Academics

The Curriculum

Cornerstone Academy is a classical Christian school. We have returned to the time honored, proven method of educating used for centuries with great success which gives students the tools for learning and systematic thinking. We, therefore, emphasize the basics: Bible, reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar, Latin and logic. We also teach robotics, science, worldviews, rhetoric, etc. See our course listings by grade for Grammar School and Secondary Course Offerings.

After very careful review of all the options available, we have chosen the very best curriculum for each of the subject areas and for each grade. Attention was given to continuity between grades and between the Grammar and Secondary schools. In line with the educational philosophy of classical Christian schools, curriculum has been chosen which will help teach students the "tools" of each subject so that the student can then apply what he/she has learned. We are training students to be thinkers, to be able to reason well from biblical principles in every area.

A PE program for each grade is offered. The State of Florida requires one PE credit in 9th-12th grades for graduation. In addition, all Grammar School students will have two 15 minute recess periods per day.

For students with certain scholarships which require such, five days of instruction are provided.

Teacher Quality and Class Size

There is an average of 15 students per classroom in all grade levels. In the Grammar school there is only one classroom per grade from K4 through 3rd grade with two fourth grade classes and one 5th grade class in 2011-2012. There is a Head Teacher and an Assistant teacher in K4, K5, and 1st grade. In the Logic School there are two classes each of 6th, 7th and 8th graders. The teachers are very carefully selected on the basis of Christian faith and character, experience, gifting by God in teaching, degrees and certifications. See the Cornerstone Staff page for more information.

Is Cornerstone Accredited?

Yes. Cornerstone is accredited through FCCPSA. Cornerstone is also a SACS candidate (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools). You can download our quick profile here.

What are the hours of the school?

• In the Grammar School, K5 - 5th grades begin at 8 AM and end at 3:10 PM. K4 meets from 8 AM to 2:30 PM
• The Logic and Rhetoric Schools, 6th - 12th grades, begin at 7:45 AM and end at 3:10 PM.
• Classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Monday and Thursday students will be at home with work to complete for their teacher.
• Thursday School for Logic students (6th - 8th grades) will be available at an additional fee. Times TBD.
• Students on scholarships requiring five days of instruction will be at school five days per week.

Why were Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday selected as the primary classroom instruction days?

Cornerstone Academy seeks to support parents in training their children and encourages church attendance. This schedule allows for church participation on Sunday and Wednesday nights without concern about being up early for school the following mornings.

What do students do Monday and Thursday when they are not at the school building and what are my responsibilities as a parent?

As your support and guide in the educational process, Cornerstone teachers will assign work for students in K5 – 12th grade that is to be completed on Monday and Thursday in order to achieve the appropriate benchmarks for each grade each year. The work must be completed at home and turned in the next classroom day. For younger students this requires parental commitment to oversee the process, check the assignment sheet or teacher website, and teach certain concepts as directed by the classroom teacher. As students mature, they will develop the ability to work more independently, but should still submit their work to you for approval. In some instances you will be asked to check the work against the answer key and have students do corrections. The older students will learn to manage their time and complete their assignments with minimal oversight from their parents. Approximately 40% of your student's grade will be based on work that is done at home. Parents will also be required to participate in assisting Cornerstone Academy in some capacity throughout the year. Thirty-five Service Hours are required per family per year.