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

We are currently accepting applications from qualified prospective faculty and staff for the 2023-2024 school year.

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 see our current openings below. 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

Employment Opportunities

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  • Associate Director of Admissions

    Associate Director of Admissions

    Carlthorp School is seeking a warm, outgoing, and organized Associate Director of Admissions to join our Admissions team and school community. Carlthorp school is a co-educational elementary school located in Santa Monica, CA, that serves approximately 280 students in grades K-6. At its core, Carlthorp School provides a strong academic foundation in a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respectful values, responsible work habits, and excellence in order to prepare our students to achieve their highest potential in education and life.

    The Associate Director of Admissions will welcome prospective families and guide them  through the admission process. This requires initiative, diplomacy, empathy, exceptional communication skills, and includes the ability to articulate the benefits of an independent school education and the unique features of the Carlthorp program with conviction and authenticity. This is a great position for someone who is passionate about working with families, is able to multitask, handles a fast-paced office, and can maintain confidentiality. 

    The Associate Director of Admissions will interview prospective families, field inquiries, organize and execute recruitment events, and support engagement efforts with feeder schools. The Associate Director of Admissions will participate fully in the assessment and selection of students, and in the broader life of the school.

    Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
    • Interviewing prospective applicant families, and completing interview write ups in a timely manner
    • Reading and evaluating the materials submitted for all kindergarten and grade level applicants
    • Working with the Director of Admissions and Head of School to identify mission-aligned families and students for enrollment in the School 
    • Fostering and bolstering relationships with outside student placement organizations (Independent School Alliance, Private School Village, etc.)
    • Maintaining and strengthening relationships with feeder schools and admissions consultants, as well as initiating outreach to new schools and community partners
    • Assisting with admissions events, including the planning and execution of admissions events such as parent coffees, information sessions, and assessment days. Some evening and weekend work is required
    • Facilitating and organizing parent volunteers for admissions events and initiatives
    • Overseeing and training student volunteers for tours and admission events
    • Serving as a thought partner with the Director of Admissions in devising recruitment strategies and efforts
    • Being responsible for developing, implementing, analyzing, and maintaining a variety of databases and analytic tools to guide and support the School’s overall admission activities and goals
    • Providing data requested by, or for the Head of School or Board of Trustees, as needed
    • Providing creative input around admissions marketing materials including welcome bag gifts, website content, video presentations, etc. 
    Preferred qualifications and skills:
    • Bachelor's degree required (master's degree preferred)
    • Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in admissions and/or enrollment management, preferably in an independent school
    • Adapt a success-oriented, optimistic approach to the admissions effort, while taking initiative to problem solve as needed
    • Ability to work with people from a broad range of cultural and economic backgrounds
    • Possess a detail-oriented approach to work and outstanding organizational skills
    • Have excellent communication skills including writing, listening, and public speaking
    • Be collaborative and flexible, and have a genuine enthusiasm for working with colleagues
    • Experience in managing database software; admissions-oriented software is highly preferred, specifically Blackbaud
    • Experience with video editing software highly preferred
    • Discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential admissions information
    • Sense of humor, warm personality, and high energy are extremely desirable
    • Strong proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suite of products
    • Candidates who are bilingual or multilingual are strongly encouraged to apply
    • Have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
    Start Date: July 1, 2023
    Salary: $70,000 - $105,000, commensurate with experience
    This job operates on a 12-month calendar. Evening and weekend hours may be required.
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  • Auxiliary & Special Programs Coordinator

    Auxiliary & Special Programs Coordinator

    Reporting to the Associate Head of School, Carlthorp School seeks a warm, outgoing, and organized Auxiliary & Special Programs Coordinator to join our team and school community. Carlthorp School is a co-educational elementary school in Santa Monica, CA, serving approximately 280 students in grades K-6. At its core, Carlthorp School provides a strong academic foundation in a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respectful values, responsible work habits, and excellence in order to prepare our students to achieve their highest potential in education and life.

