Welcome to CAPA!

​Cottonwood Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) is a new program at Cottonwood High School for students passionate about theatre, music, dance, and other creative arts. It combines academic coursework with in-depth training in a chosen fine arts discipline—all while fulfilling graduation requirements. Led by professional artists and educators, CAPA helps students grow as performers and as people. They build real-world skills like discipline, creativity, communication, and teamwork that serve them in any future career. 
​The CAPA experience goes far beyond what a standard school setting can provide. Because every student is pursuing a craft they genuinely care about, there's a shared sense of purpose and respect that fosters a strong, empathetic community. Students support one another not only as classmates, but as collaborators, colleagues, and fellow artists. CAPA’s structure also promotes a more human-paced style of learning, where mental well-being and personal development are valued just as highly as grades.

Mission Statement

​The mission of Cottonwood Academy of Performing Arts is to establish a vibrant, diverse community in which students can pursue their passion for the arts while also acquiring a rigorous, focused education. We are committed to providing specialized, hands-on training in performing arts disciplines so that students can cultivate their craft to its highest level. Our academy prizes creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork to prepare students to succeed as artists and scholars. With a customized curriculum, individualized independent studies, and a supportive community of dedicated peers and faculty, CAPA enables students to achieve as artists, inventors, and leaders of the performing arts.

Each CAPA student selects one of five tracks to enroll in: 
1. Dance
2. Instrumental Music
3. Technical Theatre
4. Theatre Performance
5. Vocal Music

Major differences between CAPA and mainstream Cottonwood:

  • Options for Core, CTE, Physical Education, and Elective classes are limited so students can focus on courses relevant to their track. 
  • Each track has additional and specific fine arts requirements. 
  • Each track has some electives that are required. 
  • Two years of World Languages required, not just recommended.
  • Freshman Success not required, but still available as an elective option.
  • Additional 1.0 credit requirement compared to traditional Cottonwood, for a total of 28.0
  • CAPA students have homeroom with their main track instructor ​

Things that remain the same for CAPA and mainstream Cottonwood:

  • CAPA credit requirements still align with the state graduation requirements. 
  • No classes are CAPA students only; mainstream Cottonwood and AMES students are still welcome in any class. 
  • All class times still fall within the Cottonwood Bell Schedule. ​
Students are expected to maintain academic eligibility through UHSAA. If they fail to meet that requirement for one quarter, they are on probation. A second time, and they are removed from CAPA and returned to mainstream Cottonwood.

Certificates

For students who transfer to Cottonwood or join CAPA too late to acquire the needed credits for a full CAPA diploma (but still have enough to graduate through mainstream Cottonwood) there is the option of a Certificate. Students who are 2.0 or fewer approved credits shy can earn a 3 Year Certificate. 4.0 or fewer earns a 2 Year Certificate. 6.0 or fewer earns a 1 Year Certificate. More than 6.0 credits shy of 28.0 approved credits, and we can’t really justify claiming the student went through the CAPA program. ​

What Students 
​ Love About CAPA

  1. Do What You Love—Every Day: Students get to spend part of every school day focusing on their passion: acting, dancing, singing, playing an instrument, or designing and building for the stage. Specialized tracks allow students to develop their skills quickly in their discipline. More time and resources are devoted to what they care most about. 
  2. Be Part of a Creative Community: Students are surrounded by like-minded, driven peers who share their love of the arts. It’s not just school—it's a community of artists, collaborators, and friends. 
  3. Professional Mentorship: The performing arts teachers and coaches at Cottonwood are real-world professionals who know the industry and care about developing young artists. Pupils are treated like serious performers, not just high school students in a club or elective. 
  4. A Mental Health–Friendly Environment: Students work at a pace that aims to avoid burnout and honors personal growth. 
  5. College and Career-Ready: Students graduate with confidence, leadership, communication skills, and discipline—whether they pursue the arts professionally or not. Establishing a reputation of excellence means CAPA will look amazing on resumes and college applications. 
  6. ​Prestige and Purpose: Being part of a selective, respected academy feels important. It gives students purpose and pride in their school experience. They’re not just attending classes —they’re belonging to something special.​

What Parents 
​Love About CAPA

  1. A Clear, Purpose-Driven Track in High School: CAPA gives students a sense of direction, helping them stay motivated and engaged throughout high school. For parents, this means more confidence in their student’s commitment to school and personal growth. 
  2. Real-World Preparation Through the Arts: Parents value that CAPA isn’t just about performance—it’s about preparing students for the future. The program fosters communication, leadership, discipline, and resilience—all of which are critical in college, the workplace, and life. 
  3. A Positive, Inclusive Community: Parents want their children in a safe and supportive environment. CAPA’s collaborative culture builds confidence, empathy, and a strong peer network—key for both social growth and emotional well-being. 
  4. Artistic Growth Without Academic Sacrifice: CAPA lets students grow creatively while still meeting all graduation and college prep standards. Parents can feel assured that their child’s academic needs are being met alongside their artistic ambitions.
  5. Unique Opportunities for Showcase and Visibility: Parents will appreciate that the program offers meaningful performance and portfolio-building experiences, giving their children opportunities to shine, be recognized, and potentially connect with colleges, scholarships, or professional pathways. 
  6. ​A Voice in their Student’s Education: Parents are given a chance to make their voices heard through the CAPA Parent Guild. ​