Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Carden Academy of Whittier - Nurturing Excellence in Education
Carden Academy of Whittier has been dedicated to nurturing young minds since 1964, offering a comprehensive educational experience for preschool through eighth-grade students. Our approach centers on the Carden Method, a time-tested curriculum developed by Mae Carden that emphasizes individualized learning, critical thinking, and character development. With small class sizes, we provide personalized attention to address each student's unique needs while fostering academic excellence and social-emotional growth. Our faculty, with over 350 combined years of experience, is committed to creating a joyful, engaging environment where students thrive. We prioritize foundational skills in core subjects while integrating advanced math, STEM, foreign languages, and the arts.Beyond academics, we cultivate leadership, community involvement, and ethical values through daily interactions and structured programs. Our graduates consistently demonstrate preparedness for high school and beyond, attributing their success to the rigorous yet supportive atmosphere. We maintain strong partnerships with families and the Whittier community, ensuring a collaborative approach to education. Annual events like 33 assemblies and 12 songs/poems reinforce cultural appreciation and public speaking confidence. By blending tradition with innovation, we prepare students to adapt to a changing world while maintaining a lifelong love of learning.
Services
Preschool Program
Elementary Education
Middle School Curriculum
Summer Program
Admissions Process
Private Tours
Financial Assistance
Community Events
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We offer small group instruction with an average of 5 students per group for math, reading, and language.
- Our faculty has over 350 combined years of teaching experience using the Carden Method.
- We provide individualized attention to build confidence and address each student's specific needs.
- Our curriculum includes advanced math, STEM, foreign languages, and character development programs.
- We maintain a strong community focus with 33 annual assemblies and regular community service opportunities.
Associations and certifications
- Carden Educational Foundation
What people say
Excel academically
Teachers make learning engaging
Build confidence and skills
Strong community bonds
Excellent preparation for high school
Services
Preschool Program
Our preschool program focuses on foundational skills through play-based learning and structured activities. We develop socialization, motor skills, and early literacy in a nurturing environment. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention for each child's developmental needs.
Elementary Education
K-6 curriculum combines core academics with character development using the Carden Method. Daily instruction includes language arts, math, science, and history with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Middle School Curriculum
Grades 7-8 program prepares students for high school with advanced coursework in all core subjects. Our new facilities support STEM education, foreign language study, and leadership development opportunities.
Summer Program
Six-week enrichment program offers academic reinforcement and recreational activities for preschool-eighth grade students. Curriculum includes skill-building exercises and creative projects to prevent summer learning loss.
Admissions Process
Open enrollment with student interviews for preschool and testing for K-8. Private tours available to explore our facilities and meet faculty. Non-discriminatory admissions policy ensures equal access for all applicants.
People
Mae Carden
Founder
Educator who developed the Carden Method over 60 years ago. Her philosophy emphasizes individualized instruction and character development. Her legacy continues through 90+ schools nationwide using her curriculum.
Ethan Wu
Alumnus
2017 graduate who credits Carden's math program for high school success. Participated in Troy High School's Tech and IB programs. Highlights strong social skills and lasting friendships from his 10 years at Carden.
Questions
What educational philosophy does Carden Academy follow?
We use the Carden Method focusing on individualized learning, character development, and sequential curriculum that builds from preschool through eighth grade.
What grade levels do you serve?
We educate students from preschool through eighth grade in a structured, supportive learning environment.
How does the admissions process work?
Applications are accepted year-round. Preschool students require an interview while K-8 applicants complete placement testing. Private tours available upon request.
What extracurricular opportunities exist?
Students participate in 33 annual assemblies, community service projects, and after-school events that develop public speaking and leadership skills.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, our foundation provides financial assistance to qualifying families through fundraising events like Hop, Skip, Jump for Carden.
What makes your program unique?
Small class sizes (average 5 students per group), Christian values integration, and the Carden Method's emphasis on critical thinking and character development.
Reviews (5)
Jacqueline Hernandez
Sep 21, 2021
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This is a wonderful school. The owner and director care very much about the students well being. If you look at all the poor reviews, they took place before new ownership took over when the school was based out of La Habra. New Carden is in Whittier! I cant emphasize how much my child has blossomed in a short amount of time, and we transferred to Carden in the middle of the pandemic.
Carden has excellent teachers and staff! The extracurricular programs offered are parallel to schools which are often times more expensive. Thank you to everyone who is helping my child blossom into a responsible
Carden has excellent teachers and staff! The extracurricular programs offered are parallel to schools which are often times more expensive. Thank you to everyone who is helping my child blossom into a responsible
Sarah Maffie
Jan 12, 2021
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My daughter started preschool at the end of September and she has been loving her time there. Her teacher & teachers aid are both so sweet. She always comes home excited to tell us all about her day at school. We are so pleased with our experience.
Heidi Maldonado
Nov 03, 2020
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Carden Academy is a great school. After attending a catholic school for 2 years we transferred our son to Carden Academy of Whittier. Over that last 6 months he has flourished in their program. Their in-person teaching, small class size and methodology works. The teachers, office staff and directors are proactive in our sons learning and personal growth. Though we loved his old school, our son is happier and more engaged at Carden Academy. He always comes home happy and with a smile on his face and something new he learned. He looks forward to school every morning. I honestly cannot say he felt
Amber Bushman
Oct 11, 2020
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We started at Carden for Preschool, loved the teachers and Carden method so much that we stayed for elementary and know have children in the 4th and 2nd grade classes. You cant beat the small class sizes, individual attention and wonderful, caring teachers. My kids are so happy here.
Edgar Fermin
Jul 13, 2020
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We are very pleased with our childs progress and development. He has attended Carden since preschool and we have found that all of his teachers are patient and caring. Weve found that the smaller class size has helped with more personal attention. We highly recommend this school because they treat you like family.
