Forty years ago, leaders of the newly formed Armenian community decided that it was necessary to establish an Armenian school in order to allow future generations of Armenians to integrate Canada’s multicultural society.  This was done in 1970, under the auspices of the Armenian General Benevolent Union.

Armen-Quebec is the first Armenian school established in Canada.  It started as a private pre-school for forty children aged four to six.  It operated out of the Saint-Gregory the Illuminator Church in Outremont until 1974.

Historic Moment

As the school expanded, first and second grade classes were added to the pre-school, and larger classrooms were rented.

Mr. Alex Manoogian, chairman of the AGBU Central Board, then gave Dr. Arshavir Gundjian his approval for the construction of a new school, and offered a major donation in this regard.  This allowed for the construction of the building that the school presently occupies.

As a sign of gratitude for this exceptional gesture of philanthropy, the school was renamed “École Alex Manoogian d’Armen-Québec de l’U.G.A.B.”

You can visit the school’s website here.