Topanga, California Apr 5, 2026  – As Southern California families increasingly seek out college preparatory schools with outdoor programs that extend past traditional classroom boundaries, Manzanita School presents a powerful solution. Established in 2013 on a 21-acre campus in the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, this WASC-accredited K-12 independent school has created a unique educational approach. This model immerses students in the wild chaparral for two days weekly and in intensive academic study for three days, resulting in graduates who achieve an average college GPA of 3.82.

The defining feature of the Manzanita experience is its weekly schedule of “Owl Days” and “Hawk Days.” Three days per week are dedicated to conventional classroom learning in literacy, math, and an integrated humanities and science “Unit of Study,” where subjects like atmospheric chemistry, plant botany, human prehistory, and environmental ethics are explored. For the other two days, education moves outside, with students venturing into the protected natural areas around the campus to track wildlife with experts, examine mountain fossils, construct shelters, recognize native flora, and learn bird language. This intentional mix establishes Manzanita as one of the area’s most unique private schools for experiential learning, providing an education grounded in academic excellence and the natural environment.

Manzanita’s dedication to integrating the arts into education is evident in everyday school activities. Each day ends with specialized sessions in areas such as ceramics, music, aerial arts, debate, and other creative pursuits. The arts curriculum is structured to be both pedagogically robust and engaging, offering students channels for creative expression that complement and enhance their academic work. Whether creating pottery based on rock formations or writing music about ecological ideas, Manzanita students engage with the arts as a fundamental component of their education, not as a secondary option.

Outside of both the classroom and nature trails, Manzanita students build resilience and a sense of community through land stewardship and permaculture farming initiatives. In teams that mix grade levels and are supervised by adult mentors and senior students, they participate in regenerative agriculture on a functional organic farm called the Living Classroom. They acquire skills in planning, designing, budgeting, and implementing tangible projects from start to finish—abilities that directly contribute to college preparation and future life. The school’s meal program even includes food cultivated by the students, creating a direct link between their education and daily sustenance.

The school’s experiential approach is further expanded through required expeditionary learning trips, which increase in complexity from overnight stays on campus for third graders to extended wilderness and cultural trips for high school students. Destinations include Joshua Tree National Park, the Sierra Nevada backcountry, and Indigenous communities in the American Southwest. These journeys are closely connected to the main humanities and science coursework, guaranteeing that each trip has significant academic value. Graduating seniors have gained admission to the UC and CSU systems, as well as prestigious private liberal arts colleges and universities across the country.

The Manzanita School program is organized into four age-specific groups—Seeds (K-2), Roots (3-5), Trunk (6-8), and Branches (9-12)—featuring small classes and well-trained, highly qualified teachers. Families curious about this distinctive educational model can find more information and start the admissions process at manzanitaschool.org/3-12curriculum.

About Manzanita School

Manzanita School is a WASC-accredited K-12 independent college preparatory school situated in Topanga Canyon within the Santa Monica Mountains, close to Los Angeles, California. Since its founding in 2013, the school has combined demanding academics, land stewardship, hands-on learning, and arts integration across its 21-acre grounds. Manzanita’s pioneering indoor-outdoor curriculum utilizes advanced educational theory to foster the complete development of each child—academically, socially, and ecologically. For additional details, visit manzanitaschool.org.

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