Manzanita School and Institute

Manzanita School and Institute, founded in 2014, sits on 21 acres of chaparral in Topanga's Santa Monica Mountains, serving about 150 students in grades Forest Kindergarten through 12. The school is WASC-accredited and operates as a California day school built around mentorship and nature-based learning. Unlike conventional independent schools, Manzanita weaves the mountain landscape into its curriculum as an active teaching tool.

The teaching model here is outdoor-centered. Students spend regular time learning directly on the land. Teachers work in advisory relationships with small groups of students, not just in classrooms. This means faculty redesign lessons, assessments, and how they measure learning. Educators comfortable with experimentation—and willing to step outside textbook-driven instruction—tend to thrive at Manzanita School and Institute.

The school hires faculty across elementary, middle, and high school divisions, plus administrative and support staff roles. Because enrollment is modest, teachers often span multiple grades or subjects and help shape school operations directly. You wear more hats than at larger schools. That multiplicity builds real influence: your voice matters in curriculum decisions and community culture.

Location is both asset and trade-off. The Santa Monica Mountains offer beauty and separation from urban sprawl. Commuting from Los Angeles proper takes time. For candidates seeking refuge in nature-focused, mission-driven work, the drive often feels worth it.

Manzanita School and Institute offers teachers a chance to rebuild their craft around mentorship and land connection rather than conventional classroom management. It suits educators ready to teach differently.