Carden Conejo School to Launch Sixth Grade in Fall 2026 as Part of Strategic Middle School Expansion

November 3, 2025

6:34 pm

December Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Carden Conejo School

106 W Janss Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Tel: (805) 497-7005 | cardenconejo.com
Hours:
Monday 8 AM–4 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM
Thursday 8 AM–4 PM
Friday 8 AM–4 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

For nearly 60 years, Carden Conejo School has proudly served families from the Conejo Valley and surrounding communities, offering an enriching, non-sectarian education for students in preschool through sixth grade.

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Carden Conejo School

Article Provided. Photography Courtesy of Carden Conejo and Ben Malkin

Carden Conejo School, a private, nonsectarian institution long known for its nurturing preschool and elementary programs, is expanding its academic offerings with the launch of sixth grade beginning Fall 2026. This milestone marks the first step toward completing a full Preschool–8th grade continuum and is a centerpiece of the school’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.

The new sixth grade represents the first phase of a broader middle school expansion and reflects the school’s long-term commitment to academic excellence, character development and joyful, whole-child learning. The addition of sixth grade will be followed by seventh and eighth grade in subsequent years, completing the Preschool–8th program by the 2028–2029 school year.

Families interested in learning more about the middle school expansion and admissions opportunities are encouraged to visit CardenConejo.com or contact the office directly at 805.497.7005.

About Carden Conejo School

Founded in 1971 by the founders of Viewpoint School in Calabasas, Carden Conejo School offers a developmentally rich preschool program, alongside an academically rigorous elementary and middle school curriculum grounded in the classical Carden Method.

To celebrate this exciting chapter, the school hosted a community ribbon-cutting ceremony in partnership with the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce in October. The public event and included remarks from school leadership and community leaders.

“We are thrilled to continue growing our program in a way that reflects our mission and values,” says Head of School Colleen Mendez. “The expansion into middle school allows us to offer a seamless educational journey and greater opportunities for growth during these formative years. Parents want to know their children are seen, known and challenged and Carden delivers on that promise with both heart and rigor.”

The sixth-grade launch builds on nearly 60 years of tradition and innovation at Carden Conejo School. The Carden Method is a classical, language-rich, phonics-based approach that helps children develop clarity of thought, confidence in communication, and a lifelong appreciation for literature.

With long-tenured teachers and small classes, Carden balances rigorous academics with joy, creativity, and social-emotional growth—preparing students to excel in higher education and beyond.

The middle school curriculum will extend this foundation with the following offerings:

STEM and Robotics programs that emphasize hands-on, project-based science and technology
World language instruction with French beginning in preschool and Latin integrated into grammar study in middle school
Leadership and service opportunities that emphasize character, compassion and community engagement
A robust life-skills curriculum that equips students with practical independence (budgeting, public speaking, civic engagement and decision-making) alongside the soft skills of confidence, adaptability and collaboration

“This is about more than expanding a grade level,” adds Mendez. “It’s about deepening our promise to families—to walk with students on their journey as they grow into scholars, servant-leaders and compassionate contributors to their communities.”

Families interested in learning more about the middle school expansion and admissions opportunities are encouraged to visit CardenConejo.com or contact the office directly at 805.497.7005.

About Carden Conejo School

Founded in 1971 by the original founders of Viewpoint School in Calabasas, Carden Conejo School offers a developmentally rich preschool program, alongside an academically rigorous elementary and middle school curriculum grounded in the classical Carden Method.

With small class sizes, specialist instruction, and a whole-child approach to education, the school nurtures confident learners and compassionate leaders who are prepared to engage the world with empathy and purpose.

Top Ten Things to Be Thankful For

September 25, 2025

9:41 pm

Lifestyle • Education • Culture

By Barton Goldsmith

Photography provided

Barton Goldsmith, PhD, is an award-winning psychotherapist, humanitarian and lifelong resident of Westlake Village. He is also a columnist, the author of eight books, and a blogger for PsychologyToday.com with over 35 million readers. He is available for in-person and video consults worldwide at Barton@BartonGoldsmith.com.

