Our family has been at Carden Conejo for the last 5 years with our two kids having attended grades preschool through 4th grade so far. It is academically rigorous in all subjects, being one of the best in our area. Our specialists are also excellent: our kids have been able to do PE almost daily, the specialist classes (art, science, music, French, computers) all at least once or twice a week. Starting in kindergarten, the kids move with their classmates from their homeroom to the different dedicated specialist classes multiple times a day, which I think is a very mature thing to be able to do in kindergarten. They do public speaking at their weekly school assemblies multiple times a month, which I think is very special about this school. Best of all, they emphasize manners and morals which encourage human virtues, but also things like looking an adult in the eyes when saying good morning or when being spoken to, and holding the door open for an adult so that he/she can pass through first. Things that I feel our kids in the recent digital world do not really learn anymore, but will help them be successful in their workplaces (and families) in the future. Compared to other private schools in the area, tuition is more affordable, and yet the teachers offer academic support after school for kids to need it for free (although I think they should be paid extra for it). Although academically rigorous, our kids also have so much fun at school. Holidays are so fun. They have a huge fall festival at Halloween with carnival games, food trucks, trunk or treat. They also have a big festive winter holiday show, egg hunts for Easter, class parties, and a big family picnic on campus at the end of the year. They have tons of after school enrichment classes and Funtastic Friday nights where the kids can come and play in the evenings while parents get a night out. Summer camps are also very thoughtful and engaging. A favorite week is themed after the book Roxaboxen where they create their own shops and barter goods with "gems" as currency. We have loved every teacher we have had through the years. Everyone knows your child's name and each teacher invests in their students. One of my children had a little embarrassing accident at school and her 1st grade teacher handled it with such respect and tact - she treated her like she would want her own daughter treated. I think it would be hard to find a school with teachers and staff who are this invested in their students. read more

I attended Carden Conejo about 30 years ago and always assumed it would one day be the right place for my daughters. We recently moved back to the area after losing our home in the Palisades fire, and as we begin rebuilding our lives, finding the right schools for our children has been a top priority. Unfortunately, our recent visit to Carden was deeply disappointing -- and, frankly, a bit heartbreaking. We toured the TK classroom and were shocked to see 4- and 5-year-olds sitting in individual desks, facing forward like high schoolers. We were told they sit through 45-minute to one-hour lectures before getting a short play break, and then return for more lecture. The head of school cheerfully described the philosophy as "work hard, play hard" -- but to us, it felt like a fundamental misunderstanding of early childhood development. These are babies. They should be learning through play, exploration, movement, and connection -- not being treated like mini-adults. Even more unsettling was the demeanor of the TK teacher we observed. We walked in during a lesson and were struck by how cold and disengaged she seemed. There was no warmth, no joy -- just a rigid, joyless atmosphere that felt completely out of sync with what 4- and 5-year-olds need. The first-grade classroom didn't offer much reassurance. It felt similarly cold and overly academic, with little room for the individual child behind the academic expectations. We believe deeply in strong academics -- but not at the expense of age-appropriate, heart-centered, joyful learning. Our children deserve both. We've toured some of the best schools in LA, and we know what exceptional education looks and feels like. Ascension Lutheran, where our younger children now attend, and Oaks Christian, where our older daughter is enrolled, are both phenomenal. They blend academic excellence with warmth, empathy, and a deep understanding of child development. I know some families love Carden Conejo, and perhaps their experience has been different. But ours was disturbing enough that we couldn't get out of there fast enough. I share this not out of bitterness, but out of deep concern and care for other families searching for the right fit. If you're looking for a nurturing, academically strong environment that respects the emotional and developmental needs of your child, I'd encourage you to visit Ascension or Oaks -- they've been a true blessing in our journey. read more

The Carden Conejo school's director Emiko Madison is a liar and a fraud. She entered into a verbal contract and then reneged on that verbal agreement, is now hiding like a coward. I think that warrants a grave warning to any and all parents who may plan to enroll their kids and sign on the dotted line. She says one thing today before you're in... Who knows what she'll say tomorrow? BEWARE.... read more

