Nurturing Minds, Cultivating Character
We understand that choosing the right school for your children can be a challenging journey. At Carden Memorial School, we have been providing quality education for over 50 years. We would like to invite you to explore our unique academic program that has stood the test of time.
Nestled in a quiet neighborhood of Salt Lake City, Carden offers a classical education for Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our students are encouraged to excel academically and grow into individuals of integrity, honesty, and courtesy. Former students who now are parents often return seeking for their own children the same loving, academically compelling environment they enjoyed as students.
"The purpose of education is to teach individuals to think and to develop good judgment.”
- Mae Carden
What Sets Carden Apart?
Our timeless educational approach is rooted in the belief that some aspects of childhood and learning should remain sacred.
Carden Memorial Foundation President Laura Brown once said, “Perhaps it is because, in an ever-changing world, we believe some things are timeless. At Carden, we believe children should enjoy childhood. They should treasure classical literature such as Peter Rabbit, Black Beauty, and Robin Hood. They should prize great poetry from authors such as Robert Louis Stevenson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and Rudyard Kipling. They should take pleasure in expressing themselves with art, music, drama, and writing.”
We blend rigorous academic standards with a nurturing environment where students explore classical literature, engage in expressive arts, and develop core values of integrity, honesty, and courtesy.
“At Carden, we believe children should enjoy childhood.”
-Laura Brown
President of Carden Memorial Foundation
What Makes Carden Different.
Small Class Sizes
Ensuring personalized attention and a tailored learning experience for every student.
Unique Teaching Method
Emphasizing independent learning, mastery of core subjects, and a love for the arts.
Character Development
Prioritizing virtues such as integrity, honesty, and courtesy in every aspect of school life.
Classical Curriculum
Incorporating cherished literature and poetry to enrich students' cultural and moral understanding.
Teaching Table Method
Promoting small group learning that fosters comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Experience-Based Learning
Utilizing practical experiences, especially in math and science, to solidify abstract concepts.
Faith Integration
Daily devotionals and religious studies blend faith and learning, supporting spiritual growth alongside academic achievement.
Curriculum Across Grades.
The curriculum at Carden Memorial School is thoughtfully designed to support the intellectual, social, and moral development of students from Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade, ensuring a seamless transition through each stage of learning. For clarity and coherence, the curriculum is presented in three main categories: Early Learning (Junior Kindergarten to 2nd Grade), Intermediate (3rd to 5th Grade), and Advanced (6th to 8th Grade).
Early Learning (Pre Kindergarten - Kindergarten)
This foundational phase emphasizes the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic and introduces students to the joys of literature, science, and the arts.
- Junior Kindergarten: Focus on phonics, foundational math concepts, introduction to literature with classics like “Goodnight Moon”, and basic geography and history.
- Kindergarten: Advanced phonics, reading skills development, introduction to arithmetic operations, and early exposure to Latin, alongside continued literature appreciation.
Preparatory (Lower Prep-Upper Prep)
Students begin to explore more complex subjects, including Latin and advanced mathematics, and engage in more sophisticated literary analysis.
- Lower Prep (1st Grade): Mastery of reading and phonics, introduction to cursive writing, Saxon Math Level 2 for arithmetic, and exploration of classic literature and Greek mythology.
- Middle Prep (2nd Grade): Continued phonics and reading fluency, introduction to complex arithmetic operations, and deeper dives into literature, including basic Greek mythology.
- Upper Prep (3rd Grade): Introduction to Latin verbs and nouns, Saxon Math 5/4, exploration of classic literature by authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder, and an emphasis on writing and composition.
Intermediate (A-C Form)
- A Form (4th Grade): Further Latin studies, Saxon Math 65, engagement with literature by authors such as Spyri and Kipling, and studies in U.S. and Utah geography.
- B Form (5th Grade): First Form Latin focusing on conjugation and declension, advanced arithmetic including Saxon Math 76, and literature studies including works by C.S. Lewis.
- C Form (6th Grade): Review and continuation of Latin studies, Saxon Math 87 and Algebra ½, in-depth science exploration including astronomy and ecology, and literature by authors like Lewis Carroll.
Advanced (D-E Form)
This stage prepares students for high school with rigorous coursework in Latin, mathematics, science, and literature, along with comprehensive studies in history, geography, and writing.
- D Form (7th Grade): Third Form Latin, introduction to Algebra 1, biology including genetics and ecosystems, and classical literature including works by Dickens and Shakespeare.
- E Form (8th Grade): Advanced Latin studies, Algebra 1 and 2, physics and chemistry fundamentals, a focus on U.S. history, and engaging with literature by Virgil, Doyle, and others.
Across all phases, Carden Memorial School integrates special events, field trips, and service opportunities to enrich the students’ educational experience, promoting a well-rounded development that prepares them for future academic and personal success.
Specialty Classes
At Carden Memorial School, our specialty classes are designed to complement the academic curriculum, fostering a well-rounded education that nurtures talents, cultivates interests, and instills a sense of appreciation for various disciplines.
