1st Grade

Welcome to 1st grade at Carlthorp, where young students find their voice, master the basics, and step boldly into big discoveries.

Building a Toolbox for Lifelong Learning

In 1st grade, foundational curiosity meets academic confidence. Morning meetings build an inclusive community, nurture self-advocacy, and sharpen public speaking skills. Through guided reading and math instruction, students master complex phonics, place value, and mathematical problem-solving. Hands-on units spark inquiry into everything from ocean ecosystems and light waves to global communities, developing independent, critical thinkers equipped for lifelong learning.

From Animal Explorers to Research Experts

Spring brings a defining academic milestone as our young researchers study animal habitats, survival needs, and offspring traits. As part of this immersive nonfiction unit, students take an inspiring field trip to examine animals and connect their learning to real-life zoology. The experience culminates in our beloved animal reports celebration, when proud 1st graders showcase their research reports to visiting families.

Meet the Team

List of 4 items.

India Military

India is thrilled to begin her third year teaching at Carlthorp School! Her journey began at Boston University, where she studied early childhood education. There, she had the pleasure of teaching preschool and grades K-2. After moving back to Los Angeles, her hometown, she taught 1st grade at Brentwood School. India’s passion for teaching rests in the belief that how we shape the minds and hearts of young children has a lasting, powerful impact on the global community. Her approach to learning respects, appreciates, and celebrates each aspect of children’s identities through a strengths-based lens. When India is not teaching, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes, exercising, and spending time with friends and family.
Cassidy Dalton

Entering her fifth year at Carlthorp School, Ms. Dalton is eager to serve as a 1st grade teacher for the 2026-2027 school year. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, where she taught TK students on campus for four years, and her master’s in teaching and credential from Pepperdine University. Prior to Carlthorp, Ms. Dalton served as a 1st grade teacher in Manhattan Beach. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Keara Devitt

Keara is eager to begin her ninth year teaching at Carlthorp School and 12th year as an educator in Los Angeles. She values helping her students develop critical thinking skills as academic scholars and fostering their social and emotional growth. Originally from Long Island, New York, she is the youngest of seven children. In 2010, she moved to California for college to pursue her teaching degree and professional career. She attended the University of San Francisco and earned a B.A. in psychology and a master's in elementary education. She later attended Mount Saint Mary’s University and completed the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing program. In her free time, Keara enjoys going to the beach, hiking, and doing yoga.
Hannah Grunbaum

Hannah is thrilled to be entering her third year at Carlthorp as part of the 1st grade team. With seven years of teaching experience, she brings a warm, playful, and dedicated presence to the classroom. Hannah earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from Saint Mary’s College and later completed her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in social justice at Cal State Fullerton. Her teaching approach is rooted in the importance of mindfulness and social-emotional learning, and she values building meaningful connections with each student. Outside of teaching, Hannah loves traveling, cooking, staying active, and spending time with her loved ones.