Joseph M. Carkenord Elementary School has 598 students enrolled for the 2007-2008 school year. All students enjoy a state-of-the-art facility with 26 classroom spaces, which include computer labs, television for technology use, and many other technological advances to enhance instruction. Students enjoy art, music, media education, foreign language instruction, and physical education each week. All staff are highly qualified utilizing best practices, based on research, for instructional delivery. Student experience is enhanced with many extras including, but not limited to, portfolio development to demonstrate growth, Drug Abuse Resistance Education programming, space instruction at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, dinosaur digs, publishing parties to celebrate writing successes and learning field trips.

Children work together to create an environment of support and safety. Students learn through classroom and building assemblies, which include opportunities to learn about and improve etiquette, cooperation, and safety. Students have enjoyed life-science programs, famous authors, and bully-free education programs. Leadership within the building is demonstrated by students through coordination and participation in service-learning projects, and as caring citizens who raise funds for various charities. Carkenord students are provided with a caring, creative, and challenging place to learn.