Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School (SMACS) is a private Armenian Christian school located in Pasadena, California. Founded in 1980, it provides a Christ-centered education with a focus on Armenian cultural heritage for students from preschool to eighth grade. In January 2025, the school's campus in Altadena, California was destroyed by the Eaton Fire, prompting its temporary relocation to the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Cultural Center (formerly AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School) in Pasadena.[1]
The school's mission is to offer a Christ-centered education, emphasizing Armenian language, history, and culture. The school aims to nurture students within a disciplined environment that promotes excellence in learning, all while maintaining a non-sectarian and non-political approach.[2]
The school was established in 1980 by a group of concerned Christians recognizing the need for an Armenian Christian institution. Initially located in the basement of a church in Pasadena, the school moved to Altadena in 1983, with significant financial help from John Sheen. In 1987, the school completed the construction of a new building. In April 2008, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School purchased the 183-205 East Palm Street property from Bienvenidos Children's Center for $7.1 million with plans to establish a second campus for students in preschool to 5th grade. The school opened the campus in September 2008, but failed to obtain the required Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning. This led to complaints from nearby residents, particularly regarding increased traffic, and the school was issued a notice of violation. The school's failure to comply with the permit led to a lawsuit. In June 2009, the school closed the Palm Street campus after facing legal pressure, and it relocated students to other facilities. The property was eventually sold. Meanwhile, the school maintained its original 6th-12th grade campus at Maiden Lane.
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In January 2025, the school's Altadena campus was severely damaged by the Eaton Fire, resulting in the loss of most of the school's facilities. Despite this, the school community rallied to temporarily relocate to the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Cultural Center in Pasadena, which had previously been AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School.[5]
