|
See testimonials from:
Parents
Former Students
Teachers
Parents
Carden Hall has been blessed with strongly dedicated, insightful leaders, a staff that cares to be precise and meticulous in everything they do, and a staff oozing with talent, love, and concern. (Mr. Jones might say they are ready, willing, and very able!) But even when we looked at other good Carden schools, where the curriculum was the same on the outside, the richness of depth and breadth couldn’t compare. You teach so much in your values and your continual consistency and support of those values. I really began to appreciate the “extras,” the special activities for each grade level, the festivities at holidays, and the social enrichment for the junior high. Most of all, your positive attitude about life and the way you lift each student by seeing the good, the best in each of them, make Carden Hall the only school of its kind on earth.
Ruth Caron
Former Carden Hall Teacher and Parent
Thank you for preparing our daughters for the world they’re entering. Both completed the U.C. school system in 3 years. The basics and good study habits taught by you and your staff prepared them to achieve high standards.
Rebecca Proffitt
Former Carden Hall Parent
We are grateful for the education our three daughters received at Carden Hall, not only because of the excellence in the overall curriculum, the exceptional teaching methods and the foundation of knowledge obtained, but also because of the more intangible benefits of the Carden philosophy which seems to instill a passion for learning and a desire to excel, which lingers for a lifetime.
Roger and Laura Green
Former Carden Hall Parents
Each of our four children received an outstanding education, both with lessons in the academic arena and lessons in values and ethics. These lessons were in perfect balance with what was being taught at home. Once again, we feel we are sending a child to high school with a rock solid foundation to support him. I am so thankful for the eighth grade curriculum that you have put together. It is a curriculum so appropriate to their age. It allows these children to be free from the pop culture to be “cool,” and with that barrier down, allows incredible teachers to do their work. And what work they did with our son! This year has been a year of tremendous growth for him. I cannot compliment you enough on the program that you have set up for these children. From junior primary all the way through, each year was a building block that shaped the child who stood before us on the graduation platform. Our son stood before us, confident and ready to go forth into the next segment of his life. He is excited, and he is prepared. Thank you!
Mary Ann Hogan
Carden Hall Parent
The quality of the Carden family body is unbelievably kind, generous of spirit, and with the right moral fiber. We all have found a new family, a new safe haven. My husband and I are both amazed at how much you can cram into those little heads of theirs. The children come home singing new songs weekly; they are happy, thriving, and smarter, and they have told us after a few months what a great move this was. Because of the French being taught daily, they are now more excited than ever to go to France for the holidays and enjoy our multi-cultural background. They are eager to share their new-found knowledge with so much enthusiasm that it makes our hearts burst.
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Preston Wright
Carden Hall Parents
We would like to express our gratitude for the wonderful experience you and the Carden Hall faculty and staff have provided our daughter Natalia. Two years in your care have empowered her intellectually and emotionally. She is not only more knowledgeable about mathematics, science, English, and the world, but she is also more confident with others and in herself. Talented and motivated teachers nurtured this transformation in Natalia. Our special thanks go to all those who helped Natalia successfully navigate the difficulties of a new school. Natalia quickly became comfortable with the other children and with the staff in good part because of your clearly articulated policies, evening socials, beach parties, and after school athletics. We, as teachers, know how much effort goes into maintaining standards and into supervising after school activities. We greatly appreciate it all.
Dr. and Mrs. Steven Topik
Carden Hall Parents
We first discovered Carden hall in 1967 and enrolled our oldest boys in the fifth and sixth grades. To our relief, we soon realized that someone else besides ourselves truly cared about their personal growth and academic development. The following year our other two children joined their siblings at Carden Hall in junior primary and first grade. From that moment on we were greeted each afternoon with four eager, happy children. Carden Hall had created a supportive and loving environment in which each child was taught in a manner that would meet his or her individual needs. One of the most valuable tools derived from our children’s education, which served them well in high school, college, and in their personal and business lives, was learning personal responsibility and carrying out tasks to completion. We are most proud that all of our four children have realized the importance and quality of their Carden Hall experience and have provided the same opportunity to their children. By 2008 we will have had four children and all ten of our grandchildren graduate from Carden Hall!
