Programs
MANA is a project-based learning community with two age-based programs in Ojai, California.
Ages 4–6
These early years lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Through storytelling, imaginative play, movement, nature, art, music, practical life activities, and sensory exploration, children develop confidence, emotional awareness, language, literacy, mathematics, creativity, and independence.
Ages 7–11
Older children engage in increasingly sophisticated projects that integrate entrepreneurship, leadership, public speaking, design thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and community service while continuing to master core academics through meaningful work.
Kids Helping Kids · Created by Brandee Sabella
This is one of the most unique experiences at MANA. Children do not learn entrepreneurship simply to make money. They learn entrepreneurship as a way to serve the world.
Each year students are paired with children living in orphanages that Brandee and her family have supported for more than fifteen years. Students build real businesses whose profits directly benefit their partner communities.
Every student creates a professional portfolio documenting the journey from initial idea to final product launch. More importantly, children witness the tangible impact their work has on another child’s life.
Many families choose to travel with MANA to visit these partner communities, deepening friendships across cultures and helping children understand that compassion has no borders.
Ancient Wisdom & World Cultures
Children do not simply memorize historical facts. They immerse themselves in the stories, architecture, engineering, inventions, art, music, foods, geography, traditions, ecological knowledge, craftsmanship, and values that shaped these cultures.
The monthly theme is woven across every area of learning. Children may build architectural models, compose music inspired by the culture, study traditional ecological practices, cook regional recipes, create artwork, write stories, investigate scientific discoveries, and collaborate on child-led research projects inspired by their own questions.
Community elders, artists, historians, and culture bearers are invited to share their knowledge through hands-on experiences.
One memorable example was Lakota artist Toni Bear Horse, who taught Dreamcatcher making, storytelling, music, and cultural traditions. Later, when he experienced hardship, the children organized ways to support him, learning that community is something we practice, not just discuss.
In Service
Children become active members of their community. Throughout the year they participate in meaningful service projects with local organizations, nonprofits, artists, farms, elders, and businesses.
These experiences help children recognize that every person has gifts to contribute and that leadership begins with service.
Plan your visit
See what becomes possible when children are trusted, challenged, inspired, and deeply connected to the world around them.
Ojai, California
