Armenian Missionary Association of America 
Merdinian School
Centennial Campaign • Committee Members • Campaign Goals • Capital Projects • Naming Opportunities • Ways to Give
With the support of our generous members and friends AMAA provides educational opportunities to young men and women. It is vital that faculty and facilities are maintained at high standards to meet this noble mission and keep these schools as a affordable as possible. To do so, part of the Centennial Campaign’s focus is growing the endowment funds for our schools around the world, with a bold $8 million goal; with $1 million designated for the new ‘Armenian Evangelical Schools in North America Endowment Fund.’ Maintaining strong endowments will ensure the AMAA carry forth this important mission in perpetuity. The educational opportunities we provide are life-changing. In so many ways, this is essential to our future and the preservation of our heritage –the educated young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow.
A Star at Merdinian
Ani Karajayan, an 8th grader at Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School located in Sherman Oaks, CA, says she is forever grateful for the privilege to attend such a unique school. “At Merdinian, students not only learn subjects like English, Math, Social Studies and Science, they have the opportunity to learn the Armenian language, history and most importantly learn about their Armenian Christian heritage. Although we are in the Diaspora, schools like Merdinian encourage us to keep our identity and live like rightful, true Armenians.”
In March 2017, Merdinian School had ve winners at the Science Olympiad organized by the Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America (AESA) and received the “School of the Year” award. Merdinian School students also won three awards at the LA County Science Fair. Ani won 2nd place in the Physics: Electricity and Magnetism category and advanced to the State Science Fair. She also received High Honors and Citizenship awards at School as well as Science Fair Awards at the LA County level.
The AESA Science Olympiad Committee Co-Chair said that several factors led to the School’s success. He commented that the science teachers did a wonderful job teaching and preparing projects with the students, the students were motivated and had the support of their parents/families, principal and administration. Everyone contributed and made the AESA Science Olympiad activities memorable and successful.
Born and raised in California, Ani began attending Merdinian School three years ago. Her father, from Turkey, and her mother, from Armenia, expressed “Merdinian School has been like a second home for our daughter. Everyone is so compassionate and understanding. We appreciate all that they have done to help the students grow not only intellectually but also spiritually.”
“Parents appreciate the warm and safe family environment offered their children by the dedicated and caring teaching and administrative staffs at Merdinian School,” said Dr. Vahe Nalbandian, Chair of the School Board. “We provide merit-based and need-based scholarships to our students, and School supporters can be rest assured that their investment in students like Ani and others is an investment in our future generation.
The C & E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School is the only Armenian Evangelical School in the United States. The mission of the School is to develop the whole child through a broad based curriculum that fosters academic excellence, Armenian and Christian education, and good moral values. The School strives to create a safe and nurturing environment where every student receives personal attention to become a successful and responsible individual.