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 September retreat strengthens the ties among all the members of the graduating class as they participate in events focused on leadership skills and team building.

With 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, and Egypt. 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.

Big History is another component of the 6th grade experience that is a "big" hit with students. Big History is a program that was launched at Carlthorp by Mr. Williamson in 2017. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine history starting from the premise of the Big Bang.

Current Events evolve into Toastmasters, during which students take turns speaking to the class on topics of their choice. These have ranged from “The History of Marvel Comics” to “A Study of M&M’s” or “Magic Tricks.”

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.

Washington, D.C. / Service Learning Trip

The research and exploration continue as students journey to Washington, D.C., where they meet with lawmakers, policy experts, NGOs, and journalists.

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. 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 started her career in teaching at Marymount School of New York, where she taught kindergarten and 2nd grade. She then taught third 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. Bryn is excited to start her fourth year in fifth grade at Carlthorp. Outside of school, Bryn enjoys hiking, volunteering, and cooking.
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 be joining the Carlthorp School community and looks forward to creating a positive learning environment for all students. Originally from Lafayette in the Bay Area, Xylina spent a lot of time in Tahoe and was a competitive swimmer in high school. She holds a multiple subject teaching credential from San Diego State University and a master’s in reading and literacy.

With more than 25 years of experience in the Torrance Unified School District, Xylina has taught upper elementary grades and is passionate about creating a welcoming classroom environment. She has extensive experience teaching GATE classes and initiated a school-wide effort to promote environmental awareness.

Xylina is excited about fostering creativity and is interested in teaching a jewelry-making class, drawing from her experience of selling jewelry in small boutiques in Los Angeles. In her free time, she practices pilates in the summer and is always ready for a skiing adventure in the winter.