Bunny and Jim Kelly
Carden Hall Parents
We had the pleasure of sending our oldest son to college this fall. We keep in touch through email and were delighted to hear him say that “all those years at Carden Hall are really paying off; I have an edge in language skills that I do not see in my classmates.” It was very satisfying to have him realize the valuable tools he now possesses, thanks to Carden Hall.
John and Kim Hapke
Carden Hall Parents
How blessed and secure we have felt to have our children at Carden Hall. Our oldest is now in college, our second is in high school, and our youngest is currently a student at Carden Hall. Upon his graduation, we will have been part of the Carden Hall family for 17 years. Our two older children received excellent academic instruction and character development, which prepared them both well for high school and college. Each teacher has been well trained and is prepared to deal with the variety of situations that arise in working with impressionable minds. Carden Hall has equipped our children very well to meet the challenges they face daily in our fast-paced society.
Mr. and Mrs. Derek Westervelt
Carden Hall Parents
The best investment parents can make is in their child’s education. Our decision to enroll Audrey at Carden Hall has assured us that she will have continued academic and social success. The benefits of her Carden education have been evident all during her high school years, and we know that she will continue to reap those benefits during her years in college.
Kenneth and Laura Nisbet
Carden Hall Parent
Back to top...
Former Students
Because of my background in French, I've been able to travel through France with ease. When I was in high school and college, I aced my French classes. Because of Mrs. Jones' public speaking course, I've had few problems talking in front of large groups of people — I eventually became a TV reporter. I remember him telling me my smile was my biggest asset, and I have never forgotten that when I speak publicly. I am also a published writer, and I owe my skills to Carden Hall's reading and writing programs. My sister always enjoyed art at Carden Hall, and she went to receive her degree in fine arts from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. While I didn't see the value in the "strict" culture of Carden Hall when I was a child, I definitely believe in it as an adult — children need structure and should learn about accountability. Oh yes, and I should add that I can play a mean game of beach volleyball, I have a lifetime love for Golden Retrievers, and I am always shocked when people my age don't know how to square dance, or ballroom dance! (This last skill is very helpful when watching "Dancing with the Stars.") So thank you, Carden Hall, for an invaluable foundation. What I have learned from you during my childhood I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Danielle De Longe
Carden Hall Class of 1989
I thought that I would write you a note to thank you for the excellent education that I received from Carden Hall. It has served always as a great base from which I could learn. Throughout high school and college, I have continually used knowledge that Carden Hall gave me. It is amazing how much Carden Hall truly affected me and has aided me in my classes and life. Now, as I complete college, I realize this once again. Thank you.
Keith Brisack
Carden Hall Class of 1983
I enjoyed every moment spent at Carden Hall, and I continue to reap the benefits of Miss Mae Carden’s educational philosophy. As a current senior at Newport Harbor, I can now fully appreciate the unparalleled educational foundation upon which Carden Hall is based. I know I have the framework to handle any academic, ethical, and social challenge that is presented in everyday life.
Audrey Nisbet
Carden Hall Class of 2002
Now that the last Green is leaving, I would just like to say thank you for tolerating all of us. I don’t know about the other two, but I was certainly a handful. However, I know that you have enriched all of our lives. Attending Carden Hall provided me with such a solid foundation. I am not only referring to the superb education that I received, but also to the important values that I gained. Being held to certain standards at Carden Hall challenged me and made me a better person. Even now, many years later, I feel that those standards continue to influence and guide my actions. Things that seemed so minuscule, such as “Be on time,” “Don’t gossip,” and “Always say please and thank you,” are actually invaluable lessons that permeate my everyday life. Thank you for understanding the importance of the “little things.” I strive to model myself after your teaching. Without them, I would be a different person. Thank you for providing a quality school and for expecting excellence out of all of your students.
