The procedure for admitting students to the Carden School in Santa Cruz has been designed to make the best possible match between the school's resources and the students who will benefit most from the unique Carden teaching method. For this reason, students applying for admission will meet with a school administrator for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on grade level, so that the school may assess the student's readiness and determine the most appropriate grade placement. The tests are designed specially for the Carden School in Santa Cruz and are administered individually. This time with the administrator is not stressed and is usually enjoyed by prospective students.

The admissions procedure is as follows:

1. Fill out the Application for Admission, which can be printed off of this web site or mailed to you by the school. Return the completed application to the school at 319 La Fonda Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Applications will be processed in the order of the date indicated on the completed forms.
2. Call the school office at (831) 460-2600 to schedule an orientation appointment.
3. Arrange for a meeting/testing appointment for the student. There is a $100.00 fee for the administration of the entrance test.
4. If the student is accepted for enrollment at the Carden School in Santa Cruz, the additional forms will be mailed to you with a letter of acceptance.

Because the costs of a private school are prohibitive to the families of many well-qualified children, the school does provide a scholarship program to families demonstrating financial need. If the student is accepted for enrollment, an additional form will need to be completed by parents seeking scholarship assistance.