Education for Children of Repatriates
In every Armenian household, education has always been a cornerstone. For centuries, diasporan families have carried the responsibility of securing the best education to provide their children with strong foundations—a tradition rooted in a deep respect for learning. Education in Armenia reflects this same value, with the country achieving a 100% literacy rate in 1960 and continuing to boast the highest literacy rate among post-Soviet nations.
For families repatriating to Armenia, navigating the educational landscape is key to ensuring a smooth transition. From public to private schools and alternative approaches like Montessori and Waldorf, Armenia offers options to suit a variety of preferences and priorities. Here’s what to expect when beginning to explore education in Armenia for your children.
Types of Schools in Armenia
Formal education in Armenia spans kindergarten to 12th grade, with public and private schooling options. The system is divided into three levels: basic (grades 1–4), primary (grades 5–9), and secondary (grades 10–12). Vocational schools are an alternative to secondary school, though their credentials do not suffice for university admission.
Public Schools
Public schools are free for all residents and begin with basic school at age 6. Attendance is mandatory until age 16, and families can choose their preferred school. Yerevan has over 150 public schools, offering curricula in Armenian language and literature, mathematics, foreign languages, sciences, history, and electives like chess. Graduates receive a Full Secondary Education Certificate.
Private Schools
Private schools offer alternative curricula and smaller class sizes, often more closely aligning with international standards. Examples include Shirakatsy Lyceum, which offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Tuition fees range from ~$2,600 at Lycée Français to $17,100 at schools like CIS Armenia. Montessori and Waldorf schools are also available, offering environments that focus on holistic development and creativity.
Once you make your shortlist, be sure to take advantage of open-door days. These will give you a chance to tour the school and get to know the teaching methods and staff.
Enrollment Process and Requirements
Documentation
As with most schools, applying to a school in Armenia begins with a bit of paperwork. Standard requirements include the child’s birth certificate, medical and academic records, and proof of residence. Required supplementary documents may vary in different institutions. For public schools, you can find details on applying here. Private schools often have application process details on their websites.
Deadlines
Application deadlines vary between different institutions, however, you can keep in mind that public school enrollment is done online on a first come first serve basis in early January. Private school application deadlines are further along in the year, typically starting in Spring.
Application deadlines vary between different institutions, however, you can keep in mind that public school enrollment is done online on a first come first serve basis in early January. Private school application deadlines are further along in the year, typically starting in Spring.
Language Barriers and Adaptation
Classes in Armenia are taught in Armenian, with some international schools teaching in English, like the QSI International School of Yerevan, or in French like the Lycée Français. Russian is widely taught as a second language in most public and private schools, however, nearly all schools also teach English. Some also provide elective languages like French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and German, as well.
School Support
Regardless of whether you choose a public or private school, the teaching staff at many schools are very supportive and offer supplementary classes or sessions to help non-native speakers adapt.
Regardless of whether you choose a public or private school, the teaching staff at many schools are very supportive and offer supplementary classes or sessions to help non-native speakers adapt.
Tutoring and Supplementary Classes
If you want extra momentum in crossing the language barrier, you can take advantage of the wide variety of Armenian language courses available both online (like the Armenian Virtual College) and in person. Language tutors are plenty and can help you and your child develop their language skills.
If you want extra momentum in crossing the language barrier, you can take advantage of the wide variety of Armenian language courses available both online (like the Armenian Virtual College) and in person. Language tutors are plenty and can help you and your child develop their language skills.
How You Can Support at Home
You can help your child’s learning by using Armenian at home, finding Armenian media or cartoons, going to the theater, and even enrolling in Armenian language courses yourself. This dual effort will benefit both children and parents in adapting to the new environment.
Social Integration and Making Friends
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Swim, soccer, karate, dance, robotics, gymnastics, music, art, you name it. Yerevan is filled with extracurricular centers and clubs that will not only enrich your child’s development but also allow them to build a sense of belonging by making more friends and bonding over shared interests. Mingling with other parents in these groups is also a great way for repatriate parents to grow their network in Armenia. Some will already have experience with schooling in Armenia and can be a great source for gaining insight into specific schools you’re interested in.
Building Your Village
Navigating the education system in Armenia may seem daunting from the outside looking in, but remember that there’s a very likely chance you’re not alone. Make sure to use resources like the community at RepatArmenia; even a coffee date with a fellow repatriate parent can be quite helpful in figuring out your child’s education journey in Armenia.
With a large selection of public, private, and alternative schooling, families moving to Armenia can find an option that aligns with their values and priorities. Whether you’re drawn to the structure of public education, the international focus of private schools, or the holistic approaches of the Montessori or Waldorf methods, Armenia’s educational landscape has a school that will allow your children to thrive academically and socially in their new home.
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