WHAT IS CHARACTER EDUCATION?
Character Education is an integral part of our Carden culture and curriculum. Our goal in this area is to build and strengthen each student’s self-esteem, sense of honor and integrity, and positive social interactions with others. Teaching the students about virtuous personal qualities is one way we accomplish this mission. A new virtue is introduced each week and reinforced throughout the day. This builds and reinforces individual confidence, self-awareness, personal accountability, and positive social values. These virtues are modeled by the entire Carden staff and kept alive throughout the school year, which culminates with our remarkable Virtues Assembly. During this annual event, each student is publicly honored by their teacher for a distinct virtue they consistently demonstrated throughout the year. In addition, we currently use the acclaimed Second Step curriculum for social-emotional learning in Grades PK-5. Our Middle School is piloting a new program this year, as well as incorporating group meetings, mediation strategies, and leadership skills training.
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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 and assists with special events, including all school picnics, fundraising events, and other activities. Individual parents also chaperone field trips and assist in the middle school electives program.
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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, 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.
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IS CARDEN ACADEMY AFFILIATED WITH ANY RELIGIOUS GROUP?
No. We are a non-religious school.
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IS THERE A LOT OF HOMEWORK FOR STUDENTS?
No. Nightly reading is assigned for all grades. Apart from that, however classroom instruction is focused during the school day. Homework begins in the 3rd 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 use their “free” time for additional schooling.
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ARE COMPUTERS PART OF CARDEN ACADEMY’S PROGRAM?
The Middle School program has instituted a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy that permits students to use one approved personal electronic device for educational purposes under the direction of their classroom teachers. In addition, 6th grade students are offered a technology class. 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. It also focuses on internet safety and digital citizenship.
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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.
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DOES CARDEN ACADEMY OFFER TUITION ASSISTANCE?
Yes, the school has a tuition assistance program. Please refer to our Admissions page for more information.