“Consistently offering the children of the city and its environs a rigorous, academic curriculum in a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment is central to the success of Cornerstone Schools,” says Ernestine Sanders, President and CEO of Cornerstone Schools.
An ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) accredited program is designed to challenge children academically while reinforcing qualities of good character, commitment, citizenship, and servant leadership. This “holistic” approach aims to prepare students for a fulfilling life, through spirituality and a culture of loving God and others.
All children are schooled in subjects ranging from literature to the sciences. Education is paired with the idea and practice of concepts including freedom, self-government and citizenship.
Established in 1990, Cornerstone has taken students from Pre-K through 8th grade, by virtue of an 11-month school year, with a 95% high school graduation rate in a city that is currently graduating only 26% of its students.
Through one independent and two charter schools, Cornerstone serves almost 1200 children. Plato software provides individualized learning that empowers children to learn at their own pace. Every child receives and learns the violin in the 3rd grade. The school’s award-winning musical program offers strings, choral and piano. Mandarin Chinese and Spanish language instruction begin in Kindergarten at its Nevada campus.
Active parental involvement, a dedicated faculty, and a unique “Partner” mentoring program provide strong examples and support to every student. There is also a wide range of after-school programs including Cornerstone’s nationally winning chess team.
Featured in a CNN story (March 2010) entitled, “How One School Gets it Right,” Cornerstone credits teachers, families, and a broad and beloved community of friends for its success.
www.cornerstoneschools.org.