OAK TREE Club

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Make sure to read this page carefully as you’ll find the answer to most of your questions in regard to our content, approach, policies & agreements.

How to contact us?

You can contact us via email. Be sure to write your name, email, social media or website, as well as the purpose of your inquiry. You can also visit our Instagram page for additional information and you can direct message us from Instagram.

What are OAK TREE Club’s hours of operation? 

Students in grades K-1st can join daily from 2:30 to 5:00 pm.

Students in grades 2nd-9th may join daily from 3:45 to 5:00 pm. MNZ students can join as soon as school ends at 3:30pm.

Note that on Fridays, all Manzanita students get dismissed at 2:30pm ; OAK TREE Club opens its doors at 2:45pm for all grades.

The first day of OAK TREE Club starts Monday August 25th, 2025 for all grades. Please note that Manzanita will open on Thursday August 22nd & OAK TREE Club will not be open until the following week. This allows the students to first get acquainted & adjusted with the regular Manzanita school day program. 

How do I sign up for OAK TREE Club 

You can sign up for OAK TREE Club by registering here via our registration software called “Sawyer”. The schedule you choose will be calculated and you will receive an immediate invoice after choosing what classes and days you want. You will be directed by the software to sign a liability waiver and be asked to make a payment to complete the registration process.

We request payments in full or by semester in advance before your child can attend the program. In some cases we can also set-up payment plans.
Note that no refunds will be given for any tuition options you choose.

Important Note: some discounts or financial aid may be available to you.
Please note that you can only receive one discount. No discounts apply to the 20 class passes or the financial aid rate. Refer to the “specialty rates” section for more details.

What does a typical day look like at OTC? 

A typical day at OAK TREE Club starts at 2:30pm for grades K-1 with an initial check-in, followed by some free time to decompress from the school day. Creek play, art & manipulative activities are available for the younger students. When it is time for healthy snacks provided by School Of Lunch, we continue our day using a “helper’s chart” to encourage leadership and self sufficiency.
Grades K-1 complete the “Question of the Day” & practice mindfulness with breath awareness and story time. We introduce basic French words as well.

Between 3:30 & 3:45pm, it is time for grades 2-9 to check-in, get a nourishing snack & head out to their main activity of the day lead by one of our team members.

We encourage child art & creativity throughout all parts of our curriculum.
Through daily group reflections & discussions, students are encouraged to share personal stories, opinions & interests. This creates a supportive environment prone for a dynamic exchange between students & mentors, as well as peer-to-peer learning opportunities.
Mindfulness, community building and yogic elements are infused in our daily curriculum for all ages. Social time with friends, team building games, council & various sports are available too.
Note that high energy & low energy choices are offered daily at OAK TREE Club. Even though our program works with a foundational schedule, we keep a certain flexibility in the program to remain adaptable to student interest & energy levels, as well as weather conditions.

Do the children all gather together or is it separated by age & will my child get to choose their activities?

At OTC the students are generally split up into two groups, Kindergarten through 1st grade & 2nd through 9th grade. Second graders have the option to be with either age group depending on their level of interest in the daily activity & per request of the parents. There will be times when we will merge both groups together as the older students can be mentors towards the younger students & it is a good way to create learning opportunities with their peers. If we have students who are interested in joining one of the other groups we are flexible about allowing the different ages to mix based on the needs of that individual child.

What does the Specialty Classes entail and is there an additional cost?

On certain days optional specialist activities can be available at an additional cost.
As a growing program, we strive to provide a wider diversity of activities. OAK TREE Club is hiring experienced specialists for students to get introduced to a variety of disciplines.
All specialty classes come at an additional cost and prices may vary to cover any new facilitators expenses.

What gear & supplies are needed to attend OTC?

Please have your child dress in the appropriate clothes based on the weather since most everything we do will be outdoors (raincoat & rain boots for winter, hats for hot weather). We recommend bringing sunscreen, labeled water bottle & personal yoga mat to leave on campus for yoga days. Good running/hiking shoes daily is recommended to be able to participate in the variety of activities provided. We recommend labeling all of your child’s gear to limit items getting lost on campus. An extra change of clothes and socks is always useful and can be left in the OTC classroom or your child’s backpack.

What Specialty rates does OTC offer?

Some discounts may apply to you. Please note that only some discounts can be combined.

