Students receive advanced-level linguistic and text analysis skills, providing them with an in-depth understanding of the English language. This prepares Carden students to more easily approach the higher-level texts they will be encountering in high school. This includes dictation skills presented in an integrated history approach.
Students new to the Carden language arts program are provided with the methodology and controls used for an in-depth understanding of the pronunciation, spelling and origins of words, along with the grammar tools utilized for high-level comprehension of text.

Composition techniques: A systematic learning of the organization and elements of composition and report writing.
Composition: The application of writing techniques to integrated works of literature, social studies and history with the goal of producing thoughtful, organized and well-written essays and reports.
Research and Reporting: There is emphasis on the fundamentals of data gathering and the analysis of written material as the basis of cohesive and meaningful report writing. Along with this, there is the application of composition techniques specific to report writing.

Students apply writing and composition techniques to produce works that express each one’s uniqueness and exercise the imagination.

Classic literature and poetry: A formal approach is applied in the study of major works, which facilitates a high level of understanding and appreciation of the plot, story elements and themes. Included are: Modern Literature: An exploration of modern fiction includes discussion and seminar formats that lead students to discover meaning and relevancy of important works of our time.

Within the language arts-history integrated element of English 6, students are presented with an overview of ancient civilization and its heritage. The exploration of the social, political and cultural values underlying the development of the country is an important component of this study.
Students explore topics within the curriculum through various books and written materials and research projects. Discussion and seminar formats, coupled with written and orally presented reports, are adopted methods aimed at developing and refining critical thinking and information-analysis skills.
Geography

Pre-Algebra has an emphasis on working with numbers and equations and understanding the underlying mathematics principles. Also focus on the problem-solving strategies and applied logic of algebra.
The class work includes:

Algebraic Expressions and Integers		Linear Functions and Graphing
Solving One-Step Equations and Inequalities		Spatial Thinking
Nonlinear Functions and Polynomials		Area and Volume
Factors, Fractions, and Exponents		Right Triangles in Algebra
Operations with Fractions		Data Analysis and Probability
Ratios, Proportions, and Percents		Decimals and Equations
Solving Equations and Inequalities

Through the study of earth science, the students learn:

The exploration of the seven concepts of music, as well as the study of classical music, is included within the curriculum. Rhythm, melody, harmony, form, texture, tone and tonality are presented. Beethoven, Handel, Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi are included.

A wide range of art media and techniques will be explored, paying special attention to form and volume in their drawing. The students will study a variety of artists and utilize their works for inspiration in the students’ own pieces.

A student with no prior knowledge of French will begin in a French class that includes vocabulary building, grammar, sentence structure and basic conversation. For continuing students and those with knowledge of basic French, this class includes composition, French culture, literature and conversation.

Latin is a required course for all students and begins at this level.

Sportsmanship and Health: The development of good-sportsmanship and a positive attitude towards healthy physical exercise continue to be an underlying principle of Carden Physical Education. Numerous fun and skill-building games and activities are included throughout the year, as well as participation in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge.
Organized Sports: Students participate in different team sports, providing them with exposure to competition, responsibility and commitment. These sports are volleyball, flag football, basketball, and softball.

Basic Keyboarding: Students learn and build fluency in the touch-typing method.
Research and Informational Technology: Students learn to utilize both informational software programs and the Internet to search, gather, analyze, edit and download material relevant to study.