The Cottonwood School
Welcome to the event page for The Cottonwood School. Here you'll find all field trips offered to our homeschool students by the Community Team. We serve students in Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, Alpine and Amador counties.
Taiko Drumming
Thursday May 15 2025
Taiko can be a powerful, emotional and inspiring experience when performed by solo musicians, but it is intended, predominantly, to be a shared experience, performed as part of a group, connected to a collective pulse, united in movement, rhythm and spirit.
Whether children have developmental difficulties, special educational needs or are part of mainstream education, the experience of Taiko Drumming builds physical skills, challenges memory and fortifies self esteem. It provides a point of singular focus, a hands-on experience, and a form of expression that covers the full range and breadth of emotion.
CCC
Broadway on Tour: Hamilton (Ages 10+ ONLY) - January 16
Thursday January 16 2025
Join The Cottonwood School to see Hamilton in Sacramento at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center! Join us on JANUARY 16th for this revolutionary experience!
To save as much space for Cottonwood students as possible, this event is for Required Chaperones and Cottonwood students ONLY. Additional Adults and siblings cannot register for this event.
SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
Broadway on Tour: Hamilton (Ages 10+ ONLY), January 9
Thursday January 9 2025
Join The Cottonwood School to see Hamilton in Sacramento at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center! Join us on JANUARY 9th for this revolutionary experience!
To save as much space for Cottonwood students as possible, this event is for Required Chaperones and Cottonwood students ONLY. Additional Adults and siblings cannot register for this event.
SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center
Napoli's Lasagna Making Class for Teens (ATP)
Friday November 22 2024
Students will connect with their peers while learning to make Sausage Lasagna, Pasta Fagioli Soup, Garlic Rolls, and Chocolate Cannoli. After preparing these amazing dishes, the students will sit together and enjoy this delicious meal.
Napoli's Cooking Academy
Lab Rats Frog Dissection with Jessica
Friday November 22 2024
Who doesn't love a hands-on Science experience? Join Jessica and Lab Rats Academy in a frog dissection experience.
Lab Rats Academy offers hands-on science labs where students of all ages can obtain a greater understanding of how life around them works. Come join your friends in learning, discovering, and dissecting during this event. (frog dissection)
This event is great for 1st - 12th graders. The presentation and lesson is geared toward all learning levels.
*Note to parents - your help is greatly appreciated. Keep your eyes on your students, but as tempting as it might be to jump in, please allow this experience for your student(s). At times, older students and younger students may group together to student share and help/learn from each other. Parents - You will be called upon to help pass out tools and worksheets and guide your students who need it.
The Cottonwood School Community Connect Room
Skating + Book Party on Native American Heritage (ATP)
Friday November 22 2024
Please join us as we skate and celebrate our Native American brothers and sisters. This skating event will focus on Native American Heritage and you are encouraged to read one of the following books before attending: Indian Captive (Story of Mary Jemison), Adopted by Indians (story of Thomas Jefferson Mayfield), and/or The Courage of Sarah Noble. There will be a few activities available to do when you need a break from skating. We will also listen to Native American music during our skating time! Come celebrate this rich culture with us.
King's Skate Country
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity
Wednesday November 20 2024
Come with us to explore SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, or simply MOSAC.
MOSAC piques curiosity and sparks imagination in our guests of all ages with hands-on interactive exhibits and programming that explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
Our exhibitions address global and local issues on topics relating to energy, health, water, nature, space and design engineering. The state-of-the-art planetarium theater screens a variety of spectacular star shows and feature films.
SMUD MOSAC
Youth Basic Engines Class @ CA Auto Museum (ATP)
Friday November 15 2024
The Youth Basic Engine class is a hands-on, 3-hour class aimed at students 10 years and older. Students will learn how an engine works by taking apart their very own individual single-cylinder engine to see how solids, liquids, and gases interact to make it run.
Due to the hands-on nature of this experience, this event is geared toward learners 10 years old and up. No exceptions.
