Our Admissions Process
Carden Arbor View School welcomes all families seeking an independent school built on advanced academic achievement, character development, and leadership — the cornerstones of your child’s future success. We believe children thrive when families and school work in partnership.
Your Guide to Our Admissions Process
Step 1
Campus Tours
We invite you to schedule a private tour of Carden Arbor View School and experience our campus firsthand. During your visit, you’ll meet our faculty, administration, and students, see our newly renovated classrooms in action, and learn more about our engaging classical Carden curriculum.
A private tour offers a personalized look at our school day, allowing you to ask questions, observe learning in progress, and discover what makes our community such a special place for children to grow and thrive.
Step 2
Assessment
Every child applying for admission completes an assessment so we can ensure they’re ready for our curriculum on many levels. Miss Mae Carden believed students learn best when they feel comfortable and confident — so while a child may be intellectually ready for a challenging program, we make sure their emotional and social needs are met too.
For kindergarten children, the development assessment determines readiness for a full day in a classroom program. We often hear feedback that children enjoy the group setting and playfulness of the assessment. No preparation is required.
For first through eighth grades, the assessment helps our staff, your child, and your family determine whether our academic program will be the best fit for your child’s academic and personal growth.
Step 3
Enrollment
We believe that children are the most successful when a partnership exists between families and school, and that partnership begins during the Admissions process.
Just as Mae Carden believed that education should be tailored to each child’s personal development, our enrollment process is built on an individualized approach to best fit the unique needs of your child and your family.
After assessment and visitation days in our classrooms, we will work with you to determine together whether Carden is the right fit for your child’s success.
Why Carden?
Every child is seen as an individual.
Small classes and the intentional structure of the Carden Method mean your child’s teacher knows exactly where they are, what challenges them, and what they’re ready for next.
Teachers who know their subject — and know your child.
Every CAVS teacher brings upper education and years of experience to the classroom, but credentials alone don’t make a great teacher. Our faculty are genuinely devoted to each student — their growth, their confidence, and their developing love of learning.
A community that extends beyond the classroom.
At CAVS, families don’t just enroll — they belong. Our school fosters a community that shows up for one another: at school events, in difficult moments, and in all the ordinary days in between. The support your family finds here doesn’t stop at the school gate.
Fall 2027 Waiting Lists Are Forming Now
Enrollment for 2027–2028 is open. A place for your child is waiting.
High School Placement
Guiding Students Beyond Carden
Carden graduates leave prepared, confident, and sought after. Our alumni go on to thrive at top independent, parochial, and public high schools across the region — and credit the foundation they built here.
Independent / Private Schools
The Webb Schools of Claremont • Damien High School • Don Bosco Technical Institute • Cate School • Fairmont Private School • JSerra Catholic High School • La Salle High School • La Verne Lutheran High School • Pomona Catholic • St. Lucy’s Priory High School • St. Monica High School • Whittier Christian Academy • Western Christian High School
Public Schools
Alta Loma High School • Claremont High School • Etiwanda High School • Los Osos High School • Upland High School
All-Inclusive Truly Means All-Inclusive.
No hidden fees. No unexpected costs. Just one clear tuition that covers everything your child needs to succeed — books, technology, and essential classroom resources. Our straightforward pricing model gives you peace of mind and makes it easier to plan confidently for one of the most important investments you’ll ever make: your child’s education.