School Life

Community Service

Carlthorp has a long-standing tradition of generosity and care through community service, extending from our campus in Santa Monica to neighbors in need across Greater Los Angeles and beyond.

Living Our Values, Strengthening Our Community

In addition to our robust Service Learning curriculum, Carlthorp School organizes a vibrant array of community service initiatives and outreach opportunities throughout the year.

Through hands-on service — a natural extension of the values expressed in our Code of Conduct — our children develop essential life skills: empathy, problem-solving, collaboration, and civic responsibility.

When students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni come together in service, our school community grows stronger. As they experience the joy of helping others, children take immense pride in seeing the collective impact we can make.

Home Run for Kids

Carlthorp families helped establish this landmark annual event supporting Upward Bound House. Hundreds of Carlthorp community members gather in Brentwood each year to participate, raising thousands of dollars and elevating awareness around family homelessness in Los Angeles.

MLK Day of Service

Each year, the Carlthorp community activates to support diverse regional causes. From tending urban farms with Upward Bound House to assembling supply kits for Nest Global children near the U.S.-Mexico border, this day honors Dr. King's legacy through direct action.

Beach Cleanups

In partnership with environmental leaders like Heal the Bay and the Surfrider Foundation, Carlthorp families regularly gather along the coast to clean local beaches, protecting marine ecosystems and fostering long-term environmental stewardship.

Combating Hunger

Addressing food insecurity across Greater Los Angeles, groups of current and alumni families volunteer at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles to prepare and package hot, nutritious meals for vulnerable neighbors.

Global Literacy

Carlthorp donated Scholastic credits to help Kenya Connect expand its library program with engaging titles, which were chosen by the education nonprofit to match their students' interests and reading levels.

Relief Efforts

The Carlthorp community rallies to support those impacted by natural disasters and hosts fundraisers and clothing drives for hurricane and wildfire relief.

Halloween Candy Drive

Led by students and families, this sweet tradition redirects extra Halloween treats into care packages sent directly to active military members and veterans.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Organized by the Carlthorp Student Council, this school-wide effort invites families to contribute holiday food items, ensuring local families supported by Upward Bound House can enjoy a festive meal.

Holiday Toy Drive

Each winter, Carlthorp families donate hundreds of new toys to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Monica, helping local families celebrate the season with joy.