Cornerstone Christian Academy (Bloomington, Illinois)

Cornerstone Christian Academy of McLean County is an independent, Nondenominational Christian college-preparatory private school located in Bloomington, Illinois. CCA enrolls preschool through 12th grade. It has a total enrollment of approximately 400 students.

History

In 1997, the Eastview Christian Church preschool was taken over by a private group, and renamed "Cornerstone Christian Academy of McLean County, Inc." In 1998, Cornerstone moved to Grace United Methodist Church on the corner of Bell and Clinton in Bloomington.

Originally, the school accepted students preschool through 4th grade. Later, Cornerstone opened two new campuses, dividing the preschool from the K-4 students, and accepting older students. The locations throughout Bloomington-Normal now include Faith United Methodist (Preschool), Grace United Methodist (Elementary K-4th), and 2nd Presbyterian Church(5th grade and up).

In 2001, plans were made to construct a new building on approximately 78 acres (320,000 m²) of donated land, east of Bloomington. Groundbreaking occurred in 2002, and students moved into a 52,000 square foot facility one year later. The school was fully accredited in 2006 by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). In 2009, a 28,000 square foot high school addition was added.

Current enrollment for the 2011-12 academic year is 400.

School Format

There are three divisions of the school: Preschool, Lower School and Upper School. Preschool is 3–5 years old, Lower School is K-8th grade, and Upper School is 9th-12th grades.

When the school first opened in the fall of 1997, it operated a preschool for one year before opening grades K-4. Grades were added each year, culminating in first graduating class in 2007.

Athletics

Cornerstone's interscholastic extra-curricular teams are stylized as the "Cyclones" and their school colors are forest Green and white. Cornerstone participates in the East Central Illinois Athletic Conference. Cornerstone is a member of the Illinois High School Association (IHSA).

Middle School Sports

• Boys Basketball
• Boys Baseball
• Girls Volleyball
• Cheerleading
• Boys/Girls Cross Country
• Boys/Girls Track
• Girls Basketball

High School Sports

• Girls Volleyball
• Boys/Girls Basketball
• Boys Soccer
• Boys/Girls Cross Country
• Track
• Golf
• Cheerleading
• Baseball
• Softball
• Surfing

Cornerstone's golf team advanced to state in 2011 and 2012.

School Activities

• Student Council
• School Paper: "The Cornerstone Clarion" (on-line)
• School Yearbook: "Milestones"
• Drama Club
• Strings
• Madrigals
• Scholastic Bowl
• Pep Band
• Chess Club
• Book Club
• Speech/Debate
• Worship Band

Cornerstone has a large Student Assistance program which allows those who would otherwise not be able to afford tuition to apply for assistance. Over 25% of CCA students currently receive Student Assistance. This is funded through voluntary gift donations. Cornerstone has a strict non-fundraising policy and relies on voluntary gift donations to fund its programs.

Winterim

Cornerstone offers a program held during the first two weeks of January called Winterim. During this time high school students are allowed to choose from various credit-earning classes not normally taught during the school year, especially in the arts and industrial technology. 11th-12th grade students are allowed to select an internship. Students also have the opportunity to travel abroad for study trips during Winterim.

School Membership Associations

• Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
• Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
• Illinois Elementary School Association (IESA)

See also

• School Website

References

April Kinzinger, Director of Development - Cornerstone Christian Academy of McLean County, Inc.