Cottonwood College Prep Academy (CCPA) https://www.cottonwoodhs.org A Montessori-inspired FREE public charter high school in El Dorado Hills Wed, 07 May 2025 20:17:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://i0.wp.com/www.cottonwoodhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-owl-favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Cottonwood College Prep Academy (CCPA) https://www.cottonwoodhs.org 32 32 216249625 CCPA’s Poetry Slam! https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/05/07/11th-12th-grade-poetry-slam-at-coffee-republic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=11th-12th-grade-poetry-slam-at-coffee-republic https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/05/07/11th-12th-grade-poetry-slam-at-coffee-republic/#respond Wed, 07 May 2025 16:24:58 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16813 We’re brewing up something special at CCPA! This Thursday, May 8th at 6:00 pm, our 11th and 12th grade students are hitting the stage in our very own poetry slam! Hosted at Coffee Republic in Folsom, this event will give students the opportunity to share their original work with family, friends, and community members in a cozy real-world setting. After a few weeks of writing, editing, and building confidence, our students are ready to speak their truth and shine on stage. Their poetry pieces include thoughtful reflections that are sure to make the slam a memorable evening full of heart and creativity!

Experiences like these are what CCPA is all about! We believe that learning should extend far beyond the four walls of a classroom. Our poetry slam is just one example of how we strive to create real-world opportunities for students to show them all the different avenues they can utilize to apply their skill sets in meaningful ways. By blending English Language Arts standards with authentic expression and public speaking, our students gain experience that builds both academic and personal growth. Do you know a high schooler who would thrive in our creative and real-world environment? Reach out to us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org to learn how to join us for the 2025-25 school year! Opportunity awaits!

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CCPA Students Tour UC Davis! https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/05/05/ccpa-students-tour-uc-davis/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ccpa-students-tour-uc-davis https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/05/05/ccpa-students-tour-uc-davis/#respond Mon, 05 May 2025 15:30:31 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16793 What an incredible field trip! Our CCPA students had the incredible opportunity to tour the UC Davis campus! Students from all grade levels (9-12) joined the field trip because at CCPA we believe it’s never too early to start exploring what’s possible after high school. As they walked the beautiful, tree-lined campus, students learned all about the admissions process, student-led initiatives, unique academic programs, and the rich history that makes UC Davis such a standout institution. It was inspiring to see our students asking questions, soaking it all in, and imagining themselves as future college students.

As a college prep academy, building a college-going culture is at the heart of everything we do. Trips like this are a key part of how we support students in dreaming big and planning ahead. Whether it’s their first time visiting a college campus or one of many, we want our students to see higher education as an achievable, exciting step in their journey. Do you know a high schooler who would thrive in a forward-thinking, student-centered enviroment? Enrollment for the 2025 – 2026 school year is open! For more information, call us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org.

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Wild Things Presentation! https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/04/28/wild-things-presentation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wild-things-presentation https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/04/28/wild-things-presentation/#respond Mon, 28 Apr 2025 15:30:06 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16771 What an amazing presentation done by Jojo from Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things for our lucky students. They were beyond excited to see all these fun and unique animals up close – especially the friendly capybara, the wiggly lizard, and the tiniest little owl with the biggest personality. Jojo shared incredible stories about each animal’s journey and how they came to be ambassadors for wildlife education. Students were all eyes and ears, snapping photos, asking thoughtful questions, and clearly loving every second of the experience. There’s something magical about seeing animals in real life that makes the science click, and this presentation definitely brought the wild to life!

Even better, this visit lined up perfectly with the 9th and 10th grade climate projects currently underway. As students dive into the ways humans impact ecosystems and climate, getting to meet real animals affected by these issues gives them a deeper, more personal understanding. At CCPA, we love making connections between our projects and the real world—it keeps learning meaningful, memorable, and engaging. Enrollment for the 2025–2026 school year is now open—don’t miss your chance to be part of it all! For more information, call us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org.

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Scoop Into CCPA: Ice Cream & Insight https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/04/03/scoop-into-ccpa-ice-cream-insight/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scoop-into-ccpa-ice-cream-insight Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:30:47 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16708 Craving something sweet? Join us at CCPA this evening Thursday, April 3rd, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm for a fun-filled evening where you can build your own delicious ice cream treat while getting the inside scoop on our innovative high school program! Whether you’re a prospective family or know a student who might be a great fit for our school, this is the perfect chance to explore what makes CCPA stand out. Our doors will be open for you to check out our engaging learning environment, ask questions, and see firsthand how our interdisciplinary, Montessori-inspired approach helps students thrive.

Our dedicated staff will be on hand to share insights about our hybrid model, academic support, and exciting after-school opportunities. Plus, you’ll have the chance to hear from current students about their experiences at CCPA—straight from the source! If you’re looking for a high school program that blends flexibility, innovation, and a supportive community, we’d love to connect with you. Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open, so don’t miss this sweet opportunity to see if CCPA is the right fit! For more information, call us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org.

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Model UN Conference https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/03/24/model-un-conference-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=model-un-conference-2 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 22:30:18 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16661 This past Saturday, March 22, CCPA’s Model UN Club participated in a Model UN Conference. The topic of the conference was “Combating Orgaized Crime.” Students met with other delegates and discussed the issues to come up with a solution to combating organized crime. Some of CCPA’s club members were recognized for their outstanding work; 2 of our 11th grade club members received an outstanding delegate reward and one of our 10th grade members and one of our 9th grade members recieved honorable mentions. It was an exciting day for everyone involved!

