Over fifty years ago on October 16, 1967, the Hye Bardez Committee appointed by the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs’ visionary Parish Council, with the staunch support of pastor Fr. Vartan Megherian, opened the doors of the Hye Bardez Nursery to eight pre-kindergarteners. From this humble nucleus evolved the Hye Bardez Nursery and Kindergarten in 1972.
In the bicentennial year of 1976, with the addition of a first grade, it became known henceforth as the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School (HMADS), the first in the metropolitan area. Upon fulfilling the stringent requirements stipulated by the NYS Department of Elementary Education and a thorough examination of classroom facilities, faculty, curriculum, students’ academic and health records, the Board of Regents awarded the school a Provisional Charter in 1979. In 1982, after a waiting period of three years, HMADS earned an Absolute Charter (a form of accreditation).
The purpose of the school was and still is to provide a high caliber education following the curriculum approved by the NYS Department of Elementary Education with an Armenian Studies Program to develop a knowledge and appreciation for the Armenian language and culture. HMADS embraces children during the crucial formative years 3 to 12 (Pre-K to Sixth Grade), when the foundations for love of learning, good work habits, moral, ethical and spiritual values are developed to ensure successful and happy lifestyles. These attributes are so essential in the present world which is inundated with pitfalls and temptations. Recently a one day program was offered to the age group of 2-3 years old (Hye-Bardez).
Through the years HMADS has been served with total dedication by Principals Sara Anoushian Dadourian, Zarminé Kalayjian Boghosian, Mae Bedrossian Kazandjian, Sophie Dejanece Kerbeykian, Zarminé Kalayjian Boghosian and presently by Principal Seta Tavitian Megherian.
Today HMADS is a respected institution of learning with a reputation for academic excellence. In state and federal achievement testing, students inevitably score in the 100% range. It has been ranked #1 among private schools in Queens.
HMADS students participate in our church activities by reading the scriptures in Armenian and English, serving as acolytes during Badarak, singing in the Holy Martyrs Junior Choir and are active members of the ACYOA Juniors.
Since 1982, over 200 students have graduated from HMADS. As alumni, these students have been able to successfully enter into secondary education schools and share their talents and achievements with the American and Armenian communities. In addition, these students will always have their special bond to HMADS and will always be able to share with each other their unique elementary educational experience.
The success of this unique school can be attributed to the cooperative spirit, inspirational faith and oneness of purpose of energetic principals, caring teaching staff, dedicated school boards, hardworking fundraising committees, generous benefactors, devoted parents and the efforts of countless volunteers.
The long range plans for HMADS includes adding a seventh and eighth grade class, so that students can enjoy two more years in its warm and caring environment. Library, science and computer laboratories and larger administrative offices are also on the school’s wish list. Heartfelt words of appreciation must be extended to the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs for housing the school and for the support it received and continues to receive from pastors, parish council members and parishioners, past and present.
For information about the HMADS curriculum, tuition or general questions please contact Principal Seda Tavitian Megherian at 718-225-4826 or visit www.hmads.org.
