Faith
The second point of the Cornerstone Way is its religious foundation . It makes sure its teachers are committed to Christian education , but it doesn ’ t demand a faith statement from its students .
“ Most private Christian schools are covenant schools , which means the parents have to sign off on a statement of faith ,” Carr explained . “ We don ’ t do that .”
Yet Cornerstone uses ACSI curriculum , ensuring that faith is integrated into each child ’ s educational experience , and Bell said it was her experience in Bible class that prepared her to continue living out her faith as an adult .
“ I just learned a lot about what it means to study the Bible and how that can translate into your everyday life — and not just studying the Bible just for the sake of studying it , but actually studying it to learn and actually reflecting on it , and I found that to be very helpful ,” she explained .
London shared a similar sentiment .
“ I do know in public school some people had different religions , which is , you know , fine , but I know as far as Cornerstone , everybody is on the same page as far as giving God worship and praying to God ,” he said . “ It was just a good space for me because it allowed me to be open with my religion a little bit more than I was able to be at public school .”
“ That kind of made the walk with God a little bit stronger ,” he added . Character :
“ Our student character assessment is one of the highlights of Cornerstone ,” May said . “ Each year , we administer an assessment to students at the beginning of the fall semester in order to assess their level of love , respect , integrity , responsibility , and perseverance .”
“ It is amazing to see how students who rate themselves poorly during the fall can during the spring student character assessment … improve their rating ,” he continued . “ Clearly , our school ’ s character words have benefited students throughout the year as a result of the efforts made by teachers .”
Cornerstone students are also required to do community service to graduate .
“ The community gives to us , we believe in giving back ,” Carr said . “ Each grade level has certain projects , then when you get to high school , you ’ re required to give so many hours of community service . That ’ s part of getting your diploma .”
“ When I sit in the room with my friends who run big Christian schools , they teach academics , and they teach Bible , and one thing they don ’ t teach is character ,” Carr said . “ I think educators have this mindset [ that ] it ’ s one more thing . Well , of course , we ’ re going to do Bible because we ’ re a Christian school , and we can integrate that pretty easily . I really don ’ t know of another school that does all three .”
Such character also serves Cornerstone students well in the many extracurricular and athletics opportunities the school provides , helping them develop further as individuals . getting connected
Those who want to get involved with the work Cornerstone is doing can contact its community engagement manager , Amber Payne . She can be reached by email at apayne @ csalabama . org or over the phone at 205-769-0034 .
You can also visit Cornerstone ’ s website .
“ I believe this is a mission ,” Carr said . “ I think we ’ re on a call to do God ’ s work , and I think the people that God sends us to help us believe in this mission . And I know that . I ’ ve gotten through two recessions since I ’ ve been here , and no one ever stopped giving to us . I can say that this community is not only generous , but they care about the future .”
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