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Educational Philosophy : "The basic purpose of the school is to awaken in each student, the desire to learn and to equip him with a solid foundation of learning skills and basic knowledge which will enable him to reach logical conclusions and to proceed with confidence through a lifetime of learning." Mae CardenThis philosophy is the foundation of the education a child receives at Carden Academy of Maui.
We are committed to Mae Carden's vision and to proven teaching methods, and we provide an academic environment that focuses on the nurturing and development of the whole child.The natural unfolding of a child's mind, personality, and capacities is our primary focus.
This philosophy ensures each child a harmonious adaptation to his environment in an atmosphere of happiness, encouragement, and freedom with guidance.
At Carden Academy of Maui, every child is given a thorough command of scholastic subjects, is awakened to a realization of the beauty of nature and art, becomes conscious of his social responsibility, develops mental, emotional, and physical stamina, and attains the freedom of a well adjusted personality. Our Mission: Carden Academy of Maui is committed to educating the whole child through a balance of academic excellence, character development, and enrichment through the arts in a nurturing, small classroom setting.
We are an independent, non-denominational private school located in Pukalani, in Upcountry Maui. Founded in 1998, the school serves children in Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade, with one class per grade and a maximum enrollment of 166 students. Carden Academy of Maui is a member of the Carden Educational Foundation, and is accredited by the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Science is one of the core subjects atall grade levels
using Delta Education and FOSS science modules, which include
hands-on investigations and inquiry-based instruction to master
science concepts which correlate with State and National Science
Education Standards.
Mathematics is taught using both Singapore Math and Saxon Math.
Singapore Math is a results based program designed to build a deep
understanding of mathematical concepts through word problems and
concrete illustrations. Saxon Math is designed to promote student
success through incremental development, continual practice and
review, and ongoing, cumulative assessment.
Social Studies is taught using a variety of texts covering
geography, history, and current events. Students learn to master
skills and strategies including: map skills, reading comprehension,
critical thinking strategies, writing and research skills, chart
and graph skills, and test taking strategies. The program leads
students to see how the land shapes lives while providing the
knowledge base students need for exceeding the new national
standards in geography proficiency.
Reading is taught simultaneously with writing, spelling, and
the fundamentals of grammar. The foundation is phonemic awareness,
word attack skills, comprehension, mental imagery, vocabulary
development, and rhythm.Literature is selected appropriately for
each grade level and presents enduring ideas and values expressed
in beautiful language and vivid imagery, thereby building an
awareness of the richness of our language and our heritage.
Language incorporates Grammar, which Miss Carden called
"the key to comprehension." It covers parts of speech, parts of
sentence, verb tenses, and punctuation, and trains the student in
analysis and evaluation, as well as in verbal and written
expression for the communication of ideas.
Spelling is a unique combination of phonics, listening skills,
dictionary marks, clarity of diction, rhythm, and organization.
Lessons are taught daily and include sound drills, a vowel chart,
rules, word grouping, and recall through mental imagery, not
memorization.
Writing integrates the Carden foundation with the Write Source
program, and introduces the students to various forms of writing.
Processes including pre-writing, outlining and organizing,
revising, and editing are taught using a step-by-step
approach.
Penmanship (printing and cursive) is an integral part of the
elementary curriculum. In middle school, computers are used for the
publishing of written works.
Poetry is an essential part of the Carden curriculum. Miss
Carden said, "Poetry breathes beauty into the commonplace and lifts
the soul." At each grade level the students learn and recite a
variety of poems that appeal to a sense of beauty, values, and
humor.
Art is an integral part of our program. It provides
opportunities for individual, creative expression. Children work
with a wide variety of mediums over the course of the year.
Students are introduced to art appreciation and art history through
discussion of some of the world's great art and artists.
Music is taught to build the love of music and the joy of
singing. The children learn a wide range of songs including
patriotic, seasonal, Hawaiian, simple rounds, and folk songs. There
is a progression of instrumental instruction from percussion in the
early elementary levels, to recorder, ukulele, drums, and guitar in
the upper elementary and middle school levels. Music appreciation
is fostered by listening to the works of great composers.
Dance, Drama, and Creative Movement are used to enrich
students' understanding and awareness of self-expression through
dance and the stage. Students become comfortable and confident
performing and speaking in front of an audience.
Hawaiian Culture: The rich history and traditions of the
Hawaiian Islands are experienced through art, dance, music,
language, and story-telling. One of the most popular events of the
year, the annual Lei Day celebration, includes students performing
and singing Hawaiian dances and songs for a large audience of
parents, grandparents and special guests.
