Cornerstone Christian Academy (Bloomington, Illinois)

Cornerstone Christian Academy of McLean County is an independent, non-denominational Christian college-preparatory private school located in Bloomington, Illinois. CCA enrolls preschool through 12th grade. It has a total enrollment of approximately 425 students.

Cornerstone Christian Academy

Established:	1997
Type:	Independent, Private, Fully Accredited
Administrator:	Becky Shamess
School Board:	Self-Perpetuating
Faculty & Staff:	57
Students:	425
Grades:	Preschool-12th
Location:	Bloomington, Illinois
Mascot:	Cyclones
Colors:	Forest Green and White
Newspaper:	The Cyclone

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 in one year later.

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-5th grade, and Upper School is 6th-12th grade.

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 for High school sports and the Little East Central Illinois Athletic Conference for middle school.

Middle School Sports

• Boys/Girls Basketball
• Boys Baseball (Co-op)
• Girls Volleyball
• Cheerleading
• Boys/Girls Cross Country
• Boys/Girls Track
• Wrestling

High School Sports

• Girls Volleyball
• Boys Basketball
• Boys/Girls Cross Country
• Track
• Golf
• Tennis
• Girls Basketball
• Cheerleading

Only one of which has advanced passed the Regional qualifier. In 2011 the Cornerstone Cyclones golf team advanced out of regionals by placing third. Then getting second in the sectional to advance to the state tournament held at Prarie Vista Golf Couse in Bloomington IL. They finished 9th out of 12 teams.

School Activities

• Student Council
• School Paper: "The Cyclone"
• School Yearbook: "Milestones"
• Art Club
• Drama Club
• Worship Band
• Strings
• Madrigals
• Scholastic Bowl
• Cheerleading
• Speech/Debate
• Pep Band
• Chess Club

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.

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)

Future

In summer 2007 Cornerstone broke ground on their new high school wing. This 26,000-square-foot (2,400 m²) addition will add 15 classrooms, 2 science labs, a large band/music room, additional administrative offices and a large forum room.

Cornerstone opened its City Campus in the fall of 2008. This campus is located at 806 E. Bell Street, Bloomington, and serves children in preschool through the 2nd grade. These students receive sponsorships and financial assistance.

See also

• School Website

References