There will be TWO sessions. Please choose one:
Session One: 9 AM- Noon (8:45 check-in)
Session Two: 1 PM - 4 PM (12:45 check-in)
California Auto Museum
Thanksgiving Sides Cooking Class- Trader Joe's Style (ATP)
Friday November 15 2024
At Sierra Chef, in Genoa (only a short 30 min drive from South Lake Tahoe), Chef Cynthia will be teaching us how to make 3 unique Thanksgiving sides using Trader Joe's ingredients. There will be extras for students to take home as well so you can show your friends and family your new cooking skills.
Sierra Chef
Monterey Bay Aquarium (ATP)
Friday November 15 2024
Join The Cottonwood School for a day at Monterey Bay Aquarium! This trip gets FREE entry for students and a majorly discounted entry price for adults. After group entry, you will be welcome to stay until closing, enjoying the aquarium's many offerings (no guided tour). We're so excited to offer this opportunity to Cottonwood students, their siblings, and their parents/guardians.
PLEASE only register for this trip if you are 100% committed to attending. If you are unsure and cancel before our trip, you will be taking away an opportunity for another family. Of course, we understand there are unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from attending, in that event, please let your event coordinator know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE using the "Contact Event Organizer" button on this page or replying to the confirmation e-mail received after registration.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Effie Yeaw Guided Nature Hike & Owl Pellet Dissection-Teens
Friday November 15 2024
This fun-filled day will include a 1.5-hour guided nature hike, a tour of the Nature Center, and an owl pellet dissection activity led by our RISE science teacher, Stephanie Mitchell. Please bring a nut-free sack lunch, as the last 45 minutes the students will have the opportunity to eat lunch together. Take advantage of this day of learning, nature, and time to connect with friends.
Sample Schedule:
9:30-11:00 Hike with naturalist and animal viewing
11:00-11:45 Tour the Nature Center
11:45-12:45 Owl Pellet Dissection
12:45-1:30 Lunch
Effie Yeaw Nature Center
Hike - Sailor Bar Trail
Friday November 15 2024
Come out and join us for a family friendly walk along the river!
Sailor Bar Park
Painting at Painted. Studios
Thursday November 14 2024
Join your Cottonwood friends for guided step-by-step instructions for painting on canvas at Painted. Studio in Folsom. This field trip is for students in kindergarten - 5th grade.
Painted. Studio
Disney's Aladdin Jr. by River City Theater Company
Thursday November 14 2024
Join The Cottonwood School for a showing of Disney's Aladdin Jr by River City Theater Company a local children's theater. Read more about the show below:
Disney’s Aladdin JR. is based on the 1992 Academy Award®️-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within.
The story you know and love has been given the royal treatment! Aladdin and his three friends, Babkak, Omar, and Kassim, are down on their luck until Aladdin discovers a magic lamp and the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes. Wanting to earn the respect of the princess, Jasmine, Aladdin embarks on an adventure that will test his will and his moral character. With expanded characters, new songs, and more thrills, this new adaptation of the beloved story will open up “a whole new world” for your young theatre goers!
Natomas High School Theatre
Sierra Native Alliance
Thursday November 14 2024
Take a trip to Sierra Native Alliance in Auburn to learn more about the Indigenous cultures by making jewelry, dream catchers, and learning how to play the traditional drums. Cultural teachings and interesting facts will be shared such as the traditional medicine used to cure ailments. We will perform a traditional dance.
Sierra Native Alliance
Folktales & Fables at the B Street Theater
Thursday November 14 2024
For the past three years, B Street Theatre has changed the way kids celebrate the holidays with our ‘TIS THE SEASON story collections! This time, we’re going back in time to visit the fables and folklore from the many traditions around the world.
The Sofia, Home of the B Street Theater
Charles Schulz Museum and Snoopy's Home Ice Skating
Wednesday November 13 2024
Families will be given a Creative Process Tour of The Charles Schult Museum and will participate in an animation workshop. Afterward, head over to Snoopy's Home Ice for ice skating!
Tour guides will be speaking directly to school-aged children. However, younger siblings are welcome. Children 3 and under are free!
Participants are encouraged to participate in both activities. Please see the "How to Register" section below for information on how to correctly register. Attendees can bring a lunch from home or can buy lunch at the Warm Puppy Café in between the tour and the ice skating.
Charles Schulz Museum and Snoopy's Home Ice Arena
Painting at Pinot's Palette
Tuesday November 12 2024
Come and join us for painting with friends on an 11x14 canvas. This is a class led by a Pinot Palette's instructor. The students will be painting while the required chaperone(s) will be observing and helping their student(s).
