Topanga Elementary Charter

I have three children at Manzanita and each of them are so different and are thriving there. It is definitely not a traditional school but it offers many of the things that the best independent schools do, like very small class sizes (in the lower grades it's about 2 teachers to 12-14 students) and lots of opportunities for enrichment (the campus has a swimming pool, art studio, aerial arts pavilion, beautiful outdoor lunch space under mature oak trees). It also does so many things more conventional schools don't. The kids have ample opportunities to hike on nearby conservation lands, or to work on the organic farm or alongside animals like horses, chickens, goats and more. I adore not having to pack lunch: the school is partnered with an organization called School of Lunch that provides daily organic, locavore lunch and snacks and it's central to the culture on campus. There is a lot of focus in the curriculum on local ecosystems and on land stewardship, so there is an incredibly strong sense of place here. Really it's a magical experience and supports healthy development in so many ways. Most of all my kids love going to school and are curious and engaged with their learning.