Carlthorp School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026)

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Quick Facts (2026)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: Kindergarten-6
Enrollment: 280 students
Yearly Tuition: $35,650
Acceptance rate: 97%
Average class size: 20 students
Application Deadline: Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Carlthorp School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Facts

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS)

Religious Affiliation

Nonsectarian

Grades Offered

Grades Kindergarten-6

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Carlthorp School
Kind	42
1	41
2	41
3	41
4	40
5	39
6	36

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ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Year Founded

1939

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Awards

Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2006

Student Body

Total Students

280 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

27%

State avg.: 52%

Academics & Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

52 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

5:1

National avg.: 11:1

Average Class Size

20 students

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

View Matriculation Data

Classroom Dress Code

Formal

School uniforms which offer choice and flexibility.

Tuition & Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$35,650

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition assistance is available to families based upon verifiable qualified need by filling out the SSS Financial Aid application. Please contact the Business Office at 310-451-1332 for more information.

Acceptance Rate

97%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Stephen Milich

Admissions Associate

Elaine Hobert

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

5 sports

Sports

BasketballFootball

SoccerTrack and Field

Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

3 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:

A wide variety of after-school clubs are offered throughout the year.

Arts and Music Programs:

Chorus and Orchestra programs are offered all year long

Recreational Athletic Programs:

Carlthorp School is a member of the Coastal Canyon Sports League.

School Notes

Carlthorp School, established in 1939, is the oldest independent school in Santa Monica. Our close-knit community is bonded over the celebration of our school traditions, appreciation for our rigorous and ever-evolving curriculum, and our meaningful school - family partnerships.
Though the breadth of our curriculum has radically expanded in the last eighty-five years, our basic philosophy remains the same; we focus on the child as a whole, helping each to grow intellectually, socially, and ethically - and to develop outstanding work habits - all within the framework of a warm, diverse, fun, engaging, experiential, academic school.
Our Code-of Conduct, which encourages all Carlthorp constiutents to strive for excellence and to respect themselves and others, is the cornerstone of our community.
Our rich and unique Service Learning curriculum prepares our students to be confident leaders and change-agents in the world. Carlthorp School students are proud public speakers who are eager to share their knowledge and insight with others.
Our graduates matriculate from Cartlhorp School into the finest secondary schools in Los Angeles. Historically, 97% of our students have been admitted into the school of their first choice.

Mission Statement: Carlthorp School provides a strong academic foundation in a diverse and nurturing school community that emphasizes respectful values, responsible work habits, and excellence in order to prepare our students to achieve their highest potential in education and life.
Please visit our website at www.carlthorp.org to get a greater understanding of our unique community and a sense of the robust and joyful experience that a Carlthorp School education offers.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Carlthorp School cost?

Carlthorp School's tuition is approximately $35,650 for private students.

What is the acceptance rate of Carlthorp School?

The acceptance rate of Carlthorp School is 97%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.

What sports does Carlthorp School offer?

Carlthorp School offers 5 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Football, Soccer, Track and Field and Volleyball.

What is Carlthorp School's ranking?

Carlthorp School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Carlthorp School?

The application deadline for Carlthorp School is Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 / rolling (applications are due on Nov. 1 / Jan. 15 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

In what neighborhood is Carlthorp School located?

Carlthorp School is located in the North of Montana neighborhood of Santa Monica, CA.

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Santa Monica, CA is $30,834 for elementary schools and $23,443 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Santa Monica, CA is 85% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).