Carden Conejo School, a private, nonsectarian institution long known for its nurturing preschool and elementary programs, is expanding its academic offerings with the launch of sixth grade beginning Fall 2026. This milestone marks the first step toward completing a full Preschool–8th grade continuum and is a centerpiece of the school’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.
The new sixth grade represents the first phase of a broader middle school expansion and reflects the school’s long-term commitment to academic excellence, character development and joyful, whole-child learning. The addition of sixth grade will be followed by seventh and eighth grade in subsequent years, completing the Preschool–8th program by the 2028–2029 school year.
To celebrate this exciting chapter, the school hosted a community ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce in October. The public event and included remarks from school leadership and community leaders.
“We are thrilled to continue growing our program in a way that reflects our mission and values,” says Head of School Colleen Mendez. “The expansion into middle school allows us to offer a seamless educational journey and greater opportunities for growth during these formative years. Parents want to know their children are seen, known and challenged and Carden delivers on that promise with both heart and rigor.”
The sixth grade launch builds on nearly 60 years of tradition and innovation at Carden Conejo School. The Carden Method is a classical, language-rich, phonics-based approach that helps children develop clarity of thought, confidence in communication and a lifelong appreciation for literature. With long-tenured teachers and small classes, Carden balances rigorous academics with joy, creativity and social-emotional growth—preparing students to excel in higher education and beyond.
The middle school curriculum will extend this foundation with the following offerings:
- STEM and Robotics programs that emphasize hands-on, project-based science and technology
- World language instruction with French beginning in preschool and Latin integrated into grammar study in middle school
- Leadership and service opportunities that emphasize character, compassion and community engagement
- A robust life-skills curriculum that equips students with practical independence (budgeting, public speaking, civic engagement and decision-making) alongside the soft skills of confidence, adaptability and collaboration
“This is about more than expanding a grade level,” adds Mendez. “It’s about deepening our promise to families—to walk with students on their journey as they grow into scholars, servant-leaders and compassionate contributors to their communities.”
Families interested in learning more about the middle school expansion and admissions opportunities are encouraged to visit CardenConejo.com or contact the office directly at 805.497.7005.
About Carden Conejo School
Founded in 1971 by the original founders of Viewpoint School in Calabasas, Carden Conejo School offers a developmentally rich preschool program, alongside an academically rigorous elementary and middle school curriculum grounded in the classical Carden Method. With small class sizes, specialist instruction and a whole-child approach to education, the school nurtures confident learners and compassionate leaders who are prepared to engage the world with empathy and purpose.