Manzanita School and Institute

Manzanita School and Institute (K–12)

Ages 4+ · $39,567–$51,548/year

A private, WASC-accredited school on a 21-acre campus called Big Rock Ranch in Topanga, in the Santa Monica Mountains. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Paul Astin and Jenny Griffiths, it teaches Forest Kindergarten through 12th grade, with a Forest Kinder and Early Elementary program that accepts 4-year-olds and a 3rd–12th curriculum. Academics are combined with land stewardship, a working organic farm, local ecology and Expeditionary Learning, and meals are farm-to-table, using produce from the Living Classroom permaculture farm. Federal survey figures for 2023–24 count about 139 students and roughly six students per teacher. Tuition for 2026–27 is $39,567 for Forest Kindergarten through 2nd grade, $44,676 for 3rd–5th, $50,088 for 6th–8th and $51,548 for 9th–12th, plus a $2,500 new-student fee scaled for aid families. Financial aid is available, and tuition can be paid in 2, 6 or 10 installments.

• Private school
• 139 students
• What’s there: An outdoor play yard; A garden kids tend; Nature: a garden, creek, pond or wild area
• Price level: Premium: high-end or luxury
• Taking new patients or families: yes

• Tuition 2026–27 by grade: $39,567 (Forest K–2nd) to $51,548 (9th–12th); $2,500 new-student fee; class trip and material fees of $500–$2,500.
• Financial aid or scholarships available

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