Why Cardigan?
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We know middle school boys.
Everything at Cardigan—academics to arts, sports, dorm life, and fun—is geared
toward helping boys reach their potential.
Our Approach
The middle school years are critical for building lifelong learning skills, honing talents, and cultivating leadership. Our balanced approach provides the right mix of structure and freedom, challenge and support, and emphasizes individual development while fostering a strong sense of community. Cardigan is tailored to boys in this transformative phase, with an academic curriculum, athletic opportunities, and dormitory life that cater to their unique needs.
The spirit of brotherhood is central to Cardigan, empowering each boy to strive for his best. The relationships formed here—with teachers who serve as mentors, advisors, and coaches, and classmates who become lifelong friends—are at the heart of the Cardigan experience. Together, they embark on new challenges, discover personal strengths, and learn the value of community service.
Boarding at Cardigan offers a dynamic and immersive experience, especially valuable during these formative years. A well-structured schedule and supportive environment help boys become responsible, independent members of the community. Beyond academics, boys engage in arts, sports, leadership roles, and dorm life, nurturing growth in mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive development, embracing the whole boy.
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Hands-On, Minds-On Learning
Middle school boys learn best when they are able to engage both their head and their hands in the process of discovery. Our curriculum is built on a foundation of learning experiences—in and out of the classroom, everywhere on campus, every day—that propel boys toward self-knowledge and independence. Classes in all grades and subjects focus on active learning, problem solving, and class participation.
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Teaching Boys How to Learn
Our PEAKS classes teach boys how to take ownership of their learning to be better, more efficient students and self-advocates. Concepts taught in PEAKS include time management, organization, emotional intelligence, and collaboration with peers. Every student has a PEAKS coach who acts as an academic mentor alongside his advisor and is regularly available for extra help.
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A Team for Every Boy
Nurturing a boy’s athletic spirit and physical wellness is an integral part of his academic and social growth. Cardigan supports more than 40 athletic teams in 16 different sports so that every boy can play, learn, and have fun, regardless of whether they are a skilled student-athlete or an inexperienced player interested in trying a new game for the first time.
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Learning to Lead
Leadership is an essential component of the Cardigan experience. In addition to more than 20 titled positions, there are many other leadership opportunities, including the student senate, athletic captains, or starting a club or affinity group. At Cardigan, all 9th graders are leaders, serving to set a positive tone for the entire community.
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The Green Blanket
From the moment he’s awakened in the morning by a dorm parent, each boy interacts with a myriad of trusted adults every day. His advisor, PEAKS coach, dorm parents, teachers, and athletic coaches create a net around each boy, serving to mentor, inspire, and support him through all of the challenges of middle school.
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Secondary School Counseling
The experienced team in Cardigan’s Secondary School Counseling Office guides students and their families through the process of finding the right-fit school.
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Cardigan is extraordinary in every way imaginable. This all-boys school attracts families from all over the world. They live by core values. The facilities and staff are excellent. My son entered in sixth grade and will graduate in the ninth, then on to secondary school. He is beyond prepared, but most importantly he is happy. He has thrived and made friendships that will last his lifetime. Academically the school is rigorous and supportive…An amazing community on a breathtakingly beautiful campus.”
PARENT TESTIMONIAL FROM NICHE.COM
Interested to learn more about Cardigan?
Submit the inquiry form at the link below and we will send you and your son a welcome package that includes our school viewbook and other information about any special academic or athletic interests he may have.
Cardigan is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), the Junior Boarding Schools Association (JBSA), and the Association of Independent Schools of New England (AISNE). It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Cardigan Mountain School is an independent, private junior boarding and day school for boys in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grade in Canaan, New Hampshire.