Kindergarten

Kindergarten is a magical year at Carlthorp School as children embrace the transition from preschool to an elementary classroom experience.

With a one-week transition period of half days at the beginning of the school year, an Ice Cream Social, a mentor family/friend, and the help of their beloved 6th Grade buddies, Carlthorp School’s youngest students feel warmly welcomed into our community.

Kindergarteners are always eager to share “news” at daily Morning Meetings, which is the beginning of our children’s Responsive Classroom experience. Responsive Classroom focuses on the intersection of positive community building and academic rigor to create a fulfilling and exciting learning environment.

Academic & Social Development

Our happy Kindergarten children enjoy working and playing all year long. From Teddy Bear Picnic day to a visit from Zero the Hero on the 100th day of school to the Lunar New Year dragon dance, our Kindergarteners develop both academically and socially. In addition to the core subjects, children are taught the importance of being respectful, cooperative, creative, and adaptable. Kindergarteners also experience time with other teachers in music class, Spanish class, science class, art, library, and physical education.

Meet the Team

List of 4 items.

Elizabeth Zapler

Ms. Elizabeth Zapler (“Ms. Zap”) is in her eighth year at Carlthorp School, bringing experience and love for children to her role as kindergarten teacher. A Chicago native, Elizabeth received her B.A. from Pomona College, an M.A. from the University of Chicago, and an M.A. in teaching from Colorado College.

Elizabeth began her career as a kindergarten teacher, transitioned to developing and teaching elementary science programs at several local schools (including Carlthorp), and returned full circle to kindergarten, a magical time of discovery and exploration. She aims to create a classroom where each child feels known and cherished.

In addition to her kindergarten role, Ms. Zap developed a Math Club for avid and talented CS mathematicians in grades 1-3 that she enjoys leading after school.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys spending time with her three daughters (two in college and one in her final year at Samohi), solving crossword puzzles, playing tennis, doing yoga, and practicing Italian.
Meghan Wood

A native Palisadian and proud Marymount High School graduate, Meghan earned her B.A. from Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and completed her teaching credential and master’s at Loyola Marymount University. This year marks her 20th year teaching kindergarten — a grade she truly loves. She’s passionate about helping students of all levels learn to read and believes in creating play-based, multisensory lessons that make learning joyful and engaging. Drawn to Carlthorp’s vision of kindergarten as “magical,” she strives to foster a classroom environment where children feel safe, supported, and empowered to take academic, developmental, and social risks. Outside of school, she shares many interests with her students, including Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars. She enjoys taking her nieces and nephews on adventures and jokes that she could be a Disneyland tour guide in another life. In the summer, she works as a day camp director and loves family time on the St. Lawrence River.
Taylor Neal

Taylor is thrilled to join the Carlthorp community and brings over a decade of teaching experience. She earned her B.A. in art history from NYU and holds dual master’s degrees in childhood education and special education from Touro College. After 13 years in New York City, she recently relocated to Santa Monica. This year marks her 11th in education and fifth teaching kindergarten, following six years as an art teacher. Taylor is passionate about helping young learners grow, discover their potential, and find joy in the classroom. With a background in both general and art education, she loves blending creativity with foundational skills to create an engaging, expressive learning environment. Throughout her career, she has designed hands-on learning materials, led student-centered workshops, and worked collaboratively to support student success. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, and painting.
Holly Hall

Originally from a small town in Ohio called South Point, Holly Hall moved to Los Angeles and brought with her a belief that the classroom should be a place where every child has the opportunity and fuel to flourish — and that teachers can be vital sources of support in children’s social-emotional growth. Holly taught TK for three years in Hollywood before moving to the San Fernando Valley to help launch a public charter school and teach first grade. As a founding teacher, she was able to help create and implement inquiry-based, social-emotional and DEI-focused curriculum and school-wide programs as well as lead professional development in phonics and math. Holly earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Ohio University and her California teaching credential from Mount Saint Mary’s University. When she’s not teaching, Holly loves being at the beach, golfing, indulging in self-care manicures, or FaceTiming with her sweet nieces and nephews.