Carden Memorial School

My children attended Carden Memorial and had a wonderful experience. We have loved Carden for many years. It is with sadness that I have discovered that things are changing rapidly. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffs, the founders, are aging, 90 and 85 years of age and the upcoming leadership of the school is so preoccupied with the bottom line that they have lost vision and integrity of what the school could be. The curriculum has strayed far from the intent of the Carden Foundation. The new teachers are given very little to no training or support and are left to manage and create a majority of their own curriculum without either guidelines or bench marks. The test scores have fallen in the past few years as the grades have been inflated. If you want your child to have a guaranteed "A", this is the school for you. If you don't get the grade you want the assistant principal will gladly change it for you. A friend of mine currently teaches there and reports that the teachers are fearful of losing their jobs, grossly underpaid (about 30% less that public school teachers), and pushed around by bossy, rich parents. This once great school is not longer one that I would recommend.
--Submitted by a parent

Mae Carden's philosophies and teaching methods are put into practice so beautifully by the school founders, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffs, and the teachers they have trained over the years. And I cannot speak highly enough of the current headmaster, Mr. Taylor. He has great judgement in the management of the school, and consistently shows both students and parents how much he cares about them personally. Carden provides academically challenging classes, while giving each child the individual attention and help that they need. Over the last several years, we've had children in almost every grade at Carden (Jr. Kindergarten through 8th grade), and have been pleased with every teacher, every year, as well as the curriculum in place at the school.
--Submitted by a parent

My sons attended Carden and I constantly get compliments about how polite and well-mannered they are. They entered high school well prepared to take advanced classes, and they graduated with honors. The staff shows great interest in each child and allows individualized learning.
--Submitted by a parent

Absolutely love this school. I feel that Mr. Jeffs has had a wonderful impact on my children's lives. I highly recommend this school.

This is a horrible school do not send your child here unless you want to pay for therapy later. The place is literally stuck in time, with a way it used to be mentality. When I went there it was full of spoiled children that had serious discipline problems.

I just wanted to write my review about my children's education at Carden. Both of my children have now graduated from Carden and I never fully realized what an influence the school, and specifically Mr. Taylor, had on their lives. Mr. Taylor, and the rest of the faculty, helped my children understand the value of a good education and the need to maintain their own values. Mr. Taylor helped one of my children through a very difficult time and to this day I realize that it was a life changing moment for him. He was kind, compassionate and understanding. He listened and helped my son and me understand the changes that were needed to help him be a better student. What a great example. Mr. Taylor is not the only teacher who takes the time to help students like mine, all the faculty cares.
--Submitted by a parent

i love this school! I'm in 8th grade and loving every last bit of it as i can. The teachers actually CARE about your future and how you treat one another. One of the cons that this school has is that it has no activities, clubs, sports, electives, etc. But over all it is a caring, loving school! I'd recommend this school to anyone!
--Submitted by a student

Very good school. My child is going to second grade. Cursive writing is taught from kindergarten and the children grasp it so well. Reading and math skills are excellent. The Jeffs do an excellent job and Mr Taylor is a dedicated Head Master.
--Submitted by a parent

We have been thrilled with the progress our children have made year after year at Carden! The amount of material they are able to cover and successfully retain is amazing. It is truly wonderful having ALL teachers using the same learning methods to keep the children on track for constant progression. The teachers and staff truly want each child to succeed and the expectations are high, but achievable. We wouldn't consider sending our kids anywhere but Carden!
--Submitted by a parent

My son is in his first year at Carden, and he loves it! I have yet to have a 'Does it have to be a school day' since he's started. He leaves happy, comes home happy and is always excited about what he has learned that day. Carden reinforces what we as parents have been teaching our children at home by emphasizing good manners, respect for faculty and other students, good citizenship, and being a well rounded kind person. My son has 3 teachers for the 20 something students in his class, which has made it easier forhis learning needs to be met. The programs offered are of the highest quality as are the teachers. Mr. Taylor, the headmaster, is truly a wonderful example for the students as are Mr. and Mrs. Jeffs. I am very happy with Carden and recommend it to anyone that will listen.
--Submitted by a parent