Sixth graders rule at Carlthorp School! The big kids on the playground enjoy their "Kindergarten Buddies," and love to reminisce about the days when they were in the "Popcorn Parade" themselves. Sixth graders at Carlthorp School know they are special - from the first day they put on their Sixth Grade Sweatshirt, a special exception in the uniform that only they can wear, designed by a member of their own class! The September retreat to Big Rock Creek, where classmates take the "Leap of Faith" and camp out in teepees for a program designed by the science faculty, helps bring the class together for a unique final year at our school. Class events like "Moms and Muffins," or "Dads and Donuts," bring parents and children together to savor special memories of the last year in elementary school. The "Teacher Appreciation Breakfast" allows the class to thank the teachers who have become so important to them over the years. "Ditch Day" at the beach, working on the "Sixth Grade Yearbook," "Mystery Night" with the teachers, and a host of Graduation events, help bring closure to the biggest transition your family will experience since that first day of kindergarten!

Carlthorp School is uniquely supportive of the applications process to secondary schools, and the ISEE preparation program offered before school by the sixth grade faculty, or the essay writing practice during English class, are just a few of the ways our school helps ease the process. Over 95% of our sixth graders will get into their first choice of secondary schools, and Mrs. Menzies and the administration work hard to support Carlthorp School families along the way. Whether hand-delivering applications to secondary schools, or meeting to individually counsel every family in the sixth grade during September, Carlthorp School helps our families transition out of the school community as gracefully as they have helped them transition in.

Academically, the sixth grade year continues to foster independence, refine study skills, and prepare for the ISEE exam and secondary school in general. With a social studies curriculum that features international studies, by the end of the year your child will have enjoyed an in-depth study of the country of their choice with the "Country Report," as well as proudly display to you their knowledge of the capital of every country in the world!

The emphasis on public speaking continues, and the Current Events program now features "Toastmasters" - where students will take turns speaking on topics of their choice to the class. Topics range from "The History of Marvel Comics" to "A Study of M and M's" or "Magic Tricks!" A special unit on "A Walk through Ancient History" focuses the class on Greece, Rome and Egypt while, closer to home, "A Day in L.A." field trip asks student teams to create a photographic essay that establishes the hallmarks of civilization, as defined by what they see in L.A. By the time your child is standing, arm in arm, in a circle of forty close friends on the night of graduation, you will look back with gratitude for this special community. There really is nothing like sixth grade at Carlthorp School!