Ms. Maki Nishihara
Elementary School Principal
Elementary School Principal's Message
Welcome to SCCS! We are very excited to have you explore what the Elementary Division has in store for you and your child(ren). We are a friendly and welcoming community that reflects kindness, respect, appreciation, and integrity. We have fantastic educators who are life-long learners who continue to elevate their teaching skills. Collaboration is something that we do horizontally and vertically so that the students continue to have the best educational experience as they go through each grade level.
Our Literacy and Math programs allow differentiated instruction, which means that students are able to learn within their zone of proximal development. All teachers are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays for any student who needs support in various areas of academic work. We are committed to making every student’s learning experience a success!
From Pre-K to Grade 2, students have the opportunity to use iPads to start developing their technology skills. From Grade 3-5, students get a Chromebook to start getting used to tasks on Google Classrooms to support them in their transition to Middle School.
We have a fantastic Student Success Team who meets the social emotional needs of the students as well as helps them develop their social skills as they grow as global citizens of the world. The Second Step Program that we use in our classrooms also include Social Emotional Learning, Bullying Prevention, and Child Protection.
It is a privilege and honor to be a part of this wonderful community with committed educators who care. We look forward to seeing you on campus!
Ms. Maki Nishihara
Elementary School Principal
Santa Cruz Cooperative School
Mr. Hudson Thurston
Middle School Principal
Middle School Principal's Message
The middle school division recognizes the unique characteristics of the adolescent learner in grades 6-8 and is committed to the development of academic and life skills. SCCS is a college preparatory school and in the middle school high academic standards are expected in all classes. The values of Respect, Appreciation, Integrity, Flexibility and Kindness guide school and community behavior.
Over a dozen educators are involved in the instruction in middle school and meet monthly to plan and organize special activities, revise and improve curriculum and to develop strategies that will develop the character and academic skills of our middle school students.
At SCCS there is a strong commitment to the support of the students and their individual needs. Learning support, ESL, SSL and counseling are offered to students in need. Life skills and values are incorporated into the Advisory period and Second Step class. All teachers are available on Tuesday and Thursday for any student who needs to remediate their grade, make up work due to an absence or would like extra help on a concept that they may need help with. The middle school staff is dedicated to seeing all students achieve success throughout the school year.
All middle school students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities to strengthen their interpersonal and leadership skills. Students may participate in National Junior Honor Society, Student Government (StuCo), Junior Varsity Athletics (basketball, soccer, volleyball, cheerleading and track and field) and community service clubs. The middle school staff with the support of the Mother’s club offers a myriad of events to promote learning and school spirit; such as the SCCS Fun Run, the Halloween Celebration, Talent Show, Spelling Bee, Math Bowl, Mini Olympics, Friendship Games, Knowledge Bowl and other events throughout the school year.
The SCCS middle school staff is confident that by working together as a team and with both students and parents, each student will be successful and prepared for the rigors of high school.
Mr. Hudson Thurston
Middle School Principal
Santa Cruz Cooperative School
Mr. Paul Petit
High School Principal
High School Principal's Message
I am delighted to extend a warm welcome from our Santa Cruz Cooperative School (SCCS) High School community!
In High School, we stand out with our commitment to nurturing inquirers, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. Our unique approach focuses on cultivating curiosity and developing our students into robust researchers. They learn to evaluate information critically, construct meaningful knowledge, and apply their learning to real-world situations.
We are dedicated to nurturing leaders with strong cultural, global, and environmental awareness through dynamic and innovation-focused programs. This aspect of our leadership development is particularly relevant in today's interconnected world and the future. Our students develop essential interpersonal and teamwork skills, working autonomously and collaboratively to learn from each other and contribute effectively to their peers' learning experiences.
Communication is fundamental in our high school program. Our students confidently express themselves in multiple languages and across various mediums—whether in writing, verbally, or digitally. They engage thoughtfully with diverse perspectives, enhancing their ability to communicate ideas effectively and considerately. Students explore and generate new ideas independently and collaboratively, and our students become proactive ambassadors of positive change in their communities and beyond.
I invite you to explore our website or visit our campus to see our learning environment, where every student is empowered to excel academically, socially, and personally. Together, we inspire our students to become compassionate global citizens equipped to lead and thrive in our interconnected world!
Mr. Paul Petit
High School Principal
Santa Cruz Cooperative School
