Cornerstone Academy

This is a wonderful middle school. It is small, caring, and has a wonderful approach to adolescents. No hysteria about scoring high on the standardized tests--they understand that you don't need to teach to the tests. They focus on the basics here and yet allow for creativity through the CESITs. This school is much better than Memorial Middle School. My son was fortunate to win the lottery to go here. Great teachers, fantastic principal, only preap classes, you really can't go wrong. Totally relaxed atmosphere but very professional. All classes are preAP so don't bother to apply if your kid is not expected to make good grades. Those that don't perform have to exit.
--Submitted by a parent

A great school. My daughter is a 6th grader and is just thriving here. Their philosphy is work hard, play hard, and make learning fun. A wonderful middle school environment -- this is how all schools should be!
--Submitted by a parent

I once was a student of Cornerstone Academy and I have to admit, it's a great school! The teachers and staff are trustworthy, caring and intelligent, and have good morals. They are always at-hand and would even stay after school to tutor students one-on-one! The student population is very diverse ethnically, philosophically, and intellectually, with students from all backgrounds and walks of life. They are also diverse in their religious beliefs and tastes in things (e.g. music, literature, food, etc.). There is virtually no fighting anywhere in the school, since the students are very accepting of one another. Illegal drug activity is very low in the community (<5%; trust me, that' low!). Parental involvement is prominant and there are many unique opportunities given, ranging from electives, such as glass fusion and "Ultimate Frisbee," to field trips, such a "Beach Day." Along with all of this, Cornerstone Academy has AP courses on all subjects, has a special education mentor on-campus, and they currently teach two foreign languages: French and Spanish! What's not to love?

My daughter has managed her entire school career here independently of her parents, and was an A-B student. She scored in the commended zone for all TAKS tests this year, and based on further tests was placed in Honors Geometry, Honors English and Honors Biology at St. Agnes Academy. The school teachers ARE above average and there is excellent communication via the teacher's web sites. I think the all AP designation needs to be tempered with the grades and test results, before jumping past Algebra in HS. The goal to study BC Calculus in high school is what drives the AP Algebra designation. The first Calculus course at university is a shock compared to high school math class, so if your child misses the high school BC Calculus, send them to summer school to rework Calculus before entering their college class.
--Submitted by a parent

I'm a former student here! The former home of the Cornerstone Cougars! Teachers are wonderful and are ready to inspire you in education! This school has recieved the exemplary nominations from the excellent students we have here at CSA. Our principal is AMAZING! she takes us to a fun filled field trips as well as carnivals before the TAKS! She takes us on to Stewart beach which i think is the best idea anyone could ever have! Come to CSA and experince the thrilling, fun year you could get from this school rather than any other SBISD schools!
--Submitted by a student

I was a student at Cornerstone. This school is so unique. The teachers, students, and staff are one small community. My 6th and 7th grade teachers were wonderful, except 8th grade (Mrs. Becker). The language programs are wonderful and the CESIT one. The students are closely knit. At the end of the year CSA has an alumni dance called the Luau. All former students have a blast seeing each other. The main thing that I want to rave about is the comfortableness a student at CSA will experience. Nobody or nothing scary, just a bunch of helpful and happy people.
--Submitted by a student

My daughter previously went to Cornerstone Academy. She loved it in Cornerstone. All the students were so nice to her and the teachers were fantastic. The CESIT classes were very fun. They had a lot of fun choices there (unlike her new school). She and I highly recommends this school. It's laid back, laid back, cool staff, less homework, freedom, fun (except when it comes to TAKS days of course), and just plain fantastic. I regret me, my daughter, and my husband moved to Katy. We'll never forget this school. For the families that are moving to SBISD sign up for Cornerstone Academy! You won't regret it!
--Submitted by a parent

Cornerstone has been an excellent educational environment for my daughter. She has thrived academically and socially. The teachers are all first rate, especially in math. All courses are AP, and they have done an excellent job preparing my daughter for high school. Highly recommended!
--Submitted by a parent

Academics are pretty good - math seems to be lacking a little. CESIT is a great program. Say all teachers are Gifted & Talented Certified - check on this now. No sports - it's a charter school. They do have 'intramural' type sports - play in the private school 'league'. Parent involvement medium - diverse student body.
--Submitted by a parent