Manzanita School and Institute

Manzanita School and Institute is a WASC-accredited K-12 independent college preparatory school located in the beautiful Santa Monica mountains of Topanga, California. Founded in 2014, Manzanita offers a unique indoor-outdoor curriculum that blends rigorous academics with land stewardship and the study of local ecology on its 21-acre campus.

The school sits at the foot of wild chaparral, providing students with a rich natural environment for learning. The campus includes a working organic farm, providing hands-on experiences for students to connect with nature. The school's campus is also a historical landscape, an artist's studio, a naturalist's field guide, and a geologist's dream, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.

At Manzanita, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills and interpersonal competence through a mentor-rich community and an interdisciplinary curriculum. The school's meal program, which includes organic, locally sourced lunches and snacks, incorporates produce from the Living Classroom farm, fostering resilience and collective responsibility in students.

Overall, Manzanita School and Institute provides a nurturing environment for students to grow academically, socially, and personally, preparing them for college and beyond. With a focus on nature connection, stewardship, and expeditionary learning, Manzanita offers a truly unique educational experience.