My family and I are beyond happy with our decision to bring our 3 children to Carden. The amount of personal attention and support they have received has proven invaluable. Our children have become responsible and kind individuals, and they have developed an immense desire to learn, grow and collaborate with their peers. We cannot recommend Carden enough to any family looking for a caring and supportive school environment! read more

Our children have been at Carden for a few years now. My wife and I could not be happier with everything! I understand I am not an easy person to please but I must say, since day one, I have not found one thing I dislike about this school. It is more than a school, it is a second home for our children. They are excited to go to school each day, love their teachers and friends. Our children continue to thrive there and I look forward to hearing what they learned each day when I pick them up. They have different teachers for different subjects, perform multiple times a month in front of the school as well as learn good morals, values, manners and respct. The parents association puts on tons of events for families and also has a great outreach for the community. Carden is not just a "school", it is a family. If Carden went through high school, we would write a check today through 12th grade. We are grateful to have found this school!!! read more

Carden Conejo is such a great school. My boys love going to school there every day. They have loved each of their teachers too. This is our fourth year there. Carden is great because it is small enough to have a community feel to it. I have gotten to know a good majority of the parents and kids there. They are also unique because they have specialist teachers as well as home room teachers, in elementary school! The after school programs are fun for the kids-art, science, plays, karate, Spanish. Academically, my children are excelling in school. I credit this to small class sizes, specialized teachers and the talent of the teachers they have there. My kids work hard, have fun and are doing great! Highly recommend this school. read more

Well call me sour person #2 then. My daughter attended this school for 2 years and it was horrible. I echo everything Kerry said below and FYI, I wrote a negative review on GreatSchools website, along with several other dissatisfied parents, and the school specifically asked other families and staff members to write favorable reviews to offset the low marks they had. That Director Of Marketing and Communications must be very busy. One of the teachers submitted this in her review: "I'm so tired of reading inaccurate statements from "former parents/students" who have left our school because, either their child couldn't keep up, or their child was not given special treatment because he/she was an actor/actress" which is one of the biggest problem with this school. They feel they are above teaching any student who is bored out of their mind or frustrated with learning in an archaic, dated method. They are so high and mighty about their outdated methods that they can't admit their shortcomings as educators and make any positive change. Kids don't leave because they can't keep up or don't get special treatment. They leave because the curriculum sucks, the teachers (not all, but many) suck. The materials suck, the facilities suck. The people who run the school...unbelievably difficult, petty, socially inept and removed from reality. The school director is also a bigot and made a really rude remark about gay people when I was there for my initial tour in 2011. I should have known right then and there that this was a backwards place to be. In a nutshell, Carden is bizarre at best and pathetic, overall. The school has lost so many families because of their poor management, the narrow-minded owners, their unwillingness to think outside the box or even teach a curriculum that serves a child living in the 21st century. There is also incident after incident of the school directors not handling discipline problems appropriately. I'm not the type to write negative reviews about places unless I feel somewhat of a duty to warn people, and this school deserves a buyer beware stamp. Their tuition is low, compared to other private schools, but you get what you pay for. Actually, you don't even get that. The local public schools are heads above this place. Why? Because they have accredited teachers, they teach a curriculum that isn't from the turn of the century, they have real libraries, computer labs, technology, text books and materials, buildings that aren't run down and dirty, creative writing and critical thinking in their programs ... Carden does not. And this is a short list of differences. I could go on. No doubt, there are some kids and families who dig this school, and that's fine, but I don't think it's for most. It is a very specific, niche sort of education and if your kid doesn't fit it, then you're SOL. So if you want your kid to go to a school that is run by a wacky husband and wife duo who are so socially awkward they can barely hold a conversation and who clearly don't know how to run a school, if you want your kid to learn Latin and sing "Columbia, Gem Of The Ocean" ad nauseam, salute the American flag in French, learn Singapore math, and write "who-doing" sentences OVER AND OVER AND OVER, then this is the place for you. Weird. read more

This school and its foundations were set by its founder and at best are hopelessly archaic and out-of-date.

