6th Grade

In their final year at Carlthorp, 6th graders step forward as confident leaders, scholar-citizens, and creative performers, capping their elementary journey with unforgettable milestone experiences.

Primed for Success

Our engaging 6th grade curriculum prepares students to thrive in secondary school through rigorous, analytical coursework. Students master pre-algebra, analyze literary craft, and explore world geography by mapping every country and capital. Curricular highlights include an in-depth country report as well as a photo essay field trip across Los Angeles to document the hallmarks of civilization.

Their Time to Shine

As Carlthorp’s "big kids on campus," 6th graders proudly step into their roles as leaders, often donning their student-designed class sweatshirts. Through a fall leadership retreat and beloved traditions — including special activities with their kindergarten buddies — our graduating students build empathy, confidence, and character, deepening Carlthorp’s commitment to excellence as they prepare for secondary school.

Confident Communicators

In 6th grade, self-expression takes center stage. Through our weekly Toastmasters program, students run parliamentary meetings and deliver speeches, mastering public speaking with poise and confidence. Creatively, the year reaches a crescendo with Battle of the Bands, a high-energy live showcase where students perform cover songs, learning new instruments and collaborating with peers in the process.

A Landmark Journey

As a capstone to their Carlthorp experience, 6th graders embark on a landmark trip to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Bringing history and civics to life, the journey enables students to explore iconic monuments, national landmarks, and world-class museums. While visiting the Capitol and meeting with lawmakers, our graduating students reflect on the movements that have shaped the nation and deepen their understanding of democracy while making unforgettable memories together.

Meet the Team

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Andrew Chubb

Originally from the UK, Andrew moved to Los Angeles in 2019 with his wife, an LA native. He brings over 15 years of teaching experience in both the UK and South Korean public schools, working primarily in grades 3-6. He especially enjoys teaching 5th and 6th grade, guiding students as they grow in confidence, independence, and skill. He earned a master’s degree while teaching in South Korea and holds a postgraduate certificate in education from the University of Brighton. Before moving to LA, he taught 5th grade in England and most recently spent two years teaching grades 4-5 at Gindi Maimonides Academy in Los Angeles. He has a passion for helping students develop their voice through writing; some have been recognized in international competitions. Outside the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his young child, playing sports, reading, and traveling with his family.
Mackenzie Nielsen

Mackenzie Nielsen is thrilled to be joining the 6th grade team at Carlthorp School! Bringing a wealth of experience from teaching grades 4-5, she deeply appreciates the unique role of an upper elementary educator. For Mackenzie, the best part of working with older elementary students is helping them develop into confident young leaders while preparing them for the next exciting stages of their academic and personal growth. She earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. Inside the classroom, Mackenzie is dedicated to sharing a lifelong love of learning and helping her students discover and nurture their own unique interests. Outside of school, Mackenzie loves staying active and exploring her many hobbies: meeting with her book club, crafting, playing soccer, roller skating, or tending to an ever-growing collection of houseplants. She is always excited to learn something new!
Sachi Hillson

Sachi joined the Carlthorp School faculty in 2000 and taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 5th grade before becoming head librarian in 2009 with a Library Media Teacher Services Credential from California State University, Long Beach. In 2015, she returned to the 5th grade classroom and then moved to her current position in 6th grade. Sachi is also proud to serve as a member of the Admissions team at Carlthorp. She completed undergraduate studies at the University of Oregon and subsequently earned her teaching credential and master’s in education from Loyola Marymount University. In her free time, Sachi enjoys going to concerts and exploring Los Angeles with her husband Michael and son Trent.
Lance Cromwell

Lance is excited to be returning for his second year at Carlthorp School. He is a graduate of Colgate University, where he earned a degree in English with accompanying minors in education, philosophy, and art and art history. A passionate educator, he has taught high school English, taught and developed books for The Princeton Review, and taught for the nonprofit Spirit Series, directing theater and teaching story writing and storytelling in grades 4-12 in Maine and Los Angeles. He loves all things art — film, theater, fine art, music, and writing of all kinds — as well as cooking, lacrosse, and travel. He adores being a dad to his children, Madeline, Michela, and Max, and living with his partner Emily and their three pugs, Chicken, Waffles, and Henry.