Our Approach

Like the saints, our children are a diverse and beautiful bunch. We have our fair share of angels but a refreshing gang of rebels as well. We have scientists, soccer stars, makers, and diplomats. We have math whizzes who love a challenge and very bright kids who can use some occasional support. We’re an intimate community of amazing one-of-a-kind kids and educators..

Our foundational belief is that each and every child is a unique reflection of God, an absolutely one-of-a-kind saint. And so, at Carondelet, there are no cookie-cutters; we are teachers, administrators, and parents seeking to discover the very individual gifts of each student, and to nurture those talents until the child is prepared to seize her own special place in the wider world.

Based on this belief, we approach education in several distinct ways:
 
1. Small, Intimate Environments That Nurture Every Child. Our small classes, generally averaging 18-22 students, are not an accident. We design them that way. This size allows teachers to know their students deeply but also allows students to form meaningful friendships and learning groups with their peers. We believe it’s the perfect balance of a supportive, encouraging environment, but also one that drives a healthy and positive sense of peer-to-peer competition.  
 
2. Child-Centered Curriculum.  A “class” is really a collection of kids, each with their own strengths and challenges. Our teachers are committed to knowing each student deeply and intimately. They design curriculum flexible enough to challenge or support students as their individual needs might dictate. We begin the school year with teacher-student conferences, an occasion that establishes that critical relationship in shared goals. What are the student’s dreams and worries? What are the plans for growth and development? How will the student and teacher measure progress and communicate with parents?
 
3. Ambitious Goals, World-Class Standards. While we are a very engaged, emotionally-supportive environment, we are also committed to the highest caliber academic performance. Our curriculum "results" are evidenced by our scores of students who go on to thrive in high school, graduate with honors, and excel in colleges and universities, and are kind, compassionate leaders in their communities. Our students regularly test far above national norms and averages, but what makes us most proud is that they do so with a sense of self-accomplishment.

We genuinely believe that love and kindness in a caring and Christian community are the best motivators for success.