See an example of our painting in the graphic above or attached below. We will be painting a beautiful sunshine meadow.
Pinot's Palette
Cottonwood Presents: Harvest Festival
Friday November 8 2024
Mark your calendars and get ready for some seasonal joy—The Cottonwood School Harvest Festival is almost here! Hosted at our very own Community Connect Center, this year's carnival promises an unforgettable experience full of Fall-themed festivities that both kids and adults will love.
Here's a list of activities Cottonwood families will enjoy:
1. Cake Walk
2. Fall Scarecrow Craft
3. Fishing Game
4. Guess the number of Candy Corns
5. Decorate a bag
6. Corn Hole
7. Leaf Tracing
8. Photo Booth
9. Friendship Bracelet
10. Ping Pong ball toss
The Cottonwood School Community Connect Center
Empire Mines Guided Tour
Wednesday November 6 2024
Discover a slice of California history as you embark on an exciting journey into the world of mining at Empire Mines State Historic Park! This trip is for Cottonwood students 3rd - 5th grade only. Chaperones are REQUIRED and FREE & will register on the order form.
Join us for a guided tour that will take you deep into a real mine shaft, where you’ll experience the thrills and challenges of being a miner. Feel the excitement of what it was like to descend into the depths of the earth with our immersive mine shaft simulation.
Afterward, we’ll explore the fascinating Blacksmith Shop, where the magic of craftsmanship comes to life! In the Mine Yard, students will engage in hands-on activities that reveal the various jobs carried out by the hardworking miners of the Empire.
And don’t miss the chance to visit the Visitor Center, where you can learn even more about this rich historical site. Come ready for adventure and a day of fun learning about the mining legacy of California!
Empire Mine State Historic Park
West Coast Falconry Triple Raptor Rally (ATP)
Tuesday November 5 2024
Do you want to see Raptors up close? Come see the birds from West Coast Falconry and view their Triple Raptor Rally!
See adaptations in action when a raptor flies inside our school. Get an up-close look at the physical structures, feather types and wing shapes that allow these predators to survive in the wild. Students will get the opportunity to meet three raptor family members (falcon, hawk & owl) to explore their adaptations in person and watch a live flight demonstration.
The Cottonwood School Community Connect Center
Soccer Clinic #2 w/ Kindel (ATP)
Monday November 4 2024
Come join us this year and learn how to play soccer or grow your skills! We will practice drills and play scrimmages in groups according to age and ability.
Kammerer Park
Knotty Pine Bowling - CANCELLED
Monday November 4 2024
Let's have a fun day at the Knotty Pine Lanes in Pollock Pines! It's a great and welcoming place with 4 available attractions for us including bowling, mini golf, laser tag, and bounce houses for kids under 10. Join your Cottonwood friends!
Knotty Pine Lanes Family Fun Center
MMP's Finding Nemo Jr. Homeschool Performance
Saturday November 2 2024
Come enjoy a fun and entertaining show put on by homeschooled teens, many from our school!
Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
Sierra 2 Center (24th Street Theatre)
The Cottonwood High School Fall Ball
Friday October 25 2024
Students will have a wonderful time at the Fall Ball semi-formal dance. The dance will include refreshments, DJ Eric Parish, dancing, and a photo booth. High School students may bring a guest provided a Guest Pass has been submitted and approved. High School students won't want to miss this opportunity to create lasting memories.
Semi-formal attire is requested. Please wear dresses, slacks, and collared shirts. Dress to impress!
The Cottonwood Community Connect Center
Cottonwood Middle School Harvest Dance
Friday October 25 2024
6th, 7th and 8th grade students are invited to an afternoon of dancing at the 1st annual Cottonwood Middle School Harvest Dance. Students will have a wonderful time dancing with music provided by our live Cottonwood DJ, Mr. Eric Parish. Refreshments, a photo booth, and opportunities to socialize and connect with other middle schoolers will make this an exciting afternoon that you won't want to miss!