Our triplets attended Carden from kindergarten through 5th grade and we are so happy they did! Such a wonderful experience and happy place. We were very impressed with the curriculum - loved that French was included early on. Manners and etiquette were top of mind too. We decided to leave Carden for the middle school years since the class sizes were so small. I think this school is best for elementary grades and could not recommend it enough. Our kids are actually returning to Carden next week to do community service and they could not be more excited to see the staff! That says a lot. read more

Great school! All my 3 boys go to Carden. My oldest is now about to graduate 5th grade and he's turning out to be an outstanding student. He's been at Carden from Pre-School through 5th grade. I would say that the school had something to do with his growth. My other 2 boys are also growing up to be excellent students. I would highly recommend this school to parents who are looking to find a school in and around Westlake Village, CA that is going to provide good education! read more

My daughter has been going to Carden Conejo for two years now. She started in pre-kindergarten. The school has been nothing but a joy. The leadership create a sense of community amongst families. My daughter has one on one attention and very small class size. I've been extremely ecstatic with her growth in terms of her scholastic development as well as friendships that she's forged at Carden Conejo. Additionally the school creates a strong foundation of structured education and behavioral techniques which I have been very pleased with. I highly recommend the school for anyone who is seeking a higher level of education for primary school age children who are preparing for private schools such as La Venta or Christian Oaks. read more

Our daughter has been in Carden Conejo for three years. She is now in Kindergarten, and I am overjoyed with the education she is receiving. The pace has definitely picked up this year, but she absolutely loves going to her school. The student to teacher ratio in her class is 6 1/2 to 1. This ratio ensures that she gets all the individual attention she needs, and my wife and I get quick responses, from the teachers, to any questions. The school encourages parent participation both at frequent school activities and working with your child at home. They post additional practice material through their website which we use almost everyday. Our daughter is receiving a strong foundation in math, reading, writing using traditional learning techniques (textbooks, practicing in the classroom and at home, encouragement and positive correction from the teacher). She is also exploring art and music. I know that this fuels her imagination and attention to detail by the drawings she brings home. She is learning French, and just sang a song to me which covered the numbers one to ten. She has daily physical education and activities involving games and teamwork. She also has a dedicated computer class and teacher. The school has weekly assemblies allowing the parents to witness their child's development through songs, plays, poems, and speeches. Sometimes these are in English, sometimes in French. The school has a lunch program offering warm organic meals at very reasonable prices. They have after school learning and play programs which are an absolute must because of my wife and my work schedules. I completely disagree with the reviews about "socially awkward" staff. I have not encountered any of this. The staff has been absolutely wonderful to my family. read more

I attended Carden for kindergarten through 8th grade. I graduated from Carden in 1996. In 2013 I wanted to enroll my daughter into their pre-kindergarten class to see if Carden was still the great school I knew and loved. We are in our second year at Carden and I am extremely pleased. I loved my education I received from Carden, and I am pleased that my children will have that same education. I loved Carden when I was a child, and I'm loving Carden as a parent. read more

My daughter went to Carden and we had a wonderful experience! Thanks to Carden she is an amazing writer, has a kind heart and I feel confident that she will live out her dreams in life. read more

Finally the truth about Carden!! We pulled our children this past year. I couldn't agree more with Kerry and Amy. The head of school is bizarre, out of touch and refuses to deal with issues. The curriculum is outdated, dull and useless. Many teachers are not credited. The 5th grade teacher is moody and difficult to approach. The French teacher has judgements against parents and children that she openly shares with other parents. Our children didn't look forward to school and pleaded to leave. I'm thrilled to join the Oaks community. Good riddance Carden!! read more

Our son has attended Carden Conejo since preschool, and we are so happy about our child getting exposure to a unique education experience that fits his needs. The traditional values that are more than modeled but also openly discussed by the teachers and Principal have provided a great foundation for our son. The children are proud and shine on Fridays during their assemblies, dressed in formal uniforms and challenged by their class contributions. The Carden students are all being exposed to appreciating classical literature and patriotism that is absent in most of modern society and public education. When we were deciding about public verses Carden for kindergarten, it was the daily PE, weekly music lessons, art, exposure to public speaking, theatrical performance, science, specialized math teachers, small class size, "academic choice" (a free tutoring program the school offers), and the sense of community that our family had experienced throughout preschool that influenced our decision. Brilliant educators come in all forms, have different personalities, varying communication styles, and unique relationships with students and parents, but at the end of the day it's the collective village that raises a child, and it's the same for education. Carden has many different key individuals built into their education teams, making a difference every day, doing their best, setting high but reasonable standards for the children, and our experience has been nothing but positive over the past four years. read more

