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.
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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1 event,
8 events,
Entry Event: Artificial Intelligence Policy
Entry Event: Artificial Intelligence Policy
CCPA 9th and 10th-grade students kick off their second project of the year. Challenge: Use the Design Thinking process to investigate the use of AI at CCPA to answer the […]
Entry Event: Conflict in the United States
Entry Event: Conflict in the United States
CCPA 11th and 12th-grade students kick off their second project of the year. Challenge: Research post-Great Depression/World War II conflicts in the United States to answer one of the following Essential […]
12 events,
Drawing Club
Drawing Club
This club is a creative hub for students passionate about art and drawing. It offers a welcoming space to connect with like-minded peers, explore new artistic techniques, and collaborate on […]
English Tutoring
English Tutoring
Whether you're working on a paper or a project, English tutoring is the place to be! Join us for one-on-one support, helpful tips, and a boost in your English skills. […]
4 events,
Social Studies Tutoring
Social Studies Tutoring
Explore history, government, and more with Social Studies Tutoring! Whether you're analyzing historical events, understanding political systems, or preparing for an exam, our tutors are here to guide you every […]
Math Tutoring
Math Tutoring
Struggling with equations or aiming to ace your next math test? The Math Tutoring is here to help! Whether you're tackling algebra, geometry, or calculus, our friendly tutors are ready […]
4 events,
World Language Tutoring
World Language Tutoring
Unlock the world through language with World Language Tutoring! From mastering grammar and vocabulary to practicing conversation, we provide personalized support in a friendly and encouraging environment. Join us and […]
Ping-Pong Club
Ping-Pong Club
The Ping-Pong Club is a fun and active community where players of all skill levels can come together to enjoy the fast-paced game of ping-pong. Whether you're a beginner looking […]
1 event,
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Math Tutoring
Math Tutoring
Struggling with equations or aiming to ace your next math test? The Math Tutoring is here to help! Whether you're tackling algebra, geometry, or calculus, our friendly tutors are ready […]
Leadership
Leadership
Unlock your potential and inspire others in the Leadership Club! This club is all about developing essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to make a positive impact in your […]
6 events,
Drawing Club
Drawing Club
This club is a creative hub for students passionate about art and drawing. It offers a welcoming space to connect with like-minded peers, explore new artistic techniques, and collaborate on […]
English Tutoring
English Tutoring
Whether you're working on a paper or a project, English tutoring is the place to be! Join us for one-on-one support, helpful tips, and a boost in your English skills. […]
4 events,
Social Studies Tutoring
Social Studies Tutoring
Explore history, government, and more with Social Studies Tutoring! Whether you're analyzing historical events, understanding political systems, or preparing for an exam, our tutors are here to guide you every […]
Math Tutoring
Math Tutoring
Struggling with equations or aiming to ace your next math test? The Math Tutoring is here to help! Whether you're tackling algebra, geometry, or calculus, our friendly tutors are ready […]
5 events,
Historical Figure Day
Travel through time and celebrate history! On Historical Figures Day, students can dress up as influential figures from the past—be it a famous leader, a pioneering scientist, or a renowned […]
World Language Tutoring
World Language Tutoring
Unlock the world through language with World Language Tutoring! From mastering grammar and vocabulary to practicing conversation, we provide personalized support in a friendly and encouraging environment. Join us and […]
Ping-Pong Club
Ping-Pong Club
The Ping-Pong Club is a fun and active community where players of all skill levels can come together to enjoy the fast-paced game of ping-pong. Whether you're a beginner looking […]
Study Group
Study Group
Looking for a supportive space to stay on top of your schoolwork and boost your academic success? Welcome to the Study Group! Whether you're tackling tough homework, preparing for a […]
1 event,
0 events,
1 event,
1 event,
6 events,
English Tutoring
English Tutoring
Whether you're working on a paper or a project, English tutoring is the place to be! Join us for one-on-one support, helpful tips, and a boost in your English skills. […]
Drawing Club
Drawing Club
This club is a creative hub for students passionate about art and drawing. It offers a welcoming space to connect with like-minded peers, explore new artistic techniques, and collaborate on […]
4 events,
Social Studies Tutoring
Social Studies Tutoring
Explore history, government, and more with Social Studies Tutoring! Whether you're analyzing historical events, understanding political systems, or preparing for an exam, our tutors are here to guide you every […]
Math Tutoring
Math Tutoring
Struggling with equations or aiming to ace your next math test? The Math Tutoring is here to help! Whether you're tackling algebra, geometry, or calculus, our friendly tutors are ready […]
4 events,
World Language Tutoring
World Language Tutoring
