How are parents involved at Carden Academy?

Parents are encouraged to become involved on a volunteer basis. The school is governed by a volunteer board of directors, many of whom are parents. The Carden Parent Teacher Ohana (CPTO) helps to organize the lunch program and organizes or assists with special events, including all school picnics, music, dance and drama productions, fundraising events, school trips, and other activities. Individual parents also chaperone field trips, assist in the middle school electives program, and help in the school office. We value the professional abilities of our trained teachers, and our class sizes are small, so parents do not teach in the classrooms.

Are students under a great deal of pressure to succeed?

At Carden Academy, to succeed is to learn and to enjoy learning. The school culture avoids pressure and rivalry. It encourages stamina and good sportsmanship and the development of personal responsibility. We avoid nervous strain and tension because competition is not a part of the learning experience. In addition, we believe that learning should be a joy, and that children should have fun while at school.

Is Carden Academy affiliated with any religious group?

No. We are a nondenominational school.

Is there a lot of homework for students?

No. Classroom instruction is focused during the school day. Homework begins in the 1st grade with a minimal amount of math and reading, and increases from year to year as students
increase their stamina and ability. However, except when special projects are due, it should rarely take as long as an hour to complete. In Middle School, there are papers, projects, and tests given, to ensure preparedness for high school. We believe that school time is for learning, and if students are to have a balanced life, they should not have to their “free” time for additional schooling.

Are computers part of Carden Academy’s program?

The Middle School curriculum includes a computer/technology class using the school’s laptops. The goal of this class is to integrate the use of computers as an educational tool
for research, writing, and presentation of various projects throughout the middle school years.

Does the school accept students during the academic year,
or must interested students wait until the fall?

Children are sometimes accepted during an on-going school year if there is room in the class and it is determined that the child will make a successful transition.

Does Carden Academy offer tuition assistance?

The school has a tuition assistance program. Applications will be made available once the student has been accepted and enrolled in the school.