Parent Teacher Organization
Carden West School Annual Auction
Conversations with Parents
Interview with Cynthia Rocha: Teaching our children to care
Interview with Rich Miller: Teaching our children to care
Carden West Annual Auction
Save the date! The Carden West School Annual Auction will be held at Rubby Hill Country Club on April 24, 2010. This is an event not to be missed. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and friends while raising funds for our children and our school.
Please help make our auction a huge success by donating goods or services. Items or services of any value are greatly appreciated and welcome.
Parent Teacher Organization
The Carden West Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a parent-run organization that:
- Sponsors fundraising events, community gatherings, and informative programs to support Carden West School children, parents, faculty, and staff;
- Offers volunteer opportunities to Carden West School families as a way to foster community and augment the school's resources; and
- Provides communication to parents about PTO programs and events.
Every Carden West School parent and teacher is a member of the Parent Teacher Organization and is encouraged to participate in its many activities and events. The PTO is organized to support the school and its programs through parent volunteerism, and fundraising efforts. Parent volunteers are critical to the school's success, as they model the value of giving of oneself in enhancing the community. Volunteering also fosters a sense of community. The PTO meets monthly in the cafeteria or K-5 computer lab. Contact the PTO at pto@cardenwest.org.
Parents Discuss Their Experiences at Carden West
Bukola D., twin girls in second grade, two children in preschool
In anticipation of our relocation to the Bay Area from Los Angeles for my husband's job, we researched private schools on the internet for our then kindergarten-aged twin girls. We wanted the same kind of high-achieving school that we were used to in Los Angeles. We visited schools in the area and knew Carden West was the place for our children.
I can list three things I like most about Carden West. First, the standard of education. We believe languages are a very important aspect of education because they make the world accessible to our children. The teachers are excellent and are dedicated to taking each individual child to his or her maximum potential. They guide each child to do his or her very best. Second, the warm environment. The family atmosphere makes school comfortable for the children. Parents watch out for each other's children, notifying other parents about where to find books in the library, DVDs that would help their children, etc. Also, children are expected to be ethical, moral and responsible and to have respect for all. There is no bullying or bad language allowed. Third, the small class size. Small classes allow the teachers to give each child individual attention and also guide the class as a group.
If your want a school that is high achieving where your children will be nurtured and empowered, will receive individual attention, and will be more than just a number, Carden West is for you. The preschool teachers are creative, loving and caring and talk to the children in way that makes them feel comfortable and confident and encouraged to express themselves. The elementary teachers are experienced and skilled at challenging their students to a higher level and inspire us to maintain that at home as well. In addition, the administration reinforces the atmosphere of warmth and the peaceful environment.
Karen R., one son in second grade, one daughter in fifth grade
We relocated here from the United Kingdom two years ago. We were looking for a private school for our children and found the Carden West website on the internet.
We like the sense of community. Moving from another country, our children's sense of belonging was very important to us. We were concerned that settling here would be huge adjustment for our children. As it happened, they had no trouble adjusting at Carden West and it was a very smooth transition.
Because of the small class sizes, our children receive personalized attention. This was especially important when we first arrived. The teachers were able to give our children individual attention one-on-one in areas where they were lacking. The teachers are excellent and coach our children well with a nurturing, caring spirit.
I would recommend Carden West based on my personal experience and our children's experience with the school. We are exceptionally pleased with the quality of education they receive. It was a huge lifestyle change to come here and we didn't know what to expect. We felt welcomed as part of the family.
Mary W., one son in third grade
My son was at a second grade level in reading and math at the end of kindergarten. He was borderline despondent at public school because he was so bored. I began interviewing private schools and was impressed by Carden West's rich curriculum, the nurturing atmosphere and the teachers' willingness to challenge my son.
I like Carden West because of the nurturing environment. I never thought I'd find it again after we left the preschool/kindergarten program at Cisco Systems, but I found it at Carden West. The staff is so dedicated. The children, parents and teachers work together as a cohesive team and follow standards of behavior that the adults model and children are expected to emulate. In addition to many choices, both during the school day and after, the small classes enable teachers to keep pace with every learner. I feel as though the school and I are partners in my child's education. My child is thriving and loves school.
To parents of prospective students, you are about to embark on a wonderful journey with your child, given the academic richness, nurturing environment and collaborative approach at Carden West. You will not be disappointed.
Bali G., two daughters in elementary school, two daughters in 2-year-old class
As a very young child, our eldest was very bright but lacked confidence. She needed someone to "open her up." At Carden, we saw huge improvements every year, to the point that she was making speeches in kindergarten. Now, we have four children with very diverse talents. We know that, at Carden West, there is a place for each unique child.
Like Bukola, I can name several things I like most about Carden. The teachers are willing to listen and to talk about anything that concerns my children. In addition, they are wonderful about keeping me informed about how my children are doing in the classroom, both academically and otherwise. The children are happy to be there and the teachers are, too! Down to the physical attributes like wall colors, it's a happy place where the children are energized to learn as much as they can. Also, there are a wide variety of choices, including afterschool and enrichment classes. Beyond the three Rs, though, the children learn character building concepts and manners by the example set by the entire staff from the very beginning.
I have four very different children and I feel that Carden West is the best place for each of them. it's a great place for parents, who can be involved with the school as much or as little as they wish. Regardless of their degree of involvement, they can be confident that their children are always well taken care of.
John R., one child in preschool, a second in kindergarten
We came to Carden West because we wanted to give our older child, Jacob, a preschool experience that offered academics as well as fun. We registered him for two days and soon he was begging to go to school five days a week. We settled on three days. He loved it so much that we decided to keep him there and enrolled our second child as well, when she was old enough. We love the small classes, where the children can receive individual attention in a caring environment.
The teachers and extended care personnel appear to love their jobs. They are attentive to the needs of the children and seem to be at Carden West for all the right reasons. You can see the value in the children. They are happy and growing in knowledge.
From what we've seen, Carden West has the winning edge. No matter how young children are, they should be exposed to appropriate academics. That is what will give them the winning edge as they mature.