Life is a gift and life with love is heaven on Earth. To be able to share whatever you have with those closest to you is one of the best feelings any human being could ever experience.
Being with someone who makes you laugh every day is healing, enriching and just downright fun. It is also one of the signs of a healthy relationship.
To be at peace, couples have to trust one another. Knowing that your partner is there for you and will remain faithful on all levels takes a lot of the stress of daily living away.
To be able to cry on your loved one’s shoulder if you need to is one of the treasures in a good relationship. For a man, to be able to let his guard down and release the pain is nurturing and emotionally healthy. For a woman, having someone who will listen and hold her is a way she will feel safe and secure.
Dealing with the ups and downs of life and love as a couple will bond you and make things easier. Life is sweeter when you share it, so don’t hold back.
The feeling of peace that a couple has when they know who they are and where they are going is one of the best sensations you can have. Tranquility is one of the most underrated things in life.
Feeling like Snoopy at suppertime or grinning from ear to ear because you know you’re loved by the right person is a rare and beautiful gift.
If you’ve ever dealt with a serious or chronic illness you know how important your health is. Being with someone who will care for you if you ever have a physical crisis gives you a powerful sense of wellbeing.
Knowing that there is a higher power you can turn to when things become too difficult for you to deal with on your own is a blessing. We all have our doubts about this from time to time and most seem to return to the idea that something much more powerful than we are has had a hand in making this all happen.
Being with your best friend is one of the most romantic things I can think of. As the years pass, having someone you can talk to is far more important than money, looks or sex. Friendship in a relationship is a winning combination.

I love Thanksgiving; it’s a time when I get to remind myself of the many things I am grateful for, and all of you who read my column are a big part of that. Thank you!

Oaks Christian School Expands to TK–3, Becoming Full TK–12 College-Preparatory School

September 20, 2025

10:36 pm

Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Oaks Christian School

31749 La Tienda Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Tel: (818) 575-9900 | oakschristian.org
Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am-4 pm
Saturday & Sunday Closed

Oaks Christian School is a co-educational, college-preparatory, non-denominational Christian school serving students TK–12. Oaks Christian School is located on 25 acres in Westlake Village, Los Angeles County, California. The school was established in 2000.

CLICK HERE: Learn More About Oaks Christian School

Written By Tracy Marcynzsyn

Photography provided

Its recent expansion to include transitional K-third grade makes Oaks Christian School a full-service TK-12 college-preparatory school.

“Two-and-a-half years ago, I shared with our community the exciting news that the OCS Board of Trustees had unanimously approved expanding the Oaks Christian mission to include the youngest students of this generation, and those that follow,” says Head of School Rob Black. “We are now looking forward to fulfilling that promise, where your youngest Lions will thrive academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually.”

Oaks Christian is currently accepting applications for its newest grade levels—extending the school’s exceptional academic and character-building programs to its youngest learners.

To accommodate this growth, Oaks Christian has entered into a lease agreement with the Conejo Valley Unified School District for the property at 975 Evenstar Avenue (formerly Carden Conejo School). The new OCS Evenstar campus, located in Westlake Village, will open in August 2026, exclusively serving students in TK-3.

The TK and Kindergarten levels will offer a full-day program, with complimentary before-school care beginning at 7 a.m. and optional after-school care available until 6 p.m. for an additional fee.

Prospective families are invited to learn more at the Fall Open House on Nov. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the main campus (31749 La Tienda, Westlake Village). A special Elementary Zone session for TK–3 parents will be offered during the event.

Socializing Your Dog Through Group Obedience

September 16, 2025

10:34 pm

Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Socializing Your Dog Through Group Obedience

Gold Coast began with one man’s love of dogs and has since evolved into a world-class training and performance center, situated on a twenty-acre facility in Southern California. Since our start in 1991, we have trained, matched, and delivered thousands of companions to celebrities, champion athletes, Fortune 500 CEO’s, and some of the most dynamic police departments in the world.

goldcoastk9.com | Instagram gck9obedience

Learn more about Gold Coast goldcoastk9.com.

