Carden Academy of Whittier

Carden Academy of Whittier has been dedicated to nurturing young minds since 1964, offering a comprehensive educational experience for preschool through eighth-grade students. Our institution is built upon the Carden Method, a time-tested curriculum developed by Mae Carden that emphasizes individualized learning, critical thinking, and character development. With small class sizes averaging five students per group, our educators provide personalized attention to address each learner's unique needs while fostering academic excellence and social-emotional growth. Our faculty, boasting over 350 years of combined teaching experience, integrates advanced mathematics, language arts, STEM, and foreign languages into a cohesive, sequential framework that prepares students for future academic success. Beyond academics, we cultivate a supportive community environment where students participate in 33 annual assemblies, learn 12 songs and poems yearly, and engage in daily outdoor activities.

Our commitment extends beyond the classroom, as we actively serve the Whittier community through service initiatives and maintain a foundation dedicated to educational advancement. The school's Christian faith-based values are interwoven into daily instruction, promoting ethical development alongside intellectual growth. Our graduates consistently demonstrate exceptional preparedness for high school and beyond, as evidenced by testimonials highlighting the program's effectiveness in developing well-rounded individuals. We maintain rigorous standards through annual teacher training by the Carden Educational Foundation while preserving the flexibility to adapt to evolving educational needs. This balanced approach ensures students receive both a robust academic foundation and the interpersonal skills necessary for lifelong success.