    The Coordinator will oversee the following:
    • Early & Late Care
    • After School Clubs
    • Service Learning & Community Service
    • Summer Programs
    • Overnight Excursions
    • Field Trips
    • Yearbook

    Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
    • Ensuring late care and early care staffing.  Late care occurs daily between the hours of 3:15 - 4:45 p.m.
    • Sourcing and soliciting teachers to provide club activities and coordinating with outside providers to offer clubs on campus.
    • Running the summer program, including schedule creation, developing marketing materials, recruitment and placement of teaching faculty, interviewing and placing alum counselors and CITs, managing summer program staff, connecting with outside providers to enhance program offerings, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
    • Overseeing the service learning curriculum for K-6, including developing a scope and sequence from K-6, partnering with teachers in program implementation, monthly check-ins, support, facilitating relationships with external organizations, and providing classroom lessons about service learning.  
    • Working with the 6th grade to provide a capstone service-learning experience spanning several months, culminating in a night of service, where students present their service-learning work to family and friends.
    • Organizing and arranging overnight excursions, including partnering with educational trip companies, arranging itineraries and special meet-ups, ensuring paperwork and medical forms are completed promptly, and communicating with parents, including running information sessions and sending regular communications regarding trip requirements. Currently, this includes the coordination of the following trips:
      • 4th Grade Sacramento Trip
      • 5th Grade Boston Trip
      • 6th Grade Camp Overnight in the Fall
      • 6th grade Washington DC Trip
    • Behind-the-scenes field trip work, including planning and coordinating buses, permission slips, trip information, and day-of logistics.  
    • Chaperoning overnight excursions and field trips as necessary to support grade teams.
    • Supporting community service initiatives on campus, including school-wide drives to support our sister school, St. Anne’s, and community outreach with Upward Bound House and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica.  It will also include partnering with our community service liaison to support school-wide initiatives.
    • Managing and overseeing the MLK Day of Service
    • Partnering with the business office to ensure proper budgeting of auxiliary programs.
    • Thinking creatively of ways to enhance the current programming and propose new programming to enhance our overall school. 
    • Work with our Yearbook vendor to design, plan, and distribute yearbooks to students, faculty, and staff.
    • Work with school photographers to ensure appropriate yearbook photos for individuals, classrooms, clubs, and sports teams.
    • Take pictures for the school yearbook and partner with the Director of Communications, room parents, and volunteers to capture school moments for the yearbook.
    • Maintain a professional and cordial demeanor with colleagues, outside partners, students, and parents as a brand ambassador for our school.
    • Attend to deadlines, ensuring projects launch and complete as intended.
    Qualifications:
    • Bachelor’s degree required, graduate degree preferred
    • Have at least 3- 5 years of camp experience or teaching experience
    • Experience working with children in grades K-6

    Skills:
    • Ability to create a safe and inclusive environment for families and staff
    • Experience hiring and managing a diverse staff team
    • Experience in teaching and implementing conflict resolution
    • Strong critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and flexibility
    • Experience creating and following a budget
    • Proficient in Google Suite 
    • Must have strong written and verbal communication skills
    • An entrepreneurial spirit with a drive to develop new programs and new solutions to meet community needs 
     
    Start Date: August 2023
    Salary: $75,000 - $95,000, commensurate with experience

    This job operates on a 10-month calendar (including the Summer School sessions). Evening and weekend hours may be required.
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  • Director of Community Engagement & Belonging

    The Director of Community Engagement & Belonging is a full-time, year-round position that provides strategic leadership and programmatic vision in support of Carlthorp’s mission of belonging, inclusivity, and community. Carlthorp believes a strong community is the heart of our incredible school experience, not just for students, but also for families, faculty and staff, Trustees, alumni, parents of alumni, and community members.

    Ideal candidates will have a background in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work, preferably at an independent school, with demonstrated experience in strengthening representation through the admissions process, collaborating with faculty on developing age-appropriate K-6 curricular elements involving DEIB themes, and addressing social justice topics with care and sensitivity.

    In tandem with the Head of School, the administration, and the faculty and staff, the Director of Community Engagement & Belonging will work closely with all school constituents to assess and meet the needs of Carlthorp School’s community to ensure that everyone is included and feels a sense of belonging at Carlthorp. The Director will have a highly visible presence in the community, fostering connections across constituencies and fortifying the school’s DEIB and belonging efforts.

