6th Grade

Academically, the 6th grade year continues to foster independence, refine study skills, nurture empathy, build leadership and prepare students for secondary school.

The “big kids on campus” enjoy their kindergarten buddies and share with them many special experiences. Our 6th graders embrace their duties as role models and student leaders from the first day they put on their student-designed sweatshirts (an exception to the uniform for 6th graders only!). The fall retreat strengthens the ties among all the members of the graduating class as they participate in events focused on leadership skills and team building.

Thanks to a social studies curriculum that features both ancient history and international studies, by the end of the year all students learn and can locate on a map the name of every country and capital in the world and have experienced an in-depth study of the country of their choice.

Ancient Civilizations class focuses on the societies of Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, Egypt, India, and China. A photo essay field trip asks student teams to create a visual representation that documents the hallmarks of civilization based on their observations of Los Angeles.

Current Events evolve into Toastmasters, during which students take turns speaking to the class on topics of their choice. The topics of these oral presentations have ranged from comics and candy to magic tricks and beyond. All the while, students are developing public speaking skills that will help them in their future endeavors both in and out of the classroom.

Service Learning

Service Learning is a key component of the 6th grade curriculum, which culminates in a focus on student-driven projects. The students learn about the value of meaningful service, and teachers emphasize the importance of asking questions instead of making assumptions when it comes to meeting the needs of others.

Trip to Washington, D.C.

In their final year at Carlthorp, students travel to Washington, D.C., for an immersive experience that brings history and civics to life. Highlights include visits to the Capitol, White House, and Supreme Court as well as powerful storytelling moments at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and Ford’s Theater. Alongside these experiences, students engage with lawmakers, explore iconic memorials, and reflect on the people and movements that have shaped the nation — deepening their understanding of democracy as they prepare for the next chapter.

Meet the Team

List of 4 items.

Bryn Guitar

Moving up with her 5th grade students from the 2023-2024 school year, Ms. Guitar (formerly Ms. McCarthy) is serving as a 6th grade teacher for 2024-2025. This marks her fifth year at Carlthorp School. Bryn graduated from Connecticut College, where she studied Human Development and Elementary Education. She continued her education at Bank Street College of Education in New York, where she earned her M.S. in Childhood Special and General Education.

Bryn began her teaching career at Marymount School of New York, where she taught kindergarten and 2nd grade. She then taught 3rd grade at an all-boys school, Saint David’s, on the Upper East Side. After living in New York for 10 years, she was thrilled to return home to Los Angeles, where she was born and raised.

She especially loves teaching language arts and is excited to teach 6th grade, helping students refine their reading and expository writing skills in preparation for the next steps in their academic journeys. Outside of the classroom, Bryn enjoys practicing Pilates, spending time in the kitchen trying new recipes, and supporting students through tutoring.
Sachi Hillson

Sachi completed undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon and subsequently earned her teaching credential and master’s in education from Loyola Marymount University. She joined the Carlthorp School faculty in 2000 and spent a number of years teaching 1st grade, 2nd grade and then 5th grade before becoming Head Librarian in 2009 with a Library Media Teacher Services Credential from California State University, Long Beach. Sachi is a proud member of the selection committee for the Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children’s Literature. In 2015 she returned to the 5th grade classroom and then moved to her current position in 6th grade. In her free time, Sachi enjoys going to concerts and exploring Los Angeles with her husband Michael and son Trent.
Ausra Venckus

An accomplished educator with a diverse academic background and a passion for fostering inclusive learning environments, Ausra has been a 6th grade teacher at Carlthorp School since 2015. She holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Development Studies and History from UCLA, and she also had the privilege of studying at the American University of Paris.

Ausra's journey in education began in Seoul, South Korea, where she taught English to K-8 students. She then earned her master's degree in Curriculum & Teaching of Elementary Inclusive Education from Columbia University Teachers College in New York City and acquired her multiple-subject teaching credential. Ausra returned home to work as a middle school math teacher at St. Martin of Tours School in Brentwood, where she served as Math Department Chair.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, art, and volunteering with the Lithuanian-American community.
Xylina Meade

Xylina is thrilled to join the Carlthorp School community and bring her passion for teaching, connection, and creativity to the classroom. With over 25 years of experience teaching elementary students, Xylina is deeply committed to nurturing the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally. She believes in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to grow.

Originally from Lafayette, California, Xylina holds a multiple subject teaching credential from San Diego State University and earned her M.S. in Reading and Literacy.

Beyond the classroom, Xylina hopes to lead a jewelry-making class inspired by her experience selling handmade pieces in Los Angeles boutiques. In her free time, she practices Pilates in the summer and heads to the mountains for skiing adventures in the winter.