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.
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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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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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!
Recently at CCPA, students explored college and career pathways related to their latest hands-on project. They gained insight into potential majors, colleges, and career fields.
9th and 10th graders have been working hard by researching and developing an Artificial Intelligence Policy for CCPA as their most recent interdisciplinary project. Students developed a presentation of their policy for a panel of their fellow classmates, CCPA staff, and community members. Based on their project students learned more about Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy majors. For an AI major, students would study computing, machine learning, robotics, and cognitive psychology, with the AI field expected to grow by 26% from 2023 to 2033. Highlighted colleges included Cal Poly, SLO (Computer Science B.S. with an AI and Machine Learning concentration), and Folsom Lake Community College (AI & Machine Learning Certificate). For Public Policy, students would study policy-making, law, economics, and sociology, with careers in this field growing across sectors. Highlighted colleges included UC Irvine (Environmental Science and Policy, B.A. & Social Policy and Public Service, B.A.) and Sierra College (Political Science A.A. for Transfer).
11th and 12th graders are currently producing a documentary project about historical and modern-day conflicts for their interdisciplinary project.
They have conducted interviews and gathered information to complete their documentary film. Based on their project, students learned more about a Political Science Major and Journalism Major. For a Political Science major, students would study US foreign policy, political philosophy, economics, ethics, political research methods, and judicial processes with the Political Science field expected to grow by 5% between 2018 and 2028. Highlighted colleges included CSU Chico (Political Science, B.A. with an emphasis in legal studies or us politics), and Pepperdine University (Political Science, B.A.). For a Journalism major, students would study digital storytelling, media law, layout and design, broadcast writing, research methods, print production, web writing, and copyediting with the Journalism field expecting 4,500 openings for news analysts, reporters, and journalists projected each year. Highlighted colleges included CSU Sacramento (Journalism, B.A & Political Science and Journalism, B.A.), and Consumnes River College (Journalism, A.A.-T, Broadcast Journalism, A.A.-T & Film, Television and Electronic Media, A.A.-T).
At CCPA, we pride ourselves on our future-ready culture. Students are always encouraged to keep exploring all of the possible majors, colleges, and careers to develop goals and a plan for post-secondary options!
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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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This year, CCPA’s Model United Nations club is bigger, stronger, and more active than ever before, and it’s all thanks to the dedication of our incredible student delegates! The Model UN club has some exciting events coming up throughout the spring semester.
The club has been preparing to host their own Model UN conference on the topic of outer space affairs. Students have delved deep into the topic, collaboratively compiling a background guide to educate their peers on the environmental impact of spacecraft and space debris. All of this is in alignment with CCPA’s interdisciplinary model, as students combine knowledge of scientific topics with ELA speaking skills and social studies research on international relations.
This past weekend, students attended a virtual conference hosted by Best Delegate Model UN, related to the land rights of indigenous peoples in the Americas. They diligently researched their assigned countries and prepared speeches to state their country’s stance and call to action. Students have been buzzing about this conference for weeks, and we loved seeing them in action!
After one more virtual conference in March, the club’s culminating event will be Davis Model United Nations XXII. There, students will have the
opportunity to engage with Model UN clubs from all over the state, competing for the coveted Best Delegate award and making new friends along the way.
If you know a student who would thrive in debate, diplomacy, and global problem-solving, Model UN might be the perfect fit! Whether they’re passionate about international affairs or just looking for a fun and engaging way to build their leadership skills, we’d love to have them join. Call us at (530) 285-2003 to get more information today!
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