ABOUT US

A Parent's Wish

Manzanita Bilingual School was a mother's dream. After moving her children from one school to another and trying out different models of instruction, Lena became convinced that the school that they wanted for her children hadn't been developed yet.

She wanted a school that would support the bilingualism that her children brought with them, validating both English and Spanish and the rich cultures behind both languages.
She wanted her children to be allowed to use creativity to support their academic development and have a say in what they were learning. She wanted a program that supported children in becoming independent and provided them with a strong work ethic.
She also wanted a school that would support children's curiosity and growing interest in the outdoors and the natural world that surrounded them.

Manzanita has been tailor made to ensure that children feel a part of a global society. It exists to partner with parents and families as they work to develop creative, independent, curious, members of a multicultural society. Manzanita is a place of rest, where children can strive to learn about what inspires them while being supported throughout their learning process so that learning, is an active process of discovery of the world and of self.

An oasis, where childhood is a joyful endeavor.

Why the name Manzanita?

Manzanita trees and shrubs are native to western North America stretching from Mexico to Canada, representing the variety of cultures that Manzanita Bilingual School embraces.
They are known for their varied shades of bark that is smooth to the touch and represents the varied skin tones of children that comprise our school.
Their branches grow in lovely twists and turns creating unique and sometimes twisted shapes that are like works of art. Our students too are works of art that are both beautiful and unique.
The Manzanita ranges in size from low growing ground covers, to small trees that can grow up to as high as 20 feet representing the developmental nature of childhood.
Finally, the Manzanita is a hard wood, that is strong and enduring even in harsh climates. We aspire the children who enter our program develop into strong and enduring individuals who have the resiliency to preserver and become their version of greatness.