About Us

Reimagining Community
Reshaping Education

We understand that parents want to take an active role in their child’s education by choosing to homeschool. That’s why at The Cottonwood School we give you control. You get to choose the curriculum, the learning approaches, the extracurricular activities — all the pieces that make up your child’s holistic education. And we support you every step of the way. We pair you up with a credentialed homeschool teacher, offer hundreds of educational resources, and provide dozens of weekly activities. We infuse all of our school programs and educational offerings with Social Emotional Learning Foundations (SELF) to support the whole learner. We also include regular field trips, workshops and learning events that promote the goals of our Everybody Belongs group that lifts the voices of traditionally marginalized people. At The Cottonwood School, we connect you with a community of families pursuing home education together.

homeschool families with SELF and Everybody Belongs logos
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Homestudy TK-High School Pathway


At The Cottonwood School, you choose the curriculum that best fits your child — and we’re here to help!

We invite you to explore our educational offerings below.

Hybrid High School Pathway

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Cottonwood College Prep Academy (CCPA) is a hybrid high school pathway that combines Montessori-inspired in-person instruction at our El Dorado Hills campus with online courses. This pathway incorporates Design Thinking, emphasizing the creation and testing of innovative solutions to tackle complex, unfamiliar challenges.

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Instructional Classes Offered

Field Trips & Events Each Year

Certificated Teachers

Reshaping Education

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Our Process – What to Expect

We take time to learn about you

We are interested in your whole family. We take the time to learn about your children and each individual’s preferences, interests, and needs so we can help you choose a curriculum that fits your educational goals and philosophy.

We match you to a credentialed teacher

We have more than 100 specially trained and fully credentialed homeschool teachers (HSTs). Our enrollment team will work to match you with an HST that will fit your needs and partner with you through your homeschooling journey.

We provide guidance with instructional choices

Each student has access to an Instructional Budget. Families and their teachers carefully select secular educational products, such as The Cottonwood School-approved curriculum, technology items, supplemental enrichment materials, and field trip opportunities, as well as services, such as enrichment lessons and classes that align with their course of study.

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high school student sitting behind laptop computer smiling and wearing headphones

We offer a variety of approved enrichment activities

The interests and needs of each child vary widely. That’s why The Cottonwood School partners with hundreds of local vendors to offer enrichment activities to choose from. With our flexible approach, you have a choice in your child’s education.

We have homeschool teachers who work with you

Your child’s teacher takes an active role in each student’s education. Unlike traditional classrooms where one instructor oversees dozens of students, at Cottonwood, teachers and students engage one-on-one during regular meetings.

We provide many community activities for your child

Choosing to homeschool opens up a new world of opportunity for you and your family. We know how fundamental community is to social and emotional development. That’s why we provide ongoing activities that bring our Cottonwood community together.

Educational Philosophies

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At The Cottonwood School, we support a wide variety of educational philosophies. We have Educational Design Experts who provide support, ideas, and resources specific to popular learning approaches.

Montessori

A proven, humanistic method that encourages self-motivation and focuses on the natural curiosity of students

Unschooling

The most flexible homeschooling option, which is student-centered and places a high priority on experiential, activity-based education

Charlotte Mason

A method that advocates short sessions directed by the child’s interests and allows children to learn at their own pace.

Classical

A time-tested approach that’s a good fit for students who love reading and which focuses on facts, critical thinking, rhetoric, and self-expression

Advanced Learners

 For learners who excel in one or multiple subjects and display a strong academic aptitude. 

Reimagining Community

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Building a sense of community among children helps them develop respectful, cooperative friendships essential to each individual’s lifelong success. At Cottonwood, we are Reimagining Community. No longer are students and families connected with others by physical proximity only.

Our community develops from people working together for the benefit of our children’s quality education. The Cottonwood School supports families so that you never feel alone. We provide ongoing support for parents and encourage frequent contact with our credentialed homeschool teachers.

Cottonwood Blog

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Read the latest news, stories, and much more from The Cottonwood School!

Our Testimonials

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Where do I start?? Our HST is amazing, and our family is so lucky to have her. She is supportive and encouraging and makes my girls feel so special.

– Misson Family

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We had the same HST for six years, and she was such a gift to us. Her love, enthusiasm, caring, encouragement, empathy, knowledge… The list could go on and on!

– Baxter Family

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I am grateful because our HST makes time to speak over the phone or by Zoom call whenever I need assistance. I am grateful that she cares so much about my dreams and finds ways to encourage us.

– Morales Family

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Our HST has taken time to form a genuine relationship with our family and is the best resource and support!

– Maryna

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