Situated in Topanga`s Santa Monica Mountains, Manzanita is an independent, college-preparatory, WASC-accredited school serving children in grades Forest Kindergarten through 12th.
More than a school, Manzanita was founded in 2013 as a community of educators, students and parents dedicated to bringing positive change to the world through teaching the wisdom from the beginning of human history through to the innovations of our modern times.
Manzanita is a school for today inspired by timless ideas.
Quick Stats (2023-24)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 144 students
- Average class size: 14 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 15 / Jan. 15
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Manzanita School & Institute ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
2013
Student Body
Total Students
144 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
14 students
Number of AP Courses
1 course
Average SAT score
1100
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 15 / Jan. 15
Tuition Notes
Tuition rates start at $28,493 for Kindergarten. $30,867 1-2nd grade. $37,990 3-8th grade. $39,100 9-12th grade. Tuition includes the meal program and the cost of the annual all-school camping trip.
% on Financial Aid
50%
Admissions Director
Eva Sanchez-Calixtro
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
4 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
After School Program: Oak Tree Club (Aerial Arts, KinFlow, Basketball & Swimming Classes, Supervised Child Care)
Arts and Music Programs:
Ceramics & Aerial Arts, Music Classes (i.e. Instruments & Choir), Performing & Visual Arts
After School Program: Oak Tree Club (Aerial Arts, KinFlow, Basketball & Swimming Classes, Supervised Child Care)
Arts and Music Programs:
Ceramics & Aerial Arts, Music Classes (i.e. Instruments & Choir), Performing & Visual Arts
School Notes
- Manzanita's model is guided by mentorship and grounded by deep connection with nature to unlock the intrinsic gifts within our adolescents. At Manzanita, the symbiotic approach to learning is practiced. By offering a cross-disciplinary curriculum and blending academic subjects with spending considerable time in our "outdoor classroom" and the arts, our students gain lasting and resonant knowledge and capacities to become empowered, free-thinking adults.
- Every young person has something unique to offer the world that must be awakened in their adolescence; Manzanita is committed to guide each child meaningfully to discover and develop their personal gift.
- Manzanita's program is informed by the following SIX
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
- INTRINSIC GIFT: In a true mentoring relationship, based on connection and questioning, the unique genius within a young person is consistently awakiening and growing.
- MENTORING RELATIONSIHPS: Each connective moment between a mentor and a young person represenets a vital link between ancestors and future generations.
- SYMBIOTIC EDUCATION: Symbiotic Learning is a dynamic, instructional model that interweaves the connections of our science and humanities curriculum.
- COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY: When the gift in a young person awakens, she considers the whole and applies herself passionately in service to other and the world.
- INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCE: The full expression of one's gift requiqres interpersonal competence in interacting with others.
- RIGOROUS EFFORT: When one's gift is leveraged with regor, it will grow in purpose and capacity to effect positive growth.
- The Guiding Principles are actively supported by our commitment to engage students to purposefully connect with Nature as well as to emphasize the importance of teaching Social Emotional Learning. Both are vital to creating a healthy and safe learning environment.
- Healthy farm-to-table and locally-sourced snack and lunch program.
- EXPEDITIONARY PROGRAM- Multi-day camping and back-packing trips to locations of natural and cultural interest relevant to classroom curriculum
- Our graduates have a 100% college aceeptance rate, most receiving robust scholarships.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Manzanita School & Institute offer?
Manzanita School & Institute offers 11 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Dance, Flag Football, Gymnastics, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee and Volleyball. Manzanita School & Institute is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Manzanita School & Institute?
The application deadline for Manzanita School & Institute is Dec. 15 / Jan. 15.
Nearby Private Schools
The nearest high school and elementary school to Manzanita School & Institute is Viewpoint School (1.7 miles away)
The nearest preschool is Montessori Of Calabasas (2.4 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Viewpoint School
(2)
Grades: K-12 | 1,218 students 1.7 miles 23620 Mulholland Hwy
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 591-6500
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 591-6500
1.7
K-12
1,218
Montessori Of Calabasas
Montessori School
Grades: PK-K | 112 students 2.4 miles 4277 Old Topanga Canyon Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-0232
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 222-0232
2.4
PK-K
112
Grades: 9-12 | 314 students 2.9 miles 22300 Mulholland Drive
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 346-8812
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 346-8812
2.9
9-12
314
Mesivta Of Greater Los Angeles
All-boys | Special Program Emphasis (Jewish)
Grades: 9-12 | 54 students 3.5 miles 25115 Mureau Rd
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 876-0550
Calabasas, CA 91302
(818) 876-0550
3.5
9-12
54
Mulholland Montessori Preschool
Daycare / Preschool
Grades: NS-K | 40 students 3.7 miles 23010 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 835-9271
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 835-9271
3.7
NS-K
40
School Reviews
Endorse Manzanita School & Institute. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Exploring Educational Savings Accounts: A Guide for Parents
This comprehensive article explores the different educational savings accounts available to parents for private K-12 education and tertiary education. It provides detailed explanations of each account, including the 529 College Savings Plan, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, and Custodial Accounts. The article cites applicable legal authorities and emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making by consulting with legal and financial professionals.
Children With Learning Differences: How To Proceed
Facing the reality that your child has learning differences is never easy. But with a diagnosis from a qualified professional, and skilled experienced teachers who know how to remediate those differences, your child can learn to handle her differences. More here.
October 30, 2023
Volunteering at Your Children's Private SchoolDiscover the many meaningful ways parents can get involved at their children's private school and make a positive impact on the educational journey. From PTA involvement to sharing specialized skills, find out how your contributions can strengthen the school community.
