Character.
Compassion.
Confidence.

About

With 54 years of excellence in education, Carden Conejo School has been a trusted leader in the Conejo Valley since 1971. Our independent, non-sectarian, coeducational school offers a nurturing environment where curiosity is sparked, character is shaped, and young minds thrive.

Guided by the renowned Carden Method, we emphasize small class sizes, subject-specialist teachers, and a rich curriculum that fosters deep thinking, creativity, and a love of learning. From language arts to mathematics, science, technology, foreign languages, and the arts, our students are immersed in a well-rounded education that builds both intellect and integrity.

Our legacy—and our future—reflect a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, thoughtful growth, and the development of confident, compassionate learners prepared to lead with purpose.

Head of School Welcome
Lisa Macias-Flavin,

Head of School

Welcome

At Carden Conejo, we believe education is more than academics—it’s a partnership among teachers, families, and students, all working together to support each child’s growth.

Since 1971, we have been committed to educating each child with depth and intention—fostering not only intellectual development, but also strong character, compassion, and confidence. The Carden Method continues to guide our philosophy, helping students become thoughtful learners, kind classmates, and engaged members of their community.

Our faculty is deeply invested in every student’s success. With subject-specific classrooms and passionate, highly skilled teachers, we create an environment where children feel seen, supported, and inspired. Our curriculum is both rigorous and enriching, encouraging students to think critically, express themselves clearly, and approach challenges with curiosity and resilience.

We invite you to discover what makes Carden Conejo such a special place for children to learn, grow, and thrive.

At Carden Conejo, we believe that:

• Children should know how to think.

• Being a good person matters.

• Strong reading and writing skills empower young minds.

• Math, science, and technology open doors to the future.

• The arts are essential, not optional.

• Learning spaces should reflect the subjects taught within them.

• A positive school environment enhances every aspect of education.

• Small classes and exceptional teachers make all the difference.

Schedule a Tour
Contact us at (805) 497-7005 or Schedule Now
Mission and Core Values

Mission Statement

Carden Conejo School is dedicated to fostering a learning environment and community built on integrity, respect, and an appreciation for each individual’s uniqueness. Our program empowers students to reach their full intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and creative potential. By cultivating confident, independent thinkers, Carden Conejo ensures students are well-prepared for the challenges of academically rigorous secondary schools.

 

Philosophy

At Carden Conejo, we believe that education is a collaborative partnership between the child, the teacher, and the parent. Rooted in classical education and guided by the Carden Method, our mission is to nurture each child’s personal and academic growth while instilling core values that inspire them to become thoughtful, responsible members of their community.

We emphasize moral and ethical development in a supportive environment grounded in timeless principles. We foster honor, integrity, personal responsibility, and mutual respect—while upholding the importance of manners and morals in everyday interactions.

Through a thoughtfully designed and engaging academic program, we encourage critical thinking, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Our approach supports every child’s unique journey, guiding them from grade to grade with care, intention, and a strong foundation for future success.

What is Carden?

The Carden Way

Carden Conejo provides single-subject specialist teachers for all Kindergarten – 5th Grade students in the areas of Math, Science, French, Spanish, Music, Art/Art Appreciation, Physical Education, and Computer so that teachers bring their enthusiasm, expertise, and experience to each lesson.

What is Carden?

The Carden Method is a time-tested approach that blends rigorous academics with character development—essential components of a well-rounded education. At Carden Conejo, we provide a warm and nurturing environment where students are challenged to think critically, develop leadership skills, and grow into confident, capable individuals. Our curriculum equips students with the tools to excel in reading, mathematics, language arts, science, public speaking, literature, listening, and analysis, all while fostering personal expression through a rich arts program. The Carden approach stimulates both analytical and creative thinking, ensuring a balanced and comprehensive education. Learning begins at age three and continues through elementary and middle school, with each level reinforcing and building upon the strengths gained in previous years

Carden Conejo provides single-subject specialist teachers for all Kindergarten through Fifth Grade students in Math, Science, French, Music, Art/Art Appreciation, Physical Education, and Computer Science. Our educators bring passion, expertise, and experience to each lesson, inspiring students to engage deeply in every subject.

Our children deserve an education that prepares them to thrive in an ever-evolving world—one that fosters superior literacy, numeracy, and a profound appreciation for the arts. In today’s globally competitive, knowledge-based economy, Carden Conejo ensures students are equipped with the skills to succeed. We incorporate the Advanced Carden Language Arts Method, FOSS Science, and Singapore Math, providing a strong academic foundation that prepares students for future success

The Carden Way

At Carden, each classroom maintains a warm, nurturing and calm atmosphere where student develop the power of concentration and work in a relaxed manner.  Pressure and rivalry are avoided as the Carden Method was developed to appreciate every individual.

The Carden Method

Mae Carden developed a phonetics-based approach that teaches students to read with comprehension and imagination. Emerging readers form mental images instead of relying on illustrations, strengthening comprehension and retention. Carden’s structured language techniques lay the foundation for strong spelling, reading, and analytical skills. Just as the times tables are the building blocks of Math, the Carden Controls and Language Techniques are the building blocks of spelling, reading and comprehension.

With the Carden Reading Method, children in Kindergarten start to learn the consonants and vowels and the sounds associated with them.  They also learn the various rules by which the sounds of the vowels and consonants change. Students who have progressed through the Carden Curriculum consistently test well and are placed in the advanced classes when entering either public or private middle schools.

The Singapore Math

Singapore Math builds conceptual understanding through hands-on learning, word problems, and progressive skill-building. Recognized globally for its effectiveness, this method ensures students move beyond rote memorization to develop real mathematical fluency.

The curriculum includes manipulatives, SMART board exercises, and independent problem-solving, reinforcing mastery through practical application.

FOSS Science Curriculum

Developed at UC Berkeley, FOSS (Full Option Science System) engages students in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Through experiments, problem-solving, and STEM integration, students develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts and technological advancements, preparing them for success in an increasingly complex world.

Students are given the opportunity to solve problems, construct and evaluate experiments.  With FOSS, students learn by doing; making STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fun and exciting.

The History of Carden Method

Mae Carden, a Vassar College graduate with a master’s in education from Columbia University, developed her method in response to the unstructured educational approaches of her time. She pioneered a comprehensive, sequential curriculum that integrated core subjects with structured phonetics-based learning. Her success led to the founding of Mae Carden, Inc., dedicated to sharing her teaching method with schools nationwide.

Miss Carden believed that all children can find joy in learning—a philosophy we uphold at Carden Conejo, where every student is guided to reach their full potential in a supportive and academically enriching environment.

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Board of Directors

The Quality of empathy is the core of pleasant personal relationships. It is based on good will and is expressed by acts of consideration

Mae Carden