1. Cornerstone Schools Presentation by Dr. Chris Wood
Open House 2020

2. Mission & Philosophy
Cornerstone Schools' mission is to provide an exceptional educational opportunity for every student, by creating an environment that will prepare each student for whatever college and career path he or she may choose. Through a combination of challenging, creative, and thoughtful programs, each student will become knowledgeable, independent, respectful, and resourceful.
Our approach stresses academics, athletics, and the arts; mixed with accountability, honesty, and ethics, to provide the nurturing foundation and scholarship from which successful adults can grow. We embrace diversity and differences while sustaining our belief all students can achieve greatness.  Students and faculty come to Cornerstone with varying backgrounds, cultural heritages, and experiences, but all come to learn, teach, and to grow.

3. What makes our school unique
Advantages
Small Class Sizes
Differentiated Learning to Effectively Challenge Each Student
Focus on the whole child
Extra-curricular Activities and clubs/Awards
GAPPS Athletic Competition
Received Numerous Academic Awards
Community Outreach Programs
Arts/Music Programs
Affordable Tuition and Fees
Scholarships for Tuition
Easy Admissions Process
High Acceptance Rate
Accreditation
Opportunities for acceptance to Elite Universities

4. Small Class Sizes
The smaller the class size, the better the average student performs on academic achievement tests and classroom assignments. Small class sizes individually help students’ weak areas and advance their strengths. At Cornerstone Schools, our average class size is 12:1.
Small class sizes allow staff members to be more readily available for extra help or to further challenge individual students.

5. Differentiated Learning to Effectively Challenge Each Student
With lower student-to-teacher ratios, Cornerstone Schools’ teachers can tailor their lessons to their students’ unique skills, interests, passions, and curiosities. Teachers are responsive and meet every child where they’re at academically and push students forward with the right balance of challenge and nurture. As a result, students feel confident and assured in their academic abilities throughout their learning journey.

6. Focus on the Whole Child
At Cornerstone Schools we practice character education and development which creates an environment where students feel secure knowing their classmates value compassion and respect; perform better academically because they can practice self control; and become the best versions of themselves because they feel more confident.

7. Extra-curricular Activities and clubs
After-school enrichment activities are offered throughout the school year. Activities include: Music, Chess, Debate, Newspaper Club, Eco Eagles Environmental Club, Robotics, Ballet, and Intramural Sports.
Competition opportunities at Cornerstone include:
Math Competitions Yearbook
Band Competitions Spelling Bee
Oratorical Competition Esports Games
Technology Competition eCybermission
You be the Chemist Gaming Club
Before & after programs – Music,Sports, Art, Computers, eSport Games
Summer camps and activities - This includes weekly field trips, daily swimming, arts and crafts, computers, video games, climbing wall, hiking, sports, games, movies and science activities.  Swimming lessons, swim team, music lessons, tutoring and specialty camps (music, art, computers) are also available

8. GAPPS Athletic Competition
Cornerstone Schools is a part of the Georgia Association of Parochial and Private Schools for athletic competitions. We have the following middle school sports:
Fall Sports – Cross Country, Volleyball, eSports
Winter Sports – Basketball and Swimming
Spring Sports – Soccer and Rowing

9. Basketball

10. Volleyball

11. Swimming

12. E-Sports

13. *Over $15,000 in savings bonds awarded to Cornerstone students!!!
Awards
Big Win: Statewide Science STEM Award (sponsored by the Technology Association of Georgia )
Winning again: Ecybermission - Students design experiments to help solve real- world problems (sponsored by the Army Corp of Engineers)
*State winners
2019 – 1st place (6th grade) & 2nd place (6th grade)
2018 – 1st place (9th grade) & 2nd place (9th grade)
2014 – 2nd place (8th grade)
2013 – 1st place (6th grade)
*Regional Finalists!
2014 – 6th grade (1st place state)
*Over $15,000 in savings bonds awarded to Cornerstone students!!!

14. Awards Continued
Forsyth County Time Capsule Winner – Jacob Ruiz won essay competition
Optimist Club Essay Contest Winner Ian Davis
District competition Oratorical essay contest Taylor Martin
Forsyth County Oratorical Contest Winners Lucas Martin and Austin Toole.
Spelling Bee Forsyth County and Region Champion Hunter Baaske

15. Community Outreach Programs
Cornerstone partners with two wonderful local charities - The Unseen Hand Ministries, Inc. and the Humane Society of Forsyth County. Both of these organizations help to serve the needs of our community in different ways, and we are excited to be involved with them. 