    With strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to building trust in the community by demonstrating integrity, the Director of Community Engagement & Belonging will exemplify the values expressed through Carlthorp’s Code of Conduct, including kindness, respect, honesty, and personal responsibility.

    While this is an inaugural position, the work of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging has been a steadfast endeavor at Carlthorp with this position building on our current efforts to embrace every department and classroom with a holistic view of community engagement and belonging for every member of our community. The Director will work in partnership with the senior leadership team, reporting to the Head of School, to shape and sustain a welcoming atmosphere and a truly inclusive community that is respectful and affirming of all its members. 

    Essential areas of focus:
    • Strategy, Vision, and Leadership 
    • Curriculum and Instruction 
    • Student and Family Experience, Support and Engagement 
    • Faculty and Staff Professional Development, Retention and Recruitment
    Duties/responsibilities (including but not limited to):
    • Collaborate with the Head of School and administrative leadership team to determine goals and initiatives to support Carlthorp’s work in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging.
    • Design and implement programming to support the school’s community goals of inclusion and belonging.
    • Attend daily Flag Line morning assemblies to make all students and families feel welcome.
    • Work with the Director of Advancement and other administrators to ensure the school is meeting the needs of room parents, new families, committee members, mentors, and other constituents as needed.
    • Monitor and analyze parent volunteerism and provide targeted support to maximize school impact and a sense of connection for all families.
    • Oversee the budget and planning for parent- and family-initiated holiday and cultural celebrations (e.g. Día de Muertos, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Black History Month).
    • Assist with the onboarding of new employees to support faculty and staff success.
    • Serve as a resource for faculty and staff in the delivery of a culturally relevant curriculum.
    • Represent the school at both internal and external events, including Board and parent committee meetings, conferences, employment fairs, and admissions events.  
    Qualifications
    • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
    • 3+ years DEIB related experience, ideally in an independent school
    • Demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate and engage in difficult conversations regarding race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age and other identity markers
    • An empathetic and collaborative leadership style; ability to work with broad constituencies in an approachable and diplomatic manner
    • High integrity, commitment to confidentiality, and the ability to handle sensitive information with a high degree of discretion
    • Ability to develop and sustain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
    • Experience in conflict resolution and ability to manage discomfort and tension that may arise when addressing issues of race and other disparities with all school constituencies
    • A team builder who brings joy, kindness, maturity, and flexibility to the school environment, calling individuals into the work and supporting them in their development
    • A deep appreciation for the development of young people and a desire to engage with students as a part of their work
    • Enthusiasm for embracing the Carlthorp School model of mentoring, advising, and supporting students outside the classroom
    • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills as well as a proven ability to work with a diversity of colleagues and stakeholders at all levels
    • Enthusiasm for professional development
    • Comfortable using technology and experience with Google Workspace for Education (preferred)
    The anticipated salary range the school reasonably expects to pay candidates for this position is $85,000 - $115,000. The offer to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience, training, practical knowledge, and education.

    Interested candidates should submit the following materials as a single PDF file: 
    • A cover letter indicating the candidate’s particular interest in and qualifications for the position 
    • A current résumé 
    • A statement of educational philosophy 
    • The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references, including at least one recent supervisor. References should speak to the applicant’s ability to be an effective educator and administrator and to work collaboratively and collegially with adults, including trustees (references will be contacted only with the candidate’s permission).
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  • Lead Spanish Teacher

    Carlthorp School seeks a passionate and experienced Spanish teacher to join our team and teach Spanish to our K-6 students. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive Spanish language program that meets the needs of students at different proficiency levels and promotes cultural understanding and appreciation.

