About Us

Our Philosophy

Manzanita School is an independent school grounded in a progressive educational philosophy. In the words of educator John Dewey, progressive education is “not preparation for life, but is life itself.”

Manzanita staff and families share common convictions about the nature of childhood, learning, and schooling:

• Children are innately curious. They are fascinated with the world, eager to try new things and make sense of their life experiences. 
• Children learn best when the subject matter is interesting and has meaning to them.
• School should provide abundant opportunities for children to learn in ways that are age-appropriate and relevant.
• Teachers support each child’s interests, pace, and learning style while challenging them to exceed expectations.

We believe that children learn both by direct instruction and by their own experimentation and play in an enriched environment. At Manzanita School you will often see children engaged in cooperative learning that is not directed or controlled by the teacher. This learning may involve building or art materials, math manipulatives, computers, pencils and paper, video cameras, or many other media that faciliate learning. The children often surprise us, both in how much they learn and in how creative they are when they have a sense of control over the process and outcome of their learning.

Our students learn many vital skills that are often not taught in traditional settings: to take responsibility for their actions, to communicate well with others, and to think critically about their world. We directly teach these skills, then step back and give children the space to practice them independently.

Manzanita School has no principal's office and no detention. As a community we determine what behavior is needed in a given circumstance (inside, on the playground, on a field trip). If a student's behavior negatively impacts others, the student works with their peers to agree on behavior that will work for everyone. Using nonviolent communication skills and conflict resolution practices, the Manzanita community is an environment where everyone's needs are held in high regard. In turn, learning is facilitated as the students feel safe and supported.

Assistance is always appreciated. If you would like donate materials, your time, or to otherwise help in any way, please contact the school at (805) 541-4012 or .

 

The Directors

Mat Chirman, M.S., LMFT, and Becca Carsel, M.S., a husband and wife team, have shared a dream for many years of creating a school that both challenges and nurtures children. With backgrounds in outdoor and experiential (learning by doing) education, they developed an outdoor school in Santa Cruz and earned Masters in Educational Leadership at Minnesota State. Together they raised Mat's son, experiencing many school settings as they struggled to find an environment that met his needs.

Mat's interests turned to counseling and he currently works as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Becca was an Educational Consultant for almost seven years, writing grants, coordinating school district programs, evaluating projects, teaching literacy summer school, and assisting school districts in their long-range planning.

As their daughter grew to school age, Mat and Becca's thoughts returned to how they could create a school community that focused on the whole child and allowed children to learn at their own pace. They developed Manzanita School to be a learning environment where children are excited about learning, creative, cared for, and challenged.

Becca now teaches the upper elementary class, and Dona Wilson is the lower class teacher. Mat provides the behind-the-scenes administration and support.

 

Primary Teacher Dona Wilson

Dona Wilson brings to Manzanita School a passion for working with children as well as a rich and varied background. Dona earned her B.A. in English from Cal Poly, with a minor in linguistics. She received her Multiple-Subject California Teaching Credential at Fresno State’s Cal State Teach Program, which uses a constructivist, developmental model. This program prepared her well for teaching early literacy skills and creating multi-level lessons in a progressive school environment.

Dona has a keen interest in helping children develop their social skills to create more harmonious relationships with themselves and others. She has taken and co-facilitated workshops in Non-Violent Communication, attending extended retreats for educators and for the general public.

Dona’s varied teaching experiences include private tutoring in reading; teaching ESL to adults; substituting and volunteering in a Waldorf methods public charter school; student teaching and substituting in SLO County public schools; co-teaching in a combined first/second/third grade Montessori classroom; home-schooling her own two children; and creating an after-school program which offered hands-on, nature-based art and science activities.