French is the language chosen for study by Miss Carden because
of the many words in the English language that are of French
origin. The study of French grammar structure relates to the study
of English as well, giving the student a secure base from which to
build. Vocabulary building, songs, games, poetry, and visual aids
are important techniques used to infuse joy and confidence in the
learning of this foreign language.Why do you teach French The study
of French enhances the comprehension of English.
"YourDictionary.com" explains, "The invasion of England by William
the Conqueror in 1066 and the subsequent 200 years of French
conquest resulted in the English language replacing almost half its
vocabulary with French words. (In this last sentence, invasion,
conqueror, subsequent, result, language, and vocabulary are all
borrowings from French.)" In addition to studying the language, the
students enjoy learning French music, customs, and culture.
Due to the high demand, we have added Spanish as a core subject
to the curriculum of grades 7 and 8. Approximately 406 million
people speak Spanish as a native language, making it second only to
Mandarin in terms of its number of native speakers worldwide. It
also has 60 million speakers as a second language, and 20 million
students as a foreign language.Spanish is the most widely
understood language in the Western Hemisphere, with significant
populations of native Spanish speakers ranging from the tip of
Patagonia to as far north as New York City and Chicago. Since the
early 21st century, it has arguably superseded French in becoming
the second-most-studied language and the second language in
international communication, after English.
Physical Education is an opportunity to put to practical use
the standards of behavior set forth in the classroom. The
emphasis is on fair play and mastery of fundamental sports skills.
The students learn independence, leadership, responsibility, and a
respect for the rights and property of others. They learn also that
physical fitness is a way of life, not merely a leisure
activity.Carden Academy of Maui offers a comprehensive physical
education and athletics program that emphasizes personal
achievement, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students
learn the rules and strategies of sports and games. They also learn
about the importance of physical activity to support a healthy
lifestyle.Carden Academy of Maui is proud to be part of the
Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA), led by Coach
Mason.
Character Education is an integral part of our Carden culture
and curriculum. Our goal in this area is to build and strengthen
each student's self-esteem, sense of honor and integrity, and
positive social interactions with others. Teaching the
students about virtuous personal qualities is one way we accomplish
this mission. A new virtue is introduced each week and reinforced
throughout the day. This builds and reinforces individual
confidence, self-awareness, personal accountability, and positive
social values. These virtues are modeled by the entire Carden staff
and kept alive throughout the school year, which culminates with
our remarkable Virtues Assembly. During this annual event, each
student is publicly honored by their teacher for the distinct
virtue they consistently demonstrated throughout the year.
Please see our website at www.cardenmaui.org for more
information about clubs, organizations, interscholastic altheltics,
and other areas of student and parent life at Carden
Academy.
Grades: 5-12 | 520 students1.7 miles 480 Olinda Road Makawao, HI 96768 (808) 572-7235
1.7
5-12
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School Reviews
5.00 out of 5(2 reviews)
512/9/2018
We are beyond impressed with the kind loving and nurturing environment of both the staff and students. The school is rigorous, they challenge the students to strive while making learning fun and each student has their own plan to succeed based on needs and capabilities. There is PE four days a week which its only once a week at many schools. She is learning a foreign language, has gardening and her art teacher is super creative. They have music, family nights, monthly virtue assemblies, classrooms are quint, cozy, inviting and each room has AC on the hot days. Her teacher spends every lunch reading a book to the students. The principal greats each child in the morning and helps them out of the car. I could go on and on but not enough room. As wonderful as I thought the school could be they have far exceed any expectation and we are truly fortunate to have our daughter have this opportunity.
- Posted by Parent - The Toros
59/10/2017
I'm a parent of a 4th grader and a 1st grader. My kids love going to school every day, and they both have developed a true love of learning. Carden's emphasis on extracurricular activities (French, music, art, PE, etc) and their character education program were what initially drew me to the school, but the excellent teachers are what really set this school apart from the rest. I couldn't be happier with my decision to send both of my children to Carden.
- Posted by Parent - Liz
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Quick Stats (2024-25)
Grades: Prekindergarten-8
Enrollment: 165 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 31
Source: Verified school update
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Did You Know?
The average private school tuition in Maui County, HI is $10,593 for elementary schools and $11,938 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
Poster contest draws 383 entries (2019)
Carden Academy of Maui Honorable Mention: Noah Zolotow, Grade 5, Carden Academy of Maui Honorable Mention: Daniel Gifford, ...
