Physics and Mathematics Specialized School named after Artashes Shahinyan under the Yerevan State University

Physics and Mathematics Specialized School named after Artashes Shahinyan under the Yerevan State University (PhysMath) is a selective government secondary school in Yerevan, Armenia. The school’s contemporary teaching programmes, unwavering dedication to students' individual strengths, and groundbreaking academic and innovation achievements around the world are leaving a clear understanding of a school’s – and a nation’s – resilience and adaptability to adversity.

At the heart of survival and success is thought and creativity, and to this end, PhysMath uses a unique, blended theoretical and practical approach to teaching, which gives students a deeper understanding of what they are learning and encourages them to think critically and creatively. The school also emphasises each student’s individual strengths and weaknesses, adjusting each lesson environment and structure to cater to the student’s unique needs. This ensures that every student’s education allows them to reach their full potential.

Furthering potential also means breaking down gender stereotypes by encouraging women to pursue STEM fields. As such, PhysMath's efforts have resulted in an increasing number of female students excelling in mathematics, physics, and other STEM subjects.

As a result of the school's emphasis on innovation and creativity, its students and alumni hold a mindset of problem-solving and entrepreneurship. The success of this mindset has led to the development of successful startups, as well as employment and leadership in leading international organisations such as Krisp, Microsoft, and Google.

Many PhysMath graduates also go on to lead the biggest schools in Armenia, which helps share the school’s approach to teaching and learning, further raising the quality of education across the country.

If PhysMath wins the World's Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity, it plans to allocate the funds to improve the quality of life on campus by building new living areas, academic buildings, laboratories, classrooms, and hiring teachers to maintain the teacher-student ratio. The school also intends to introduce a smart greenhouse system built by one of its students.