WHERE VALUES AND ACADEMICS BLEND

We emphasize rigorous, classical academics with an unwavering commitment to teaching and modeling the virtues of kindness, respect, and service. The school prepares its students for joyful and fulfilling lives. Founded in 1973, the Carden Academy of Santa Clara is home to 325 students from age 3 through eighth grade. During the past 30 years, the Carden Academy has succeeded in providing a solid academic and moral foundation for its students.

The Carden Academy of Santa Clara uses the time-proven curriculum developed by Mae Carden that includes an extensive selection of materials for integrated instruction in spelling, grammar, composition, comprehension, history, art appreciation, poetry, drama, and French. The core curricula of science and mathematics in seventh and eighth grades are high school level courses. In addition to these academic subjects, the Carden Academy enriches its students' educational experience with classes in music, art, physical education, public speaking, computer lab, robotics, etiquette, and student mentoring.

Students read the classical works by authors such as Rudyard Kipling, Mark Twain, William Shakespeare, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Homer. Through their reading of these classical works, the students are exposed to beautiful descriptive passages, masterful character development, rich vocabulary, and the example of heroes and heroines who are models of strength, courage, perseverance, and virtue.

The Carden Academy is joined by more than 250 Carden schools in the United States and China. The schools are supported by the Carden Educational Foundation, which oversees teacher training, curriculum implementation, and the integrity of each of the school's programs. Teachers, many of whom possess full teaching credentials, all participate in at least 45 hours of Carden training each year. Adding to this training, the administration provides continued support for the professional development of its faculty.

Students are welcomed personally each morning by a teacher or administrator. They stand to acknowledge visitors who enter their classrooms, greeting them with "good morning" or "good afternoon." They wear uniforms to reinforce the importance of their roles as students and to give them an appreciation for the privilege of learning. They thank their teachers after their lessons and are held to a high standard of courtesy in their classrooms and on the playground.

Parents appreciate the fact that Carden Academy reinforces the values that families are teaching at home. They are active partners with the teachers and administrators in helping their children to grow academically, morally, emotionally, and socially. Parents get involved in a multitude of ways at the school. They drive on field trips, organize class parties, serve on committees, beautify school grounds, help with International Week, music and drama performances, after-school sports, and community outreach. Miss Carden would say, "Life is a joy, so should be learning." At the Carden Academy of Santa Clara, learning is a joy.