Carden West schedules evening open houses
Middle School enrollment now open
Carden West celebrates over 30 years in Pleasanton
Carden West voted favorite Private Elementary School 2007, 2008 and 2009
Mt. Kilimanjaro on the horizon
Third grade on CNN
Enroll now for Fall 2010
Download the most recent Carden West School newsletter (50kb) 
Evening Open Houses for Preschool, Elementary and Middle School Grades
Carden West School has scheduled two evening Open Houses during open enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year. The two events will take place on Tuesday, January 12, and Wednesday, February 17, 2010 from 6:30-8:00p.m. Open House is a great time to talk to the people who know the most about the school in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Teachers, parent volunteers and administrative staff will be on-hand to answer questions and discuss the academic programs offered. Walk around the wonderful facilities. Most importantly, the students' work will be showcased. "Parents and students who are looking for different, more individualized and more comprehensive offerings than they find at public schools often find the Open Houses to be very rewarding," says Dr. Silzer, Principal of Carden West School.
Carden West Middle 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 Middle 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.
- Growth: Every sixth through eighth grade student will be assigned an academic coach. The academic coach will be a member of the middle grade faculty. An academic coach oversees not only the academic progress of each student, but he/she will be responsible for helping the student with time management, organization, and help improve study skills to ensure success.
Please consider Carden West for Middle School, enrollment now open.
30 Years of Excellence in Pleasanton
Carden West celebrates a long history in Pleasanton. A festive Founder's Day Celebration was held on September 15, 2007. A great time was had by all. Mrs. Zimmerman, founder of the school, visited and greeted our children. She spoke powerfully about the value of a Carden education, and about the amazing growth and strength of Carden West School.
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
Discover Carden West! Also voted Favorite After-School Enrichment Program. Visit and see why Carden West is a favorite with East Bay parents!
Chris Waddell Speaks about Challenges and Stereotypes
In October 2009, Chris Waddell successfully climbed to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world's highest free-standing mountain. Sounds like a basic goal, until you consider that this star athlete and paralympian conquerred the 19,340 foot high mountain without the use of his legs. Waddell is the first paraplegic to make an unassisted summit of Kilimanjaro.
Chris Waddell visited Carden West and spoke candidly to our students about "nametags" - more commonly known as stereotypes - and how we as individuals and a community can find understanding and common ground instead of labeling others and creating needless separation. Students, families, staff and friends joined Chris as part of this significant dialogue, which was followed by an open question and answer session.
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.
Enroll Now for Fall 2010
Priority enrollment has begun for academic year 2010-2011. 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.