Clariden School

The Clariden School empowers students to discover their genius by igniting curiosity, deepening inquiry, and developing a global perspective.

We are a preK-12 private, independent, college-preparatory school where students are challenged through project-based learning and the International Baccalaureate program to achieve excellence in a meaningful, supportive and welcoming environment. Conveniently located in Southlake, Texas, The Clariden School offers access to rich opportunities for field study, research, and real-world learning to 250 students across the DFW metroplex.

In 2022, Clariden opened a new STEAM building featuring an extensive MakerSpace, Science Lab, Think Tank, four classrooms, and a student lounge with flexible seating. This investment has significantly enhanced and expanded hands-on learning opportunities for Middle and Upper School students.

With our project-based approach, students have agency in their learning and a voice in shaping their educational experience. Through interdisciplinary projects that mirror real-world challenges, students become communicators, problem-solvers and critical thinkers. They have extensive opportunities to express themselves through informal group discussions and formal public-speaking presentations. As a result, they become confident advocating for themselves with peers, teachers and other adults. Throughout their academic career at Clariden, students develop the skills to be lifelong learners and the mindsets for growth and success.

The Clariden community represents over 35 countries, providing students with opportunities to learn and appreciate many different beliefs and customs. As an independent, secular school that welcomes families of all backgrounds, we foster a safe environment infused with positive values and mutual respect free of political or social influences.

To that, we believe that moving outside one’s normal environment provides rich educational experiences. Travel and field studies enable students to broaden their global perspectives, build new relationships, practice skills, and apply knowledge obtained in the classroom to the outside world. These foundational experiences teach humility as students encounter the unknown and empathy as students realize the common human condition. 

PreK-G2 students take field study trips throughout DFW that are intentionally aligned with their Project-Based Learning curriculum and include locations like museums, farms, fire stations, and nature centers. In Grade 3, field study programs take students across the metroplex as well as to Austin, TX. Every two years, G4-5 students engage in a multi-day Imagineering field study at Walt Disney World, where they research roller coasters, meet with Disney Imagineers, and take daily education classes that explore concepts such as motion and energy.

Middle School students continue field study trips locally but also have the opportunity to travel within the country. To foster voice and choice, students are given the opportunity to select a domestic location each year. A semester-long course is then designed around this destination, covering its history, landscapes, unique features, and cuisine. Past destinations have included Key West, FL; Boston, MA; and San Francisco, CA. Upper School students have multiple opportunities to travel within the U.S. as well as internationally to locations including the United Kingdom, London, Belize, France, and Mexico. Notably, Clariden's involvement in rocketry, robotics, and Odyssey of the Mind competitions has allowed MS/US students to visit several U.S. states.

Clariden inspires generations of bold thinkers who have the courage, character, and compassion to lead and shape a better world.