    Responsibilities:
    • Collaborate with the Spanish team and lead the department.
    • Develop and deliver daily Spanish lessons that align with the school's curriculum and standards.
    • Develop and deliver a Spanish curriculum for native speakers and bilingual students.
    • Create engaging and age-appropriate activities, materials, and assessments that support students' language acquisition and cultural competence.
    • Assess students' progress and adjust instruction accordingly, providing feedback to students and parents regularly.
    • Collaborate with other teachers and staff members to integrate the Spanish language and culture into other subject areas, such as social studies, art, and music.
    • Maintain accurate student attendance records, grades, and progress toward language proficiency goals.
    • Communicate with parents regularly to provide updates on students' progress and discuss strategies for supporting their language learning at home.
    • Plan, coordinate, and collaborate with teachers and parent volunteers for special cultural events such as Día de los Muertos and La Fiesta Latina.
    • Attend professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in language instruction and cultural competence.

    Requirements:
    • Bachelor's degree in Education, Spanish, or a related field.
    • Teaching certification and experience working with elementary students.
    • Fluent in Spanish and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Knowledge of language acquisition theory and instructional strategies for teaching Spanish to young learners.
    • Experience designing and implementing a comprehensive Spanish language program.
    • Ability to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports all students' learning needs and backgrounds.
    • Strong organizational and time-management skills.
    • Passion for promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
    This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to resume@carlthorp.org.

    Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000, commensurate with experience

    This job operates on a 10-month calendar. Evening and weekend hours may be required.
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  • Long-Term Substitute Music Teacher

     
    Position Title: Long-Term Substitute Music Teacher
    Reports to: Dean of Academics
    Status: Full-time, non-exempt

    Reporting to the Dean of Academics, Carlthorp School seeks a warm, outgoing, and organized long-term substitute music teacher to join our team and school community. Carlthorp school is a co-educational elementary school in Santa Monica, CA, serving approximately 280 students in grades K-6. At its core, Carlthorp School provides a strong academic foundation in a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respectful values, responsible work habits, and excellence in order to prepare our students to achieve their highest potential in education and life.

    Job Overview

    The successful candidate must enjoy working with children and be devoted to building a nurturing and safe learning environment. To excel in this role, the Music Teacher must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills and in-depth knowledge of classroom activities and teaching methods. 

    Qualifications
    • A degree with a major in Elementary Education, Music Education, or a related field
    • 3-5 years experience in general music education
    • Experience in working with children in grades K - 6
    Relevant Skills
    • Good oral and written communication skills
    • Ability to organize and manage a positive classroom grounded in a belief that all learning begins with attending to children’s developmental social, and emotional needs
    • Ability to teach and adapt an integrated, inquiry-based curriculum
    • Commitment to teaching diverse learning styles and differentiated instruction
    • Basic skills to teach basic violin, xylophone, recorder, and piano
    • Ability to manage and teach an elementary school orchestra and choral program
    Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
    • Teach music, design and modify curriculum as needed, and demonstrate thorough planning
    • Collaborate with co-teacher to create a joyful learning environment
    • Organize and help lead musical performances; collaborate with our drama department on musical shows, co-teach after-school chorus and orchestra programs
    • Maintain an emphasis on preparing students for the joys and challenges of learning
    • Participate in curriculum development, committee, and task force work
    • Perform necessary administrative tasks and attend required meetings and events
    • Engage in reflective practice and various professional growth activities
    Start Date: August 2023
    End Date: Estimated December 2023
    Salary: $55 - $65/ hour, commensurate with experience

    Evening and weekend hours may be required.
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  • Lower Elementary Homeroom Teacher

    The successful candidate must enjoy working with children and be devoted to building a nurturing and safe learning environment. To excel in this role, the Classroom Teacher must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of classroom activities and teaching methods. 

    Roles and Responsibilities
    • Design, plan and implement learning experiences for reading, writing, math, and social studies
    • Establish and maintain a healthy and trusting learning environment, fostering nurturing relationships with students
    • Meaningfully integrate technologies into class lessons, for online learning as well as in school learning
    • Guide students in their social-emotional development, maintaining expectations and support for positive and productive student behavior
    • Collaborate with the Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to keep multiculturalism and diversity as a priority of curricular work and curriculum development
    • Regularly communicate with families about classroom happenings and student progress
    • Update documentation of current curriculum, instruction, and assessment
    • Maintain records of individual student progress and achievement
    • Participate fully in ongoing professional development
    • Participate in the school community, including faculty and committee work, school duties, and activities such as clubs and assemblies

