Topanga, CA · 1–12
Last verified August 20, 2026
1717 Old Topanga Canyon Rd, 90290 · (310) 455-9700
Enrollment
126
Student:teacher
4:1
Published tuition
$39,567–$51,548
Application fee
$156
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Tuition by division
| Division | Grades | Annual tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preschool / Pre-K2026-27 | Forest Kindergarten - 2nd grade | $39,567 | — |
| Elementary2026-27 | Grades 3 - 5th | $44,676 | — |
| Middle school2026-27 | Grades 6 - 8th | $50,088 | — |
| High school2026-27 | Grades 9 - 12th | $51,548 | — |
Head of school
Paul Astin
Head of School
Dr. Paul Astin currently serves as the Head of School and is a Co-Founder of Manzanita. He has worked in education for over 30 years and wrote his 2008 UCLA doctoral dissertation on adolescent development and middle school reform.
Curriculum & special classes
Manzanita School offers a WASC-accredited K-12 independent college preparatory curriculum that is uniquely structured and indoor-outdoor. It blends rigorous academics, land stewardship (including a working organic farm), and the study of local ecology, drawing on leading-edge pedagogical theory and practice.
Financial aid
There is a one-time, New Student Enrollment fee of $2500 which is scaled for financial aid families.
Application fee: $156
Before & after school care
No extended-care hours or rates on file yet. This is one of the biggest surprise costs for working parents — if you know what before- and after-care runs here, add it below.
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Admissions
The admissions process involves an online inquiry, creating a Ravenna-Hub account, attending a Parent Information Meeting (online), an in-person Forest Kindergarten Open House and Campus Tour (for K applicants), submitting an online application with a fee, providing supplementary materials, and participating in an online Parent and Student Admissions Interview. Admissions decisions are sent by March 13, 2026.
Apply by
February 2026 (extended application deadline); Supplementary materials due by February 20, 2026; Financial aid application deadline is February 5, 2026.
Acceptance rate
Not listed
Application fee
$156
What they ask for: Online Admissions Inquiry, Ravenna-Hub account, Parent Information Meeting attendance, Forest Kindergarten Open House and Campus Tour (for K applicants), completed online Admissions Application ($156 fee), teacher and administrator recommendation forms, student visit (at school's discretion), Parent and Student Admissions Interview.
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