Academics

The Curriculum

Cornerstone Academy is a Christ-Centered classical 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: reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar, Latin and logic. We also teach computer, robotics, science, worldviews, rhetoric, etc. See our course listings by grade for Grammar School and Secondary Course Offerings.

Cornerstone Student in Classroom

After very careful review of all the options available, our Curriculum Committee has chosen the very best programs 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 a limit of 18 students per classroom in the Grammar School and 20 students per academic class in Secondary School. There is only one classroom per grade from K4 through 4th grade with three 5th/6th classrooms. There is a Head Teacher and an Assistant teacher in K4, K5, 1st grade, and 2nd grade. 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.

What are the hours of the school?

  • In the Grammar School, 1st - 6th grades begin at 8:00 AM and end at 3:00 PM.
  • K4 and K5 begin at 8:00 AM and end at 3:00 PM.
  • The Secondary School, 7th - 12th grades, begin at 7:50 AM and end at 3:00 PM.
  • All classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Monday and Thursday students will be at home with work to complete for their teacher.
  • Thursday Review Days for Secondary begin at 8:00 and end at 1:00 PM.

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.