Open Communication at Carden
At Carden Memorial School, we understand the importance of providing our families with a transparent, supportive environment. We believe in open communication, ensuring that every parent has a safe place to ask questions, raise concerns, and feel confident in the education and care their children receive. Our commitment to maintaining a nurturing, secure atmosphere is unwavering, as we know the significant trust you place in us with your child’s education and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carden is called a "non-denominational Christian" school. What does that mean?
Carden Memorial School is a Christian institution that focuses on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible, praying, and adhering to fundamental Christian principles. However, we do not promote any specific religion; instead, we value and respect all religions, and we teach our students to do the same.
What materials do I need to buy before school begins?
You do not need to buy school supplies apart from your child’s uniform. The registration, materials, and activities fee you have paid covers the cost of all classroom materials, including textbooks, art, science, drama, workbooks, supplies, and other materials. In addition, the fee also includes the cost of field trips and special class activities and luncheons.
How much homework can my child expect each day?
Starting in 2nd grade, students are given assignments in math and daily reading practice. As they progress into the upper grades, they may need to complete additional assignments in Latin, language arts, writing, history, and science.
Why does the school require uniforms?
Students at Carden are engaged in the important business of getting a good education. Wearing a uniform eliminates competition in dress and fosters self-discipline. A uniform and dress code frees students from the distractions of current fads or trends in clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. Our goal is to instill a sense of refinement and dignity in our students and maintain an atmosphere where learning is the focus.
How much participation is expected from parents?
We do not mandate parental involvement in the classroom, but we welcome parents to participate in field trips, weekly devotionals, and school functions such as our Pancake Breakfast, Fall Carnival, Spring Social, and school plays and programs. On some occasions, we may invite parents to assist with hands-on science experiments or special events, and they will be given advanced notice for such volunteer opportunities.
How does the school handle lunchtime?
Students bring their own lunches from home to eat in the classroom. Teachers will typically read or play classical music during this quiet downtime.
We also offer a lunch alternative on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, which may be ordered online
Why does Carden study Latin?
Latin is an exceptional language as it provides students with an unparalleled approach to language learning. By studying Latin, students not only gain knowledge of Latin grammar, but also develop a solid educational foundation that includes an improved understanding of language mechanics in general, a mastery of English grammar, and an expanded vocabulary. Most importantly, Latin, like mathematics, develops analytical thinking abilities. It requires students to master new material and apply it appropriately in different situations. Latin and mathematics are two sides of the same coin, as both train the mind to think and analyze, which will benefit students in all educational endeavors.
When are Parent-Teacher Conferences held?
Scheduled conferences are held twice a year (fall and spring) for all grades
May I take my child out of school for family vacations, doctor appointments, and other activities?
We want your child to be at school as much as possible, but we also recognize special circumstances may arise, and students may need to miss school. Please contact your child’s teacher in advance if there will be an extended absence, so arrangements can be made to make up any essential work.
Does the school have an Extended Care program?
We offer a morning Extended Care which begins at 7:30 a.m., and an afternoon Extended Care which runs until 5:30 p.m. Please contact the office if you want to register your child for extended care. View our information on before and after-school care here.
Where do students go after they graduate from Carden?
A large portion of our graduating students choose to attend their local public high school, while some prefer private schools. Regardless of their choice, parents generally discover that their children are academically well-equipped. Many students also take advantage of Honors and AP classes in high school.
What kind of education does Carden’s teachers have?
Carden teachers are highly educated, life-long learners. All of our teachers are college-educated and hold at least a Bachelor’s Degree. In addition to their formal training, they all receive ongoing training in the Carden Method. Each teacher averages an additional 50 hours of continuing teacher training each year.
Dress Code at Carden Memorial School
At Carden Memorial School, we believe that a unified dress code is essential to foster a focused, respectful, and egalitarian learning environment. All uniform pieces are exclusively available from Dennis Uniform.
Boys Uniform
Junior K through B Form (PreK - 5th Grade)
Formal Uniform (Required Thur/Fri – may be worn daily)
- Pant: Gray Dennis pant
- Shirt: White button-down oxford shirt (must be tucked in)
- Sweater: Navy V-neck cardigan sweater with Carden patch
- Tie: Navy and red wide-striped tie
- Belt: Dark, conservative style
- Socks: Solid socks in black or navy (must cover the ankle)
- Shoes: Solid black or navy, sturdy tie, velcro or Vans style slip-on (no white soles)
Casual Options (Mon-Wed)
- Shirt: Navy or white Carden logo polo shirt in lieu of oxford shirt and tie (shirt may be untucked)
- Sweatshirt: Navy Carden logo crew or 1/4 zip neck sweatshirt in lieu of sweater
C Form through E Form (6th - 8th Grade)
Formal Uniform (Required Thur/Fri – may be worn daily)
- Pant: Gray Dennis flannel pant
- Shirt: White button-down oxford shirt (must be tucked in)
- Blazer: Navy blazer with Carden patch*
- Tie: Navy and red wide-striped tie
- Belt: Dark, conservative style
- Socks: Solid socks in black or navy (must cover the ankle)
- Shoes: Solid black or navy, sturdy tie, velcro or Vans style slip-ons (no white soles)
- *These items require a separate Carden patch to be purchased and attached.
