Message from Head of School, Ms. Ann Kennedy
Enroll now for Fall 2011
Junior Kindergarten to start in Fall 2011
Carden West Upper School
Carden West celebrates over 35 years in Pleasanton
Carden West voted favorite Private Elementary School 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010
Third grade on CNN
Message from Head of School, Ms. Kennedy (Click here to view pdf.)
To contact Ms. Kennedy, please call: (925)463-6060 or email: annkennedy@cardenwest.org
Enroll Now for Fall 2011
Our staff is available to answer your questions. Contact the school office (925) 463-6060 or click here to email us to arrange for a personal tour of the school or to request an application for fall enrollment.
Junior Kindergarten to start in Fall 2011
The Junior Kindergarten program provides a warm and nurturing classroom environment within the elementary school where teachers capitalize on children's curiosity, creativity, and imagination. Our Junior Kindergarten program facilitates children's social, emotional, physical and intellectual development with an emphasis placed on building confidence and self-esteem. The pace of the Junior Kindergarten program is such that
individual attention will help the students fulfill their potential as they move on to kindergarten. Both thematic units as well as an interactive curriculum help foster the children's thinking skills while they learn about the importance of being part of a classroom community.
This full-day program includes the choice of 2 foreign languages, Music, Art, Computers, Physical Education, and Library time. As the students independence increases, development of gross and fine motor skills, an ability to listen, share, and interact with one another are skills that will be nurtured. Teachers respect and celebrate children's unique learning styles and provide a teaching approach that best fits each child's individual needs. Each child grows and absorbs new information at a very individual rate. The end result is that our students come away with a rich classroom experience, new friends, and an understanding that learning is an exciting process.
For more information about Junior Kindergarten click here.
Please consider Carden West Junior Kindergarten, enrollment now open.
Carden West Upper School
Since its founding in Pleasanton in 1977, Carden West has grown with the community and adapted to the expanding needs of our families. Highlights of the Upper School program include
- Success for every child:. Small class sizes, with individualized programs for each student that meet or exceed state standards.
- Learn by participating: In addition to individualized programs, students learn by participation in group activities. Mastery of learning is demonstrated by projects, reports and community reviews.
- Citizenship: Emphasis on community service and volunteer participation.
Please consider Carden West Upper School, enrollment now open for students entering 4th & 5th grade.
35 Years of Excellence in Pleasanton
Carden West celebrates a long history in Pleasanton. Mrs. Zimmerman, founder of the school, will visit our children and staff this fall. On March 3rd, 2012 will be celebrating our 35th Anniversary in grand style at our annual gala auction at Ruby Hill Country Club. Carden West Alumni are welcome to join us! Please contact the Auction Committee at auction@cardenwest.org .
A brief history Established in southern California, Carden West grew from an initial 4 students in 1963 to 17 students in 1964, eventually enrolling 85 students in 1976. Founders Annamaria and Norman Zimmerman, who studied with Mae Carden, moved the school to Pleasanton in 1976. The school reopened in January 1977 as a non-profit, non-sectarian, independent, co-educational private school. The school grew quickly in Pleasanton, with a current enrollment of over 200 students. "Learning is life's great joy ... all children can learn." The Carden philosophy continues at Carden West School, dedicated to helping students achieve high academic standards while experiencing success every day. A recent article about Carden West School was published in the Hacienda Network Newsletter (a new window will open).
Carden West Voted Favorite Private Elementary School by Readers of Bay Area Parent Magazine 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010
Also voted Favorite After-School Enrichment Program. Visit and see why Carden West is a favorite with East Bay parents!
Third Grade on CNN Campbell Brown Show
A CNN producer and news crew recently visited third grade, to film the class reading letters to president-elect Obama advising him what should be done when he takes office. The crew was very impressed with the children, their work and their behavior. Segments of the student interviews were broadcast on the national CNN Campbell Brown show. Our children are spokesmen for the new generation of Americans! Read more about this event in the Pleasanton Weekly and Livermore Independent newspapers.