Principal Lilia Darbinyan (center) opens Heritage Elementary School in the campus that housed El Rancho School. Friends, family and Carmichael Chamber of Commerce supporters join the celebration.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - Children will soon be back in class at the adobe brick campus of El Rancho School.

Reinvented as Heritage Elementary School, the Carmichael institution will reopen this month for preschool to fifth-grade pupils. Owner and Principal Lilia Darbinyan, 30, anticipates an eventual roll of 200 children. 

Among the oldest private schools in Carmichael, El Rancho School quietly closed its ornamental iron gates almost two years ago.

Then Principal and Administrator Holly Olson was a third-generation teacher from the school’s founding family. The closure enabled Olson to focus on her octogenarian mother’s health needs. 

On her family's two-acre campus, mulberry trees have shaded an oasis for children since the 1960s. Central buildings are even older. Original homesteaders were farmers who purchased land from Colony founder Daniel Carmichael. 

Carmichael’s Honorary Mayor, Dr Kawanaa Carter (left) and Chamber of Commerce Director Brad Sanborn present Principal Lilia Darbinyan with certificates celebrating her new school. Darbinyan is among contestants for the Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 honorary mayoralty.

After a regional search for suitable properties, Lilia Darbinyan signed her lease for the vacant campus at 5636 El Camino Ave. in May.

“When I saw El Rancho, I saw everything I could ever want for a school,” Darbinyan said. “The peaceful ambiance is perfect for a place of learning. Its history influenced the name I chose for the school. I’m also passionate about children of all ethnicities and religions embracing their heritage. My school will welcome everyone.”

Darbinyan’s two children are among her first pupils.

The Sacramento resident recently entered the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce contest for the 2026 honorary mayoralty.

“Being involved in a campaign and meeting lots of people will help me know my new community,” Darbinyan said.

Part of that community is Olson.

“I was happy to hire her as a teacher,” said the new principal. “She and I have the same vision. We share an old-fashioned approach to education.”

Olson rejoices that her successor will bring children back to the campus.

“Lilia’s been working on the updating the grounds and facilities since May,” Olson said. “I’m glad Heritage School will adopt El Rancho’s tried-and-true curriculum. Our former students are thriving because of their experiences here and from the love we shared with them. I’m confident Lilia will have a successful school.” 

Learn about the new school at www.HeritageCarmichael.com.