Bright Futures Rooted in Character, Excellence, and Honor
Welcome to Carden Memorial School, where understanding and nurturing the potential of each child has been our mission for over 50 years. We recognize parents’ challenges in finding an educational environment that aligns with their values and expectations. Our commitment to excellence in rigorous Christian academics creates a space where children are truly understood and cherished.
Student Success Story
“Our years at Carden Memorial School have prepared us for success in our future. We have been blessed with an education in mathematics, history, literature, and science. This strong foundation of knowledge gives us confidence as we continue to pursue our education. But, beyond this, we have been taught the importance of good character. We have learned to value courtesy, civility, and dignity.”
– Katie Burton, A Student’s Commencement Remarks 2013
"Life is a joy, and so should be learning.”
- Mae Carden
Our Purpose
Carden Memorial School aims to provide a classical Christian education that nurtures the hearts and minds of students, helping them flourish in all areas of their lives.
Our Mission
The mission of Carden Memorial School is to inspire students to reach their full potential by developing strong moral character, establishing academic excellence, and strengthening their love of God and country.
Excellence
Think with excellence.
Character
Live with character.
Honor
Love with honor.
Our Philosophy
Carden Memorial School was established based on the teachings and philosophy of Mae Carden, a renowned educator from the 20th century. The Carden Method employs a classical approach to education, with a focus on nurturing each child’s love for learning and their ability to think critically.
We pay attention to the development of the whole child. Our classrooms have a calm and joyful atmosphere that encourages active participation and engagement from every student. One of the hallmarks of Carden is the small group instruction for reading, language arts, and math, which takes place around a table. The curriculum in each grade level reinforces and expands upon what has been learned in the past while also introducing new concepts to be mastered in future years.
At Carden Memorial, we believe that academic learning is crucial, but we also place a great emphasis on developing students who are honest, kind, and have strong moral character. We incorporate Christian teachings and values throughout the subjects and experiences of each day.
“Cheeriness lifts the mood of all who pass your way.”
- Mae Carden
Our History
The story of Carden Memorial School began in 1969 with Anna Lou and Donald Jeffs’ vision to create an educational environment that reflected the values and aspirations they held for their own children. From its humble beginnings in Logan, Utah, to its current thriving community in Salt Lake City, our school embodies the enduring principles of the Carden Method. This journey is a testament to our unwavering commitment to educational excellence and moral integrity.
Portrait of a Carden Graduate
A Carden Graduate is:
- A lifelong learner.
- Fortified with stamina to problem-solve, persevere, and do challenging things.
- Well-versed in Latin, Shakespeare, and great Western literature.
- Equipped with knowledge and curiosity to explore the world through a scientific and mathematical lens, able to understand the stories of the past, and engage in critical thinking.
- Well-practiced in expressing ideas through speech and writing.
- Poised through regular theatre, musical, and public speaking opportunities.
- Confident to pursue high-level courses and leadership opportunities throughout high school and college.
- Courageous and embraces time-honored values developed through Bible study and Mae Carden’s meditations. These values include respect, courtesy, discipline, integrity, fairness, joy, kindness, dignity, perseverance, and gratitude.
- Service-oriented and looks for opportunities to make a difference for good.
- Aware of their role as a child of God, reveres Jesus Christ, and seeks to live by His example.
- Patriotic with a deep love and respect for our country, the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and veterans.
- Grateful for God, family, teachers, and friends.
Providing Classical Christian Education for over 50 years
For over 50 years, we have provided a classical Christian education that nurtures the mind and heart in a caring, faith-based community. Our dedication to this mission ensures that your child receives the support and guidance needed to thrive in school and life.
How to Join the Carden Community:
Tour
Meet with our head of school, tour your child’s classroom, and experience what makes Carden so special.
Apply
Begin enrollment by submitting an easy online application and scheduling a family interview.
Register
Join the Carden family and watch your children fall in love with their new school.
Shape Your Child’s
Future at Carden
Memorial
Schedule a tour today and see how our classical Christian education can transform your child’s life. Join us in our mission to nurture not just successful students but successful individuals.
