Cornerstone Schools - Changing Detroit One Child at a Time

Cornerstone Schools combine a Christ-centered culture with an excellent education for Pre-K through high school students. Measured outcomes, a rigorous academic curriculum, small class sizes, uniforms, and the proven benefits of an 11-month school year are just a few of the aspects that create Cornerstone-quality education. Our unique Partner Program also provides mentoring that is invaluable to our students.

We think you’ll find our results speak for themselves, as 95% of our students graduate from high school and 91% of them go on to higher learning at some of the top colleges and universities in the country. Considering the cost of our college-prep curriculum is about half that of similar institutions, it is truly a sound investment in your child’s future.

The earlier we begin our work with a child, the quicker they can establish a strong foundation for learning. During this impressionable time, our highly qualified instructors address the social and academic needs of every child.

This isn’t day care, but a full day of instruction that includes a phonics-based reading program, math, science, social studies, art and physical education. Most children are reading by their second semester! We also concentrate on developing our young students’ social skills, to make certain they are well prepared for Kindergarten on every level. Click here to learn more about the Pre-K Program.

To start, we're proud to share that Excellent Schools Detroit ranked Cornerstone the number one elementary school in the city. Our students actually average one to two grade levels above the state average in all subjects. We believe this is because Cornerstone combines high expectations with a rigorous curriculum directed by data-based decisions. We consistently deliver comprehensive, college prep quality learning.

We engage students with e-learning and Plato software, a program that tailors individualized programs for reading and math. This allows children to advance at his or her own pace, and move to the next level when they have truly learned the materials presented. Professional development and technology work hand in hand to help our children achieve.

The fact that every third grader receives and learns the violin amazes most people. We simply see the relationship between music and successful learning. Through music, students learn to both express and discipline themselves, which often improves concentration and mathematical skills.

We offer languages like Mandarin Chinese and Spanish; which is not only useful but gives our students a better awareness of the world around them. Learning a new language often builds confidence in communication skills they carry with them everywhere. Our robust after school activities allow the children to experience everything from chess to karate in a positive environment.

By focusing on the Fruits of the Spirit, we are able to help our children develop a positive character, morals, and values, in tandem with their excellent academic experience. Faithfulness, peace, gentleness and generosity are as important as good grades! Click here to learn more about the Primary School Program.

This is the time we pursue advanced learning for our young people in class and after school to take them to the next level in their college prep quality education. In addition to the standard curriculum, students can take a full year of Algebra. They are able to participate in our unique collaboratives we’ve developed with Cranbrook, Michigan, Michigan State and Northwood universities. Electives include instrumental music, choir, drama, and many more.

We ensure that our students are truly prepared for the world around them whether in terms of music, economics, finance, or entrepreneurship – or all of the above. Our middle school students test one to two grade levels above the state average in all subjects.

Cornerstone offers after school activities like academic games, karate, chess and music. In addition, our students participate in everything from competitive sports to community service. Our goal is to identify and develop the passions and interests of our young people, creating fulfilled students who are good citizens and responsible servant leaders. This explains why our students are recruited by top high schools, year after year. Click here to learn more about the Middle School Program.

Now, our award-winning curriculum supports an innovative academic and work-study program that is unlike anything else in the city. Our new high school will serve just 150 students and provide unheard of opportunities for mind, body and spirit.

We will assign every student an internship at a local business, which serves as a bridge to the management track. Active involvement in a professional organization will result in real-world skills, experience and access that most high school students could only dream of. Studies prove that students who have participated in internships are ‘more likely to receive a job offer than their peers who forego the experience.’

This model also creates the opportunity for dual degree course work of rigorous high school and college level courses. College credits can be actually earned during our students’ high school career. Ultimately, we seek big things for our young people – college graduation and college acceptance with scores of 25 to 33 on the ACT.

Our methods combine technology with classroom and real-world experience. Every student is provided with a laptop to enable e-learning and self-directed lessons, creating customized education. Our CEO Saturdays directly connect our scholars with advice and information from business leaders in the community. We constantly prepare our students for life and higher learning. With good reason – top colleges and universities regularly recruit our graduates across the country.

As a Christ-centered school, we believe that the development of good character is every bit as important as achievement in academics. Our students participate in robust community service to learn the value of giving back. Click here to learn more about the Leadership and Business High School Program.

Businesses can participate by covering the annual tuition of one of our students for $7500. Not only will this cover the cost of a young person’s education but you’ll receive the assistance of one of our interns to work at your place of business. That way they’ll learn on the job and you’ll help transform Detroit.

Our first freshman class was enrolled in the fall of 2011. If you are interested in enrolling your high school student with Cornerstone, please contact our Admissions Director, Mari Byrd by calling (313) 892.1860 Ext. 257, or email her at Mari.Byrd@CornerstoneSchools.org. Click here to learn more about the Leadership and Business High School Program. Click here to learn more about the Leadership and Business High School Program.