OTC Loyalty Member Discount: 5% Discount for existing OTC families

Early Bird Discount: 10% off if you enroll your child by August 1st 2025

Family Referral Discount: 10% off if you refer a family to OAK TREE Club and they sign up for the school year (does not apply for 20 class passes)

Financial Aid Rate:
Available to families after completing the application form thoroughly.
A recent tax-return must be submitted & reviewed by our approval board. If you are a MNZ student and receive financial aid from MNZ, the OTC financial aid discount will be the same as the discount MNZ gives you.
Note that no additional discounts are given to financial aid families.

What are the registration agreements for the OTC School Year?

The OTC tuition covers all activities, homework help, healthy snacks and registration fees. . If you choose a 20 class pass package option, please check your profile on Sawyer to see when your class pass is close to running out, you can than choose to order another package or not.
Payment will be due upon enrollment of the next package ordered.

There are no refunds once you have paid if you change your mind about the amount of days your child enrolls. Payments are due upon enrollment for the whole school year or per semester.  All class passes must be used by the end of the school year and cannot be rolled over to the next year. On Sawyer it says the class passes must be redeemed within 365 days, however the correct amount is for just the school year and does not equal to a whole year. Thanks for your understanding in the discrepancy of the software.

How does payment work? 

You are required to make payment before your child can attend OTC programming. Be sure to make payment the same day you register or the day before. To do so you can either complete your payment on our Sawyer Registration Page by using:

• Debit & Credit Card – with an 2.9% processing fee added to your payment as well as a one time charge of $3.99 from the Sawyer registration software and a $0.30 per transaction through the payment processor called Stripe.
  
• ACH (bank-to-bank-transfer) – with an 0.8% processing fee per transaction with a maximum fee of $5, as well as an account authorization fee of $1.50 that applies when a new bank account is authorized.

If you decide to pay via Zelle, Cash or Check you will need a COUPON CODE on our Sawyer Registration Page at checkout. Please send us an email at info@oaktreeclub.org to inform us of your preferred payment method. Once payment completed we will reply with your personal coupon code to be redeemed at checkout and finish your online registration.

• Check – which must be paid in the full amount for the yearly fee or in two payments at the beginning of each semester. Checks are to be made payable to OAK TREE Club & given to Dawn or Gregoire personally or put in the OAK TREE Club mailbox. 
  
• Zelle – to be made directly to dawn@manzanitaschool.org
  
• Cash – which must be paid in the full amount for the yearly fee or in two payments at the beginning of each semester. Cash must be given directly to Dawn or Gregoire in person. No payments should be given to Manzanita School.
  
• Venmo – @oaktreeclub ; meant only for payments of $75 or less. Venmo is an easy option for paying any late fees or drop in days. Note that you will need to add 2% to your paid amount due to the Venmo transaction.

What is the policy for late pickup?

While we encourage parents to arrive on time we understand that sometimes things come up. Please us if you know you will be late at regular pick up time. You can call the following school phone number to notify the OTC staff if you’re running late: (310) 455-9700

Please email us at info@oaktreeclub.org, & dawn@manzanitaschool.org if you anticipate being late for OAK TREE Club pick up. Students will be welcomed to our indoor or outdoor classroom, invited to join our daily activities & will be provided with snacks to make sure that the waiting time is seamless.

Late pickup from Manzanita school is after 2:45pm for K-1 & after 3:45pm for 2 & up.
You will be charged $35/hour after the above mentioned times.
Late payments are due immediately upon pick up of your child the same day you come late. If you do not pay on the same day an additional fee of $10 per day will be added to your late payment.
Please give late payments to OAK TREE Club -Dawn or Gregoire directly, not Manzanita. Note that you will be personally responsible to pay upon arrival. You can also drop your cash or check payment in the mailbox next to the OTC table by the “creekside classrooms”. You can Venmo us @oaktreeclub for late payments.

Note that late pick up at OAK TREE Club is $1 per minute anytime after 5:05pm.
Please inform us as soon as possible if you know you will be coming after hours. 

What is the policy for late tuition payments? 

All tuition for OAK TREE Club is due prior to your child attending OTC. If a payment plan is worked out in advance with the directors then payments will be due on the dates of the payment plan worked out. For example, monthly payments made on the first or last of each month for the first semester. All payment plans must be approved in advance before we can accept your child’s registration. If payment is made later than one week of the date agreed upon there will be an added late charge of $50 per week until payment is completed. 

