Academics
Curriculum
Spanish
Integrated into every stage of the K-6 journey, our Spanish program fosters language skills and deep cultural appreciation. Through a rich mix of immersive and structured learning, students build confidence, curiosity, and a broader perspective on the world.
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About Our Spanish Program
The linguistics part of the Spanish program is divided into three grade-level groups:
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Grades K-2: Students focus on the phonetic aspects of the language, learning the different sounds of the language and practicing their recognition of letters and sounds.
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Grades 3-4: Students start with grammatical structures and the written form of the language with the introduction of Libreta, our Spanish writing journal. In 3rd grade, students begin end-of-term Spanish tests that they will have until 6th grade, so it’s easier to measure and keep track of their language learning journey.
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Grades 5-6: Students focus on reading and reading comprehension in the language.
Engaging Experiences: The linguistics components are complemented by activities beyond the classroom to reinforce the content and exposure to the language within a real-life context. Students in grades 2-6 enjoy a field trip related to their Spanish curriculum, and students in grades K-1 work on a special out-of-class activity at school, such as a theatrical or musical performance in Spanish at Flag Line.
Culture in Focus: The program is also designed to foster interest in the cultural aspect of the language with big events like Fiesta Latina (a school-wide celebration of different Spanish-speaking countries) and El Mundo (a school-wide Spanish magazine that all students create from scratch).
Bringing Language to Life: With two full-time Spanish teachers and a Spanish teaching assistant, Carlthorp is committed to teaching Spanish as a way to promote diversity and encourage students to embrace other cultures and traditions. Spanish at Carlthorp School is taught by experienced teachers, not through purchased technology.
Building a Bridge: Working closely with school administrators and Carlthorp's reading specialists, the Spanish teachers are trained in the methods of our reading workshops and activate similar strategies in the Spanish curriculum throughout the year.
Established in 1939, Carlthorp School is the oldest independent coeducational day school for grades K-6 located in Santa Monica, California.