School Information
Learn more about what makes Cottonwood College Prep Academy a great place to get an education.
College and Career Center
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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
Scoop Into CCPA!
CCPAScoop into CCPA from 6:00 - 7:30 PM for an ice cream social and to learn more about our program while enjoying a sweet treat.
Office Hours with Mr. Shu
CCPAThis is the time for virtual office hours with Mr. Shumaker.
Hollywood Red Carpet Ball
CCPA joins high school students from the Cottonwood High School for prom. The theme is Hollywood Red Carpet Ball.
Math Tutoring
CCPAStruggling 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 […]
Scoop Into CCPA!
CCPAScoop into CCPA from 6:00 - 7:30 PM for an ice cream social and to learn more about our program while enjoying a sweet treat.
Office Hours with Mr. Shu
CCPAThis is the time for virtual office hours with Mr. Shumaker.
Hollywood Red Carpet Ball
CCPA joins high school students from the Cottonwood High School for prom. The theme is Hollywood Red Carpet Ball.
Math Tutoring
CCPAStruggling 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 […]
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.Â
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.Â
Scoop Into CCPA: Ice Cream & Insight
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...
Model UN Conference
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....
CCPA Documentary Film Fest!
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...
Project-Based Learning in Action: CCPA Students Tackle Climate Change
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...
CCPA Documentary Film Fest!
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...