Frequently Asked Questions

+ WHAT IS MANZANITA'S POLICY ON VACCINATIONS?

Manzanita follows the California School Immunization Law: California Health and Safety Code, Sections 120325-120375 Under these statutes, children in California are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools, child care centers, family day care homes, nursery schools, day nurseries, and developmental centers (pre-kindergarten facilities). Schools, and pre-kindergarten facilities are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and submit reports. Check www.shotsforschool.org for further requirement information.

+ WHAT IS THE AVERAGE CLASS SIZE AT MANZANITA?

In the Seeds program (K-2), there are two teachers for a class size of approximately 12-14. In the older grades, our classes have approximately 14 students and one full-time teacher.

+ WHAT IS THE STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO?

The average student to teacher ratio across the school is 11:1. However, the ratio of students to mentoring adults is 4:1, which factors in our staff naturalists and other specialists.

+ IS THE SCHOOL’S CURRICULUM BASED ON A SPECIFIC METHODOLOGY?

Our curriculum has been approved and accredited by teams of educators from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The nature-based program, mentoring model, and learning modalities of Manzanita comes from over 20 years of instructional experience, and represents an integration of best-practices and pedagogies for child and adolescent development and student engagement. Manzanita School uses the “Symbiotic Learning” model described in detail on the Curriculum page.

+ DOES THE CURRICULUM MEET THE COMMON CORE STANDARDS?

Manzanita’s curriculum is not built upon the state standards model found in public education, much of which emphasizes rote learning and disconnected content. At Manzanita, our nationally-accredited academic content includes interdisciplinary learning in the areas of mathematics, language arts, science, technology, arts, and humanities. In addition to these more common subjects however, we place a very high value on skills and abilities that are often regarded as outside the scope of modern schooling. These include social emotional competencies, empathy, respect for the earth and natural systems, and ethics. Please visit our curriculum page, including the downloadable documents, for more information on the “how” and “why” of our content and approach to teaching at Manzanita.

+ IS YOUR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM COLLEGE PREPARATORY?

Graduating seniors have been accepted into the UC and CSU systems, as well as numerous elite private liberal colleges and public universities across the country. Followup studies of graduates, conducted in January 2020 and June 2022, revealed that all of our alumni were maintaining average college GPAs of 3.75 while at university and that our very first high school graduates from 2018 all graduated college with a combined GPA of 3.82.

+ WHAT IS THE COST OF TUITION AND FEES FOR FALL 2024-25?

Tuition for Forest Kindergarten is, $31,912; 1st to 2nd grades, $34,571; 3rd to 8th grades, $42,549; 9th to 12th grades, $43,792. There is a one-time, New Student Enrollment fee of $2500, payable upon a family's acceptance of the admissions offer. Additional fees for class trips and instructional materials can range from $500 to $2500.

+ WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON SIBLING ADMISSION?

Siblings of current students are given preference in the admission process.

+ ARE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO TAKE STANDARDIZED TESTS?

Manzanita does not utilize ‘standardized tests’ common to public schools, which are nationally normed, and often based on a standardized curriculum. This exception to testing is for high school students who can opt to take the PSAT and SAT tests, the ACT test, and AP tests in preparation for college attendance. We offer special classes for these tests. Also, Manzanita teachers conduct regular assessments or learning, including Formative Assessment (monitoring learning) and Summative Assessment (evaluating learning outcomes). Having data about student learning is critical to program review and improvement.

+ WHAT HAPPENS IN A TYPICAL DAY AT MANZANITA SCHOOL?

Considerable instructional time at Manzanita is spent out of doors. We have a 5-day instructional cycle which includes 2 days in the outdoors, after the Unit of Study period at the beginning of the day and before the Specialist activities at the end of the day. These days are called "Hawk Days." The remaining three indoor days are called "Owl Days." During Hawk Days, students engage in environmental science, nature connection practices, and stewardship of the land. The bio-diverse chaparral is a living laboratory for science, geology, natural history, and artistic engagement. Our indoor, Owl Days includes a morning 'check in' council activity. This is followed by rigorous academic engagement including a Unit of Study (history and science), Literacy (reading and writing), and Numeracy (mathematics). Academics follow lunch as well. The day ends with a 'specialist activity' such as ceramics, music, aerial arts, and debate. A closing appreciation council ends the day with dismissal at 3:30pm.

+ HOW DOES THE SCHOOL ASSESS STUDENTS’ PROGRESS?

Assessments are designed to provide both students and teachers with important feedback on the learning taking place. Student assessment is based on rubrics which describe the performance and engagement expectations for a given instructional unit or activity. The rubrics are built upon the 6 Guiding Principles described on the About drop down menu on this website. Twice yearly report cards are shared with our families.

+ DOES THE SCHOOL GIVE GRADES?

In grades K - 8, Manzanita does not practice traditional grading, in which students receive letters from A through F. Our feedback to students and parents is based on a combination of narrative descriptions of work performance and effort, coupled with reporting on progress against a scale of degrees of meeting expectations. All report cards are carefully designed so that they can be both effectively evaluated by, and readily transferable to, the more traditional schools and educational institutions. Our high school students receive grades in addition to a narrative report to provide a traditional transcript with a GPA for the purpose of college applications.

+ WHAT IS MANZANITA’S HOMEWORK PHILOSOPHY?

Students are expected to complete homework on a regular basis, though Manzanita is careful to not overwhelm students with homework. Any work done outside of school is intended to support content being learned in class, or allow for further research and learning around a given topic. Generally, students in grades 3, 4 and 5 have 30-45 minutes nightly, Monday through Thursday. Students in grades 6 and 7 have 60 to 80 minutes of homework, and students in grades 8 - 12 should not have more than 60 - 90 minutes of homework.

