

AIM
Provide quality education by implementing the California State Curriculum.

Present the student with the opportunity to learn and appreciate the Armenian Language, History, Culture and Heritage.

Instill qualities and values such as integrity, responsibility and leadership.

Create a pleasant and wholesome atmosphere for learning and education.

Promote means to develop a healthy mind, spirit and body, and prepare the students for a better life and place in society.

CURRICULUM
The T.C.A. Arshag Dickranian School adopted the California State Education Curriculum, with special emphasis on the Los Angeles Unified School District curricula. The School has successfully met the entrance exam requirements of the Cal State and U.C. Systems. The Armenian studies program offers regular sessions in Armenian Language and Literature, Armenian History and Culture, Religion as well as Song and Dance classes.

The Students participate in Stamford Achievement Tests, P.S.A.T., S.A.T., A.C.T., and other standardized achievement tests.

Our students continue their higher education with great success, in colleges and universities including U.C.L.A, U.S.C., Pepperdine, Occidental, U.C.S.F., and C.S.U.L.A.

T.C.A. Arshag Dickranian School has received the title "Approved Candidate for Accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges,

The School has begun offering Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Calculus, English Literature, and American History.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Cultural committee of the School organizes various cultural and social performances, such as general knowledge contests, theatrical productions, art exhibitions, science & social studies fairs, Christmas programs, American holiday celebrations, social events, as well as sports field days.

In sports, the boys and girls basketball teams, the cheerleaders and aerobics teams keep the students physically fit and healthy.

Starting 1997-98 Academic Year, the school participates in the Los Angeles County Science Fair; in 1998 the school won 1 gold medal, 1 silver medal, 1 bronze medal and 2 honorary mentions. Furthermore, our school won the silver medal in the California State Fair.

During the Easter vacation, the senior class partakes in annual educational field trips to Europe. The students visit museums, science and art exhibits, as well as other points of interests.

The Student Council organizes fund-raising events for such worthy causes as the Armenian Telethon ($2,000), and the Vahan Tekeyan School of Gumri, Armenia ($3,000).

Dignitaries, political leaders and representatives from Armenia and local organizations visit the school throughout the year and meet the students, teachers and parents.

ADMINISTRATION
The school is owned and operated by Tekeyan Cultural Association Board of Directors.

The Board of Trustees provides the school budget, oversees school operations and plans for school expansion. It appoints the committees, selects the principal and approves proposals and plans.

In consultation with the principal, the Education Committee plans the school curriculum according to the requirements of the Education Department and Universities as well as the needs of the students.

PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION
The Parent-Teacher Organization sponsors lectures and several fund-raising activities for the school, including weekly hot lunches and the annual School Banquet. The Parent-Teacher Organization closely cooperates with the school administration for the well being of the students.

BUDGET
For the 1997-98 academic year, T.C.A. Arshag Dickranian school budget was over $1,000,000. 60% of the budget was realized from tuition fees. The remaining 40% percent is covered by donations and fund-raising activities.

OUR GROWING SCHOOL
The Tekeyan Cultural Association Building Committee had planned to establish an Armenian Day School in Hollywood as early as January 1979. Within a few months, the Committee acquired four houses located at the North-East corner of Cahuenga Blvd. and Lexington Ave. with a combined area of 22,400 square feet, thus setting the site of the future Arshag Dickranian Armenian School.

The school was originally designed to accommodate 270 students, ranging from Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.

Inauguration took place on August 30, 1981, and two weeks later started with 44 students, enrolled in Kindergarten through Forth Grade.

In the following years (1983-1996), six more houses were purchased, adding 17,000 square feet to the school complex and extending its northern boundary to La Mirada Avenue.

In 1987 the facilities went through major physical changes to raise them to High School Level. Thus, four of the existing houses along La Mirada Ave. were replaced by trailer classrooms and playground area, and upper grade classrooms were added to the main building.

The first crop of our High School graduates was the class of1990. Since then, Arshag Dickranian School has been operating with a capacity of 340 students, ranging from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th Grade.

During the year 1997-98 two additional properties were acquired. The annexation of the said properties will add another 11,200 sq. ft. to the school facilities, thus giving us the opportunity to work on a Master School expansion plan.