About Selle Valley Carden School

Student leading a pony around the farm during a school activity.

Student reading quietly in the classroom during the school day.

Student pulling a wheelbarrow of pumpkins during hands-on learning at a working farm school.

Students running through a field during outdoor play on the school grounds.

Guided Growth Spiritually, Mentally, Physically

Choosing a school is a big decision. We understand you want a place where your child is not just a number, but is guided, and will grow in the right direction.

At Selle Valley Carden School, learning engages the whole child. Mind, body, and spirit all matter here. Our campus, set on a working farm just north of Sandpoint, gives students space to move, explore, and experience what they’re learning in a real and lasting way.

Your child won’t spend their days passively sitting and listening. They’ll be involved. Asking questions, practicing new skills, spending time outdoors, and learning what it means to take responsibility. Along the way, they’re supported by teachers who care deeply and a community that feels like an extension of home.

The goal is simple. To help children grow into thoughtful, capable, and grounded young people who carry their faith into every part of life.

To Accomplish This, We Incorporate a Few of the Following Aspects in our Education Model:

Student taking notes outside during an outdoor learning lesson.

Students looking out the classroom window during the school day.

Hands-On Learning in a Real Outdoor Classroom

Our farm-based setting provides daily opportunities for children to learn through experience. Whether students are practicing observation skills outdoors, studying living systems in nature, or applying classroom concepts through hands-on work, learning becomes real, memorable, and meaningful.

This outdoor component isn’t an “extra.” It is a foundational part of our approach to Christ-centered education, helping students develop attention, responsibility, grit, and wonder.

The Carden Method: Building Strong Skills and Confident Learners

At Selle Valley Carden School, our teachers are trained in the Carden curriculum and Carden Method, a proven approach that helps children build real understanding, not just rote memorization.

In the classroom, learning is clear and intentional. Students are taught step by step, with guidance that helps them truly grasp what they’re learning. Reading starts with strong phonics, giving children the tools to become confident readers. Writing and math are taught in a way that helps them think clearly and work carefully, not rush through and forget.

There’s a steady rhythm to each day. Expectations are consistent, which helps children feel secure and ready to engage instead of unsure or overwhelmed.

Students are active participants in their learning. They speak, recite, ask questions, and practice expressing their thoughts. Over time, they become more confident in what they know and more comfortable sharing it.

The result is a learning environment that challenges students while still supporting them. Children grow not only in their academics, but in responsibility, independence, and self-discipline through a thoughtful Christian education.

Student reading scripture in the classroom during the school day.

Students writing in their notebooks during a classroom lesson.

Student and parent enjoying a picnic together during a school community event.

Students and families gathered together during Selle Valley Carden School barn dance.

A School Family Built on Community

Selle Valley Carden School is not just a school, it’s a community. We are deeply grateful for our involved parent volunteers who bring unique skills, talents, and passions into the learning environment.

This partnership between teachers and families strengthens our school culture and creates a warm, connected setting where children are supported and known.

Learn About Our Tuition and Fees

Learn More

Textured paper background with a simple, natural design.

"We Have Nothing But Great Things to Say ..."

Selle Valley has been a great school for my children. The academics have been great. One of my kids has since moved on and gone into the next phase of their schooling without any hiccups. In fact he is excelling at his new school. My kids both got to enjoy working with horses and the cows. Their recesses are enjoyed in the outdoors making forts and playing in the woods. All the Hands-On projects really opened their creative side they didn't even know they had. They even brought in another parent to teach our kids how to weld! The teachers are encouraging and are so willing to work with my students. We have nothing but great things to say about Selle Valley!

Jill Harris

"It is a Magical Place!"

My son enrolled at Selle Valley Carden School during the pandemic, and it was a huge blessing for us. He went from being in trouble all the time in traditional school to being taught to his strengths and encouraged in his creativity. They allowed him to play hard, get dirty, and learn by doing. Enrolling him at SVCS was one of the best choices I ever made for him.One of my favorite things about SVCS is how children are allowed to stay children. Their innocence is protected and valued, and they are encouraged to play, learn by doing, and just be kids. It is a chromebook free zone where kids roam and learn through experiencing nature and farm life. My daughter is safe, happy and loved. It is a magical place!

