Parent Testimonials for Fall 2022

Manzanita has been a life-changing experience for my 10-year-old daughter and for myself. My daughter is thriving. Her emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well-being are nourished by the multi-faceted experience she receives being part of the Manzanita community.  -Marysia M.

Most schools claim to care about their students, but have they researched what young people in times really need to feel whole and supported, beyond academics? Manzanita provides a caring environment that really listens to her individual learning. -Sarah G.

We love Manzanita School! The campus, nestled amongst the beautiful wild-space, is itself so inspiring! Then there are the amazing staff and teachers providing a holistically designed curriculum to open kids’ minds, while also giving them the personal attention of a loving mentor, enabling them to grow to their full potential. -Matt D.

The immersive educational experience that students receive at Manzanita School is unlike any other. They are taught valuable life skills that one cannot learn in a standard school environment, from connecting with nature, community participation, and an innovative academic curriculum.

-James M.

Manzanita School is a lot more than a school; It is a place for children to engage, learn, grow, discover themselves and decide how they want to express their gifts in this world. While our son loved his old school and was sad to leave his friends, he now hops in the car after school with an energy that is very different from before. He's more centered, relaxed, content, joyful, appreciative. It makes my heart sing. -Jessica R

Manzanita fosters creativity, encourages thinking about big ideas, and allows for children to grow into themselves in a truly grounded way. We see our boys' intellectual curiosity growing each day. It's so uplifting to see their unfettered love of school and community. -Sarah H.

Experiencing the privilege of joining the Manzanita community has felt like a coming home. The safety and security created by the teachers and staff ignites in me immeasurable comfort and gratitude. My son is the happiest version of himself that I have known. -Hilary H.

At Manzanita, the teachers and staff repeatedly demonstrate a level of compassion that is astounding year after year. -Royce A.

We are so grateful to have found such a school as Manzanita. It's approach to education and community is truly revolutionary and it is just what is needed for our children in these times. -Elizabeth F.

As first-year parents of a 4th grader, we are in awe of the outpouring of staff support, and how incredibly welcome we feel. The core educational philosophy and values of Manzanita School could not be more important at this pivotal point in our human existence. As parents, we are also learning along the way, each and every day. -Michael H.

Over the past year, Manzanita has contributed to my daughter's increased confidence, awareness, and knowledge. The Manzanita team cares about the kids in profound ways. The best part is how much she enjoys going to school every day! For any family who appreciates a small community in nature with an outside-of-the-box educational philosophy, and the best food of any school, look no further! -Rebecca G.

Manzanita’s engaging curriculum and sense of community are helping us to grow forward-thinking, environmentally-conscious children, with a solid sense of self and their place on this beautiful planet. Thank you Manzanita! -Erica P.

There is a palpable passion for learning new ideas and skills in all the students and staff that I have interacted with at Manzanita. Pure collective harmony! -Anoush E.

Starting kinder can be scary for parents, especially when you are enrolling your child in a program that is outside of the mainstream and outside of our usual conditioning. The Manzanita team has made the transition extremely welcoming, and our son is having an amazing time. He goes to school excited and comes home fulfilled. The campus is truly magical.  -Arya R.

At Manzanita, we can feel the warmth of the teachers as soon as we drive onto the school property to drop our daughter off. It makes a HUGE difference to be greeted that way and to have the follow-through for the rest of the day at school! -Nicole G.

My daughter LOVES Manzanita and her teachers, and could not be happier. I continue to be blown away by the level of thought and care that is put into each aspect of the day and into each student, every single day. Thank you Manzanita! -Syndee F.

Oliver is always excited to wake up and go to the beautiful outdoors of Manzanita. He loves the wild, the teachers, and the staff. They all are like family to us. -Caroline B.

We are blown away by the open hearts of all the teachers and staff. Never have we felt so embraced. MNZ is a true community. -Heather W.

Our daughter’s time at Manzanita has been nothing less than transformative. She is thriving in ways that we have not seen before. The teachers and faculty truly recognize her unique strengths, pushing her to shine brightly within a creative and collaborative school community. -Tristan M.

Our 2nd grade son loves going to school. He couldn’t wait for summer to end so he could go back to school! The magic of Manzanita is palpable the moment you set foot on the land.  -Joanna S.

At Manzanita my children are in a community, rather than in a class. They are held with great care by all the mentors who are guiding them to find their unique gifts and passions while also caring for their hearts, bodies, and minds!  The amount of effort Manzanita puts into every decision and every student is genuine and rigorous and ultimately creates students who are happy and healthy in every way. My children are wanting to go to school every day and are loving to learn. This is one of the best gifts I could ever ask for!  -Jen W.

Upon arrival at Manzanita, we immediately felt as if we had arrived home. -Julie P.

Manzanita is situated on the best campus in the world, with mentors who guide our son through core academics and deep personal growth with glowing results. Manzanita is truly one of the most special communities on the planet.  Words fall short. -Jeremy S.

Our son wakes up every day wanting to be early for school. -Noah S.

When I pick my son up from school, he is tired, dirty, happy, and at peace. I can literally feel his calm, positive energy, and I know that he has spent his day the way a 7-year-old should. Thank you Manzanita, for providing the supportive space that raises kind humans. -Eva G

Manzanita (MNZ) is more than a school; it's a transformational educational institution. My son is in 11th grade now, and has been at MNZ since 6th. Without question, it has been a place of wonderful growth, offering so much more authentic encouragement to him than I've encountered at any other school. -Adam R.

Our son used to dread going to school and now it is something he looks forward to. Manzanita's supportive and inspiring teachers have helped him realize his strengths. This has been an invaluable change to him and our family. -Taided B.

Manzanita has unlocked a light in our son! His whole being is thriving, emotionally, physically and mentally. -Sholeh M

Our daughter loves Manzanita so much that she is truly more excited to go back to school in the fall than she is about starting summer break! Same with Monday mornings. She is happier about them than she is about Friday afternoons! For real. -Monica and Zac