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.
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!
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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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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We are excited to announce to CCPA’s Documentary Film Fest Today 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!
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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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On Saturday, February 22nd, Cottonwood College Prep Academy (CCPA) brought together bright young minds for the Best Delegate Model United Nations (MUN) Conference, a dynamic event where students from both CCPA’s main campus and home study program stepped into the roles of global diplomats. Engaging in high-level debate and negotiation, these student delegates tackled some of the world’s most pressing issues while sharpening their public speaking, leadership, and critical thinking skills. The conference was a perfect reflection of CCPA’s hands-on, student-driven approach to learning, offering participants a chance to navigate international conflicts, collaborate on resolutions, and gain firsthand experience in the art of diplomacy.
The event featured multiple committees addressing major global challenges, from climate change and economic development to human rights
and international security. Delegates formed strategic alliances, presented well-researched arguments, and worked together to find solutions—proving that today’s students are more than ready to take on tomorrow’s global challenges. Standout delegates were recognized for their excellence, with awards given for Best Delegate, Outstanding Delegate, and Honorable Mentions, celebrating those who showed exceptional leadership and negotiation skills. More than just a competition, this conference embodied CCPA’s commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. With Model UN continuing to grow at CCPA, we’re excited to see even more students step up as future leaders in international affairs. Congratulations to all our delegates for an incredible day of diplomacy!
Our 11th and 12th graders are deep in the production process for their powerful documentary project, “Peacemakers & Conflict in the U.S.” After weeks of planning, researching, and scheduling, they have officially started filming. These student-driven documentaries explore historical and modern-day conflicts, highlighting the individuals and movements that have worked toward peace. To bring their stories to life, students are conducting interviews with staff, community members, and even local experts in their chosen topics. As they gather information and shape their narratives, students are diving into every aspect of documentary filmmaking. All their hard work and creativity will come together at the CCPA Film Fest on March 18th at 6:00 pm, where they’ll showcase their films for the community. We can’t wait to see their powerful stories on the big screen!
If you know a high schooler who would love to be part of unique, hands-on projects like this next school year, now is the time to learn more about CCPA! Our Montessori-inspired hybrid charter high school in El Dorado Hills, CA, offers engaging, real-world learning experiences that prepare students for the future. Contact us today at (530) 285-2003 or ccpa@cottonwoodk12.org to learn more about the 2025 – 2026 school year!
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