Carden Hall, Inc School

We moved from the east coast from very academically motivated backgrounds and could not find a school in the area that we were happy with. Carden Hall was an oasis when it comes to teaching education, culture, morals...The teachers are all excellent as well as the admin staff. My child is 1-2 years ahead of most other schools and everybody she comes in contact with raves about how she presents herself and her manners and respect (she is 8). I dont know how the sports and curriculum is in the sciences/technology in the older grades but I know the language/arithmetic and moral grounding is exceptional in the younger grades. My child also knows how to sing beautifully and can recite Psalm 100 and poetry. They also learn French from the very youngest grades and have a view of the ocean. Highly recommended amidst the chaos, materialism and lacking priorities of SoCal!
—Submitted by a parent

I attended Carden Hall from JP to 3rd grade. I had dyslexic tendencies in the first grade, flipping letters around, confusing b's, p's and q's. The school took no formal notice and did not contact my family. They recommended I repeat the first grade but gave no further explanation. Carden does not believe in homework, and I was too young to know I was different and would need accommodation, so the problem went unnoticed. I was given a red slip and locked in a phone booth daily. I had emotional problems due to this school. It destroyed my confidence. Many years later and I am a PhD candidate in Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. No thanks to Carden. Do not send your children here. If you do, be sure to monitor them closely.

When I attended Carden Hall in kindergarten I was disciplined and put in the "white room" Basically a small hot room with a chair about 4'x4' with a white light and was secluded there. I had gotten in trouble for scratching painted lines on the ground with my backpack zipper during an assembly. Is this practice still going on. I have been emotionally affected by this practice and want to know if that is still going on. I DON'T think its OK. Also to not make the parents aware of what I was put through and at such a young age this has come back to haunt me. I hope that no other child has to go though this process in the future.

Children are not prepared for math at the public school when they graduate. Ridiculous to spend so much money just to keep them in a protective bubble.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a former student, having graduated in 2004. I loved this place, what with Mr. Jones and the same crowd for 9 years. While there, I wasn't all that social but that hardly mattered as the caliber of the students led to a student body of intelligent, thoughtful kids who were accepting of all. I am returning for my second year of college in a few weeks and would like to say that I have never and shall never review my high school, Mater Dei HS. That is not because it is not good. It is because what I learned and took away from Carden is that much better. There is a reason that I returned there today to pick-up a sweatshirt: I have so many great memories. Note: Academics are solid, but math and science need a bit more to them. Nevertheless, they're still good.
—Submitted by a student

Carden Hall is a really great school. It's great that you stay with the same group of people for all 10 years; you really get to know eachother and bond. the uniforms are nice to have because in the early moring rush of getting ready, you know what you're going to wear, so you just put it on! Another reason I love my school is because we aren't given homework until 4th grade which is really nice.
—Submitted by a student

We have both of our children at this school. One is in 2nd grade, the other in JP (Kindergarten). Both enjoy the school. Academically, the school is very good, especially in language, art et al. Science and math is a little bit of a weak point in the early grades, but we are told it gets more demanding in higher grades. The BIG plus of this school is the focus on manners, morals and ethics. Overall, most of the older students I have met are well rounded and a joy to communicate with. Overall a GREAT school.
—Submitted by a parent

Carden Hall lays a stronge foundation but the classes are too small, the uniform and all around rules are WAY to strict! We are kids not military school aplicants! And the principal, Mr. Jones, needs to retire! I swear, this school doesn't think we are in the 21st century! If your planning on putting your kid there, think again.
—Submitted by a student

Carden Hall is an exceptional school. The curriculum is well developed and emphasizes on reading and writing. French is introduced and taught beginning of Kindergarten (Junior Primary). Music and PE are integrated into the students' daily activities. Beyond great academics, Carden Hall teachers and administrators instill social values and personal character to the students. Our daughter is currently a first grader, and the two years she has been at Carden Hall, we have seen her blossom.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been quite impressed by Carden Hall. Our daughter is in her second year there (1st grade) and we believe her experience is worth every penny. The curriculum is core-knowledge, classics. Our daughter's singing songs every day at home that she has learned in her daily music class. It is a structured environment, but within that structure it is safe and nurturing for her, and she's happy to go to school.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is stellar! Learning meets character building and respect. The daily learning experience consists of seperating into 3 groups, each for a different learning style and teaching new concepts to 4 or 5 students at a time. So far, we have been more than pleased with our education there.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is absolutely incredible. Carden Hall is a great environment for any student. The teachers actually care about their students' needs. The class size is wonderful, never more than twenty. The uniforms keep the student reserved with their ensemble, yet their are freedoms. Carden Hall is an overall acedemically strong and ethicly incredible. I should know, I went there.
—Submitted by a parent

Carden Hall is a well run, classic institution. The academics are solid and the level of knowledge is deep. The children are well disciplined and learn manners, respect, and ethics. The environment is highly structured, which may not fit the needs of every child. The class rooms are orderly and quiet. The programs include music, French, and PE daily. The children are taught in a loving but firm environment. This is a great school that I highly recommend, but note that some students may not fit the structured environment. One of my children loved it, one did not.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School for a basic foundation, but it restricts the bright children from excelling, and is severely behind in math. Its rigid program limits intellectual growth.
—Submitted by a parent

Teacher quality varies. If this school does not expand its horizons, and allow children to advance beyond the repetitive curiculum, it will put itself out of business, or settle for mediocrity. More parental involvement would help. They have a cookie cutter method that kills incentive to strive. However, the discipline and character building is excellent.
—Submitted by Anonymous, a parent

I have two children at Carden and could not be more pleased with the program. I especially appreciate the emphasis on personal responsibility, character, ethics, and patriotism.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son is finishing his JP year at Carden Hall and so far we have been extremely pleased with the results. His development and abilities have grown over the year and he is excited every day when it's time to go to school. The atmosphere is disciplined yet very nuturing and when we look at the eight grade graduates, wee can't help but wish that this is how our son will turn out.
—Submitted by Christopher Schran, a teacher

Carden Hall, Newport Beach provides a fantastic education, and teaches children basic fundamental values. The teachers are extremely educated and experienced, the curriculum is very structured, and all children who make it through this school have a big leg up on their peers throughout high school and college. All children learn french, and many are fluent by the time they graduate. Children who marticulate from Carden have their choice of high schools and colleges, but more importantly, they are well-rounded, disciplined students and kind, polite people.
—Submitted by a parent

I can not say enough positive things about this school. I have 4 children there now. Each one has been motivated to excel and become great students. The curriculum and the way it is presented ensures that every child learns and enjoys learning. The atmoshere is respectful yet fun. Not only are their minds developed with but their characters also. This is an A+ school!
—Submitted by Alanna, a parent

Great school emphasizing personal development with a unique philosophy embraced by students, parents and teachers.