French

Carden Academy provides students with instruction in French beginning in K-1 and continuing through 8th grade. Our graduates are fully prepared to take advanced placement courses.

French classes are taught in conjunction with what is occurring in regular classrooms. Students are introduced to French culture and French history, as well as being given access to an extensive library of French literature. Our French teacher works closely with regular classroom teachers, thereby reinforcing topics currently being taught, but from a French perspective.

Computer Instruction

From the time a child enters Kindergarten until they graduate, computers are a part of their education. Students begin with basic instruction in the use of a mouse and keyboard, progress to learning to format documents and complete daily journal entries, and graduate with a thorough understanding of how to conduct research on the Internet, format complete reports and design web pages.

Carden Academy Morgan Hill features a complete Computer Lab with fully networked computers, printers, scanners and filtered Internet access. An array of software is available for use by students.

Art Instruction

Carden Academy students study the elements of art and design. Using a variety of media including crayon, oil, pastels, and ceramics, students complete projects based on the seasons, the holidays, and other special events. Students also create posters for Earth Day, Jump Rope for Heart, Founder's Day, and other citywide events. The results of their endeavors are displayed and shared at Carden's Fall and Spring Art Shows.

During their early years, students learn the basics of drawing and color. Beginning with an introduction to line, form, and primary colors, students progress to a study of color theory including primary, secondary, warm, cool and seasonal color. In the primary grades, children begin using tones of gray, black and white in drawing. Additional color projects are completed as students continue the study of color theory with the color wheel, monochromatic design, and color as it reflects emotions - sadness, joy, and fear.

In Middle School students create masks, complete special projects related to history subjects, and create non-representational pieces reflecting mood and feeling. Art theory is continued with a study of abstract, impressionist, and figurative art.

As with all Carden's special subjects, art instruction is closely tied to regular classroom instruction. Classroom topics, the seasons, and holidays are reinforced through art as well as classic literature and history.

It is said that 'music is the universal language.' At Carden Academy, we seek to understand, appreciate, and preserve this beautiful language. Students enjoy weekly classes focused on learning music theory, the history of music, and a deep appreciation for instrumentation, composition, and different types of music.

Carden's music classes are rich in culture and tradition. Featuring songs of patriotic and historical significance to our country as well as others, the Carden musical program helps to preserve the special history of music.

Carden students grow in poise and self-confidence, and develop stage presence through a variety of opportunities to perform. Each month parents, students, and faculty are invited to attend an assembly led by one of our classes. These events feature skits, songs and recitations by the students. In addition to the monthly assemblies, Carden Academy presents a Winter Concert and Spring Musical that includes all Carden students. Morgan Hill's annual Patriotic Sing also features many of our students.

Students in all grades enjoy daily physical education classes that include stretching, calisthenics, and other age-appropriate activities. They learn the skills that are necessary precursors to organized sports - tossing and throwing, kicking, running and balancing. As they grow and develop, students practice the concept of teamwork and play a variety of organized sports from soccer, basketball, and baseball, to ultimate frisbee and volleyball.

Latin Instruction

Beginning in 6th grade, students are introduced to Latin. In addition to learning to read and write the language, students study the Roman lifestyle through topics including Roman roads and travel, history and geography, lifestyle and mythology. Through skits and projects, they are immersed in the Latin culture.

The study of Latin reinforces their French lessons, helps them gain a better understanding of English grammar, and develops their logical thinking skills. In addition, their knowledge of French & Latin provides them with an excellent foundation for learning other foreign languages.