Cottonwood Community Connect Center
Kokanee Salmon at Taylor Creek
Friday October 25 2024
We will walk for approximately 1.5hrs along the Rainbow Trail through the Taylor Creek marsh. Conditions permitting, we'll observe the spawning Kokanee salmon and will interpret their lifecycle, as well as that of other wildlife in the area. This field trip emphasizes the importance of the Taylor Creek ecosystem in the context of fall migrations.
We'll also have a table for animal adaptations, time permitting. After the field trip, you will have the option to take the short walk to Kiva Beach and eat lunch next to the lake. Eating lunch after will be weather dependent!
Visitor Center Road
Andelin Farms Pumpkin Patch
Thursday October 24 2024
When we arrive at the farm, we will receive a time for the hayride, a map of the farm, and information for a successful self-guided tour of the farm.
Available activities include: visiting and learning about farm animals, picking pumpkins, hayride, jump pad, slides, and other barnyard activities. At the end of the field trip, each person will receive a small sugar pumpkin.
Please bring extra cash if you would like to participate in the corn maze. The corn maze is $11 per person.
Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch, something to drink, and closed toed shoes. It can get warm out in Sparks so make sure to dress in layers. The parking lot is huge! Please give yourself ample time for driving to Sparks, Nevada.
Babies 2 years and younger are free!
Andelin Farms Pumpkin Patch
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Thursday October 3 2024
Join us for a day of STEM! Students will enjoy two STEM classes as well as two flights during this action-packed day full of learning!
We will be offering two sessions:
10 am - 1 pm or
1 pm - 4 pm
Only register for one session.
Chaperones will register on the order form and will not need a separate ticket (chaperones will not be flying but will be required to stay for the duration of the event).
iFLY
The Wild Robot Movie - ELK GROVE
Wednesday October 2 2024
Join us for an exclusive viewing of Wild Robots, a brand-new movie!
Cinemark Century Laguna 16
Waitlist - Fairytale Town, 10/1
Tuesday October 1 2024
For 60 years, Fairytale Town has offered children and families a safe place to imagine, play and learn. With 26 playsets based on nursery rhymes and fairytales, a friendly flock of farm animals, two performing arts stages and several gardens, learning has never been more fun!
Fairytale Town
Tahoe Refuse Center Tour
Friday September 6 2024
The tour starts off with a quick “classroom” style introduction into South Tahoe Refuse and what they do, then tour the main facility. We will also take the students to the Recycle BuyBack Center which is a short walk down the street.
South Tahoe Refuse Co
The Cottonwood School's Open House 2024
Friday August 16 2024
Whether you're a new family or a returning one, this open house is the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant community of The Cottonwood School. We can't wait to welcome you and embark on an incredible journey of growth and discovery together! 🌈
🏫 Meet Teachers & Staff: Get to know the amazing educators who will guide your child's homeschooling journey this year.
📚 Visit Our School Lending Library: Take advantage of our vast collection of curriculum materials available in the lending library. Borrow resources need for your child's learning journey!
🎓 Explore Our Programs: Learn about the diverse educational programs we offer, tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of each individual.
🎁 Raffle and Prizes: Exciting surprises await! Enter our raffle for a chance to win fantastic prizes, including school supplies and more!
🍔 Food Truck Delights: Savor delicious treats from the food truck and recharge during your visit.
The Cottonwood School
Summer Event: California Army National Guard Class in Mather
Tuesday June 11 2024
Join Cottonwood for a FREE exclusive class about helicopters & aerodynamic forces taught by National Guard Officers. After the class, students will get a tour of the helicopters! This is an amazing learning opportunity for Cottonwood students ages 11 and older and their chaperones (one chaperone per family).
California Army National Guard
Summer Event: Monterey Bay Aquarium w/ Maria O
Friday June 7 2024
Cottonwood students will enjoy FREE entry to the Monterey Bay Aquarium with their chaperones, who will pay a majorly discounted fee. After entry, families are free to explore the museum until closing time. This will be a fun summer event, allowing our families to escape the heat and connect with others!
Tickets are limited to Cottonwood students and their chaperones only. Only 2 chaperone tickets can be reserved per order. Chaperones MUST bring $20 cash on the day of our trip or you WILL NOT be admitted into aquarium.
Check in will be at 10:30 am outside of the museum with Maria O & Amanda B. Look for a follow up email with ALL the details.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
