Armenian Evangelical Central High School
The Armenian Evangelical Central High School (Armenian: Հայ Աւետարանական Կեդրոնական Բարձրագոյն Վարժարան) stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious Armenian educational institutions in Lebanon. Located in the Ashrafieh district of eastern Beirut, the school provides a comprehensive academic journey from kindergarten through secondary education, blending academic rigor with the values of the Armenian Evangelical Church.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1922 by Reverend Yenovk Hadidian.
- Location: Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon.
- Type: Private school.
- Grades: Kindergarten, Elementary, and Secondary.
- Affiliation: Armenian Evangelical Church.
- Current Principal: Mrs. Maral Deyirmenjian (since 2007).
Historical Foundations and Growth
The school's origins are deeply rooted in the aftermath of the Armenian genocide. As Armenians sought refuge on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, leaders worked to revive Armenian culture and identity in a new land. Reverend Yenovk Hadidian led this mission by establishing an elementary school to provide an evangelical education for new generations.
The institution began operations on May 16, 1922, in a hut within the "Adana Camp" in Beirut. Shortly after, a second evangelical school was formed in the nearby "Isgenderon camp." By 1924, these two entities merged to become the "Armenian Evangelical School for boys and girls," receiving its official license in 1925.
A pivotal moment in the school's history occurred when Reverend Henry H. Riggs provided a generous donation in memory of his wife and daughter. This contribution funded the construction of a new building in Ashrafieh, which served as both a church and a series of classrooms, marking the school's move to its current location.
Academic Evolution and Expansion
Between 1943 and 1950, the institution underwent a period of rapid modernization and expansion. It transitioned into a full high school, offering 11 years of study following three years of kindergarten. During this era, the school established several key facilities and traditions:
- The creation of a school library.
- The establishment of a science laboratory with dedicated departments for physics, chemistry, and biology.
- The formation of a four-voice high school choir.
- The launch of Arpi, the annual school publication.
- The introduction of annual field days and professional teacher training seminars.
In the 1944–1945 academic year, the school opened its first secondary class and was officially renamed the Armenian Evangelical Central High School. By 1965, the school integrated the official state educational program, preparing students for the Certificate (6th grade), Brevet (9th grade), and the First and Second Baccalaureates (11th and 12th grades).
Infrastructure and Milestones
In 1969, the school completed its kindergarten and elementary building. This facility includes a memorial hall dedicated to the teachers and students who lost their lives in a tragic school trip accident on April 1, 1960.
The school continued to grow, establishing grade twelve during the 1976–1977 academic year. Over the decades, the institution has celebrated major milestones, including its 60th anniversary in 1982, its 65th in 1987, and a grand jubilee in 2002 to mark its 80th year, attended by government ministers, academic representatives, and alumni.
Institutional Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1922 |
| Location | Ashrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon |
| Religious Affiliation | Armenian Evangelical Church |
| Educational Levels | Kindergarten, Elementary, Secondary |
| Official Website | http://www.aechs.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded the Armenian Evangelical Central High School?
The school was founded in 1922 on the initiative of Reverend Yenovk Hadidian to provide an evangelical education for Armenian refugees in Beirut.
Where is the school located?
The school is located in the Ashrafieh area of eastern Beirut, Lebanon.
What state examinations do students take at the school?
Students follow the official state program, taking the Certificate in 6th grade, the Brevet in 9th grade, and the First and Second Baccalaureates in 11th and 12th grades.
Who is the current principal of the institution?
Mrs. Maral Deyirmenjian has served as the principal since 2007.
What is the significance of the memorial hall in the elementary building?
The memorial hall honors the 3 teachers and 18 students who died during a school trip accident on April 1, 1960.