Manzanita School Opens Admissions for the 2026-27 Academic Year in Topanga Canyon

GTTP

WASC-accredited K-12 college preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on nature immersion.
Unique 'Owl Days' and 'Hawk Days' schedule balancing classroom study with experiential field learning.
Located on a 21-acre Big Rock Ranch campus featuring a functional permaculture 'Living Classroom'.
Small class sizes of 12-14 students to foster mentorship and individualized academic attention.

Impact - Why it Matters

Manzanita School’s open enrollment highlights a growing shift toward experiential, nature-integrated pedagogy in K-12 education. By replacing traditional classroom confinement with an indoor-outdoor model, the school addresses the urgent need for holistic development, preparing students for college while fostering environmental stewardship and critical thinking skills in a complex world.

Summary

Manzanita School, a premier WASC-accredited K-12 college preparatory institution, is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 academic year. Nestled on a 21-acre campus in the Santa Monica Mountains, the school offers a transformative indoor-outdoor learning model that challenges traditional educational paradigms. By blending rigorous academics with immersive nature-based stewardship, Manzanita fosters the development of the whole child within a unique, mentor-rich community.

The school’s innovative curriculum is structured into four cohorts, ranging from Forest Kindergarten to twelfth grade. Students from third grade onward engage in a balanced schedule of classroom-based 'Owl Days' and experiential 'Hawk Days' held on the land. This approach, supported by a working permaculture farm and extensive trail systems, allows students to utilize nature as a complex science lab while building essential group unity through regular overnight expeditions.

Prospective families are invited to explore the admissions portal on the Manzanita website to begin the enrollment process. With small class sizes and a curriculum that integrates English Language Arts, Mathematics, and regenerative agriculture, Manzanita remains a leader in creative, nature-focused education in the Los Angeles area. Discover how this holistic approach prepares students for future academic success while cultivating a deep, lasting connection to the earth.

Manzanita School Opens Admissions for the 2026-27 Academic Year in Topanga Canyon

GTTP

WASC-accredited K-12 college preparatory curriculum with an emphasis on nature immersion.
Unique 'Owl Days' and 'Hawk Days' schedule balancing classroom study with experiential field learning.
Located on a 21-acre Big Rock Ranch campus featuring a functional permaculture 'Living Classroom'.
Small class sizes of 12-14 students to foster mentorship and individualized academic attention.