Making CAASPP a Win for Your Family
Testing time has arrived. Over the years, my family's experience with CAASPP has looked a little different every time. We’ve had test sessions filled with tears, wiggly bodies, pulling teeth to get through a single question, and LOTS of breaks. And we’ve also had...
Inspire Spring Learning With Your Remaining Funds
It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of the ordering season! Today (March 26, 2025) is the final day to place orders using instructional funds for this school year—with the exception of Amazon orders, which you can still submit until April 30. If you have funds...
Measuring Growth: Celebrating Progress & The Value of Testing
At this point in the school year, I always find myself reflecting on how much my kids have grown—both academically and personally. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to pause and take stock of all the little moments that show real progress. Maybe...
Islands of Hope
I have learned many valuable lessons in my time as both a home educator and school administrator, many of which I gleaned from living on a regenerative agriculture farm. In 2014, my family and I moved to a farm nestled in the Sierra Nevada Foothills to attempt to grow...
Embracing the Season of Growth
As we step into March, the world around us begins to shift—winter loosens its grip, and signs of spring peek through in fresh blooms and longer days. Just like the changing seasons, homeschooling follows its own rhythms, and this time of year brings a wonderful...
The Magic of Science & the Power of Curiosity
One of the best elements of homeschooling is the freedom to lean into curiosity—to ask questions, explore possibilities, and embrace hands-on learning in a way that sparks genuine wonder. Science isn’t just a subject; it’s all around us, woven into every season, every...
Looking Back to Look Ahead
One of the beautiful things about homeschooling is the flexibility to shape our children’s education in a way that works best for our families. But with that freedom comes the ongoing process of reflecting, adjusting, and planning ahead. At this point in the year,...
The Trail Ahead: An Educator’s Perspective
Hello Cottonwood Families, My name is Lizette Sweiven, and I am the Associate Director of Instruction for High School here at Cottonwood. At the beginning of my journey as an educator, I worked at Adventure Education. I led all age groups in hikes, ropes courses, and...
Making the Most of February
Hello, Homeschool Families, As we dive into February, we’re finally getting the rain we’ve all been waiting for! While the weather may keep us inside on some days, February is full of unique opportunities for learning—both indoors and out. From celebrating the...