Admission, Tuition & Policy

Thank you for your interest in Carden Heights Academy of Orange. We have been helping children grow into mature, successful young adults since 1985. Our program is based on the Carden educational philosophy that strives to educate the whole child. The Carden Educational Foundation is a non-profit institution that supports the Carden Method® by developing teaching materials and sponsoring professional development. The Foundation has been dedicated to educating children since the 1950’s.

Families may drop by Carden Heights at any time during the year to obtain information about the school. However, in order to ensure that someone will be available to give interested parents a full tour of the school, we encourage parents to call ahead and make an appointment.

For complete Tuition Prices & Policies click here. (PDF file)

Evaluation

Every child applying for admission to Carden Heights Academy must complete an admission evaluation. For Jr. Kindergarden and Kindergarten children, this evaluation is geared toward determining the child's readiness to spend a full day in a classroom program. For children in first through eighth grades, the assessment is specific to evaluating whether the child will be successful in a demanding academic program. The assessment must be scheduled with the school. Before the assessment of each child, parents must fill out an application and pay the $75 assessment fee.

Classroom Visitation

Prior to admission, we encourage children in first through eighth grades to spend a half- or full-day in the classroom they would join upon admission.

Offer of Admission

Once the admission evaluation process is complete, the school will make a determination about admission and communicate with the parents the status of their child's admission. Admission may be offered immediately and the child encouraged to join the class in the current year, admission may be offered immediately for the following school year, or admission offers may be held until April, the traditional time for the extension of admission offers.

If the grade level for which your child has been evaluated is full, your child will be placed on a waiting list for that grade level. The waiting list will be prioritized in order of applications received for that grade.

Enrollment and Annual Fees

A non-refundable Enrollment fee of $195, a one-time Registration Fee of $95 and the first tuition installment is due upon acceptance to Carden Heights, and required to secure your child’s place in class.

Once enrolled all students are required to pay a yearly Book Usage/Supply Fee (fee varies by grade - see attached PDF) and a $130 Earthquake /Music/Technology Fee for the purchase of Carden copyrighted materials, books, instructional supplies, standardized testing materials, and student insurance.

Tuition, 2008-2009 School Year

Annual Pre-Pay: Tuition paid in full by May 14, 2008 is eligible for a $200 discount; otherwise tuition may be paid in ten equal monthly installments.
Monthly postdated: Submit 10 checks dated August 1, 2008 - May 1, 2009each in an amount equal to 1/10 of the toal charges. All 10 checks are due Autust 1, 2008.
Monthly: To defray costs associated with the administration of the monthly plan, an additional fee of $25 per month will be charged.

Tuition varies by grade
- Yearly fees, Monthly Postdated fees and Monthly installments including the $25 fee are as follows:
Jr. Kindergarten $5,500
- Payable in ten postdated checks of $550 or ten monthly installments of $575
Kindergarten $6,550
- Payable in ten postdated checks of $655 or ten monthly installments of $680
First - Fifth Grades $6,860
- Payable in ten postdated checks of $686 or ten monthly installments of $711
Middle School (Sixth - Eighth Grades) $7,350
- Payable in ten postdated checks of $735 or ten monthly installments of $760

Tuition is due and payable on the first of each month, beginning August 1st. Tuition that is not paid by the fifth will be assessed a 10% late fee.

Extended School Day

Extended Daycare is available for all Carden Heights students for an additional fee, and parents are billed monthly for services.

AM - Before School only - $75 monthly 7:00 am - 8:00 am
PM - After School only - $155 monthly 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
AM & PM - $200 monthly 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

Hot Lunch

Hot lunch is available for purchase daily through Brown Bag Naturals

Age Requirements

Pre-Kindergarten children must be four years old on or before September 1 of the school year for which they are being enrolled. All students entering Kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 1 of the school year for which they are being enrolled.

Immunizations

We adhere to state regulations regarding immunization records for your child. Immunization records must be provided upon enrollment. All student immunizations must be kept current. Valid proof of immunization must be submitted as your child receives new immunizations or booster shots. If a family has religious or personal reasons for not completing medical forms or immunizing a child, this information must be documented (by law) on the Waiver of Health Examination for School Entry form. This form must be returned to the school office before the first day of attendance.

Parent Participation

Parent participation and support is an essential ingredient to the function of Carden Heights Academy. The Parent Alliance is an optional opportunity for parents to participate in the life of the school in a way that is personally enriching.

Uniforms

Carden Heights Academy uniforms are required for all students while school is in session. Occasional free dress days are scheduled and announced in advance. Click here to go to the Dennis Uniform website