5th Grade

Fifth grade is an inspiring, pivotal year where students step into advanced academic expectations, deepened independence, and growing leadership across campus.

Understanding America

In 5th grade, Carlthorp students examine American history through multiple perspectives by exploring the rich histories of Indigenous Nations, Vikings and early European explorers, Colonial life, and the Revolutionary War. This immersive study culminates in a United States research project and a hallmark week-long trip to Boston, where history comes to life as students walk the Freedom Trail, visit Faneuil Hall, take a Duck Tour, and explore Fenway Park.

Thinking Critically

Our 5th grade academic program seamlessly connects critical reading, structured writing, and mathematical precision. Aligned with the science of reading, literacy instruction deepens analysis of themes and character motivation while advancing essay writing across diverse genres. In mathematics, students master operations with fractions, decimals, volume, and algebraic thinking through collaborative problem solving, complex word problems, and real-world applications to build strong critical reasoning.

5th Grade Highlights

Fifth graders expand their horizons through impactful Service Learning and creative expression. Focused on inclusion and access, students engage in disability advocacy and hands-on experiences like outings at accessible playgrounds. In music, 5th graders take the stage for "Sing Across America," a spectacular production telling the story of 20th-century America featuring original song compositions by the students themselves.

Meet the Team

List of 4 items.

Tegwyn John

Tegwyn has lived in California her whole life. She grew up in Altadena, then moved to Davis to complete her bachelor’s degree at UC Davis. She loved the Davis community so much that she stayed and completed her multiple subject teaching credential and M.A. in education there as well. She then moved to the Bay Area and taught grades 3-6 as well as English at the German International School of Silicon Valley. Her work reflects a strong commitment to culturally responsive teaching, relationship building, and supporting student agency. Outside of teaching, she loves to bake, play tennis, and get lost in a good book.
Emily Harrison

Born and raised in Southern California, Emily Harrison is excited to return to Carlthorp to teach 5th grade this year. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, before returning to Los Angeles to complete her master’s in education at Loyola Marymount University. Passionate about creating an engaging and supportive classroom, Emily is dedicated to inspiring her students each day. Outside of teaching, she loves traveling, yoga and spending quality time with her loved ones.
Julia Ho

Julia grew up in New York and earned her B.A. from Hamilton College. She began her teaching career through the NYC Teaching Fellows program, where she also earned her master’s in education. She has taught kindergarten at P.S. 79, 1st grade at The Lamplighter School in Dallas, and 3rd grade at Horace Mann in New York. She also spent a year in Namibia teaching English as a Second Language. Julia joined Carlthorp in 2013 as a 3rd grade teacher and later transitioned to 5th grade. Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring California’s beaches, trails, and national parks with her husband and two daughters.
Janeth Zavaleta

Janeth started working at Carlthorp School in 1999. Her first duties involved helping out in several classrooms. Thanks to those experiences, she realized she had a passion for teaching. She then received her B.A. in Liberal Studies and her multiple-subject California Teaching Credential (K-6) at California State University, Northridge. Later, she earned her M.Ed. from Indiana Wesleyan University. Janeth has been integral to the 5th grade teaching team for many years. In her spare time, she loves to travel. Her favorite activities include playing with her dogs, Bailey and DJ, and biking.