Cottonwood College Prep Academy: A Hybrid High School Pathway of The Cottonwood School

We pride ourselves on being an interdisciplinary, project-based, Montessori-inspired pathway of TCS that encourages
exploration, collaboration, and creativity.

School Information

Learn more about what makes Cottonwood College Prep Academy a great place to get an education.

College and Career Center

Get the information and tools to apply to college or prepare for a career after high school.

Design Thinking

Design thinking in a high school involves a problem-solving approach where students empathize with users, define issues, ideate solutions, prototype designs, and test them iteratively, fostering creativity and innovation within the educational setting. It encourages students to tackle challenges collaboratively, think critically, and apply interdisciplinary skills to address real-world problems effectively.

Montessori quote

CCPA Mission and Vision

 

MISSION (The HOW): CCPA, influenced by Montessori principles, provides an innovative, rigorous, self-exploring education through experiential learning, design thinking, and meaningful interdisciplinary studies cultivating a growth mindset.

 

VISION (The WHY): CCPA’s vision is to guide our student community to love learning, to profoundly contribute to our diverse world, and to lead lives of achievement.

CCPA Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

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Event Series Yoga

Yoga

CCPA

This is a time when CCPA and TCS students can participate in the yoga club.

Cottonwood College Prep Academy:

A Hybrid High School Pathway of The Cottonwood School

Cottonwood College Prep Academy (CCPA) is an optional hybrid high school pathway of TCS located in the Buckeye Union School District in El Dorado Hills. CCPA is a hybrid pathway that includes in-person instruction in English, Science, Social Science, Video Productions, and mandatory online courses in Mathematics and World Language. Our pathway incorporates Design Thinking, emphasizing the creation and testing of innovative solutions to tackle complex, unfamiliar challenges. Students will actively participate in hands-on activities such as prototyping, robotics, Model UN simulations, and theater as well as engage in mentorships and internships to further develop their skills and real-world experience. 

What’s Happening

Our students craft engaging “PR Package Slides” each week, often using one of our Student Learner Outcomes (SLOs) as a framework for content, to spotlight the vibrant happenings within our school community and keep everyone updated on current events. These slides serve as a visually captivating platform, illustrating the richness of our educational experiences!

Step into the vibrancy of CCPA’s new school facility that we proudly unveiled at the beginning of 2024. Students, faculty, and guests gathered to celebrate this monumental occasion with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony and exploration of state-of-the-art facilities. The photos featured here highlight some of our brand-new spaces designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and innovation amongst staff and students. 

Interdisciplinary Projects

Interdisciplinary projects are in full swing at CCPA! Our 9th and 10th graders are diving into sustainability and food security as they conceptualize and build their very own garden beds, gaining hands-on experience with important global issues. Meanwhile, our 11th...

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Scholarship Deadlines for Septembers

Staying informed about available scholarships is crucial in helping to fund a college education. Below are the upcoming deadlines for scholarships listed on Scholarships.com: Due Dates for Scholarships for Juniors (Class of 2026): September 13, 2024 The Explorers Club...

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State Capitol Field Trip

Our 11th and 12th graders recently took a fun-filled field trip to the California State Capitol, where they had a great tour! Not only did they uncover secret etchings left behind by the artists during the building’s construction, but they also got a fascinating peek...

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CCPA Olympics!

We kicked off the school year in style with the CCPA Olympics, where our students and teachers squared off in a series of fun-filled activities! From intense basketball matches to rapid-fire tic-tac-toe games, the competitive spirit was high. Ping pong rallies kept...

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Welcome Back, CCPA!

We're beyond excited to welcome our students back! It’s wonderful to see our halls buzzing with energy and enthusiasm again! This year is particularly special as it marks our first full year in our state-of-the-art, innovative space. Our students now have access to...

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