Armenian Sisters Academy
It has been a few years since several nuns left the school. The reasons for their departure remain unclear. I felt at that time and still feel today that the students and my children (in Pre-K at the time), did not have closure & opportunity to bid goodbye. One of these beloved Sisters ran the Montessori program beautifully. Her dedication & abilities were truly reflected in the well organized program. Right now my littlest one is in the Montessori class. Since the departure of another longterm Montessori teacher (last year) my experience is that the quality has regressed again. Perhaps I'm comparing something from our past experiences to something current, but I'm paying the same (or more) tuition for the a program that often seems muddled and disorganized. Too often I've observed teachers' curtness and frustration and wondered (and hoped) when and how the school will gain back what they've lost.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Mar 3, 2010
Armenian Sisters Academy
My girls did not thrive at this school. Despite attempts to meet with principal, faculty and administration, we were unable to resolve our concerns especially regarding the poor science curriculum. We did also have concerns about some of the teacher's aggressive and sometimes physically intimidating style of discipline. I understand that this may be my interpretation, however, I personally do not like the "Old School" brand when it comes to discipline and punishment. I will say that the school's mission is beautiful. It looks wonderful on paper. Unfortunately, for us, the reality was quite different than the promise. Every school has problems, but this school offered no solutions to us.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Mar 2, 2010
Armenian Sisters Academy
(I was just forwarded this site; what a great resource) I sent my children to the Armenian Sisters Academy. Last year we left because i felt they were not challenged. I patiently waited for the better math and science curriculum (which never came). I also observed that a lot of volunteer moms were involved with administrative duties. I felt uncomfortable sharing some of my personal information or my child's health care information with possibly unqualified volunteers. I think some restructuring of administrative duties would be a good solution. My children attend another local (private) school now and are very challenged as well as happier. I wished that I had moved them sooner.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Feb 25, 2010
Armenian Sisters Academy
When my daughter attended this school, there were around 220 students. Now that my youngest son is there, the enrollment has dropped to around 150 students. I hope that the Armenian Sisters Academy is able to address some of the very serious challenges regarding academics and discipline. It would be a shame to see their doors close.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Feb 22, 2010
Armenian Sisters Academy
My children will be leaving this school at the end of this year. The reasons for our departure range from administrative concerns to sub par academics; especially in writing, mathematics and science. Based on my experience, I don't think that the school or administration are interested in listening to or resolving my concerns. I was told by a faculty member that there are not enough resources to accommodate every 'gifted' student. This statement perplexed me, and compelled me to have my children professionally tested through our local school district. They both fall in the above avg. ranges but not in the gifted programs. To this date, the Armenian Sisters Academy has not clarified to me or explained the ways in which they gauge or evaluate students or what they base their curriculum upon. I am disappointed to be leaving with many unanswered questions and unresolved concerns.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Feb 18, 2010
Armenian Sisters Academy
I attended this school for kindergarten through elementary, and also sent my children for Pre-K and Montessori. The school certainly tries to teach Armenian history and language, but the delivery is ineffective and harsh at times. I was unhappy with the school's perspective regarding discipline. I personally witnessed too much yelling and tension. Perhaps it is a cultural difference, I cannot say for sure. What I can say is that as a whole, I felt that the school did not meet our children's needs.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Feb 12, 2010
Armenian Sisters Academy
I was just forwarded this site, and I think it is a wonderful opportunity for parents to share their experiences and thoughts. My husband and I came to the US from Armenia. We are both working professionals. We were attracted to the Armenian Sisters Academy because we felt (and still feel) that they did a very good job in teaching the Armenian language. In this area, they excel. In mathematics and science, however they do not excel. This was reflected through our children's work. Both my husband and I had a more challenging education and we did not think that our children were challenged or accomplishing the standards that we hoped for. Since we left (last year), my children have blossomed - especially in science and math. They attend our local public school (Lower Merion PA) and are experiencing a higher level of academics all together. In honesty, I should also comment on the social and extra curricular benefits they are now experiencing. The ASA does not have enough participation in sports or social activities compared to the public school my children attend now.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Feb 12, 2010
Armenian Sisters Academy
After 6 years, this will be our last year at the Academy. Unfortunately, we have been very disappointed in the academic curriculum, lack of discipline, and the particular style of resolution the school adheres to. Originally, we chose the school because we thought that it would be a benefit for our girls to learn the Armenian language and culture in a small and safe setting. It looked good on paper but in our opinion and experience, the school did not deliver to our expectations. Our concerns have ranged from mediocre vocabulary and reading lists to class disciplinary issues. In the last 6 years, we have personally witnessed a large decline in enrollment. Now that our children are in middle school, we too have finally decided to move on. Our children are not challenged in math, english, or science. In these areas and with regard to our children, this school has fallen short. We have had to supplement the curriculum. This is both an added expense for us and an added stress for our children. To compound matters, the administration has not been amenable to discuss our concerns. I had always admired the school's mission which has focused on teaching the Armenian culture & heritage. Sadly, the school's mission alone won't be sufficient reason to keep our children there.
Submitted
by a Parent
on Feb 11, 2010
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