Our 9th and 10th graders absolutely crushed it at their Climate Summit this past week! After weeks of research and preparation, they brought the energy with a full-on interactive event where each student tackled a topic impacted by the climate crisis. We had everything from adorable creatures at risk of extinction to orbital solar solutions. Their booths were impressive, lined with eye-catching tri-folds, informative brochures, hands-on activities, and creative takeaway items like homemade crafts made from recycled materials. Families, friends, and even some curious upperclassmen packed the room to learn, connect, and support. You could feel the excitement and pride in the air as students shared what they’d learned and why it mattered to them.
This kind of night is exactly what CCPA is all about — interdisciplinary, student-driven projects that bring real-world issues into the classroom and beyond! From science and English to history and design, students wove together knowledge from multiple classes to create something meaningful and relevant. It’s one thing to learn about climate
change in a textbook. It’s another to research it, build a message, and present that message to your community. These are the moments when education feels alive, and our students get to see the power of their own voices. Do you know a high school-age student interested in project-based learning? Discover what’s next and reach out to us at (530) 285-2003 or email isabella.brenneman@cottonwoodk12.org to learn how to join us for the 2025 – 2026 school year!
Our first-ever Coffee Shop Poetry Slam was a huge success! Students of all grades showed up (and showed out!) whether they were performing or there to cheer on their peers! Over the past few weeks, our students truly found their voices through heartfelt poems and even some hilarious haikus. It was truly heartwarming to see so many families and community members come out to support our hard-working students. The pride on their faces after each round of applause was a beautiful reminder of just how powerful encouragement can be.
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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!
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.
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.
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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