Katie Smith Hoover

Meet our Teachers & Staff

Our teachers are a valued and pivotal part of helping make education happen. Here are the teachers your child will work with.

Group photo of the teachers and staff at the Selle Valley Carden School.

Stacy Happell

Principal and Middle School Teacher

I am a native of Sandpoint, the oldest of four, raised on the ranch where Selle Valley Carden School now stands. After earning my Child Development Associate certificate from North Idaho College and recognizing a need for children to learn through hands-on imagination and real‑world experiences, I founded the school to give young learners room to explore, with acreage to run and animals to bond with. I love growing alongside my students, collaborating closely with families, and bringing structured, interest‑driven lessons into the individualized Carden curriculum. Watching their curiosity and confidence blossom confirms the positive difference I am honored to make as a teacher and founder.

Melissa Peck

Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher

I spent my childhood playing and working hard on the very ranch that Selle Valley Carden School sits on. I grew up exploring the outdoors, always looking for a new adventure, and could only imagine what our next discovery would be. Today I get to share some of that with my students.

I have been teaching now for 20 years and enjoy watching the children as they take the journey of learning. I love watching the little light bulbs pop on as they begin to understand and witness the excitement in their eyes, it is a truly amazing sight.

Heather Steele

Third Grade Teacher

I relocated to Sandpoint from Bend, Oregon, in 2001 and have had the privilege of being part of the Carden School community since 2011. As the youngest of five children, I always felt a deep calling to pursue a career in education.

With a degree in Child Development and certification as a Carden Teacher, I bring a strong foundation in fostering a love of learning in my students. I am passionate about inspiring curiosity, celebrating individuality, and supporting each child in reaching their full potential in their academic and faith filled journey.

Shawna Meyers

Second Grade Teacher

I am a Sandpoint native and the youngest of 2 children. I was raised in the Northern Selle Valley area and grew up adventuring this beautiful place we call home.

My two children have been a part of the Carden family for six years now, and in 2020 I was blessed with the opportunity to join the wonderful world of teaching at Selle Valley Carden School. I have dreamed of being a teacher since I was a small child and feel so lucky to see the excitement of learning both in the classroom and outdoors where we spend much of our time experiencing the wonders of the world which God intended for us.

I am grateful to teach a classroom of children in a Christ centered environment through the Carden Method.

Lacelyn Benda

Second Grade Teacher

I am a Sandpoint native and the oldest of nine siblings. I started teaching at Carden in 2023 and I’ve always had a passion for children. I was drawn to teaching because I believe every child deserves a safe, loving environment where they can grow and thrive.

I’m dedicated to pouring the love of God into my students, creating a space where they feel supported not only academically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Watching my students grow and develop their skills is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching, and I’m excited to continue helping shape their futures. My mission is to show them the love and kindness that I’ve been blessed with and help them see their potential to accomplish great things.

Teyle Hehn, fistgrade eacher at Selle Valley Carden School

Teyler Hehn

First Grade Teacher

I moved to Sandpoint in 2020. Growing up in a military family, I had the opportunity to attend many different schools. Those experiences helped shape my love for education. I am passionate about building a classroom environment where students feel valued and excited to learn.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with family and friends. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to help children grow and learn throughout the year.

Paige Rief, preschool teacher at Selle Valley Carden School offering faith-based education

Josie Coerver

Kindgergarten teacher

I am a third-generation Sandpoint native and the youngest of three children. Growing up on Baldy Mountain, I developed a lifelong love for the outdoors.

I’m a mother of four, with two of my children currently attending Carden School. My passion for working with young children began in high school, which led me to homeschool my own children during their early years.

I feel truly blessed to join the team at Selle Valley Carden School, where I can create a joyful, curiosity-filled classroom where each child feels valued. I’m grateful to be part of a school community where both children and adults keep Jesus Christ at the center of our learning through the Carden Method.

Paige Rief

Preschool Teacher

My name is Paige, and I am a proud Sandpoint native and graduate of Selle Valley Carden School.

From an early age, I have felt a clear calling to work with young children, and it has long been my dream to serve as a preschool teacher. Being in the presence of young learners fills me with purpose and joy.

