3rd Grade

Third grade at Carlthorp is a transformative year during which students take ownership of their learning, master new academic heights, and find their unique voices.

Taking Ownership

Third grade is a transformative bridge where students take true ownership of their learning. Grounded in our Responsive Classroom framework, morning meetings foster a supportive community where children feel safe tackling new challenges. As executive functioning grows, students use planners to manage multi-step projects. They also build real-world resilience as letter grades and standardized ERB CTP exams are introduced thoughtfully.

Spotlight on Current Events

Building on years of gentle preparation, Carlthorp School 3rd graders launch into a milestone program: Current Events! Students learn to select, analyze, and present real-world news articles in their own words. As they share with their peers, they master crucial public speaking skills, learning to maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and deliver engaging presentations with effortless, natural confidence.

Ready for Rigor

As students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn,” Carlthorp’s science-of-reading framework drives deep textual analysis and essay writing. Differentiated, small-group instruction supports every child through advanced math — from multiplication and unit fractions to area. Through dynamic writing workshops and podcasting projects, 3rd graders develop sophisticated note-taking, written expression, and critical thinking skills for upper elementary rigor.

Exploring Los Angeles

Third graders explore Los Angeles through history, geography, and civics, enriched by hands-on local field trips to city landmarks. Students also connect with their surrounding communities through the Service Learning program, partnering with Upward Bound House to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of unhoused families.

Meet the Team

List of 4 items.

Xylina Meade

After two years of teaching 6th grade at Carlthorp, Xylina Meade will bring her passion for teaching to 3rd grade for the 2026-2027 school year. With nearly 30 years of elementary teaching experience, Ms. Meade is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child, creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to grow. Originally from Lafayette, California, Xylina holds a multiple subject credential from San Diego State University and an M.S. in reading and literacy. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys making jewelry, volunteering at animal rescues, practicing Pilates, and taking family skiing trips.
Jarrod Moon

After two years in 4th grade, Mr. Moon will now serve his second year on the 3rd grade team. His passion for teaching grew from his experience as a summer camp counselor during college, where he led hikes, fishing trips, and cooking activities for young explorers. A football and baseball player in high school, Jarrod graduated from Indiana University with a degree in elementary education, a minor in counseling, and a concentration in mathematics. He looks forward to sharing his passion for math and history with his Carlthorp students. Jarrod spends his free time expanding his movie and TV trivia skills and reading all kinds of fantasy books.
Haley Skiba

Born and raised in Pacific Palisades, Haley is now living her dream of raising her own children there. After attending Corpus Christi Elementary School and Marymount High School, she received a bachelor’s degree in communication while playing volleyball at UCLA and snowboarding at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and an education degree at Denver Metropolitan State. Haley is so happy to be back at Carlthorp as a teacher after taking time away to raise her children. On the weekends, you can find her playing beach volleyball, surfing, or heading to Mammoth with her family and dog, Fisher.
Tara Prieto

A California native and two-time USC Trojan, Tara Prieto brings a unique background and a passion for lifelong learning to Carlthorp School. Tara graduated from the USC Marshall School of Business while working in the university’s football recruiting department. Following a successful career in professional athlete representation and development, she transitioned into education. She returned to USC to earn her first master’s degree from the Rossier School of Education, later securing her California elementary teaching credential and a second master’s degree from Loyola Marymount University while teaching at St. Brendan School in Hancock Park. Prior to joining the Carlthorp faculty, Tara taught in Chicago Public Schools.

An avid adventurer outside the classroom, Tara has gratefully used Carlthorp grants to visit a school in South Africa and walk 80 miles on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Her love for sports and culture has led to remarkable experiences, including watching the World Cup finals in Spain, witnessing Venus and Serena Williams play at Wimbledon, and seeing Muhammad Ali light the torch at the 1996 Olympics. A serial hobbyist, Tara has rotated through eras of hot yoga, CrossFit, pickleball, running, and golf. These days, you will find her playing or teaching mahjong.