4th Grade

Fourth graders journey to Old California through a year-long social studies curriculum that focuses on the state's geography, the California Native Americans, the missions, and the Gold Rush. Class trips to Sacramento and Will Rogers State Beach are highlights of the year.

A musical program presented by the 4th graders in the spring, Eureka!, gives students the opportunity to share the knowledge they have gained about important elements of California history.

Academic fundamentals and the development of social responsibility lay the groundwork for upcoming school years. As 4th graders become more independent, they take on new responsibilities and earn privileges. Students participate in opening car doors in the carpool line and raising and lowering the flags to begin and end the day.

Fourth graders experience technology in useful ways and enjoy supervised laptop use throughout the school year. Students learn and utilize a variety of various computer programs for social studies projects and assignments in reading and writing workshops.

Adventurers and Ambassadors

Students build independence through a variety of field trips. First, students venture to Will Rogers State Beach to embark on their Fulcrum adventure! This day is filled with team-building activities like go-cart building, archery, and rope-climbing. The Fulcrum field trip also incorporates a service learning experience focusing on conserving marine ecosystems through a morning beach cleanup.

In late spring, 4th graders take a short flight to our state’s capital for a two-night stay. The Sacramento trip enhances the California history program thanks to the visits to the capitol building, Sutter’s Fort, Old Town Sacramento, and Coloma, where our young “miners” pan for gold.

The public speaking program continues as 4th graders deliver monthly current events. The students are also excited to serve as ambassadors to the school by becoming tour guides for prospective parents. By the end of their 4th grade year, they are comfortable showcasing their school to adults they have just met!

Meet the Team

List of 4 items.

Ciauna Cota

A native Angeleno, Ms. Cota grew up in Chinatown and Pasadena and earned her bachelor’s degree in sociocultural anthropology from Pitzer College. Before joining Carlthorp, she completed a teaching fellowship at Crane Country Day School in Santa Barbara and has worked as an educator in various camp and outdoor education programs across California. Ciauna draws on her background in experiential education, Universal Design for Learning, and Responsive Classroom frameworks to create an interactive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. She believes 4th grade is a powerful year when students begin to think more critically, empathetically, and independently. Outside the classroom, Ciauna enjoys hiking, spending time at the beach, doing embroidery, listening to records, and practicing capoeira. She’s thrilled to be part of the Carlthorp community.
Mark Franks

Originally from the Boston area, Mark earned a B.S. in economics from the University of Connecticut and a master’s in elementary education from Lesley University. After beginning his teaching career at Sunita Williams School in Massachusetts, he moved to Los Angeles, where he taught 5th grade for over a decade and most recently taught middle school math. Mark is passionate about helping students build confidence, embrace challenges, and discover their potential. As an educator, he enjoys designing engaging, interest-driven curriculum that incorporates diverse perspectives. He has served as a teacher leader, helped develop scope and sequence in multiple subjects, and strongly believes in the value of experiential learning. Over the years, Mark has led student and teacher exchange trips to China, coached sports, and facilitated student clubs. Outside the classroom, he enjoys reading, exploring the outdoors with family and friends, and spending time in Maine restoring his old farmhouse.
Tiffany Neilson

Ms. Neilson is teaching 4th grade alongside Ms. Paiva in 2024-2025 after several years together in 1st grade. She loves being a part of the Carlthorp School community and inspiring children to learn and reach their highest potential.

Tiffany was born and raised in Valencia and attended Concordia University in Irvine, where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and played intercollegiate volleyball. Prior to Carlthorp, she taught for five years at Kenter Canyon Elementary School, where she was involved in many extracurricular committees, including the instructional leadership team, student leadership council, social committee, and governance.

When she isn’t teaching, you can probably find her at the beach playing volleyball, reading, listening to music, cooking, or traveling. She enjoys attending live theater, learning about nutrition, visiting art museums, and spending time with her two nieces.
Ron Burwick

Ron graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a major in Communications. He also attended the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. Before teaching at Carlthorp, Mr. Burwick spent nine years in the Los Angeles Unified School District, where he taught in the GATE program, as well as in a regular classroom. Outside of school, he enjoys scuba diving, completing the New York Times crossword puzzles, and anything related to the New England Patriots or the Boston Red Sox.