If you know any students who would be interested in attending CCPA or being a part of our Model UN club, send them our way! We are currently enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year. To learn more about what makes CCPA such an awesome place to learn, reach out to ccpa@cottonwoodk12.org or call us at (530) 285-2003.

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CCPA Documentary Film Fest! https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/03/21/ccpa-documentary-film-fest-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ccpa-documentary-film-fest-2 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 15:30:52 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16654 What a night! Our 11th and 12th graders premiered their documentaries at CCPA’s Documentary Film Fest, sharing powerful stories with family and community members. Meanwhile, our 9th and 10th graders worked the red carpet as press, conducting interviews and capturing the moment. Huge congrats to our student filmmakers!

If you know a high schooler who wants to be part of a school that values creativity, connection, and fun experiences like this, send them our way! We’re currently enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year. Contact us today at (530) 285-2003 or ccpa@cottonwoodk12.org to learn more about what makes CCPA such an awesome place to learn, grow, and play!

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Project-Based Learning in Action: CCPA Students Tackle Climate Change https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/03/14/project-based-learning-in-action-ccpa-students-tackle-climate-change/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=project-based-learning-in-action-ccpa-students-tackle-climate-change Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:00:51 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16634 This week, our 9th and 10th grade students launched their second project of the semester with a collaborative “circle time” reading of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. Following the reading, students analyzed the story’s symbolism within a business model, drawing connections between its themes and real-world environmental and economic challenges. Studnets also listened to a presentation given by a guest speaker on how they can make an individual impact on the climate.

The goal of this project is to encourage students to explore practical and impactful solutions to climate change that they and their peers can implement. Students will investigate the key factors contributing to climate change, their impact on the planet, and how they, as individuals, can become responsible stewards of the environment. They will research a range of solutions, from large-scale initiatives to small, everyday actions that individuals can take. Ultimately, students will develop their own strategies to address climate challenges, create a call to action, and raise awareness about how small, individual changes can collectively make a significant impact on the global climate.

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CCPA Documentary Film Fest! https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/03/12/ccpa-documentary-film-fest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ccpa-documentary-film-fest Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:00:19 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16622 We are excited announce CCPA’s Documentary Film Fest on March 18th, 2025 at 3921 Sandstone Drive #102, El Dorado Hills, CA 95742. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the first screening begins promptly at 6:15 PM.

Our 11th and 12th-grade students have been working diligently over the past few weeks to create compelling documentaries, and we are thrilled to premiere their work. This semi-formal event will offer a full red-carpet experience, including:

  • Red carpet walk
  • Interviews with news outlets (conducted by our 9th and 10th graders)
  • Paparazzi capturing the evening
  • Concession snacks
  • A showcase of impressive student films

Join us for this special evening to celebrate the hard work and creativity of our students. We look forward to seeing you there!

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Pickleball Fever Hits CCPA! https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/03/10/pickleball-fever-hits-ccpa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pickleball-fever-hits-ccpa Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:30:40 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16542 Big news! CCPA now has its very own pickleball court, and our students are loving it! What started as an idea quickly turned into an exciting new space where students can challenge their friends, stay active, and have a blast during lunch and after school. The energy on the court is electric- whether students are diving for shots, perfecting their backhand, or just cheering each other on from the sidelines, there’s never a dull moment. Pickleball is easy to learn but keeps the competition fierce, making it the perfect addition to our student hangout spots. At CCPA, we’re all about creating opportunities that get students excited about coming to school. Seeing them light up while playing just proves why this was such a great addition. This court isn’t just about playing the game! It’s about bringing people together, building community, and making school a place students want to be!

If you know a high schooler who wants to be part of a school that values creativity, connection, and fun experiences like this, send them our way! We’re currently enrolling for the 2025-2026 school year. Contact us today at (530) 285-2003 or isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org to learn more about what makes CCPA such an awesome place to learn, grow, and play!

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“Pi”e Day at CCPA! https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/2025/03/10/pie-day-at-ccpa/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pie-day-at-ccpa Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:00:35 +0000 https://www.cottonwoodhs.org/?p=16575 Dear Prospective Families,

We would love for you to join us this Friday, March 14th, 2025, to celebrate “Pi”e Day with a slice of pie and learn more about our program at CCPA! Our “Pi”e Day Information Event will take place at CCPA, 3921 Sandstone Dr. #102, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM while “su-pies” last! We’ll be serving delicious pie to enjoy as you hear about the exciting opportunities we offer.

This is a great chance to ask questions, meet staff, and get a feel for what makes CCPA such a special place.

In addition to our “Pi”e Day event, we’ve also got a couple of other upcoming informational events that we’d love for you to attend:

  • “Pop on by CCPA”: March 26th from 1:30 – 3:30 PM. Enjoy popcorn while you explore our after-school clubs and academic support in action!
  • “Scoop Into CCPA”: April 3rd from 6:00 – 7:30 PM. Join us for an ice cream social and learn more about our program while enjoying a sweet treat.

We hope to see you at “Pi”e Day, and look forward to sharing more about what makes CCPA such a unique and welcoming community!

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