Westlake Village, Security Dogs, Dogs, Security,

By Bailee Gates

Group obedience is a perfect and practical way to socialize your dog. While there are many ways to socialize your dog and expose them to different environments with new sights, sounds and smells, group classes are extremely efficient. When training in a group class, the handler can socialize the dog, build their confidence, learn new skills and relieve anxiety as the energy dissipates in a structured and safe manner. Group classes offer high-value exposure to ample amounts of distractions, ranging from adults and children, to dogs, toys, food, unfamiliar environments, and new sounds and smells. These distractions work on the dog’s impulse control so the dog and handler can learn together how to work through the many distractors and associations with a variation of structured obedience exercises. This training makes getting out and having real-life experiences much easier, as your dog will be prepared, controlled, desensitized and well-socialized.

In group obedience classes the dog and handler will learn proper handling of a dog in high distraction environments.

Beyond Obedience

This includes, but is not limited to, all obedience commands such as sit, down, heel and place on and off leash; these skills are always being elevated in a multitude of ways to improve on aspects including duration, distance, form, focus and distractions. For example, your dog may know how to stay in the down position, but what happens if you leave their side? Can you move farther from them? Can you go out of their sight? Can they handle the down position with heavy distractions? Can they stay in a sit instead of a down? What if there are dogs and people surrounding them? In a group class, you can work on all of these things to elevate and improve their skills, making them completely ready for real-world distractions that you and your dog may face.

Group obedience classes also include a multitude of different dog breeds.

It is beneficial to work on socialization and exposure to various temperaments and to minimize reactivity, as each breed has unique characteristics that you want your dog to be ready for (such as high or low energy), as well as different ages, sizes and personalities that it is important to expose your dogs to so they are prepared when they encounter them in the real world.

Tricks and obstacles are some of the more fun and exciting parts of group classes. Obstacles are great exercise for each dog and are fundamental to building confidence. In an obedient and structured manner, dogs learn to go through tunnels, walk over ramps (experiencing different textures builds confidence in walking over new grounds), jump over walls and much more.

Obstacles are a great way to create engagement between you and your dog to improve your relationship. You can improve focus and the bond with your dog by learning how to get through an obstacles course.

Attending group obedience regularly is the perfect way to set you and your dog’s day up for success from the start. Not only is it fun for you and your dog, but it gives them (and the handler!) a job to work at.

You’ll start them off with the focused mental stimulation and physical exercise they need, all while being in a comfortable and safe environment. It is an asset for physical and mental well-being for your pet. You will get to problem-solve and ask questions as needed. Group class is also a cost-effective and fun way to meet people and obtain community support from other handlers and owners that may have a dog in the same situation or learning the same things as you.

Bailee Gates is the director of obedience at Gold Coast K9. Bailee grew up working with her father in the dog business and has spent the past 10 years training dogs and attending seminars with the focus on obedience, behavior modification and reactivity. For questions or to schedule training please call or text 805.297.3767. Follow them on Instagram at gck9obedience and goldcoastk9.

Ilene’s Boutique: Discover Style

September 4, 2025

6:32 pm

Lifestyle • Education • Culture

Ilene’s Boutique

Find boutique clothing for every taste, style, and personality. Ilene has a flair for making you feel fabulous!

1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362
805.373.6633 | Instagram shopilensboutique
Store Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am-6 pm

CLICK HERE: Follow Ilene's Boutique on Instagram

By Tracy Marcynzsyn

Photography by Hannah Gross

That perfect pair of jeans, favorite sweater, or fashionable blazer that pulls it all together—wearing clothes that make you look good ensures you feel great too. Finding those special pieces to complement and complete your unique style is the forte of the style mavens at Ilene’s Boutique in Westlake Village, headed by Owner Ilene Stern.

“We want to make you feel magical because when you look good, you feel good,” says Ilene, who leads a team of dedicated stylists specializing in elevating customers’ style for more than 34 years and counting! From fancy and formal to business and casual wear—even pajamas—Ilene’s Boutique offers Fashion finds to fit any style.

The Blend Event: Business Meets Flavor

August 18, 2025

9:33 pm

Lifestyle • Education • Culture

By Tracy Marcynzsyn

Photography by Robin Chesler

The Greater Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted a Business Expo and Networking Mixer at the Palm Garden Hotel, featuring local businesses, service organizations, and restaurants. There were 58 very busy exhibitors presenting their wares and services to the Conejo Valley community.