Music
The music program at Carden Memorial is designed to cultivate a passion for music and a love for singing in students. They are taught various aspects of music such as pitch, rhythm, tempo, harmony, musical periods, composers, and instruments. Every academic year, they are introduced to a list of classical pieces that they learn to recognize. Additionally, the students learn a variety of songs throughout the year and get the opportunity to perform them for their parents at Friday devotionals.
Orchestra
Carden offers an orchestra program that caters to both beginners and advanced students. The students attend weekly rehearsals and perform twice a year – at Christmastime and in the spring – for their parents and peers.
Art
Students from 1st to 8th grade have the opportunity to attend art class once a week. During these classes, they explore the works of various artists and learn how to replicate their techniques. They also learn to work with different tools and materials to create their own art pieces. As they advance through the grades, their skills are refined and they learn more advanced techniques. Additionally, art appreciation is taught through discussions centered on the works of the masters.
Physical Education (PE)
Students from 1st to 8th grade have PE twice a week where they learn and practice skills, games, and good sportsmanship through participation, cooperation, and respect.
Computer
Carden Memorial School provides computer skills training to its students. Keyboarding is taught to students in grades 2 to 6. From grades 3 to 4, students are instructed on using Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. In grades 5-6, students are taught to use Google Suite, which includes Google Classroom. Students in grades 7-8 use Chromebooks for writing essays and research papers. Yearbook students learn online design techniques through practical application. The ability to use these resources effectively can help students develop the skills necessary for success in advanced education and the workplace.
Drama
Every grade in our school takes part in a drama production, which can either be a play, a musical, or a program. We have a well-equipped stage that features impressive sets and costumes. All students are encouraged to participate in the productions, which usually involve singing and speaking. As a tradition, our 8th-grade students perform a Shakespeare play.
Carden Memorial School strives to offer a diverse and enriching educational experience, encouraging students to discover their passions, develop new skills, and appreciate the wide world of learning beyond traditional academics.
Summer Reading Program
Embrace this summer as an opportunity for exploration, imagination, and learning. Visit the Carden Bookshop, select your books, and let the summer reading adventure begin! This program is for students entering grades 3-8. Our program is designed to ignite a love for reading, fostering imagination and learning throughout the summer. Here’s what you need to know to dive into the world of books this summer:
- Required and Chosen Readings: Students will have the joy of exploring one mandatory title specific to their grade level, plus the freedom to select one or more additional book from a curated list of captivating reads.
- Purchase Convenience: All selected summer reading books are conveniently available for purchase at the Carden Bookshop, located in our library. Simplify your summer planning by grabbing your books directly from us!
- Engage Beyond Reading: Students are encouraged to express their insights and engage with the material on a deeper level through our Book Report Forms, designed for each specific grade level.
Upper Prep Summer Reading
- Required
- Tornado by Betsy Byars
- Choice Read:
- A Mouse Called Wolf by Dick King-Smith
- The Great Cake Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith
- The Sword in the Tree by Clyde Robert Bulla.
- Upper Prep Book Report Form
A Form Summer Reading
- Required
- My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Gannett
- Choice Read:
- Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater
- Twenty and Ten by Claire Huchet Bishop
- The Mystery of the Missing Lion by Alexander McCall Smith
- Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- A Form Book Report Form
B Form Summer Reading
- Required:
- Mr. Tucket by Gary Paulsen
- Choice Read:
- The Castle in the Attic by Elizabeth Winthrop
- Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Brink
- The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
- The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
- B Form Summer Reading Report Form
C Form Summer Reading
- Required:
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Choice Read:
- Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
- A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- Twenty-One Balloons by William Pène du Bois
- Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
- C Form Summer Reading Report Form
D Form Summer Reading
- Required:
- The Trojan War by Olivia Coolidge
- Choice Read:
- Elephant Run by Roland Smith
- The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
- Banner in the Sky by James Ullman
- Soldier Dog by Sam Angus
- Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
- D Form Summer Reading Report Form
E Form Summer Reading
- Required
- On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck
- Choice Read:
- Savvy by Ingrid Law
- Shackleton’s Stowaway by Victoria McKernan
- Streams to the River, River to the Sea by Scott O’Dell
- Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- E Form Summer Reading Report Form
For any questions or more details on the bookshop hours, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. Happy reading, and we look forward to a summer filled with wonderful stories and discoveries!
Committed to Inspiring the
Next Generation.
Since its inception, Carden Memorial School has been dedicated to serving our students with a comprehensive educational experience. Founded on the principles of Mae Carden’s teaching philosophy, we have remained committed to not just teaching but inspiring our students to achieve their highest potential.
At Carden Memorial, we’re not just imparting knowledge; we’re shaping futures. Our academic program is a testament to our belief in the power of education to transform lives. Join us on this journey of discovery and mastery, where every child is prepared for a successful future, both academically and personally.
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.
