Mountain House & Manteca, California

मराठी शिका,
मराठी बोला

A home for the Marathi language, culture & community

A volunteer-driven Marathi school and vibrant community — built by the community, for the community. We nurture a deep love for the Marathi language, traditions and festivals among our young learners.

Join us, and be a part of this extraordinary journey.

मराठी शिका आणि मराठी बोला

अ आ इ

ई उ ऊ

From the very first akshar to confident conversation — a joyful journey into Marathi.

90+

Students

200+

Library Books

0+Studentsविद्यार्थी
0Schoolsशाळा
0+Library Booksग्रंथालय
0Volunteer Teachersशिक्षक
Our Mission

मार्गदर्शक प्रकाशA guiding light for our students

Aapli Marathi Shala & Community is a vibrant community initiative dedicated to nurturing the love for Marathi language and culture in the hearts of our young learners. We aim to be a guiding light, illuminating the path to a profound understanding and appreciation of Marathi culture, traditions, and festivals.

भाषा आणि व्याकरण

Language & Grammar

From the basics of alphabets and grammar to advanced literature — through interactive sessions, storytelling and creative writing workshops.

सांस्कृतिक अनुभव

Cultural Immersion

Students experience rich Marathi traditions through festival celebrations, folk dances, music and art all year round.

स्वयंसेवक

Volunteer-Driven

Passionate educators and cultural enthusiasts come together to share their knowledge and skills — a community built on generosity.

हातभार लावा

Our shala runs on people like you

Every class, festival and Diwali Ank happens because volunteers give a little time — teaching, cooking, setting up the stage, capturing memories, or lending a skill. You don’t need to be a parent, and even an hour makes a difference. Come be one of the hands that keep our community warm.

Events & setupTeaching helpPhotographyFoodFundraising
Our Classes

आमच्या तुकड्याBatches for every young learner

BeginnerMountain House

बालमंदिर ते दुसरी

Batch 1 — Balmandir to 2nd

An introductory program that welcomes our youngest learners to the Marathi language and culture through songs, stories and playful, age-appropriate activities.

Age group
4.5 to 9 years
Enrolled
48 students
Timing
Saturday · 10:00 AM PST sharp

Please drop kids 10 minutes early.

IntermediateMountain House

तिसरी आणि पुढे

Batch 2 — 3rd grade & above

A deeper journey into the Marathi language, culture, traditions and history — building fluency in reading, writing and confident conversation.

Age group
10+ years
Enrolled
29 students
Timing
Saturday · 11:10 AM PST sharp
BeginnerManteca

मंटेका शाळा

Manteca Shala

Our Manteca batch brings the same warmth and curriculum closer to home for families in and around Manteca.

Age group
5 years onwards
Enrolled
12+ students
Timing
Friday · 6:10 PM PST sharp
Beyond the classroom

समुदायThe Mountain House Marathi Community

A grassroots organization built by the community and for the community — dedicated to preserving Marathi language and culture for our diaspora.

We run two Marathi language schools — Mountain House and Manteca — teaching the language while celebrating our traditions through festivals like Diwali, Gudi Padwa and Mahashivratri. From field trips (Shala Sahal) and Saturday computer classes to a community newsletter and our Diwali Ank, there is a place for everyone.

चला, एकमेकांना मदत करूया आणि एकत्र पुढे जाऊया.

Let's help each other and keep moving forward together.

Lezim Folk Dance

लेझीम पथक

Our energetic Lezim group keeps a beloved Maharashtrian folk tradition alive through rhythm and dance.

Girls Cricket Club

क्रिकेट क्लब

Teamwork, fitness and fun on the field for our girls.

Carrom Club

कॅरम क्लब

A friendly gathering over the classic board game loved across generations.

Marathi Katta & Karaoke

मराठी कट्टा

Songs, conversation and laughter — the heart of the Marathi katta spirit.

Bhajani Mandal

भजनी मंडळ

Devotional singing that brings families together in harmony.

Library — 200+ books

ग्रंथालय

A growing Marathi library so every reader can find their next story.

What's happening

कार्यक्रमEvents & celebrations

Feb 28, 2026Upcoming

Essay & Letter Writing Contest 2026

An academic competition open to all our students — celebrating creativity and the written Marathi word.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PST
May 17, 2025

A Grand Tribute to Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj & Maharashtra Din

A grand cultural evening honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj & Sambhaji Maharaj, marked with performances and community celebration.

3:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST
Julius Cordes Elementary — MPR, 296 Parco Ave, Mountain House
Mar 22, 2025

Keertan Seva

Our annual Keertan Seva — a free cultural event to celebrate and preserve Marathi heritage.

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM PST
Julius Cordes Elementary — MPR, 296 Parco Ave, Mountain House
Watch

व्हिडिओOur Shala in action

All videos

Marathi Shala Mi Nahi Abhyas Kela

Guest of Honor Mrs. Maria Canga's Inspirational Speech | Marathi Shala Annual Day

Marathi Shala Aathovdyache Aar Sath Song

MH Marathi Shala 2nd Grade Kids special skit — “Interesting Marathi Bhasha”

Marathi Shala Balmandir Kids Sheptivale Prani Song

Manteca and Mountain House Marathi Shala Kids on the evergreen Marathi Sang Sang Bholanath Song

Marathi Shala: Visit to Maharashtra (India) with Family Gathering and Fun

Welcome to the inspiring journey of Aapli Marathi Shala and Community!

Marathi Shala Mi Nahi Abhyas Kela

Guest of Honor Mrs. Maria Canga's Inspirational Speech | Marathi Shala Annual Day

Marathi Shala Aathovdyache Aar Sath Song

MH Marathi Shala 2nd Grade Kids special skit — “Interesting Marathi Bhasha”

Marathi Shala Balmandir Kids Sheptivale Prani Song

Manteca and Mountain House Marathi Shala Kids on the evergreen Marathi Sang Sang Bholanath Song

Marathi Shala: Visit to Maharashtra (India) with Family Gathering and Fun

Welcome to the inspiring journey of Aapli Marathi Shala and Community!

In their words

अभिप्रायLoved by our families

The dedication and passion of the Aapli Marathi Shala teaching team are truly commendable, creating an enriching and immersive learning environment.
A Shala Parent
The management team deserves high praise for their meticulous organization and unwavering commitment — ensuring every aspect of the Shala runs smoothly for the whole community.
A Community Member
The innovative teaching methods and the supportive, nurturing atmosphere reflect a genuine dedication to promoting Marathi heritage and education with excellence and creativity.
A Shala Parent
Watching my daughter read her first Marathi story aloud — and now chatting happily with her आजी-आजोबा — has been the greatest gift. She's genuinely proud of where she comes from.
A Balmandir Parent
Diwali, Gudi Padwa, Lezim, bhajans — my children don't just learn about our culture here, they live it. Every Saturday feels like a little piece of Maharashtra.
A Shala Parent
Living so far from home, the Shala has become our extended family. My grandchildren are growing up connected to their roots and their mother tongue.
A Grandparent
The teachers are all volunteers, yet the care and preparation they bring rivals any school. You can feel how much this community loves what it is building.
A Manteca Parent
The dedication and passion of the Aapli Marathi Shala teaching team are truly commendable, creating an enriching and immersive learning environment.
A Shala Parent
The management team deserves high praise for their meticulous organization and unwavering commitment — ensuring every aspect of the Shala runs smoothly for the whole community.
A Community Member
The innovative teaching methods and the supportive, nurturing atmosphere reflect a genuine dedication to promoting Marathi heritage and education with excellence and creativity.
A Shala Parent
Watching my daughter read her first Marathi story aloud — and now chatting happily with her आजी-आजोबा — has been the greatest gift. She's genuinely proud of where she comes from.
A Balmandir Parent
Diwali, Gudi Padwa, Lezim, bhajans — my children don't just learn about our culture here, they live it. Every Saturday feels like a little piece of Maharashtra.
A Shala Parent
Living so far from home, the Shala has become our extended family. My grandchildren are growing up connected to their roots and their mother tongue.
A Grandparent
The teachers are all volunteers, yet the care and preparation they bring rivals any school. You can feel how much this community loves what it is building.
A Manteca Parent

मराठी शिका आणि मराठी बोला

Join us, and be a part of this extraordinary journey.

Admissions are open. Give your child the gift of their mother tongue and a warm, welcoming community.

A registered 501(c)(3) non-profit · volunteer-run · Mountain House & Manteca, CA