This school is absolutely remarkable. Small class sizes. PE daily. Exposure to music, art, foreign language. We drive 40 minutes back and forth every day because of the unique magic that Carden creates for its students and families. Choosing the right kindergarten for our son was a daunting task but Carden has exceeded all of my expectations. I cannot imagine being happier with my son's experience. He's happy. He's learning. Thriving. And I have absolutely no doubt that Carden's faculty, staff, and programs have played a huge role in his development of self. I wish I could give twenty stars. read more

Please don't be fooled by the extremely negative review below. My daughter grew up at Carden and still goes back on her days off from school to volunteer and visit with her FAVORITE teachers. Carden has a great academic core balanced with computers, art, music, sports, theater, and languages. Friday assemblies every week really gives the school a wonderful feeling of togetherness and family. I don't know of any other school that teaches manners and morals, my daughter became a better person at Carden so please check it out yourself and don't be swayed by the negativity of 1sour person. read more

I have two boys who attend Carden Conejo and we couldn't be more pleased! This school offers a very nurturing environment. The teachers and staff are amazing and always super friendly! The academics are top notch. The parents work together to help raise funds for the school. Since my sons have been attending, new play structures have been installed. In addition, smart boards and new computers have been implemented. As well as a new library and sound system for class plays and other performances. I cannot begin to express how happy we are that our children attend this most amazing school! read more

I was a former student at Carden from Pre-K through 8th grade. I was shocked by the negative reviews here, as I remember it to have been a wonderful school. My sisters and I went through the Carden education, and easily transitioned into competitive high school programs (La Reina and Chaminade), then went on to graduate with honors from our chosen universities (USC and Pitzer). Carden taught me the fundamentals that I have carried with me into a successful career. I have kept in touch with teachers who are still at the school, and I believe that the quality has not dropped, but if anything, improved since I was there. read more

Don't be fooled by the small class sizes at Carden. Over 50 families did not return to the school in the fall of 2013. This number does not include children who graduated from 5th grade or families who moved away. Several major factors contribute to the school's very low enrollment. The owner/operators are dismissive and socially awkward. They, and many of their teachers, make promises they NEVER intend to keep. They do not even adhere to the policies outlined in their student handbook. Moreover, the curriculum is non-interactive, laboriously dull, and dictated sentence by sentence to the children. History, language, and spelling books are not allowed to leave the classroom unless a parent insists. The upper level French teacher is a cynical cavalier racist who berates her employer, peers, and students behind their backs. The owners have enlisted local real estate agents to steer newcomers to the school. They have also just added a Director of Marketing and Communications to their staff. Oddly, they have yet to address their own personal adverse contributions, change outdated curriculum, and let go of certain teachers. The forecast for support and trust from the community is grim for Carden. read more

My son and daughter have gone to Carden since pre-school and LOVE it!!! They are taught manners & morals, shake hands in the morning & afternoon (while looking into the eyes of an adult), routinely practice public speaking in front of an audience. That is just the beginning! They have Art & Art Appreciation, Music, and French 2 times a week. Computer classes once a week, and sports 5 days a week! Most of the children are athletic & well behaved both in the classroom and on the playground. I never have to worry about my child sitting alone, they are huge on "treat others the way you want to be treated." The mathematics program is top notch (Singapore Math program) and challenging, the science teachers are amazing, and best of all the homeroom teachers! My first grader was learning nouns, verbs, adjectives, proper nouns; how to write using appropriate punctuation, including how to write a letter. The class sizes are already small, yet they still focus on small reading groups. The class sizes are very small, usually no more that 17-18 in the lower grades, and the already small kindergarten classes have 2 teachers per class! My daughter was taught to print beautifully before kindergarten, and started cursive letters in first grade! If your child is bright and needs to be challenged, you must check out Carden! If you are a working parent, they have early drop off and a terrific after school program that many of the children attend. In addition, some of the teachers offer after school sports, singing and dancing, extra art classes, and even yoga! There are so many options available to you at Carden. read more