History

Miss Mae Carden, an internationally recognized educator, developed the Carden Method © of instruction in the late 1930's in response to what was perceived as deteriorating academic curriculum and the turning away from teaching traditional American values in schools. By the early 1940's she was presenting courses in her educational philosophy and teaching techniques. She later closed her school and established the Carden Educational Foundation that continues to carry on the Carden Method © in 85 U.S. schools, many international schools, and hundreds of home schools.

Miss Saralena Sherman, a protégé of Miss Carden, founded the Carden School of Fresno in 1963. In 1999, the CSOF was incorporated as a private nonsectarian and nonprofit educational organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by the parents.

CSOF, using the Carden Method ©, offers a program that is structured in a positive manner and personalized to meet the individual needs of each child. Designed to develop observation, interpretation, and application through creative and independent thinking, the Carden program teaches the necessary skills required for higher learning and builds self-confidence through success and approval.

The curriculum begins with four-year old children and continues through the eighth grade, each level reinforcing and building upon the strengths gained by the student from the previous year.

Mission

The Mission of the Carden School of Fresno is to provide the highest quality education of the whole child using the Carden Method © and curriculum, to educate with joy, enthusiasm, dignity, and respect. Inherent in the Carden Method © is character development, focusing on high standards of personal behavior, mutual respect, self-discipline, self-confidence, and mental, emotional and physical stamina. The goal of the Carden School of Fresno is an educated, ethical, and self-reliant individual.

The Carden School of Fresno encourages an appreciation of life, learning, culture, wisdom, superior standards, and fairness, along with a respect for work, whether it is school, volunteer, or professional. Our aim is to develop each child into a well-rounded student who excels in academic areas, speaks well, is poised, exhibits good manners, is cognizant of a proper code of ethics, and appreciates the cultural aspects of life.

Staff

Miss Carden believed that teachers teach what they are, not what they say. Therefore, our instructors are chosen for their love of life and learning, generosity of spirit, and respect for the sanctity of childhood. Their primary objective is to recognize and develop each child’s unique capabilities while maintaining consistent academic growth. In addition to being a teacher, they are a guide and a coach.

Carden teachers receive instruction in educational philosophy and teaching techniques developed by Mae Carden. They are required to attend regularly scheduled Carden Method © programs sponsored by the Carden Educational Foundation to maintain and advance the professional quality of their teaching. Our teachers are credentialed, working toward their credential, have a college degree, or are specialized in their field.