Mission

Manzano Day School is dedicated to innovative child-centered education, excellence in teaching, and Joy in Learning® to prepare children for a life of discovery and community involvement in our diverse world.

Philosophy

Manzano Day School’s philosophy of Joy in Learning® is central to all we do. Within a warm and nurturing environment, Manzano Day School inspires children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade to become the very best they can be. Every year, we enroll over 460 intellectually capable children from culturally, ethnically, and socio-economically diverse backgrounds.

Our curriculum is built on fundamental academic and communication skills. We encourage curiosity, independent thought, and action, guided by the school’s core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, and striving for excellence. We provide our children with a global awareness, so they understand they are part of a much larger world, one in which they have an obligation to make a meaningful contribution. We seek through our words and deeds to help our children develop a social conscience and to have empathy for others. All students participate in community service and contribute to their community by helping those in need.

Beyond the core curriculum of reading, writing, math, social studies, and science, we teach art, library, music, physical education, Spanish, and technology at regular intervals during the six-day rotation. Within our curriculum we help our students develop conflict resolution tactics, good listening skills, and the confidence to embrace emerging technology. We also familiarize them with our local culture and customs. Our students develop an appreciation for aesthetics and creativity, as these give life more meaning and joy. We also teach our children how to stay healthy mentally and physically, skills that will last a lifetime. Our Fenton Ranch Environmental Program located in the Jemez Mountains gives students an awareness of and appreciation for the natural world as they learn ecological concepts, develop personal reliance skills, and practice outdoor abilities.

Children develop best when they receive adult support, understanding, and positive role modeling in their teachers, the administrative staff, and their parents. A strong partnership between the school and our families is essential to our shared goal of student success. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to the philosophy and mission of Manzano Day School.