Cottonwood

Cottonwood serves 3,099 students from kindergarten through 12th grade as a charter school in El Dorado Hills, California. With 113 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 27.4:1, which is higher than many traditional public schools but typical for larger charter institutions. Academically, Cottonwood has room for growth, with 50% of students achieving proficiency in English Language Arts and 34% in mathematics.

The school ranks in the 48th percentile statewide, placing it at #4958 among California's 9566 schools. While these scores indicate opportunities for academic improvement, the school serves a diverse K-12 population within a single campus, which presents unique educational challenges and opportunities. The school operates in El Dorado Hills' affluent 95762 zip code, where the median household income reaches $162,464 and 58% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

The area maintains a low 4.4% poverty rate, with median home values of $822,200, reflecting the community's economic stability. Cottonwood is situated in El Dorado County's large suburban setting, providing students access to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that characterize the Sierra Nevada foothills region while serving families in one of Northern California's most desirable residential communities.

Cottonwood is a large school with 3,099 students enrolled. Larger schools typically offer a wider range of academic programs, electives, and extracurricular activities. Parents may want to ask about how the school maintains a sense of community and ensures students don't get lost in the crowd.

The student-teacher ratio at Cottonwood is 27.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.

Cottonwood is a charter school — a publicly funded school that operates with more autonomy than traditional district schools. Charter schools often have distinct educational models or specialties. Parents should understand the school's specific mission, enrollment process, and how its approach differs from nearby district options.