    Qualifications
    • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Elementary Education preferred
    • Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience at the elementary level 
    • Excellent knowledge of child development, latest education theories and practices, and current trends in education and professional development
    • Strong communication skills 
    • Strong technology skills, familiarity with Google Classroom and other educational technology tools preferred
    • Skill in differentiating instruction
    • Demonstrated experience working in a culturally diverse community
    Salary: $74,000 - $111,000, commensurate with experience

    This job operates on a 10-month calendar. Evening and weekend hours may be required.
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  • Teaching Assistant

    Position Title: Teaching Assistant
    Reports to: Dean of Academics
    Status: Part-time, non-exempt

    Carlthorp School seeks a warm, outgoing, and organized Teaching Assistant to join our team and school community. Established in 1939, Carlthorp School is the oldest independent coeducational day school for grades K-6 located in Santa Monica, California. Carlthorp School provides a strong academic foundation in a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respectful values, responsible work habits, and excellence in order to prepare our students to achieve their highest potential in education and life. There are 280 students and 80 faculty and staff on campus.

    Job Overview
    The successful candidate must enjoy working with children and be devoted to building a nurturing and safe learning environment. To excel in this role, the Teaching Assistant must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of classroom activities and teaching methods.

    Teacher Assistant Responsibilities
    • Work with the lead teacher to monitor the class schedule.
    • Assist teachers with lesson preparation by getting materials ready and setting up equipment.
    • Review lesson material with students individually or in small groups.
    • Ensure the classroom environment is safe and clean.
    • Oversee students during non-classroom times including in-between classes, during lunch, and on field excursions.
    • Collaborate with lead teachers to recognize issues students are facing and recommend solutions.
    • Document student progress and communicate with parents to keep them informed.
    • Help lead teachers to create lesson plans.
    • Comply with state, school, and class rules and regulations.
    • Attend all training classes, parent conferences, and faculty meetings.
    • Assist Faculty & Staff with health and safety protocols.
    Teacher Assistant Requirements
    • High school diploma or equivalent qualification.
    • Bachelor’s degree in Education or relevant field is preferred.
    • A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a teaching assistant or similar role.
    • Solid understanding of classroom activities and teaching best practices.
    • Must have a compassionate and positive attitude.
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Ability to communicate appropriately, collaboratively, and effectively with students, parents, administrators, and other school personnel.
    • Ability to work independently or with others.
    • Ability to stand, walk, and operate in a classroom environment for 8 or more hours per day.
    • Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and employee health information.
    • Proficient computer expertise in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google docs.
    Start Date: August 2023
    Salary: $25-30/hour, commensurate with experience

    This job operates on a 10-month calendar. Evening and weekend hours may be required.
    Read More
  • Upper Elementary Homeroom Teacher

    The successful candidate must enjoy working with children and be devoted to building a nurturing and safe learning environment. To excel in this role, the Classroom Teacher must demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of classroom activities and teaching methods. 

    Roles and Responsibilities
    • Design, plan and implement learning experiences for reading, writing, math, and social studies
    • Establish and maintain a healthy and trusting learning environment, fostering nurturing relationships with students
    • Meaningfully integrate technologies into class lessons, for online learning as well as in school learning
    • Guide students in their social-emotional development, maintaining expectations and support for positive and productive student behavior
    • Collaborate with the Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to keep multiculturalism and diversity as a priority of curricular work and curriculum development
    • Regularly communicate with families about classroom happenings and student progress
    • Update documentation of current curriculum, instruction, and assessment
    • Maintain records of individual student progress and achievement
    • Participate fully in ongoing professional development
    • Participate in the school community, including faculty and committee work, school duties, and activities such as clubs and assemblies

    Qualifications
    • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Elementary Education preferred
    • Minimum of 3 years of teaching experience at the elementary level 
    • Excellent knowledge of child development, latest education theories and practices, and current trends in education and professional development
    • Strong communication skills 
    • Strong technology skills, familiarity with Google Classroom and other educational technology tools preferred
    • Skill in differentiating instruction
    • Demonstrated experience working in a culturally diverse community
    Salary: $74,000 - $111,000, 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.