Academics
Grade Level Highlights

5th Grade

5th Graders see their projects come to life, whether they are walking the Freedom Trail or experiencing what it was like to live during colonial times.
Students in 5th grade dive into a study of American history with an exploration of Indigenous peoples and the Vikings. Our curriculum highlights the diverse cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous Nations, alongside the arrival of European explorers and settlers. Students examine American history, including Colonial America and the Revolutionary War. The study of American history culminates in a week-long trip to Boston, where history comes to life. Students walk the Freedom Trail, visit Faneuil Hall, and explore the city through experiences like a Duck Tour and a trip to Fenway Park.
In Language Arts, students develop their writing skills through engaging units focused on personal narratives, research-based argument writing, and fantasy. Their reading instruction aligns with these writing experiences, fostering deeper connections between reading and writing. Through units exploring realistic fiction, borders and belonging, the Civil Rights Movement, and historical fiction, students analyze characters, examine an author’s craft choices, and explore themes and symbolism. These studies help build critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for literature.
Our rigorous math curriculum challenges students with concepts that build a strong foundation for future learning. Key topics include place value, multi-digit operations, and an in-depth exploration of decimals and fractions, ensuring students develop precision in calculations. Geometry concepts, such as classifying shapes and understanding volume, are introduced alongside measurement skills that apply math to real-world scenarios. Students demonstrate their understanding by tackling multi-step word problems, fostering critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience, encouraging students to discuss strategies, justify their reasoning, and learn from their peers.

Meet the Team

List of 4 items.

  • 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.

  • Carrie Ring

    Ms. Carrie Ring is delighted to serve as a 5th grade teacher in her fourth year at Carlthorp, bringing more than 20 years of experience as an independent school teacher. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.
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.