Manzanita School Extends Admissions for Holistic K-12 Outdoor Learning Experience

Manzanita School and Institute, a WASC-accredited K-12 independent college preparatory school nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, has extended its admissions deadline for the Fall 2026-27 school year. Families exploring a distinctive educational experience, from Forest Kinder and Early Elementary through 12th grade, are invited to discover a curriculum that challenges traditional paradigms and nurtures the whole child through a unique indoor-outdoor approach.

Founded in 2013, Manzanita's program blends rigorous academics with immersive land stewardship, including a working organic farm, and the profound study of local ecology. Students thrive in a rich sensory environment on the 21-acre campus at Big Rock Ranch, utilizing an extensive trail system for hands-on learning and connecting deeply with native flora and birdsong.

Experiential academics draw on leading-edge pedagogical theory, fostering critical thinking and interpersonal competence for college and beyond. A cornerstone is the organic, locally sourced meal program, featuring produce from the school's permaculture farm, the Living Classroom. Through animal care and land stewardship, students cultivate resilience and collective responsibility, preparing them as stewards of their community and the planet.