Lexie Green
Carden Hall Class of 1999
I know you probably already know how successful the Carden Method is and how well you prepare the students, especially in reading, writing, and the literary arts, but it cannot hurt to remind you. Among the many students at Newport Harbor, Carden Hall graduates stood out as the most articulate, most intelligent, and most creative students in the entire school. I just thought you should know how greatly I appreciate it. I know that of all my academic successes have been based on my Carden Hall education. Though I will not lie and say that I enjoyed the rigors of Carden, I will say that the preparation that I received there built a rock-solid foundation in every academic discipline. Though I have chosen English literature and writing as my focus, I am no less capable in mathematics and calculus. I am most certainly not a brilliant man by any standard. It takes me hours of studying and struggling to achieve my goals. I know that I was not born with this work ethic, but rather learned it through the formative years of my education. Because of Carden Hall and a tremendous amount of hard work all the way through my high school career, I have been able to earn my place in this university (UCLA).
Patrick R. Keefer
Carden Hall Class of 1994
Carden Hall offers a positive and nurturing environment where one develops character and self-confidence. It’s a place where children don’t fall through the cracks. A Carden Hall graduate is well prepared for high school with a broad academic foundation and discipline in terms of study habits, organizational skills, respect for self and others, and a strong sense of patriotism. On a more personal note to you, I’ve been a big proponent of Carden Hall for years and one of your many cheerleaders. At various social events around town, I hear people make comments about Carden Hall, both positive and negative. I hear women saying, “It’s too strict,” “They don’t let children talk during lunch,” or “This Mr. Jones runs the place like a military camp,” etc, etc. Occasionally, as a Carden Hall graduate and Carden Hall parent, I’m asked by prospective parents about the school. My response is usually the same pitch: It’s not for everyone. If you want a great academic preparation and a structured environment, this IS the place for you. I’m 42 years old, and I believe many parents today don't view the “disciplined environment” as the right thing. I, on the other hand, think it is the right approach in elementary education. I often tell my family and close friends that Carden clearly helped shape me into who I am today in terms of my business skills, my personal relationships, my focus on family, and quite frankly, my political views. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful job Carden Hall has done in educating our children, Molly and Jack. Molly is thriving at Harbor. She entered Harbor with confidence. Her approach to her schoolwork is consistent with what I speak of above. She’s getting her work done and doing quite well in all her classes. Jack is having a great year so far with his teacher. As a graduate of Carden Hall, I absolutely love the fact that my daughter is now a graduate and that my son will be in a few years.
Fenton Carey
Carden Hall Class of 1978
Carden Hall Parent
After attending Carden Hall, I have become aware of how much of an impact it has had upon me. I have learned some of the best study habits and have found inspiration to drive myself to excel in all aspects of my life.
Corey Housepian
Carden Hall Class of 2002
I loved Carden Hall. Not only was it where I learned all my morals and values that have been my foundation in life, it has also given me the tools to truly make the most of my education. However, the most valuable things I’ve taken from Carden Hall are the lifelong friendships, several of which are still with my closest, most treasured friends.
Kimberly Housepian
Carden Hall Class of 2000
I cannot say enough about my experience at Carden Hall. There is so much that I look back on and for which I am grateful. In our modern culture I think that we are losing sight of certain essential qualities that we need to instill in our youth, namely character and integrity. I heard those words every day at Carden Hall, and I did not fully understand what they meant. As an adult, however, I can see the impact that my time at Carden Hall has had. Carden Hall offers the education and the environment that should be the standard in our school systems today. The institution can only be as great as its leader. I say with confidence and without apology that Mr. Jones is one of the finest men that I have ever known. I appreciate his desire to educate young people, to give them a strong sense of self, and to mold them into individuals who exemplify those qualities: character and integrity. Mr. Jones has my deepest respect, and there are few out there who compare.
Bradley Craig
Carden Hall Class of 1996
So many things come to my mind when I think of Carden Hall. One is that Carden Hall taught me about accountability. Be responsible for your actions whether they are good or bad. Second, I learned from the coaches at Carden Hall about good sportsmanship. Mr. Jones used to say to me, “Jamie, when you make a touchdown, look like you’ve been there before.” At Carden Hall they teach you to play fair and never to be smug. Third, the teachers at Carden Hall also taught me how to maintain good study habits. I now use those good study habits in high school, and they will probably carry over into college. Carden Hall teaches you to be generous because life has a way of returning what you give.
