The following grades are currently full at Cottonwood Discovery School: Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and First Grade. We have openings in Grades 2-5.

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About Cottonwood

Mission & Values

At Cottonwood Discovery School, we nurture curiosity, courage, compassion, and connection so children can grow into thoughtful learners and grounded leaders. Our mission is to create a warm, emotionally safe learning experiences where each child feels seen, known, and inspired.

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Teacher and elementary students learning together in a bright classroom
Our Mission

Rooted in whole-child growth

Cottonwood Discovery School exists to create a connected learning community where children are known, loved, and supported as they grow into curious, capable, and confident learners through authentic relationships, meaningful experiences, and developmentally informed education.

We believe children learn best when they feel loved, connected, capable, understood, and meaningfully engaged in the world around them.

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Teacher supporting a student during classroom learning
Our Values

What shapes our school community

Authentic Relationships

Relationships are at the heart of our school. Strong relationships provide the foundation for meaningful learning and our mixed-age, relationship-centered classrooms allow teachers to know each child deeply over time — not just for a single school year.

Love, Belonging, and Community

Every child deserves to be known, loved, and valued. We cultivate a small-but-mighty community where children and families experience genuine connection and a sense of belonging. Families, learners, and staff purposefully collaborate to create a thriving school culture rooted in trust and shared purpose.

Curiosity and Experience

Children learn best when they are actively engaged in exploring, questioning, and discovering. We strive to create meaningful experiences that spark wonder and deepen understanding.

Growth, Reflection, and Respect

Learning is a lifelong process. We embrace mistakes, celebrate progress, and encourage reflection, perseverance, and continuous growth. Every member of our community deserves dignity, compassion, and respect.

In Practice

How our values come to life

Relationships Come First

Teachers take the time to know each child deeply, creating the trust, belonging, and emotional safety that support learning and growth. In this environment, children feel secure enough to ask questions, make mistakes, persevere, and try new things.

Learning Through Experience

Play, inquiry, outdoor experiences, projects, and hands-on exploration invite children to ask questions, solve problems, make connections, and develop understanding through direct experience.

Growing As Learners and People

From caring for shared spaces to working through disagreements and contributing ideas, children practice the skills needed to be thoughtful learners and community members. Daily opportunities to collaborate, solve problems, take responsibility, and reflect on their choices help children build both confidence and character.

Students participating in outdoor creative learning together

Come experience Cottonwood

See how our mission and values shape daily life at school. We would love to welcome your family, answer your questions, and help you explore the next step.

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