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Student Life at
Carden Memorial School

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Nurturing Hearts, Developing Minds

At Carden Memorial School, we understand that education extends beyond academics. It’s about nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to excel in life’s diverse arenas. That’s why our student life, enriched with a structured dress code, varied extracurricular activities, vibrant community events, and leadership opportunities, is designed to support every child’s growth, character, and interests.

A Day in the Life of a Carden Student

Every Carden student begins the day with a handshake with their teacher. We value the personal connection that comes with individual interaction between students and teachers. Class begins with a morning devotional including a song, prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a recitation of one of Mae Carden’s meditations, a scripture from the Bible, and Bible study.

Small group instruction occurs throughout the day. The teacher brings students to the teaching table for individualized instruction in reading, math, writing, spelling, and language. During these groups, the other students work independently as they practice and reinforce what they have been learning.

Whole class lessons include Latin, literature, poetry, history, geography, and science.

All students get outside twice a day for a break. We believe that recess is an extension of the classroom with much to learn on the playground.

During the week, students rotate through specialist classes, including computer, art, music, and PE. Sewing, bell choir, and cooking are part of the 7th-grade curriculum.

Lunch is eaten in the classroom and is a time to relax and enjoy some quiet time. Teachers read a book to the students or play classical music while the students eat.

The day concludes with a recap of the lessons of the day, followed by a closing prayer.

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.

Note: A field trip uniform is optional for all grades. It can be worn during some designated field trips and the last week of school. The uniform consists of a navy or white Carden logo polo shirt, khaki pants, knee-length shorts, or capris (no cargos), and athletic shoes.

Extracurricular & Special Activities

At Carden Memorial School, we prioritize holistic student development beyond academics. Our wide range of extracurricular activities enriches education, fostering community, leadership, and service. From challenging academic competitions to community events and leadership opportunities, we provide a well-rounded experience for all students.

Academic Competitions & Events

These intellectually stimulating events encourage students to explore their academic interests in a competitive yet supportive environment:

  • Math Bowl: Fosters critical thinking and teamwork through complex mathematical problem-solving.
  • Spelling Bee: Highlights the importance of language mastery by improving spelling and vocabulary.
  • Science Fair: Provides a platform for presenting scientific research and experiments, promoting inquiry and presentation skills.
  • Schoolwide Penmanship Contest: Promotes pride in handwriting among Kindergarten to 8th-grade students.
  • American History Tour: Offers 8th graders an educational journey to historical sites, enriching their understanding of our nation’s heritage.
  • Latin Competition: Our 7th and 8th grade students compete with other private schools to test their  mastery of the Latin language.

Seasonal Events

Marking the rhythm of the school year, these events bring joy and celebration to our community:

  • Book Fairs (October and April): Encourage reading through a curated selection of literature.
  • Carden Fall Carnival: A festive celebration with games, food, and a costume parade.
  • Thanksgiving Feast: Reflects on gratitude in a communal celebration for Pre-K to 1st grade.
  • Christmas Nativity Program and Choral Concerts: Enable students from Junior Kindergarten to 8th grade to express their musical and recitation talents.
  • Easter Devotional: Brings the Easter story to life through song and readings.
  • Blue and White Day: Ends the school year with friendly competitions and school spirit.

Community-wide Events

Events that welcome the participation of both parents and students, strengthening the bond within our school community:

  • Parent Back to School Night: Offers parents insights into the curriculum and their child’s upcoming school year.
  • Carden Pancake Breakfast: A convivial breakfast that serves as an enjoyable start to the new school year.
  • Carden Fall Carnival: A festive celebration with games, food, and a costume parade.
  • Veterans Day Program: Honors veterans through readings, music, and guest speakers, underlining the values of courage and service.
  • Annual Fundraising Gala: A night of community and support, celebrating and contributing to the future of Carden Memorial.
  • Christmas Choral Concerts: Showcase the musical talents of our students, embodying the spirit of the season.
  • Founders’ Day Devotional: Commemorates the school’s founders, reflecting on Carden Memorial’s history and values.
  • 8th Grade Graduation: Celebrates the achievements and transition of our graduating students.

Student Leadership & Service Opportunities

Fostering a commitment to service and leadership, these activities allow students to actively contribute to their community and beyond:

  • Road Home Lunches: Teaches the importance of supporting those in need through preparing and providing lunches.
  • Sock Drive: Collects socks for local shelters, highlighting the impact of collective efforts.
  • 7th Grade Food Bank Service: Involves students in service at the local food bank, addressing food insecurity.
  • Teacher-Led Service Projects: Integrates acts of kindness into the curriculum, ranging from making hats for cancer patients to blankets for the needy.
  • Environmental Stewardship Projects: Encourages care for the planet through cleanups, recycling, and tree planting.
  • Holiday Gift Drives: Organizes collections of toys, books, and clothing for those in need during the holiday season.
  • Partnerships with Local Charities: Offers diverse service opportunities through collaboration with local organizations.

Specialty Classes at Carden

These classes provide students with the chance to dive deeper into subjects of interest, nurturing well-rounded individuals. View our Academic Program page for more information.

  • Music: Our curriculum instills a love of music, teaching students about pitch, rhythm, tempo, and more, culminating in several performances throughout the year.
  • Orchestra: Available for both beginners and advanced students, our orchestra program includes weekly rehearsals and performances.
  • Art: From 1st to 8th grade, students explore various artists and techniques, developing their skills and appreciation for art.
  • PE: Offered twice weekly for 1st-8th graders, PE focuses on sportsmanship, cooperation, and respect while learning physical skills.
  • Computer: Teaching essential computer skills and applications, our program equips students for success in their future academic and professional endeavors.
  • Drama: Each grade participates in a drama production, allowing students to explore their theatrical talents on our fully-equipped stage.

Interested in Learning More?

Discover the enriching student life awaiting your child at Carden Memorial School. Schedule a tour today and see firsthand the opportunities we provide for academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.

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.

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