Academics
Curriculum
Art
Step into a world where creativity takes shape and every student builds the confidence to share their unique voice through art.
An Artist Within Every Student
In Carlthorp’s Art Room, curiosity takes form and imagination runs wild. Guided by dedicated art educators, our K-6 students stretch their creative boundaries, discover their unique voices, and build lifelong confidence. By blending the study of master artists and global traditions with hands-on experimentation across diverse media — from paints and clay to textiles and recycled materials — we empower every child to see creative challenges as joyful opportunities for growth.
List of 3 items.
-
Foundational Exploration
GRADES K-2In the early primary years, students focus on core technical skills and the foundational elements of art, such as line, shape, texture, and color mixing. Through engaging, hands-on projects like landscapes, floral still lifes, and glazed ceramics, K-2 students master brush control and spatial perspective. They learn to turn personal experiences into visual art while building problem-solving resilience and creative joy. -
Advanced Design
GRADES 3-6
As students mature, the curriculum introduces the formal Principles of Design, including balance, scale, contrast, and movement. Our upper elementary artists refine their critical thinking through complex, multi-dimensional projects, from printmaking and architectural modeling to textile resists. Drawing inspiration from diverse world cultures and historical creators, students synthesize advanced techniques to develop and express their own distinct artistic styles. -
Creativity on Display
GRADES K-6
Creativity fills our entire campus, transforming everyday spaces into a vibrant, living gallery. Each May, our annual end-of-year art exhibition proudly showcases one curated masterpiece from every single student. Additionally, our triennial Celebrate the Arts Day brings the whole community together for an immersive festival celebrating visual arts, music, dance, and creative writing.
Established in 1939, Carlthorp School is the oldest independent coeducational day school for grades K-6 located in Santa Monica, California.