Consortium Principal, Michael Thomasian, Among Nation’s Best K-8 Principals

Michael R. Thomasian, principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in Washington, DC was selected as a 2018 NAESP National Distinguished Principal, representing Private Schools. The National Association of Elementary School Principals established the program in 1984 to recognize and celebrate elementary and middle-level principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character, and culture for the students, families, and staff members in their learning communities. 

Rosio Gonzalez, President of CCA, congratulates Principal Michael Thomasian at St. Anthony Catholic School for his achievement in being awarded the 2018 NAESP National Distinguished Principal award . "This is a well earned award that recognizes Mr. Thomasian's leadership, dedication and passion for educating tomorrow's leaders," says Ms. Gonzalez. 

Thomasian was nominated and selected by his fellow principals through a statewide search process conducted by the National Catholic Education Association. Mr. Thomasian has served St. Anthony Catholic School for 19 years as a teacher, associate principal, and principal. Thomasian counts strengthening Catholic Identity, making significant improvements to the physical plant, and expanding cultural horizons as his most significant accomplishments as a principal at this urban school. During his tenure he has created a Pre-K3 classroom, a new entrance and administrative space, a playground, computer lab, and a new music room. Presently, significant improvements are currently underway in the school’s auditorium. St. Anthony now boasts a rigorous Spanish language program, and the school has introduced celebrations of Latino cultural events and holidays into its traditions. This program both gives St. Anthony students advantage in a culturally diverse world and is an enticement to prospective students and families. As principal, Thomasian led the effort to replace the school’s outdated technology with Smart Boards, iPads, and ChromeBook carts working to achieve 1:1 technology integration. Described by a colleague as a humble servant leader, Thomasian’s passion for nurturing the development of each of his students and staff shines through all his work. All of his work is done with a focus on the gospel and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. 
  
“Principals create the necessary conditions for providing students with the well-rounded education that they need,” said Dr. L. Earl Franks, CAE, NAESP’s executive director. “NAESP’s National Distinguished Principals program recognizes the outstanding leadership of highly successful principals and their commitment to the children they serve, to their local communities, to their state, and our nation. Working in partnership with classroom teachers and other educators, these principals provide the necessary leadership to improve student achievement and ensure every student has a pathway to success.”  

Mr.Thomasian holds a B.A. in Psychology from Assumption College, an M.A. in Teaching from Trinity College, and an M.A. in Educational Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Michael Thomasian, and his wife Jessica, have five children and reside in the Brookland neighborhood.