Child room in Aptos, California

Santa Cruz Montessori, located at 6230 Soquel Drive in Aptos, California, is a primary school dedicated to nurturing achievement and a lifelong love of learning. As a Montessori learning community, they inspire life-long learning and a peaceful world by nurturing the natural development of the whole child. The school provides lifelong benefits for its students, giving them strong academic skills and helping them become self-motivated, caring individuals who make positive contributions to the community. Choosing Santa Cruz Montessori for your child's education is seen as the most important investment you can make in their future.

Welcome to Van Eck Old Growth Redwood, a cherished family-owned business nestled in the heart of Aptos, California. Located at 505 Aptos Creek Road, our legacy is deeply intertwined with the rich history of the area. Our roots trace back to the illustrious Mangels Ranch, once part of a sprawling 550-acre estate, home to generations of the Mangels, Tillmann, and van Eck families. Our story begins with Claus Mangels, an early pioneer whose vision and partnership with Claus Spreckels, the renowned "Sugar King," shaped the community we love today. This land has witnessed the joys of family gatherings, the laughter of children playing, and the timeless beauty of nature. It is here that Agnes Reed, the great-granddaughter of Claus Mangels, spent her summers, creating cherished memories that have been passed down through generations.