Academics
Grade Level Highlights

4th Grade

Fourth 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.
Fourth 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.

  • Carrie Ring

    Ms. Carrie Ring (4A) is delighted to begin her third year at Carlthorp, and her 25th year in teaching and education. Born and raised in Brentwood, she earned her bachelor's degree from the University of California, San Diego, and received her J.D. from Loyola Law School. She later earned her California teaching credential from Chapman University. Ms. Ring was able to combine her love of teaching and knowledge of law by co-authoring a book for elementary school educators called Step Into The Courtroom. A mom of two teenagers, Carrie enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

  • 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.

  • Jarrod Moon

    Jarrod Moon is excited to be a member of the Carlthorp School faculty as a 4th grade teacher and get to know all of the students and parents in our wonderful community. His passion for teaching grew from his experience as a summer camp counselor during college, when 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 free time expanding his movie and TV trivia and rewatching Star Wars movies.
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.