16. Music
Cornerstone Schools Band program began in August Every student begins to play a band instrument in the 4th grade and continues to be a member of the band until 8th grade. In the first year we won trophies at the Silver Star Music Festival held at 6 Flags over Georgia. We earned the Blue level trophies in Middle school band, Elementary school band and Jazz Band.
We attended again in 2013 winning another Blue level trophy. We attended again in 2018 and earned a Bronze level Trophy.
In 2010 Our first Jazz Band also won the highest rating at the Gmea District   9 Jazz Festival.
Since beginning our band program our musicians from 4th grade to 8th grade have earned over 400 superior Ratings.
Superior rating is the highest rating available at the GMEA solo and ensemble event.
It is also interesting to note that for the last 3 years 100 percent of the students who attended GMEA Solo and Ensemble earned a superior rating. 
Congratulations to all student who have been a part of the Cornerstone Eagle Band!

17. Tuition and Fees Toddler and Infant
INFANT & TODDLERS RATES
Yearly Registration Fee (due with the application): $200.00
# OF DAYS
FULL DAY (6:30am-6:30pm)
HALF DAY (8:30am-2:00pm)
5 DAYS
$940 / mo
$890 / mo
3 DAYS
$850 / mo
2 DAYS
$800 / mo

18. Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten
PRE-SCHOOL / PRE-KINDERGARTEN RATES
School session is 10 months from August-May
Yearly Registration Fee (due with the application): $200.00
# OF DAYS
MONTHLY>
SEMI-ANNUALLY
ANNUALLY
5 DAYS (6:30-6:30)
(8:30-2:00)
$850 / mo
$600 / mo
$4,150 ($200 discount)
$2,950 ($100 discount)
$8,500 ($400 discount)
$6000 (200 discount)
3 DAYS (6:30-6:30)
$800 / mo
$500 / mo
$3,700 ($100 discount)
$2,450 (100 discount)
$7,300 ($200 discount)
$4.800 (200 discount)

19. Lower School Tuition K-4th: 8:15 A. M to 2:55 P. M. 5th-8th: 8:15 A. M
Lower School Tuition K-4th: 8:15 A.M to 2:55 P.M. 5th-8th: 8:15 A.M. to 3:15 P.M. Registration $150 – Fees $450
PROGRAM
DEPOSIT
MONTHLY>
SEMI-ANNUALLY
ANNUALLY
TUITION
$8,800
$1,500
$730
$3,550
$6,900
SIBLING TUITION
$7,800
$630
$3,050
$5,900
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL/HOLIDAYS PROGRAM -
$260
$1,250
$2,400
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM ONLY
$240
$1,150
$2,200

20. High School Tuition PROGRAM DEPOSIT MONTHLY> SEMI-ANNUALLY ANNUALLY
School session is 10 months from August-May
Hours: 8:15 AM. to 3:15 PM
Yearly Registration Fee (due with the application): $200.00
Deposit (non-refundable): $1,500 is due within 30 days of acceptance
Fees: $ (Book, Activity Technology): Due June 1st
Sibling discounts available
Monthly, Semi-Annual, and Annual rates are after deposit
PROGRAM
DEPOSIT
MONTHLY>
SEMI-ANNUALLY
ANNUALLY
TUITION
$10,400
$1,500
$890
$4,350
$8,500
SIBLING TUITION
$9,400
$790
$3,850
$7,500

21. Scholarships
Cornerstone Schools encourage all families to participate in the Private School Tax Credit program. We work directly with the Georgia Student Scholarship Organization in the implementation of this scholarship program.
For more information and applications please visit 
The Georgia Private School Tax Credit Law allows eligible private citizens and corporations to receive tax credits for donations to Georgia Student Scholarship Organizations (SSOs). SSOs will provide students scholarships to parents that will help cover the cost of a private school education for their children in the state of Georgia.

