Welcome to the Carden School of Camarillo!
Thank
you for taking time to visit us. We know that choosing a school
for your child is a very important decision, and we are here to
help you make the best decision possible for your family. Enclosed
you will find information on the Carden Method. There are several
things that make us unique. Not only do we offer small class sizes
with teachers specifically trained, but the Carden Method is a whole
curriculum. Subjects will never be cut due to budgetary constraints.
Each subject builds upon the last: math is learned in music, composition
is learned in art, public speaking is learned in literature, reading and
language skills are crucial in history and science. In simple terms,
the Carden Method is a building block method with each subject reinforcing
the last and each grade dovetailing with the one below and the one above.
Math concepts learned in Early Kindergarten build strong algebraic
foundations in older grades. The stroking patterns taught in writing enhance
reading skills and help eliminate reversals. Comprehension skills and grammar
are incorporated into history and science lessons so that each child has
experience with cross-curricular learning.
Carden also exposes all students
to public speaking at an early age. The emphasis on public speaking leads
to more confident children. Offering speech at a young age helps to
eliminate the anxiety usually associated with public speaking. The children
have weekly assemblies where each class is given an opportunity to recite
poems or speeches in front of their fellow students. In addition, the students
have their public speaking skills enhanced with class plays.
Children begin
learning a foreign language in Early Kindergarten. Students have greater
spelling skills when they have a solid understanding of word origins and
root words. Teaching a foreign language not only strengthens spelling skills,
it also gives a valuable resource to all our students. Although the Carden
Foundation normally suggests teaching French, we have found that Spanish is
more useful given the area in which we live.
Physical Education is taught
every day. While many schools have gone to weekly physical education, we
feel that physical exercise is every bit as important as mental exercise.
In addition, students are also taught fine art, music and computers every
week. Our aim is to give the children the most well-rounded education possible.
Next and equally important is our focus on leadership, respect and morals. We
teach children to be confident, positive and effective leaders. Respect, work
ethic and courtesy are heavily stressed. Students are greeted each morning
with a handshake and taught to look adults in the eye. While we do have a
Carden School Prayer and daily meditations as part of the method, the school
has no specific religious affiliation. We simply teach the students to have
dignity and display fairness.
Finally, the most important thing that sets us
apart from other schools is the class size and familial nature. Our classes
never exceed 20 children. Parents have direct access to the teachers, which only
serves to strengthen the parent/teacher/student triad. Our Director is completely
accessible to parents and students alike. She is in her office every day and is
always available for whatever questions you may have. In fact, she is usually the
one who answers the school phone. There are no secretaries to field phone calls,
no bureaucratic administrative assistants; just you and the director. Now that's
a personal touch!
Carden School of Camarillo wishes to enroll students who will be
successful in our environment. To that end, we seek motivated,
cooperative individuals who would benefit from our program. The school
admits students based on transcripts from the previous school, test
scores, and, in grade five through eight, an interview to determine the
child's dedication to learning. In Mae Carden's words, "Success in
school and, I dare to say, in all of life, requires self control,
awareness of the rights of others, fair play, and a willingness to be
taught."
It gives us great pride to inform you that our students leave here
to go on to some of the most prestigious college prep schools in the area, including
Oaks Christian, Thacher, Villanova, Viewpoint, La Reina, Cate, and Chaminade.
Please call our office to arrange a visit and tour. We look forward to
meeting with you soon!
Sincerely,
Jean M. Salcido Michelle Hatch
Owner Director