The Cornerstone School is an independent, 501(c)3 non-profit school located in Ocala, Florida where innovative methods of instruction have been inspiring creative thinkers for over 35 years. The Cornerstone School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools and is credited by The Florida Council of Independent Schools. Founded in 1982, Cornerstone began as a small, independent preschool and early elementary school that provided an alternative learning option for students in Ocala. As the demand for educational innovation grew, so did the school. From two quaint cottage homes divided into classrooms, today The Cornerstone School supports 250 students in grades Pre-K3 through 8th grade on a 3-acre campus.
Our faculty, staff, students, and their families have built an atmosphere of creativity, innovation, mutual respect, and high educational achievement that has become synonymous with Cornerstone. The small community of learners is supported by highly qualified educators who collaborate with students to understand their unique intellectual abilities. We offer an accelerated and enriched program, where varied and individualized approaches to learning invite and sustain curiosity, building a lifelong love of learning. Our program focuses on the individual child and their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth and well-being.
Students are engaged in an experiential and stimulating learning environment. Emphasis on S.T.E.A.M. disciplines promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential for success in the 21st century. The core values of tolerance, integrity, and mutual respect are instilled throughout the curriculum. Cornerstone students distinguish themselves as proficient citizens prepared for challenges, opportunities, and the responsibilities they will encounter over their lifetime. We are committed to developing and growing the transformative leaders of tomorrow.
PORTRAIT OF A CORNERSTONE GRADUATE
SOCIALLY AWARE
Graduates are compassionate, socially aware individuals who can participate with empathy in a global context.
LIFELONG LEARNER
Cornerstone students are self-directed, intrinsically motivated lifelong learners.
Ambitious & determined
Graduates of Cornerstone are visionary, goal-oriented, and ready to perform with distinction at the next academic level.
PROBLEM SOLVER
Cornerstone graduates understand the importance of collaborative and cooperative problem-solving.
visionary
Graduates of The Cornerstone School are innovative, creative and critical thinkers.
Technologically advanced
Cornerstone students are STEM-centric students who integrate, transfer & apply the use of technology effectively in the real world.
MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL
At The Cornerstone School, our program and teaching are designed to instill the foundation, or cornerstone, for lifelong learning and to provide for all of our students an engaging education that will produce a lifetime of benefits. The importance of the partnership between parents, students, and teachers is essential in preparing our students with all that they will need to be successful through their education and beyond.
Started by parents over thirty years ago, The Cornerstone School constantly reviews and adapts program offerings to ensure that the education of children is relevant to the needs of a changing society. In a rapidly changing, increasingly global society, today’s children need an opportunity to develop competence in critical thinking skills, collaboration, communication, social responsibility, adaptability, and resilience.
With the approach to the “whole child” at our school, we focus not only on intellectual development but also on the physical, emotional and social skills of our students. In addition to the challenging and enriching curriculum, we hold our students to high standards of behavior, integrity, and mutual respect. At our school, children are personally known and heard and learn through challenges, celebrations, and failures in a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Ms. Ingrid Wasserfall, Head of School