Unlock the world through language with World Language Tutoring! From mastering grammar and vocabulary to practicing conversation, we provide personalized support in a friendly and encouraging environment. Join us and […]
Ping-Pong Club
Ping-Pong Club
The Ping-Pong Club is a fun and active community where players of all skill levels can come together to enjoy the fast-paced game of ping-pong. Whether you're a beginner looking […]
Study Group
Study Group
Looking for a supportive space to stay on top of your schoolwork and boost your academic success? Welcome to the Study Group! Whether you're tackling tough homework, preparing for a […]
1 event,
0 events,
0 events,
3 events,
Math Tutoring
Math Tutoring
Struggling with equations or aiming to ace your next math test? The Math Tutoring is here to help! Whether you're tackling algebra, geometry, or calculus, our friendly tutors are ready […]
Leadership
Leadership
Unlock your potential and inspire others in the Leadership Club! This club is all about developing essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to make a positive impact in your […]
6 events,
English Tutoring
English Tutoring
Whether you're working on a paper or a project, English tutoring is the place to be! Join us for one-on-one support, helpful tips, and a boost in your English skills. […]
Drawing Club
Drawing Club
This club is a creative hub for students passionate about art and drawing. It offers a welcoming space to connect with like-minded peers, explore new artistic techniques, and collaborate on […]
4 events,
Social Studies Tutoring
Social Studies Tutoring
Explore history, government, and more with Social Studies Tutoring! Whether you're analyzing historical events, understanding political systems, or preparing for an exam, our tutors are here to guide you every […]
Math Tutoring
Math Tutoring
Struggling with equations or aiming to ace your next math test? The Math Tutoring is here to help! Whether you're tackling algebra, geometry, or calculus, our friendly tutors are ready […]
4 events,
World Language Tutoring
World Language Tutoring
Unlock the world through language with World Language Tutoring! From mastering grammar and vocabulary to practicing conversation, we provide personalized support in a friendly and encouraging environment. Join us and […]
Ping-Pong Club
Ping-Pong Club
The Ping-Pong Club is a fun and active community where players of all skill levels can come together to enjoy the fast-paced game of ping-pong. Whether you're a beginner looking […]
Study Group
Study Group
Looking for a supportive space to stay on top of your schoolwork and boost your academic success? Welcome to the Study Group! Whether you're tackling tough homework, preparing for a […]
1 event,
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
- There are no events on this day.
Office Hours with Mr. Shu
CCPAThis is the time for virtual office hours with Mr. Shumaker.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
CCPAHoliday, no school
Drawing Club
CCPAThis club is a creative hub for students passionate about art and drawing. It offers a welcoming space to connect with like-minded peers, explore new artistic techniques, and collaborate on […]
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 “SLO Down” slides each week, by each selecting one of our Student Learner Outcomes (SLOs) as a framework for the content of their slide. Each slide spotlights the SLO as it relates to a current event or a personal interest. These slides serve as a visually captivating platform, illustrating the richness of our educational experiences!
Step into the vibrancy of daily life at CCPA. In our state-of-the art facility students engage in interdisciplinary projects that are designed to assist students in developing their collaborative and critical-thinking skills. These photos highlight the collaborative nature of student projects and our facility.
Step Into History with Historical Figure Day!
At CCPA, Historical Figure Day is more than just a dress-up event—it’s a celebration of the people who shaped our world. Students step into the shoes of iconic figures, from groundbreaking scientists and courageous activists to celebrated artists and influential...
CCPA’s Project-Based Learning: AI Policy Creation and Historical Documentary Production
At CCPA, we are diving right back into this second semester with meaningful hands-on learning! Our 9th and 10th graders are embarking on an innovative project exploring the role of AI in education. Students will research both the benefits and challenges of AI tools,...
College & Career Readiness at CCPA!
As college application season concludes and our students eagerly await their admissions decisions, they continue to prepare for their future college and career paths. At our college prep high school, students challenge themselves with rigorous A-G courses every...
Cottonwood College Prep Academy (CCPA) Interest
As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, now is the perfect time to start the conversation with students interested in joining CCPA! Whether they’re new students eager to join our community, currently enrolled 8th graders ready to transition into high school, or...
Fancy Attire Spirit Day at CCPA!
CCPA’s Leadership Club has executed another successful spirit day! This time students donned their fanciest attire and transformed the school day into an elegant event. CCPA was decked out with gold stars and disco balls with an official red carpet lining the halls. A...