A Schoolhouse on Fourth Street
While serving as principal of a private school in Los Angeles, Miss Mercedes Thorp met Mrs. Ann Carlson Granstrom. In 1939, they founded their own school, Carlthorp School, in a small house on Fourth Street in Santa Monica. They had one student when it opened, but enrollment grew to ten before the year was over.

The two teachers believed there was a need in the community for an alternative to public school education: a structured, traditional school that would emphasize a strong, balanced academic program. Their intention was to provide a comprehensive education for each child, enhanced by good study habits, courtesy, self-discipline, and positive self-esteem. These two educators believed that a low student-to-teacher ratio was essential for providing a nurturing classroom setting where students would receive personalized attention. Their goal was to prepare each child to meet the challenges of higher education - and life.

A New Building
The school's reputation grew quickly. By 1941, Carlthorp School had outgrown its facility and moved to our present location on San Vicente Blvd. The campus consisted of a single house and served as a day and boarding school. During the 1950s, additional classroom buildings were added across the back of the campus.

Miss Thorp served as principal and taught the upper grades, while Mrs. Granstrom taught the lower grades. One of Miss Thorp's pupils for fourth, fifth, and sixth grades was Dee Menzies, our current Head of School. The school continued to blossom and grow in reputation and enrollment. In 1976, the east building was added, with three additional classrooms.

A Sudent Returns
Miss Thorp retired from daily schoolwork in 1970. Mrs. Granstrom assumed the role of principal, and continued to teach first grade. She retired in 1983, when Dee Menzies agreed to serve as Head of School. Both founders continued to serve on the Board of Trustees. They have supported the school both with their presence on campus and financial gifts for special projects.

In 1989, Carlthorp School celebrated its 50th anniversary with the opening of its newly completed administration and classroom complex. Construction of this facility, which includes the library, computer center, and advanced instruction classrooms, was made possible by a successful capital campaign, which was supported by the entire school community. In 1998, Carlthorp School finished a second extensive remodeling of the school. An additional class per grade level was added, in addition to a large library, a new science lab, and a grass playing field.

While Mrs. Granstrom passed away in 1999, Miss Thorp continues to be associated with the school. In 2005, Miss Thorp was one of the first contributors to Carlthorp School's Endowment Campaign, focusing on the key goal of the Faculty Endowment. She will be celebrating her 100th birthday in February 2006.

We continue to enjoy Miss Thorp's visits to the campus and her interest in the growth and development of the school. Our entire community appreciates the unique legacy of the Carlthorp School education that these two wonderful visionaries have left in our care.