Does OAK TREE Club have a Sports Program?  

The sport offerings are part of the OAK TREE Club activities program which is included in the OTC tuition price. The Vitality sports program is optional for students to participate and we recommend that students only join if they have a true interest in the sport(s) being offered. A high level of student engagement & participation is asked for in order to cultivate high-quality classes. All levels are welcome to participate.
Our Sports program will focus on different sport modalities & will rotate based on holidays, as well as child, coach & parent interests. There will be classes held separately for:
Grades K-1 (Fun Fitness) and
Grades 2nd-9th (Vitality Sports & Athletics).
The skill level, game & techniques will be adapted to the specific age groups. Coach Damon & Mr. Gregoire will model by example to teach students strong leadership skills, accountability & commitment.

The OTC team has zero tolerance towards bullying & any other form of disrespect. Any disdaining behavior will be addressed in a compassionate, yet firm & well-informed way. The goal is to empower one another & play fair regardless of any competitive tendencies that comes with doing sports. Coach Damon will combine his many years of coaching & mindful mentorship experiences which will be backed up by Gregoire, the co-director of OAK TREE Club.
Here is a comprehensive list of sport options that can be offered at OAK TREE Club: Swimming, Basketball, Flag Football, Team building games, Ultimate frisbee, Volleyball, Fitness Health & Nutrition, Grass Hockey, Badminton, Muay Thai Martial Arts, Tennis, Pickleball & Soccer. 

We will start the school year (Aug/Sept) with water play games for grades K-1, & swimming skills for grades 2-9. Please note that your child must already know how to swim in order to attend swim class. Coach Melissa will be the swim coach & is a certified lifeguard. The focus is to help students to enhance their swimming strokes such as freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke & butterfly while enjoying a freestyle swimming and games.

What are OAK TREE Club’s agreements?

Our agreements have been curated by both students & teachers to create an inclusive, safe & consistent environment for all.

1) Have fun, play & show good sportsmanship

2) Give everyone their personal space

3) Respect each other, our bodies & others. We listen & learn from one another.

4) Show accountability, give friendly reminders & help-out when you can

5) We clean-up after ourselves & take care of our personal belongings 

What are the consequences for not following the OTC agreements in the Sports Program?

1st occurance:  First warning & time alone (with Coach nearby) to evaluate one’s action and the cause of having to sit out

2nd occurance: Student sent to OTC headquarters with Dawn & Gregoire for the remainder of the day to review agreements

3rd occurance: Student will no longer be able to participate in the program until a council with the student & their parent(s) is organized to address the situation at hand

What if my child is sick or absent & can’t come to school?

Students must attend school in order to be invited to OAK TREE Club that day. There will be no reimbursements for time missed at OTC, unless it is three or more consecutive days with a doctor’s note. We may be able to give you credit for make-up day(s) if we have room available at OTC. Please note, that we cannot guarantee make-up days on particular dates & can give no more than 3 make-up days per school year.

What is the OAK TREE Youth Club? 

The OAK TREE Youth Club is geared for grade 5 & up, a place for peers in the same age bracket to connect & have fun. OTYC reserves a moment for students to share their feelings & experiences, while being heard in a smaller setting. OTYC promotes an open & mindful dialogue allowing discussions on a variety of contemporary topics to take place with respect & truth. It is also a space where students can tend to their own needs & seek counsel if wished for. Homework assistance & socio-emotional management techniques are provided as well. 

In addition, students are encouraged to lead group activities in relation to their passions, aspirations & interests (i.e. poetry, literature, drawing, music appreciation, board games, sports, cartoons, anime, manga, …). We encourage MNZ high school students to take part in OTYC by sharing personal thoughts & experiences or by leading activities as mentors to their younger peers. 

What is MOON Club?

Moon Club may become available and is lead by a female high school mentor who is part of our OTC Mentorship program. Moon Club is a safe space to talk and sit in council with middle & high-school students to discuss puberty, home life, body changes, and more. Topics such as regular life, periods, boys, girls, crushes, friendship & family issues and dynamics. Really anything that is present or heavy for the students can be discussed. Positive insight for self empowerment, practical resources and ways to cope with any social emotional issues are shared as well. 