I am honored for the opportunity to now step into the Carden educational environment as an educator, where I can fully invest in nurturing, guiding, and inspiring the next generation of students.

Arin Larsen

Teacher's Assistant

I am a fourth-generation Sandpoint Native and the youngest of five children.

My husband and I are raising two boys who both attend Carden School.

Growing up on a farm in Cocolalla, I spent my time in 4-H and exploring the outdoors hunting and fishing.

With experience as a teacher's assistant working with Preschool and Kindergarten students, I'm passionate about helping young learners grow, explore, and express their creativity.

Jacob Kenyan

Music Teacher

Mr. Kenyon grew up in Hawai’i and started his musical career on the ukulele at age 11. He started learning guitar at 12, and piano at 16. He got his bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Oregon in 2008, then he taught music lessons and classes in Hawai’i from 2008-2021. He moved to Sandpoint in 2022 and is currently teaching our students a love of music.

Madam Julie

French Teacher

Bonjour! In 2022 I moved to Sandpoint with my family to live a rural, outdoor lifestyle with traditional God-centered values. We were thrilled to enroll our children at Selle Valley Carden School and watch them blossom.
Educated with a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of San Diego I made a career in the hospital with a specialty in neurology. My professional life pivoted in Sandpoint and in 2024, I was delighted to join the Carden School as the French teacher. I grew up in a bilingual home. My mother is from Normandy France, and my childhood summers were spent there amongst family. I enjoy sharing my love of the French language with the students and hope to enrich their lives with the historic culture.

Wendy Tico

Advanced Math Teacher

To come

Students spending time outside with their teacher during an outdoor learning activity.

Students playing a game together outside on the Selle Valley campus.

Teacher writing on the classroom whiteboard during a lesson.

Non-Discrimination Policy

No person shall, on the basis of color, race, religious belief, national origin, or gender be denied the benefits of or the activities of Selle Valley Carden School.

SUMMER CAMP!

Looking for educational and fun ways to engage your child in the summer? Find out more about our summer camps.

At Farm Adventure Camp, your child will spend their days exploring, building, creating, and taking on real responsibility in a Christ-centered environment.

Learn More

Student participating in outdoor education and hands-on learning during summer camp on the school farm

Kind Words From Parents

"Their Education Has Shaped Them in Every Positive Way For the Future."

I have had the privilege of having kids at the Carden school for nine years. I can truly say they have received a wonderful education that goes beyond the classroom walls. They have become competent not only in academics but also forestry, animal husbandry, skiing and snowboarding, cooking and gardening. Their education has shaped them in every positive way for the future. Thank you to all the teachers who have invested in my kids!

Ann Mellander

"Carden Has Truly Been a Blessing for Our Family"

Choosing a school is always an overwhelming task for a parent. We wanted to find somewhere that our daughter would learn Biblical truths but also get strong academics in an unconventional way. We love how well-rounded Selle Valley Carden School is. The kids get outside and get dirty. They do experiments. They have fun. But they also learn the fundamentals. They do all this in small class sizes where they can grow at their own speed. The teachers really care about the students. Carden has truly been a blessing for our family.

Alli Beck

"I'm Thrilled We Found This School!"

I’m thrilled we found this school! I have had children in public, Waldorf, and homeschool environments and SVCS has been an ideal setting for my youngest son. I love the mixture of farm school (with animals, chores and practical skills), Carden methods for teaching reading and other subjects, the encouragement to go at his own pace in subjects where he excels, and the experiential approach to projects, field trips, and unique subjects. Even better, Biblical teaching is incorporated in a regular and practical way. Highly recommend!”

Parent of a 4th-grader

Ok, That is Nice, But What Do the Students Say?

"I love that Selle Valley Carden School is like a huge amazing family.”

- Amália

“I love the teachers, the students and watching the baby animals being born.”

- Noara

“I love Miss Steele, the fun field trips and all the baby animals in the classroom.”

- Solana

"I like recess, snack and lunch, and I like to play with my friends."

- Emrie

Students playing together outside during recess on the school grounds.

Ready to Begin the Adventure?

Start the enrollment process and schedule a tour of our campus.

Enroll your Child