Middle School
Sixth through eighth grade at Carden Arbor View is a challenging, eight-period day — six core subjects plus center classes — taught by subject specialists trained in the Carden Method. It is the age where students grow into the independence and responsibility that carry them into high school and beyond.
A Challenging Eight-Period Day
Six Core Subjects, Two Center Classes
Days are spent with several teachers, each well-versed in their subject area. Beyond the core subjects below, students choose French or Spanish and take center classes such as Life Skills and Public Speaking. New for 2026–27, every middle schooler has a 1:1 device to prepare for high school and beyond.
Writing, Grammar, and Literature
English Language Arts (ELA)
An expanded class period weaves together writing, grammar, and literature. Students explore classic novels, short stories, and poetry — analyzing figurative language, theme, character, and point of view, and using Harkness and Socratic discussion to express their ideas.
Through the full writing process they master creative and expository forms, from poetry and short story to persuasive, comparison, and research essays. Public speaking runs throughout, culminating in the two-minute tribute speech every 8th grader delivers at graduation.
Hands-On Inquiry & Digital Skills
Science and Computer Science
Across three years students study Earth, Life, and Physical Science in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards — generating questions, designing investigations, collecting data, and analyzing results through a dynamic, hands-on lab approach.
Alongside, Computer classes build real fluency: keyboarding, the Google Suite, Photoshop, iMovie, and InDesign, plus project work from video production and greenscreen to a full business project — logo, website, and break-even analysis.
Civics, Ancient to Modern
Government, History, & Social Studies
The curriculum begins with ancient civilizations, travels through medieval times and the age of exploration, then studies U.S. history from the Revolution to the present — the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation, with the Constitution examined in depth.
American Government builds understanding of civic duty, cultural diversity, and human interaction. Group projects and critical analysis develop communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Confidence Through Algebra & Geometry
Mathematics
Each student from sixth through eighth grade is individually evaluated and placed in the course level that best matches their ability, regardless of grade. Emphasis on logic, vocabulary, and patterns builds both computational accuracy and conceptual understanding.
Eighth graders have the opportunity to complete high-school-level Algebra 1 or Geometry — curricula equivalent to the rigor of a high school course, so students move forward with confidence and competence.
Creativity & Wellness
Music, Art, P.E.
In Art, students work across styles and media in relationship to history, literature, and world cultures while strengthening technique and creative confidence. In Music, they study the eras, styles, and forms of music from the U.S. and around the world.
Physical Education is a vital, integral part of every student’s week — developing fitness, healthy habits, individual skill, and teamwork through fitness activities and team games.
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
Extracurriculars and After-School Programs
A Full Life Beyond the Classroom
Every middle schooler is encouraged to take an active role in the life of the school. Opportunities include debate, after-school sports, and yearbook — plus Student Council, where students run for elected office and plan everything from school dances and movie nights to community charity drives.
Outdoor Education
Learning Beyond Our Campus
Beginning in fourth grade, students take part in outdoor-education trips as part of their annual curriculum. These trips are an integral part of the Carden experience — and are included in tuition.
Fourth grade students take an overnight trip to Sacramento, California to learn about government and history. Students will tour Old Town Sacramento, visit the capitol building, and stay at a camp along the American River. Students also visit Sutter’s Mill, where they will learn about the gold rush through interactive presentations by pioneers and Native Americans.
Fifth grade students enjoy a three-day trip to Astrocamp, a field science camp in Idyllwild, California. While on their trip, the students get to utilize the Astro Lab, participate in a variety of astronomy classes, traverse the ropes courses and zipline, build and launch bottle rockets, practice archery, experience micro-gravity simulation, and much more.
Sixth grade students take a five-day trip to Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) in Santa Catalina Island, California. While there, they participate in ocean snorkeling, kayaking, and ropes challenge courses. There are an array of hands-on ocean laboratories where the students will learn about a variety of marine mammals.
Seventh grade students experience a six-day trip to New York City and Boston, Massachusetts. Students embark on a STEM-centered historical tour visiting sites, such as Plymouth Plantation, the Freedom Trail, and the Museum of Science. While in New York students see a Broadway play, go to the top of a skyscraper, visit Rockefeller Center, Wall Street, and Central Park.
Eighth grade students travel for a six-day trip to the east coast, visiting Washington, D.C. and surrounding historic locations such as the National Mall, Colonial Williamsburg, Monticello, Gettysburg, and Jamestown.
See Carden for Yourself
The best way to understand a Carden education is to experience it firsthand. We invite you to arrange a personal tour and visit our campus.
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