The Carden Experience

At the heart of The Carden Experience is our unwavering commitment to a classical education approach, which has set Carden Memorial School apart for over 50 years. We preserve the timeless values of honoring and nurturing childhood in a rapidly evolving world. We believe in every student’s profound potential for success, emphasizing that a child’s character is as crucial as their knowledge. This philosophy underpins our curriculum, enriched with classical literature, history, Latin, science, and mathematics, ensuring a robust foundation for the next grade and life.

Character and moral integrity form the core of a Carden education. In our supportive environment, students learn the significance of courtesy, civility, and dignity, guided by our non-denominational Christian ethos to develop into compassionate, respectful, and responsible individuals. We aim for every student to achieve their personal best, excel across all subjects, and grow into independent thinkers and proactive community members. This environment fosters academic excellence and the growth of strong character in a nurturing atmosphere.

What distinguishes Carden Memorial School is our dedication to the whole child. Every student is engaged and actively learning in a positive classroom atmosphere where academic excellence meets Christian ethical values, fostering honest, kind, and integrity-filled individuals. The cornerstone of our educational approach is the phonetically-based reading program developed by Mae Carden, which introduces students to the joy of reading from an early age. Daily reading sessions build fluency and comprehension, encouraging students to become confident, skilled readers.

The Carden Method emphasizes phonetic-based reading and personalized instruction, making learning a joyful and fulfilling journey. This approach ensures students become fluent, confident readers with a deep appreciation for language and thought. Beyond reading and math, our comprehensive curriculum includes science, writing, history, Latin, art, music, and physical education, empowering students to express themselves confidently through various creative outlets.

Students at Carden enjoy a balanced and enriching schedule that includes rigorous academics, artistic expression, and physical education. This daily routine ensures intellectual, physical, and emotional growth in a nurturing setting. Experiential learning plays a significant role at Carden, with field trips across all grades, unique programs like our skiing and snowboarding program for middle schoolers, and summer excursions that broaden the educational experience.

Our school year is highlighted by events and traditions that extend learning beyond the classroom. Unique offerings include a skiing and snowboarding program for 6th to 8th graders, cycling, and fishing; explorations of Utah’s diverse landscapes; and backpacking in Yellowstone National Park to study its wildlife and geographical phenomena. The culminating experience of the 8th-grade American History Tour showcases our commitment to providing a well-rounded and immersive education.