About Cottonwood
We Begin With The Child
At Cottonwood, we take the time to know each child as a whole person—their interests, ideas, strengths, temperament, and individual needs. We recognize that academic, social, emotional, creative, and physical development are interconnected, and we consider all of them as we support each child’s growth.
Our small, mixed-age classrooms allow teachers to build lasting relationships and respond thoughtfully to their students. Children learn alongside peers with different strengths, abilities, and perspectives, while teachers use their professional judgment to provide appropriate instruction, support, and challenges.
A Community Built on Kindness
Children practice including others, working through disagreements, caring for classroom animals and shared spaces, and taking responsibility for their actions.
Adults model acceptance and respect, offer guidance, and help children repair relationships when mistakes happen. Through these everyday experiences, children discover what it means to belong to a community and contribute to its well-being.
Growing Together
Families are essential partners in understanding and supporting children. Through regular communication, conferences, and school gatherings, we build connections between home and school and create opportunities for families to participate in our community.
Our teachers also learn from one another through collaboration, observation, and reflection. We continually consider what is working, what needs to change, and how we can better meet the needs of our students.
Small class sizes
Meaningful projects
Emotional safety
Community engagement
A community shaped by trust and purpose
★★★★★
“Cottonwood feels like the kind of school every child deserves – nurturing, grounded, and deeply committed to helping children feel seen, safe, and inspired.”
Parent Perspective
Community voice
Cottonwood Discovery School