Jamie McGee
Carden Hall Class of 2004
It has now been 10 years since my graduation from Carden Hall, and I still look back on my experiences there as the most influential of my life. The education I received at Carden Hall gave me the foundation to succeed in high school, college, and now in graduate school. Even as I write my dissertation, I rely on the teachings of Carden Hall. Even more importantly, Carden Hall instilled in me a desire to continue my learning and to appreciate education throughout my life. I would like to personally thank both Mr. and Mrs. Jones for their devotion to education. Because of them, thousands of students have not only received a great classroom education, but they have also learned about values, morals, and life’s principles for success. I believe that their system for teaching is unsurpassed, and it shows in the many successes of their students.
Temre Green
Carden Hall Class of 1995
Perhaps the best way to summarize my Carden Hall experience would be to say that they did not just teach me facts, but they taught me how to learn. When I graduated from Carden Hall, I didn’t just leave with a piece of paper and some great memories; I left with a bag full of tools for life. I attribute a great deal of my success to the foundation created by my education at Carden Hall. My wife and I moved back to Newport Beach in order to send our two daughters to school here. They have created a safe environment in which children are not only challenged by the quality curriculum, but are also encouraged to develop good moral character.
Jim Sparling
Carden Hall Class of 1982
Carden Hall Parent
I attended Carden Hall for eight years. I found that the foundation formed in academics as well as general principles was the most important resource in my education and continuing professional career. I currently have one daughter attending Carden Hall and intend on having my second daughter attend. I fully trust and expect that the experience will be as beneficial to them as it was for me.
Doug Nichols
Carden Hall Class of 1984
Carden Hall Parent
The first time I heard of Carden Hall, I was sitting in Will Wright’s having a hot fudge sundae with my mom. She wanted to soften the blow as she told me that I would be transferring to Carden Hall. As only a disheartened nine year old boy could, I cried and cried. Thirty-seven years later I look back and smile. Carden Hall allowed me to grow and learn in a safe and supportive environment. I have nothing but thanks for my parents, who recognized the value of Carden Hall and what it would mean for the rest of my life. When it came time to send our three children to school, my wife and I researched many schools before coming back to Carden Hall. I am sure that our reasons were the same as my parents': a tried and true curriculum; values that mirrored our own—integrity, patriotism, moral absolutes, and respect for authority, to name just a few; quality, dedicated teachers; and a proven track record. Thank you for your contribution to my life and to helping our children.
Dennis Regan
Carden Hall Class of 1973
Carden Hall Parent
Back to top...
Teachers
Teaching at Carden Hall was something that I wanted to do since high school, and my five years of doing it were wonderful. However, not until teaching in another school, as I am now, do I realize how amazing Carden Hall is in comparison.
My heart breaks for the children in my school who will never experience the joy of being a student at Carden Hall. It is the combination of Miss Carden’s curriculum, your leadership and organized planning, the small classes, and, of course, parents who care, that makes Carden Hall a one-of-a-kind place! I miss “the beautiful school on the cliffs,” the music in the hallways, and the cheerful people who work there.
Anne Osimo
Former Carden Hall Teacher
After teaching in the public school system, I feel so fortunate and blessed to now be at Carden Hall. I already knew, from my own son and many other CH students, that the children become better people through the teaching of values, morals, and character. What I did not realize was that, in the process, I became a better person, as well. All of the people here at Carden Hall are so exceptional! The positive attitudes help make the entire school a positive place (even the teachers’ lounge!). I truly believe the students reap the benefits of that. What a difference from the public school system, where negative talk about students by teachers was prevalent all over the school.
From the outside, the differences between Carden Hall and other schools are obvious, but what’s even more different about the two is what happens in the classroom. The way the curriculum is organized is so logical and the way each step builds and builds is so amazing. Even the most difficult concepts are made easy to understand using the Carden Method. I personally love how I teach to the highest level, believing that each child has the ability to learn, instead of the lowest level with no expectations. What a wonderful difference!
Mrs. Sanchez
Carden Hall Third Grade Teacher
Carden Hall Parent
Back to top... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
