Leadership.
Creativity.
Collaboration.
K-6th Grade Admissions
Choosing the right school is an exciting and meaningful step in your child’s educational journey, and we’re honored that you’re considering Carden Conejo School.
At Carden, we understand that selecting the right learning environment is about more than academics — it’s about finding a community where your child feels known, supported, and inspired to thrive. For nearly 60 years, our school has provided a joyful, values-driven education that nurtures both the heart and the mind, developing confident learners who think critically, act with kindness, and embrace curiosity every day.
To help families learn more about our programs and vibrant community, we encourage you to review our Admissions Timeline, explore our curriculum, and schedule a campus tour to experience Carden Conejo in person. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to meet our teachers, tour our classrooms, and see firsthand how the Carden Method comes to life.
Preschool–TK Enrollment
Families interested in our Preschool, Pre-K, or Transitional Kindergarten programs may begin the enrollment process directly through our online portal. Click here to start your Preschool–TK application.
Step 1: Schedule a Tour
Applicants for all grades must schedule a campus tour through our front office by calling 805-497-7005 or by scheduling one here.
Step 2: Apply Online / Interview
Click here to create an account and complete our application for admission. Applicants for 6th Grade must also schedule a student and family interview by calling the school office directly or by clicking here:
Admissions Timeline – 2026–2027 School Year
-
November 4, 2025 (6:00–8:00 p.m.)
-
January 25, 2026 (1:00–3:00 p.m.)
Admissions Open HousesJoin us for an inside look at Carden Conejo! Families will have the opportunity to tour our campus, meet our teachers and administrators, explore classrooms, and learn more about our Preschool through 8th Grade programs. These events are a great way to experience the Carden community firsthand and ask questions about our curriculum, philosophy, and admissions process.
-
February 20, 2026 Applications Due
Submit your completed application and the $175 non-refundable application fee by this date. Applications must be submitted online through our admissions portal. A campus tour is required for all applicants and 6th Grade families must also schedule a student and family interview through our front office.
-
March 13, 2026 (by 5:00 p.m)
Admission Decisions ReleasedFamilies will receive admission decision notifications via email by 5:00 p.m. on March 13th. Accepted students will also receive enrollment instructions and next steps for joining the Carden Conejo community.
-
March 20, 2026 Acceptance Deadline
Families must confirm their acceptance and submit all required enrollment materials by this date to secure their child’s placement for the 2025–2026 school year.
Tuition & Financial Aid
How to Apply for Need-Based Tuition Assistance
Like many independent schools, Carden Conejo School has partnered with TADS, a third party administrator, to assist in determining a family’s ability to contribute to educational expenses. Our Tuition Assistance Committee uses this assessment, along with any additional information regarding special circumstances, to make tuition assistance aid award decisions, taking into consideration our financial aid budget for any given year.
Families enrolled at Carden Conejo School in Kindergarten – 6th Grades for the 2026-2027 school year that can demonstrate financial need, may apply for tuition assistance by submitting an online tuition assistance application at secure.tads.com. A processing fee will be payable to TADS at the time of submission.
Families requesting tuition assistance must reapply each school year.
Funds for tuition assistance are limited. Priority consideration will be given to those families who submit their applications by February 20th, 2026. Interested families should make every effort to meet the February 20th, 2026 priority filing deadline. Applications received after this date will be considered based on any remaining funds available.
In order to receive notification of a tuition assistance award, an applicant must have received an offer of admission for the 2026-2027 school year. Family notification of tuition assistance amounts will be sent on March 13th.
All families must fully complete a two-step process in order to receive tuition assistance:
Step #1 is to complete the online application at secure.tads.com and submit the required documentation (including prior year tax returns, revenue and expenses verification, pay stubs, and Form 4506-T), as specified in the application. Priority consideration is given to those who apply by February 20th, 2026.
Step #2 requires submission of all remaining documents requested for review and verification by TADS (including completed current year 2025 tax returns, K-1’s etc.). All requested documentation must be submitted to TADS no later than February 20th, 2026.
Tuition assistance awards will be considered preliminary and remain as such until the school receives notification from TADS that all documents, including 2025 tax returns, have been submitted. Discrepancies will be evaluated and awards may be adjusted or revoked if deemed appropriate by the Tuition Assistance Committee.
Use this financial aid worksheet to guide you through the application process.
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are available.
TADS Financial Aid Application
For more information or specific questions about the application process for Tuition Assistance, please contact the TADS Parent Helpline at
1(800) 884-8237 or [email protected].
For questions regarding financial need or your specific award, contact Carden Conejo’s Business Manager, Bob Fleming at [email protected] or (805) 497-7005.
