M a t i l i j a

Escuelita de la Tierra

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide a bilingual, social justice-oriented early childhood education rooted in Indigenous knowledge, fostering children's connection to history, nature, and all life forms. Through a land- and play-based approach, Matilija embraces cultural diversity by promoting empathy, curiosity, respect, and inclusion. The program aims to empower children to explore, inquire, and grow with an appreciation for the natural world and the diverse communities around them. We aim to nurture a love for the earth and transform our relationship with the planet and one another. Through inquiry-based, real-life explorations in nature, guided by caring and trusted teachers, we foster meaningful connections and growth.

Our Programs

Philosophy

M a t i l i j a is a bilingual Spanish/English, social justice-oriented program rooted in Indigenous epistemologies and situated on the unceded ancestral land of the Tongva People. Our land-based and play-based approach fosters children’s connection to history, nature, and all life forms, promoting empathy, curiosity, and respect. We create a nurturing, inclusive learning environment that embraces diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives. Through nature-based experiences and practices, we empower children to explore, inquire, and grow with a deep appreciation for the world and the people around them.

Meet our Tíes

Our experienced teachers hail from many different backgrounds and cultures, bringing diverse perspectives into our program and our students’ experiences.

  • "The care that Claudia puts into the recognition of honoring ancestral land and recognizing plant/animal/spirit life is like no other."

    Irina Contreras

  • "I believe this is a calling for Ms. Claudia, not a job or a business. She is deeply invested in developing our kids because this is the change, the unique gift, she gives to the world. I am so grateful to have Ms. Claudia and this school in our lives."

    Sheena Wadhadwan

  • “At Matilija he honed language around restorative justice and conflict resolution that the whole family uses both in our household, and out in the world.”

    Alexa Coblentz

  • “The first word that comes to mind when I think of their time under her care is "magical.”

    Amy Miller

  • "Ms. Claudia has taught my child to love nature, birding, and just being outdoors and active."

    Amy Goldman

Land Based Education

Make a donation.

Help us provide an equitable, urban land-based education for all!

This Tuition Support Fund is dedicated to making our program more accessible and inclusive. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn from Mother Earth and be guided by loving educators. Your donations will directly support scholarships for families facing financial barriers, helping them access or remain in our community.

As part of our commitment to being a school for all, we recognize the importance of ensuring the necessary resources to include everyone.