Casual Options (Mon-Wed)
- Shirts: Navy or white Carden logo polo shirt in lieu of oxford shirt and tie (shirt may be untucked)
- Sweatshirts and Sweaters: Navy Carden logo crew or ¼ zip neck sweatshirt in lieu of blazer, Navy Dennis V-neck cardigan with Carden patch, Navy Dennis vest, with Carden patch*, Navy Dennis pullover sweater with Carden patch*
- *These items require a separate Carden patch to be purchased and attached.
P.E. Clothing
- Gray athletic t-shirt with Carden logo
- Navy gym shorts with Carden logo
- Optional navy track pants available (see sweatpants on the Dennis website)
- Athletic shoes
- Deodorant
- Carden provides a mesh storage bag for these items.
- * P.E. clothes should be laundered each weekend.
Girls Uniform
Jr. K through Upper Prep (PreK - 3rd Grade)
Formal Uniform (Required Thur/Fri – may be worn daily)
- Skirt: Hamilton plaid jumper (knee length)
- Shirt: White Peter Pan collar broadcloth shirt
- Sweater: Navy Dennis crew neck cardigan sweater with Carden patch
- Tie: Red crossover tie
- Socks: Solid navy knee socks or tights (ankle socks may be worn during warm weather, or navy leggings with navy socks during cold weather)
- Shoes: Solid navy or black sturdy tie, buckle, or velcro with dark soles (no white soles). No boots in the classroom.
Casual Options (Mon-Wed)
- Navy or white Carden logo polo shirt in lieu of Peter Pan collar shirt and tie
- Sweatshirt: Navy Carden logo crew or ¼ zip neck sweatshirt in lieu of sweater
A through B Form (4th - 5th Grade)
Formal Uniform (Required Thur/Fri – may be worn daily)
- Skirt: Hamilton plaid box pleat skirt (knee-length)
- Shirt: White oxford shirt (button down optional)
- Sweater: Navy Dennis crew neck cardigan sweater with Carden patch
- Tie: Navy crossover tie
- Socks: Solid navy knee socks or tights (ankle socks may be worn during warm weather, or navy leggings with navy socks during cold weather)
- Shoes: Solid navy or black sturdy tie, buckle, or velcro with dark soles (no white soles). No boots in the classroom.
Casual Options (Mon-Wed)
- Navy or white Carden logo polo shirt in lieu of Peter Pan collar shirt and tie
- Sweatshirt: Navy Carden logo crew or ¼ zip neck sweatshirt in lieu of sweater
C through E Form (6th - 8th Grade)
Formal Uniform (Required Thur/Fri – may be worn daily)
- Skirt: Hamilton plaid box pleat skirt (knee length)
- Shirt: White oxford shirt (button down optional)
- Blazer: Navy blazer with Carden patch*
- Tie: Navy crossover tie
- Socks: Navy knee socks or tights
- Shoes: Solid navy or black sturdy tie, buckle, or velcro with dark soles (no white soles). No boots in the classroom.
*These items require a separate Carden patch to be purchased and attached.
Casual Options (Mon-Wed)
- Skirts: Dennis navy or gray box pleat skirt (knee length)
- Blouses: Any Dennis-style white blouse
- Shirts: Navy or white Carden logo polo shirt in lieu of oxford shirt and tie (shirt may be untucked)
- Socks: Navy or white knee socks
- Sweatshirts and Sweaters:
- Navy Carden logo crew neck or 1/4 zip sweatshirt in lieu of a blazer
- Navy Dennis crew neck cardigan with Carden patch
- Navy Dennis V-neck cardigan with Carden patch
- Navy Dennis vest with Carden patch*
- Navy Dennis V-neck pullover sweater with Carden patch*
- Gray Dennis V-neck sweater with Carden patch*
*These items require a separate Carden patch to be purchased and attached
P.E. Clothing
- Gray athletic t-shirt with Carden logo
- Navy gym shorts with Carden logo
- Optional navy track pants available (see sweatpants on the Dennis website)
- Athletic shoes
- Deodorant
- Carden provides a mesh storage bag for these items.
* P.E. clothes should be laundered each weekend.
Key Dates 2024-2025
School Begins: September 4
Fall Break: October 10 & 11
Teacher Preparation Day: October 18
Thanksgiving Recess: November 27-29
Christmas Recess: December 23-January 3
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20
Presidents Day: February 14-17
Teacher Preparation Day: March 21
Spring Recess: April 7-11
Carden Graduation: May 29
Blue and White Day: May 30
Testimonials
Download Our
Free PDF!
9 Questions To Ask
On A School Tour
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.
Have Questions?
At Carden Memorial School, we’re more than just an educational institution; we’re a supportive community dedicated to providing a classical Christian education in a loving environment. Contact us today, and we’d love to answer more of your questions.