22. The Tuition Tax Credit Program and GaSSO
In 2008, the Georgia General Assembly passed the original legislation creating the Georgia Qualified Education Expense (QEE) Tax Credit Program. Under this program, individuals and corporations can make tax-credit donations to authorized non-profit organizations which can then fund scholarships at private schools in Georgia, including schools recommended by the donors.
GaSSO – the Georgia Student Scholarship Organization, Inc. – received approval from the Georgia Department of Education to operate as an authorized Student Scholarship Organization, or SSO.
The Georgia QEE Tax Credit Program allows individuals, married couples and businesses to claim dollar-for-dollar tax credits on their Georgia income tax for scholarship donations made through a qualified SSO, up to the following limits:
For individuals who are single, up to $1,000;
For individuals who are married, up to $1,250;
For married couples filing jointly, up to $2,500;
For C Corporations, up to 75 percent of their Georgia income tax liability;
For members of limited liability corporations (LLCs), shareholders in Subchapter ‘S’ corporations, and partners in partnerships, up to $10,000.
The amount of tax credits that can be taken is limited to the donor’s tax liability or actual donation amount, whichever is less.
The GASSO website accepts pre-approval requests for the Qualified Education Expense Tax Credit Program. Approval letters are mailed out by the Georgia Department of Revenue. Once pre-approved for the tax credit, donors are contacted to make their donation payment. Approved donors receive a pro-rated approval amount.
As an SSO authorized by the Georgia Department of Education, GaSSO receives and processes donations from individuals, families and corporations, and disburses the funds to designated private schools. For more information visit

23. Admissions Process
An on-site private tour of the facilities.  Call (770) (Infants to Pre-K), (770) (K-12), or us
Submit application with registration fee.
Optional: candidate attends school for a day (shadowing other students)
Upon acceptance submit deposit (when applicable)

24. Acceptance Criteria Includes
Program availability
Candidate's academic standing
Fitting our program to your child’s needs.
Cornerstone Schools welcomes students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, and religious affiliation.

25. Accreditation
CORNERSTONE SCHOOLS HAS BEEN ACCREDITED SINCE 2002 BY THE GEORGIA ACCREDITING COMMISSION - WITH QUALITY.
GAC RECOGNIZES SCHOOLS THAT ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN A HIGH LEVEL OR PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY AND COMPETENCE. CORNERSTONE SCHOOLS IS ALSO RECOGNIZED BY THE BOARD OF REGENTS AND THE COLLEGE BOARD AP PROGRAM

26. Testimonials
My time at Cornerstone, although at times stressful, fully prepared me for the challenges that I would face in college. I have a significant competitive advantage over many of my peers due to the work ethic that I developed while attending this school. Cornerstone is home to so many great teachers all of which are willing to lend a hand whenever you need it. The curriculum pushes students to be their absolute best. At times it was challenging but as a student you are never alone, someone is always there to help and everyone has your best interests in mind. I am incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to attend Cornerstone.
-Dylan Stancil -UGA
From a former student perspective looking back at my time at Cornerstone, this is a tremendous school. Great group of teachers and students alike, would definitely recommend to any family looking for a quality private school in Forsyth County.
-Taylor Martin -UGA
I attended Cornerstone back when I was in middle school. My favorite teachers, to this day, are the teachers that taught me at Cornerstone. The staff sincerely cares for ALL students and works tirelessly to ensure growth for all. Teachers are always knowledgeable and help each child out. One of my favorite things about Cornerstone is the size of the classrooms. Class sizes are small enough that teachers are able to be responsive to individual needs of students.
-Hali Carlton -Georgia Southern

27. Testimonials
I went to Cornerstone for my last couple of years of middle school and they were extremely rewarding. The teachers are incredibly qualified and very attentive to all students’ needs. Class Sizes are small for great one on one attention. I would recommend this school to anyone that wants the best education for their child.
-Rachael Clark -UGA
I spent about 10 years at Cornerstone Schools. The experiences and friendships I made were like no other. It’s an environment that I have enjoyed returning to every year since I’ve left. The teachers are phenomenal, they care about you and want you to succeed at whatever you put your mind to. The friends I’ve made there are ones that last a lifetime. To me Cornerstone Schools isn’t just a school. It’s a place of happiness, friendships, and family. There is no other school I could recommend higher than Cornerstone.
Logan Richardson -Kennesaw State University