Carlthorp School is a fun and fulfilling environment — not just for our students! Join our kind, diverse, and dedicated team of faculty and staff.

Thank you for your interest in Carlthorp School!

In creating our community of dedicated and highly qualified faculty and staff, we carefully review prospective employees’ applications. Carlthorp seeks candidates who are experts in their fields; who are passionate about education and working with children; who have superb communication and technology skills; and who have a demonstrated commitment to the Code of Conduct values that we model for our students.

Carlthorp School offers competitive salaries, a generous benefits package, and numerous opportunities for professional growth.

Please scroll down to see our current openings. In addition, Carlthorp is always looking for dedicated and experienced professionals to join our team; prospective employees are welcome to submit application materials to resume@carlthorp.org.

Our Location

  • Santa Monica, California
  • Four blocks from the beach
  • Situated in a residential neighborhood with convenient access to the Montana Avenue business district
  • Accessible from throughout Greater Los Angeles
  • Beautiful weather year-round

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

List of 7 items.

  • Health Care Coverage

    Carlthorp School covers 100% of health care premiums for employees and also offers vision, dental, and life insurance coverage.
  • Retirement Matching Contributions

    Carlthorp School supports employees' retirement savings through a generous matching program.
  • Vacation Time

    Carlthorp School employees receive ample vacation time as well as allotments for sick time, bereavement, and personal days.
  • Discounted Tuition

    Children of Carlthorp School employees are eligible to receive discounted tuition.
  • Professional Development

    Professional development at Carlthorp includes on-campus workshops throughout the year, a coaching and mentoring program, access to virtual and in-person workshops and conferences, and generous support for the pursuit of advanced degrees and licensing.

  • Employee Appreciation

    We show our gratitude for our amazing faculty and staff in myriad ways, including school apparel and accessories, free lunch on Fridays, and raffle giveaways as well as Sunshine Committee events such as holiday gatherings, happy hours, an annual chili cook-off, and more!
  • Community Grants

    Carlthorp School supports employees' professional and personal growth through the CS Community Grants program, which provides funding for writing projects, passion projects, humanitarian projects, and travel.

"After working as a public school teacher for many years, transitioning to Carlthorp School was a pleasant experience. From expert colleagues who enjoy collaboration to a supportive administration that allows autonomy in creative lesson planning, Carlthorp School is a very special place to work. It is the place where I found my voice as a teacher, and I’m so thankful to have a career within this uniquely loving community."
—Ron Burwick, 4th Grade Homeroom Teacher
"Carlthorp is a second family to me. After working here for 24 years, it’s safe to say I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The Carlthorp community is one of warmth, love, and support. As an independent school, it sets itself apart through long-standing traditions and upholds a strong emphasis on values that have not only made me a better teacher but a better person."
—Janeth Zavaleta, 5th Grade Homeroom Teacher

Employment Opportunities

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  • Music Teacher

    Carlthorp School seeks a passionate and engaging music educator who brings together the joy, wonder, and fun of music with technical skill development in a developmentally appropriate way. We seek a teacher who fosters a love of music while building foundational skills in instrumental technique, musical literacy, movement, and creative expression.

    About Carlthorp School

    Carlthorp School is a co-educational elementary school in Santa Monica, California, serving approximately 280 students in grades K-6. At its core, Carlthorp provides a strong academic foundation within a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respect, responsibility, and excellence.

    Position Overview

    The Music Teacher will create a dynamic and engaging classroom environment where students experience music as an expressive art form and a structured discipline. This role includes teaching a comprehensive K-6 music curriculum, incorporating singing, movement, instrumental instruction (violin, recorder, xylophone, keyboard, ukulele, and percussion), music literacy, composition, and performance. The ideal candidate will spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and guide students in developing confidence as musicians and performers.

    Qualifications

    • Degree in Music Education, Elementary Education, or a related field
    • 3-5 years of experience teaching general music to students in grades K–6
    • Strong foundation in instrumental instruction and music literacy
    • Experience directing choral and instrumental performances
    • Familiarity with Orff and Kodály methodologies, with an emphasis on active, student-centered learning
    • Knowledge of child development and the ability to differentiate instruction
    • Excellent classroom management skills

    Core Responsibilities

    • Cultivate a Joyful Learning Experience: Balance technical music instruction with opportunities for creativity, exploration, and play
    • Instrumental & Vocal Instruction: Teach students how to read, interpret, and perform music using various instruments and their voices
    • Music Literacy: Develop students’ understanding of rhythm, notation, ear training, and ensemble performance
    • Movement & Creativity: Incorporate creative movement, structured improvisation, and dramatization into music lessons
    • Collaborate & Perform: Work closely with colleagues to produce grade-level musical performances, direct after-school choral group, and support school-wide events such as the talent show, Flag Line performances, and Grandparents & Special Friends Day
    • Reflect & Grow: Engage in ongoing professional development, curriculum planning, and collaborative discussions to continuously refine the music program

    Why Join Carlthorp?