What is “Yoga of Elements?” 

Yoga of Elements was founded in 2017 by Gregoire Thiry & Dawn Geer through their travels across different continents. They are certified adult, teenage & kids Yoga instructors. Yoga of Elements combines mindfulness, meditation, martial arts, coordination exercises, academic knowledge, outdoor activities, environmental education, philosophy, mindful team games & music into their classes for a holistic approach to physical & mental fitness. The program proposed by Yoga of Elements helps students learn how to increase their physical resilience, explore their creativity, apply conscious listening, acknowledge different world views, while understanding the importance of nature conservancy & sustainability. Themed classes help to introduce new concepts to students in a fun & engaging way. Classes are adapted to the individual needs of the students’ age (more advanced & challenging or playful & fun). The message of Yoga of Elements is of peace & unity among people, while highlighting the importance of honest education, self awareness & empowerment. The goal is to close generational, socio-economic, & cultural gaps by bringing forth various teachings in a practical, applicable & transferable manner. 
For more information please visit: https://yogaofelements.com/

What is offered in the “Music & Movement Class?” 

Students learn the basic understanding of how to create rhythm & beat using instruments, body percussion & voice. Interactive & hands-on learning, as well as creative exploration are key components of these classes. Students will understand the importance of listening & collaborating to create harmonious sounds. They will also become acquainted with different music genres & their core instruments. Students will be exposed to instruments & music from an array of cultures from around the world (percussion, strings, wind instruments, keyboards, sound bowls, bells, etc). These classes will also introduce the cultural significance of each instrument, while allowing the students to acquaint themselves with the skills needed to play them. 
For the students who have a special connection to music our specialists providers can be hired for private or small group lessons with the instrument of their choice. Voice lessons, music theory & the opportunity for children to record their own song are all available options provided by our experienced specialist providers. Please note that specialist classes are at an additional cost to the OTC program.

Can I pick up my child before 5pm? 

Yes, you can pick up your child before 5pm but arrangements will need to be made in advance as students could be at different locations on campus & we will need to know when to meet you at the parking lot; pick-up location upon your arrival. The intent of the program is for all students to enjoy our activities until 5pm while remaining flexible to the needs of their families. There will be a walkie talkie on the “sign-In”desk in front of the “Creekside Classrooms” in the parking lot. There will be instructions on how to use the walkie should you choose to pick up your child early. Please inform Dawn & info@oaktreeclub via email of any changes & early pick-ups.

What happens in inclement weather? 

Safety precautions are taken in the event of inclement weather. High heat, poor air quality, rain & high winds are the most common weather conditions that require a change in programming. There will be an outdoor shelter to protect from light rain & there will be an indoor room for more extreme conditions. OTC will align their safety protocol to the one established at Manzanita School & Institute.

What about snacks? 

The Oak Tree Club provides students with a delicious organic & nutritious snack everyday. They are included in the tuition price. Our snacks will be provided by the leader of Manzanita’s nutrition program, Hilary Boynton, an internationally recognized holistic health counselor, chef, coach, professional educator, & author of the bestselling book “Heal Your Gut Cookbook”. Her team from School of Lunch lovingly prepares farm fresh snacks to the students daily. 

Can I join the OAK TREE Club for one day per week? 

Yes, there is a 1 day a week package, as well as a single drop in day rate available. for the 2025/2026 school year.

What will COVID policies look like for the 2025/2026 school year? 

Manzanita School follows the Los Angeles County Guidelines for Schools put out by the Los Angeles County Department of Health. The Manzanita COVID Compliance Team stays up-to-date with all changes made by the health department. Currently, the school conducts symptom checks & we encourage frequent hand washing. We stay in small cohorts when needed. We fully expect school to operate as close to normal as possible in the 2025/2026 school year, yet we are prepared to implement any necessary precautions required of us. 

Who can I contact if I have more questions? 

The day to day operations will be run by Dawn Geer & Gregoire Thiry.
For most other matters throughout the year please email info@oaktreeclub.org This includes tuition, invoice, registration & financial questions.

You can also reach out to Dawn or Gregoire directly on their personal MNZ emails for questions or concerns regarding your child or the daily schedule or curriculum.

Dawn- dawn@manzanitaschool.org

Gregoire- greg@manzanitaschool.org

Thank you for your collaboration & trust.