Carden Heights Academy

I attended Carden Heights in Orange from kindergarten through 6th grade (from 1987-1993) and without a doubt the education I received was incredible. Of course, back then I didn't know it was anything special because it was all I'd ever known. Mrs. Olive Gilmore was the principal at the time and also my teacher most years I attended. She was a blessing. Then I "graduated" to 7th grade and left for public school. From then until 12th grade, I'd received a terrible education. I wasn't used to being surrounded by students who weren't able to tell a verb from a noun. This was basic English and many of my peer 11th graders still mistook adverbs for adjectives. Looking back on my 7-year education from Carden vs. my 6-year time served at public school, I easily conclude that Mae Carden's "Carden Method" curriculum taught me everything I didn't learn in high school.

Amazing! I am so glad I found this school for my daughter. The class sizes are very small. 10-12 Maximum. Compare that to most public schools in Orange County currently with 35-40 kids per class. The Carden staff genuinely enjoys the children and the high standard of education cannot be beat. Strong structure and moral values are taught and that pleases me considering how low the behavioral expectations are today in public schools.
--Submitted by a parent

What my husband and I like about Carden Heights is that our kids get a high quality education in a safe environment with the class sizes being small. There is a lot of focus on manners and respect , not just for the teacher, but also the student. Very often students are treated as an annoyance, but not here at Carden Heights. We have had 2 of our kids graduate from Carden Heights and are now excelling in high school. We currently have 2 kids still attending and both are doing very well.
--Submitted by a parent

Carden Heights is a great school for my child. He went to public school for 1 1/2 yrs. and was lost in the shuffle. At Carden my child is doing very well, the teachers meet him where he is & don't hold him back if he's ready to move on! All the staff, teachers & principal are awesome!!
--Submitted by a parent

At Carden Heights, not only are my children getting a superb education with focus on the arts, but they're taught how to have respect for themselves and others. The class size is perfect, with no more than 15 students per class. I have two children with very different personalities and they both thrive in this environment. The administration and teaching staff truly care about the students. The tight knit community of Carden Heights is a family that we're so blessed to be a part of!
--Submitted by a parent

A small old fashion community where reason, respect and responsibility are taught. As a parent I have enjoyed having my son at Carden Heights. The teaching staff is loving and kind, yet requires the best of each student. The parents are always friendly and welcoming to new families. The academics are top notch, our little school received the Blue Ribbon award not to long ago. Go Cougars ..
--Submitted by a parent

Carden Heights Academy is a true blessing to our family. The staff is caring and loving and always willing to guide our children in the most positive direction should they go astray! The academic portion is astounding and the schools ability to continue to have a phenominal art program, music program and now the dabbling of theatrical arts allows my children to become even more diverse. We enjoy the size of the classrooms, 15 to 1 ratio, the standards, Respect, Reason, Responsibility and Righteousness and the fact that the administraive staff continues to strive in continuing the school status as a Blue Ribbon School. We are very pleased to be a part of the Carden Heights Family!
--Submitted by a parent

A great school if your children are perfect. If they do not conform exactly to the Carden standard you the staff and leadership will not hesistate to let you know. Children who struggle with the mildest learning challenges are not accommodated. Significant teacher turnover, staff politics, and what was once a non-denomenational stance has become very evangelical in focus. My children learned a tremendous amount. However, after taking multiple years of French, they have little to show for it. The foreign language program is limited to memorizing songs and completing handouts. No focus on conversation. Kindergarten and third greade teachers can't be beat. Parent group is not inclusive. I believe school will develop a stronger Christian focus each year. It is owned by The Main Place Church in Tustin.
--Submitted by a parent

Execellent K year for my daughter. Her teacher was caring, loving and provided positive reinforcement. Strong acedemic cirriculum, but fun learning environment. Highly recommended for children in PreK - 4, at the very least.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a gem of a school. A small private non-denominational school, that offers a superior education. If you are interested in the Carden method of teaching this could be the school for you. This is a very close knit school even though there could be greater parental involvement. The current administration is wonderful with the staff and the parents both enthusiastic about the current programs and future goals. With strong language, extra curricular programs, sports, and arts there are many opportunities for children to learn while having fun. This is a diverse school where your children will be exposed to many ways of thinking, and opportunities to learn. Because of the Carden method of teaching builds upon itself year to year it is best to start early and stay in a Carden school for at least the k-4 grades.
--Submitted by a parent