    This is an exciting opportunity to inspire young musicians and shape a music program that blends technical skill development with joy and creativity. If you believe in the power of music to engage, connect, and uplift students, we would love to hear from you!

    Start Date: August 2025

    Salary: $80,000-$120,000, commensurate with experience 

    This position follows a 10-month academic calendar, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for performances and events.

    We look forward to welcoming an enthusiastic, dedicated, and imaginative music educator to our team!

    Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to resume@carlthorp.org.
    Read More
  • Part-Time Math Teaching Assistant

    Carlthorp School seeks a dynamic, dependable, and collaborative individual to serve as a part-time Math Teaching Assistant for grades K-6 for the 2025-2026 school year. The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporting students in their mathematical learning journey, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to fostering a positive classroom environment.

    Primary Responsibilities

    Instructional Support
    • Work with small groups of students or individuals to reinforce math skills and concepts under the direction of the lead teacher
    • Provide targeted support during guided math activities, intervention blocks, or enrichment opportunities
    • Support differentiated instruction and help implement accommodations/modifications for diverse learners
    Assessment & Feedback
    • Assist with grading student work, including classwork, homework, quizzes, and assessments
    • Help organize and track student progress data to support instructional planning
    • Prepare and organize instructional materials as directed
    Classroom Management & Student Supervision
    • Support the lead teacher in maintaining a respectful, productive, and inclusive classroom environment
    • Assist with behavior management and redirection strategies to support student engagement
    • Provide classroom coverage when a math teacher is absent (short-term, internal coverage only)
    Collaboration & Communication
    • Attend team or grade-level meetings as needed to align on instruction and student support
    • Communicate effectively and professionally with teachers, students, and staff
    • Maintain confidentiality of student records and school matters
    General Support
    • Assist with the setup and cleanup of classroom activities and materials
    • Provide supervision during transitions, recess, or lunch as needed
    • Participate in relevant professional development and training opportunities
    Qualifications
    • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree required; background in education, mathematics, or child development preferred
    • Prior experience working with elementary-aged students in an instructional or support capacity
    • Strong interpersonal skills, flexibility, and a proactive, team-oriented mindset
    • Comfort with basic math content through Grade 6 and a willingness to learn school-specific curriculum approaches (e.g., Eureka Math, etc.)
    • An interest in working with elementary-level students and a desire to pursue a career in education
    • Ability to model a growth mindset and encourage persistence in learning
    • Knowledge in Google Suite applications
    Physical Requirements
    • Must be able to remain in a stationary position and/or move about inside the classroom
    • Ability to lift or carry materials up to 25 lbs
    • Active engagement with children, including bending, kneeling, or sitting on the floor
    Compensation: Hourly rate based on experience ($25 - $30 per hour); part-time (under 30 hours per week), non-benefits-eligible position.

    Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to resume@carlthorp.org.
    Read More
  • Physical Education (PE) Instructor

    Carlthorp School seeks a full-time physical education (PE) teacher who will work effectively with the PE team and grade level teachers to plan and implement the physical education curriculum for grades K-6. The ideal candidate should be current on best teaching practices for physical education, communicate proactively with students, families, and colleagues, contribute positively to the school culture, supervise lunch and recess time, and serve on school committees as requested. This position reports directly to the Associate Head of School.

    Primary Job Responsibilities
    • Plan, prepare and teach PE curriculum twice weekly for all grades, K-6
    • Evaluate student progress and complete report card indicators
    • Engage in professional development to stay current with research and thinking about physical education
    • Demonstrate cultural competence 
    • Work collaboratively with the PE department, homeroom teachers, and TAs
    • Coordinate and contribute to special school events like Spirit Week, Healthy Hearts Week, Field Hockey Tournament and Field Day, among others
    • Coach after-school sports through the Coastal Canyon League
    • Participate in interactive activities with students during recess periods, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that activities are accessible to all students
    • Document injury reports for occurrences on the yard
    • Communicate student concerns and partner with our Learning Specialist, SEL Coordinator, and Director of Inclusivity and Belonging to ensure a safe yard for students
    • Manage and safeguard physical education equipment
    • Ensure proper use of playground and sports equipment
    Skills and Requirements
    • Current Teacher Certification preferred
    • BA or BS in Physical Education or a related field is required
    • Minimum 3 years of experience teaching elementary age student
    • Excellent knowledge of child development and elementary PE curricula
    • Strong communication skills 
    • Skill in differentiating instruction
    • Demonstrated experience working in a culturally diverse community
    • Prior experience coaching basketball, flag football, volleyball and/or soccer
    Salary: $80,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience

    This job operates on a 10-month calendar. Evening and weekend hours may be required.
    Read More

Submitting an Application

Alongside a resume, candidates should submit a cover letter that answers the following question:

“What makes you uniquely qualified for a position at Carlthorp School?”

Please keep your response limited to one page and submit your application (PDF) to resume@carlthorp.org.
Carlthorp School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.