Academics
Grade Level Highlights

4th Grade

4th Graders journey to Old California through a year-long social studies curriculum that focuses on California's geography, the California Native Americans, the missions, and the Gold Rush. Class trips to the San Fernando Mission, Wolf Adventures, Sacramento, and the Gold Rush country are highlights of the year.
A musical program presented by the 4th Graders in the spring, Oh! California, gives the children the opportunity to share the knowledge they have gained about an important part of the state’s 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. This is the first year students will participate in opening car doors in the carpool line and raising and lowering the flags to begin and end the day.
4th Graders experience technology in useful ways and each receives a new laptop for use throughout the school day. Students use various computer programs throughout the year for social studies projects and assignments in reader's and writer's workshops.

Field Trips

Another way students build their independence is through overnight field trips. First, students will venture into Simi Valley in early spring to attend Wolf Adventures. This is a two-night, three-day experience where students improve team-building skills. In late spring, the 4th Graders take a flight to our state’s capital for a one-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. In Coloma the 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.

  • 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 starting to teach 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.

  • Laurie Anderson

    Laurie attended the Malibu campus of Pepperdine University where she earned her bachelor’s degree. For her post-graduate work, however, she went to the Vermont Avenue campus where she earned a Masters in Reading and in School Management and Administration.  She has been at Carlthorp School, either full-time or as a “resident sub,” since 1975. Currently, she teaches 4th grade. Mrs. Anderson enjoys making quilts, riding her bicycle, boogie-boarding, doing crossword puzzles, riding horses, reading, traveling up and down California, and spending time with her family.

  • Jacqueline Corsini

    Jacqueline graduated from Boston College with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Elementary Education and English Literature in 2008. She began her career as an English Language Learner specialist in the Boston Public Schools, working with students from a variety of native languages across the elementary grade levels. She then lived in London for six years, during which time she obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and School Improvement at Cambridge University, and taught 4th grade at TASIS England. This fall will be her 12th year in the classroom, and her sixth at Carlthorp School. In her free time, Jacqueline enjoys chasing after her two children, and eating chocolate chip cookies.

  • Lauren Schwartz

    Lauren Schwartz grew up in Laguna Beach. She graduated from Texas Christian University with a degree in Business and subsequently decided to pursue her dream of teaching. Lauren has taught 2nd grade, 6th grade, and most recently three years of 3rd grade at Stratford School in San Francisco. She is excited to be back in Southern California as part of the Carlthorp community. In her spare time, Lauren enjoys testing out new recipes in her kitchen, exploring LA’s restaurants, hiking, learning to play tennis, and reading at the beach. Lauren is a cat lover and rescued her cat, Spectre, six years ago after finding him on a walk. Lauren is looking forward to a fun-filled year with all of her wonderful 4th graders!
438 San Vicente Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 451-1332
Established in 1939, Carlthorp School is the oldest independent coeducational day school for grades K-6 located in Santa Monica, California.