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 entering 5th grade go berserk learning about the Vikings, which kicks off their studies of North American history. The social studies curriculum features American history from the Pilgrims and early patriots through the Revolutionary War and Westward Expansion.

Colonial history is brought to life on Colonial Crafts Day when students immerse themselves in the period by dipping candles, making tin lanterns, and experiencing other period-specific activities. Patriot Evening, the American Revolution walk-through, and the creation of European explorer maps also provide students with hands-on learning that enhances the traditional classroom curriculum.

The study of American history culminates with a week-long trip to Boston and Philadelphia. History comes to life as the students walk the Freedom Trail and visit George Washington's headquarters at Valley Forge. Homeroom reading and writing units are also aligned and cover personal narratives, fantasy, and informational pieces about the Revolutionary War.

Meet the Team

List of 4 items.

Julia Ho

Julia was raised in New York and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College. Upon graduating, she entered the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earned her master's in education while teaching kindergarten at P.S. 79x. Julia worked with the lower grades for many years as a 1st grade teacher at the Lamplighter School in Dallas, Texas, and as 3rd grade teacher at Horace Mann in New York. She also spent a year overseas teaching English as a Second Language in Namibia. Julia joined the Carlthorp faculty as a 3rd grade teacher in 2013, working for six years before moving to the 5th grade team. When not at school, Julia is with her husband and two daughters enjoying the beaches, trails, and national parks that California has to offer.
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 a number of classrooms. Thanks to those experiences, she realized she had a passion for teaching. She then went on to receive both 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 an integral part of 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, biking, and camping.
Emily Harrison

Emily grew up in Agoura Hills and loves Southern California! She graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where she studied education and explored the Central Coast. After finishing her bachelor's degree, she moved back to Los Angeles to pursue a Master of Education at Loyola Marymount University. Before coming to Carlthorp, Emily spent four years teaching 3rd grade at KIPP SoCal. Emily loves traveling to new places, yoga, and long walks outdoors in her free time. She loves to read and has a big sweet tooth! She is looking forward to joining the Carlthorp family and learning alongside her 5th graders!