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

Diwali Sandhya 2026 – Zhalak | A Night of Music, Culture & Community

Aapli Marathi Shala – Ganapati Workshop | September 2026

Independence Day Celebration & Inspirational Session with Ashok Deshmane Ji | Aapli Marathi Shala

Aapli Marathi Shala Annual Day | Kids Certificates & Achievement Awards Ceremony

Marathi Shala Kids Receive Awards | "Thode Thode Marathi Boluya" "Shala Marathi Mazi Shala Marathi"

Aapli Marathi Shala Kids | "हीच आमुची प्रार्थना" | A Beautiful Message of Equality & Respect

Marathi Shala 3rd Grade Kids | Inspiring Stories of Great Marathi Personalities

Aapli Marathi Shala Kids | "Deva Tuze Kiti Sundar Aakash" | Grade Performance

Diwali Sandhya 2026 – Zhalak | A Night of Music, Culture & Community

Aapli Marathi Shala – Ganapati Workshop | September 2026

Independence Day Celebration & Inspirational Session with Ashok Deshmane Ji | Aapli Marathi Shala

Aapli Marathi Shala Annual Day | Kids Certificates & Achievement Awards Ceremony

Marathi Shala Kids Receive Awards | "Thode Thode Marathi Boluya" "Shala Marathi Mazi Shala Marathi"

Aapli Marathi Shala Kids | "हीच आमुची प्रार्थना" | A Beautiful Message of Equality & Respect

Marathi Shala 3rd Grade Kids | Inspiring Stories of Great Marathi Personalities

Aapli Marathi Shala Kids | "Deva Tuze Kiti Sundar Aakash" | Grade Performance

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