Fourth graders journey to Old California with a year-long social studies curriculum that focuses on the California Missions and the Gold Rush. With a classroom transformed into a trading post from the Old West - complete with murals on the walls and Mrs. Menzies' Livery Stable - it's no wonder that the children are often seen reading out of their social studies textbooks wearing bonnets and cowboy hats, or with their chairs in a new formation (boys vs. girls!) temporarily set up to recall a 19th century schoolhouse! Class trips to Santa Barbara and San Juan Capistrano Missions, Sacramento and the gold rush country, and the famous Mission Report are the highlights of the year. Family trips to individual missions are another tradition, as well as the infamous (and optional!) mission model - originally painted and decorated by each child. The year culminates with the exciting Walk thru California program.

Within the classroom, academic fundamentals lay the groundwork for more advanced preparation for secondary school. Small group studies continue in math, English, and reading, while classroom-wide studies include social studies, and Spanish. Trips to the Art Room and Science Lab present additional opportunities for the students.

The Public Speaking Program continues as fourth graders deliver bi-weekly Current Events. Fourth graders are also excited to begin to give school tours to prospective parents who come to visit the campus. By the end of their Carlthorp School careers, these children are ready for anything!