+ DOES MANZANITA OFFER HONORS AND AP COURSES?

Manzanita School does not offer honors or AP courses. However, our curricular program fosters advanced levels of cognitive engagement, which leads to high quality student work. This is facilitated by many factors, including our small class size and our guiding principles.

+ WHAT ATHLETIC PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED?

There are many opportunities for athletics and fitness at Manzanita, both individual and collaborative. Our campus has a swimming pool, soccer field, basketball court, tennis courts, rock wall, high and low ropes courses, aerial pavilion, and other athletic facilities. In addition, there are opportunities for hiking and trail running, and cooperative games.

+ IS MANZANITA AN ACCREDITED SCHOOL?

Manzanita is an accredited K-12th grade program. Manzanita’s accreditation is from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) which awarded the school 6-year accreditation in January 2020, following our initial accreditation awarded in Spring 2017.

+ IS THERE AN ARTS PROGRAM?

There is a strong emphasis on creativity and arts at Manzanita School. We offer a rich arts experience that might include such experiences as; aerial arts, ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, music and more.

+ WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE A COMPETITIVE ACADEMIC EDUCATION?

At Manzanita School, our graduates possess the most highly valued qualities and competencies to make them ideal candidates for rigorous programs of learning wherever they go, in college and beyond. Our students become intelligent and articulate self advocates. They become highly engaged in their learning and develop strong cognitive capacities in all areas of the curriculum. They are encouraged to think deeply and to explore ideas and experiences with both diligence and reflection. Students at Manzanita develop a strong work ethic. We also support students in building their Interpersonal Competence, a quality that is highly predictive of having a meaningful and engaged adult life.

+ ARE THE TEACHERS AT MANZANITA CREDENTIALED?

All teachers at Manzanita are highly qualified to meet the individual needs of our student population. They are carefully selected, and receive extensive training and support. Many of our teachers hold state credentials. We hire teachers who are able to inspire students to love learning and to grow a strong school community.

+ WHAT ARE THE SCHOOL HOURS?

The day starts at 8:30am for all grades. Students in grades K-1st are dismissed at 2:30pm everyday. Students in grades 2-12th are dismissed at 3:30pm Monday through Thursday, and at 2:30pm every Friday.

+ ARE THERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO VOLUNTEER?

Parent engagement and involvement is a very important element in student success. All parents are members of the Parent Alliance, which hosts in person weekly meetings as well as online offerings in support of community and fundraising at Manzanita. A spirit of volunteerism is strongly encouraged and there are myriad opportunities to engage via events like our Acorn Festival and Annual Gala as well as on class field trips and Parent Council and Hawk Days.

Manzanita School is eager to engage parents and families interested in building new educational paradigms for the 21st century. Manzanita parents are encouraged to serve the wider mission of Manzanita, which includes community regeneration, collaborative social renewal, healing of the human-to-nature relationship, and the improvement of our world.

+ IS BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE?

When specific enrollment thresholds are reached, a transportation bus service will be considered from drop points in select neighboring communities.

+ IS THERE AN AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM ON CAMPUS?

Oak Tree Club (OTC) is is an on campus after school program run by educators Dawn Geer & Gregoire Thiry. In grades K-1, when younger students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m. each day, Oak Tree Club can accomodate an extended day (either through 3:30 p.m. or 5:00 p.m.). For students in grades two and up, Oak Tree Club runs from dismissal at 3:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.. Activities may include mindfulness practices, music exploration, sports such as swimming or basketball, yoga, theatre, language classes & tutoring. In addition, Manzanita campus has relationships with Focus Fish, an organization dedicated to aerial and performing arts, which holds practices and rehearsals on campus. Kinflow, a team sport unique to Southern California, is also offered.

+ IS AN ENTRANCE EXAM REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION?

For many Independent Schools, the ISEE (Independent Schools Entrance Examination) is required for admission. At this time, the ISEE examination is not required for admission to Manzanita. An initial and follow-up interview with both parents and prospective students are held, campus tour and orientation, and application materials must be completed prior to acceptance.

+ DO YOU PROVIDE SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

Manzanita provides financial assistance for admitted students who demonstrate financial need. The school does not provide merit assistance (fee reductions based on a student’s demonstrated ability and skill). Click here for additional information.

+ WHAT KIND OF STUDENT DOES MANZANITA SEEK TO ADMIT?

We seek to admit a diverse community of students, with wide-ranging interests and abilities. Manzanita students enjoy being outdoors and becoming connected to the earth and to their fellows. Manzanita students are consistently willing to grow, study, create, and express themselves authentically. Manzanita students develop the commitment and attitudes that allow them to consistently engage their learning with focus and excitement.

+ IS MANZANITA SCHOOL AFFILIATED WITH CALI CAMP, A DAY CAMP OPERATING ON THE SAME CAMPUS DURING SUMMER MONTHS?

Cali Camp has an exciting and successful 40-year history on the campus. While Manzanita and Cali Camp are two separate entities, the administrative teams of both organizations are working collaboratively to build a shared vision for the property and the children they serve.

+ IS THERE A MEAL PROGRAM?

Manzanita School offers a hot lunch program consisting of healthy and wholesome foods, prepared using high quality, local seasonal produce and non-GMO grains whenever possible. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegetarian options are available at each meal. Each morning, Manzanita provides a universal snack to the entire school community. Snack and lunch are lovingly prepared and served by local food advocate and cookbook author, Hilary Boynton and her crew, School of Lunch. Chef Hilary's kitchen collaborates with local SlowFood partner, Chuck Barth. The food program is included in the cost of tuition.