Cornerstone Classical School

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Veritas Press
Omnibus
Shurley English
Singapore Math

We have laptops which are donated and PCs available for student research.

National Latin Exam Gold and Silver Medal award winners
2nd Place Annual Track and Field Meet

Uniforms are worn at CCS
Details on the website

Cornerstone Classical School of Basalt provides a distinctively classical Christ-centered education that prepares students for servant leadership and lives that glorify God.

As a Christ-centered school, Cornerstone Classical passionately embraces the Word of God as the primary authority for life and teaching. Education is never neutral, and more than simply engaging in a dialogue of religious rhetoric, Cornerstone values Christian character and the communication of truth both through integrated teaching and through the godly example of faculty members who daily model a Christian walk through their lives and demeanor. We also place value on the ability of our students to understand and appreciate the culture in which they live and as such, we prepare our students to ‘see’ both side of an argument. A Cornerstone education equips the students to love God with all their minds [Matthew 22:37], to ask evocative and probing questions, and to boldly explore the various nuances of knowledge from the conviction that all truth is God’s truth. Cornerstone Classical seeks to integrate faith and learning so that our students may walk with a stronger, deeper faith, ready to glorify God in service to all.
Cornerstone students are expected to adhere to the school rules and to show respect and kindness to all students, parents, faculty and guests. The older students are trained and expected to model excellent character since our campus includes young children who learn by watching them. We train and expect our students to look people in the eye and greet them cordially.

Cornerstone Classical intentionally and strategically maintains a low student-teacher ratio and is committed to maintaining a small overall student population which will encourage strong relationships, honesty, integrity, and community. In all this, the atmosphere at Cornerstone Classical is one of “firmness with freedom” and is a community full of life.

Statement of Faith
The following is the foundation of beliefs on which Cornerstone Classical School is based. They are also the key elements of all-orthodox Christian churches that will be unapologetically taught in various ways through all grade levels. The substance of these statements is that which will be considered primary doctrine at Cornerstone Classical School. Secondary or divisive doctrines and issues will not be presented as primary doctrine. When these types of doctrine or issues arise, they will be referred back to the family and local churches for final authority (see “Secondary Doctrine Policy”).

1. We believe the Bible alone to be the Word of God, the ultimate and infallible authority for faith and practice.

2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.

3. We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.

4. We believe that, for the salvation of lost and sinful men, regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary.

5. We believe that salvation is by grace through faith alone.

6. We believe that faith without works is dead.

7. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

8. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; those that are saved to the resurrection of life, and they that are lost to the resurrection of damnation.

9. We believe in the spiritual unity of all believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Cornerstone Classical School was established to provide an education which would manifest excellence and embrace Christianity.

British author Dorothy Sayers wrote an essay in the 1940's entitled "The Lost Tools of Learning." In it she calls not only for a return to the application of the seven liberal arts of ancient classical education, the Trivium, and the Quadrivium, which was prevalent in the Middle-Ages, but also connects the first three of those elements, the Trivium, with the natural stages of child's development. In short, the fertile soil in which the future leaders of the world are nurtured.

Intrigued with this model and knowledgeable of the significant results classical Christian schools have achieved, the Cornerstone School Board partnered with the elders of Christ Community Church to establish Cornerstone Classical School. Providing a classical Christian education for the Roaring Fork Valley children which would manifest in excellence and a clear, passionate dedication to truth, beauty, and goodness.

Thus, Cornerstone Classical School was founded in 2011 with an eye toward creating an aesthetically safe and nurturing environment that would equip and instill good habits, promote a love for learning, embracing the classical, time-tested literature and primary sources available. Cornerstone Classical was founded as a school with Christ at its center, naturally integrating the truths of the Bible into the fabric of every subject.

Cornerstone Classical School is a community of students, parents, staff, and Board members which works together as partners to develop in students the truest and best education possible: a classical and Christ-centered education.

Cornerstone Classical School, of Basalt

Classical Christian Distinctive

Cornerstone Classical School was established to provide an education which would manifest excellence and embrace Christianity.

British author Dorothy Sayers wrote an essay in the 1940's entitled "The Lost Tools of Learning." In it she calls not only for a return to the application of the seven liberal arts of ancient classical education, the Trivium, and the Quadrivium, which was prevalent in the Middle-Ages, but also connects the first three of those elements, the Trivium, with the natural stages of child's development. In short, the fertile soil in which the future leaders of the world are nurtured.

Intrigued with this model and knowledgeable of the significant results classical Christian schools have achieved, the Cornerstone School Board partnered with the elders of Christ Community Church to establish Cornerstone Classical School. Providing a classical Christian education for the Roaring Fork Valley children which would manifest in excellence and a clear, passionate dedication to truth, beauty, and goodness.

Thus, Cornerstone Classical School was founded in 2011 with an eye toward creating an aesthetically safe and nurturing environment that would equip and instill good habits, promote a love for learning, embracing the classical, time-tested literature and primary sources available. Cornerstone Classical was founded as a school with Christ at its center, naturally integrating the truths of the Bible into the fabric of every subject.

Cornerstone Classical School is a community of students, parents, staff, and Board members which works together as partners to develop in students the truest and best education possible: a classical and Christ-centered education.

The Stages of the Trivium: The Art of Thinking

Cornerstone Classical School, employs a centuries-old pedagogy of learning known as the Trivium (Latin for "three paths"). This approach teaches in accord with the students' natural stages of development with the intent of acquiring wisdom. Thus, students are not merely taught 'subjects' but are equipped with the tools of learning: the ability to listen, to think for themselves, to discern, to argue, to defend, and ultimately, to articulate. The challenging academic program at CCS draws from the rich heritage of the Western liberal arts tradition. The study of foreign languages, both classical and modern, provides discipline, awareness of the grammar and derivation of English and its vocabulary, and a greater appreciation of other cultures. History is taught chronologically using primary source documents as much as possible. A traditional approach to math and science is enhanced with hands-on exercises and laboratory experiments. Cornerstone Classical School also highly values the fine arts as a picture of man's historical context and as expressions of his God-given creative gifts.

As the 'capstone' to the students' classical and Christ-centered education and proof that a classical Christian education has prepared them for advancement to college, seniors must choose a topic and write a persuasive paper 4000-6000 words in length. They thoroughly research and explore the topic from every vantage point and take a position which they must then defend not only on paper but in an oral defense before a panel of faculty and community professionals. The Senior Thesis experience is difficult and challenging, but has proven to be a rewarding rite of passage, equipping our graduating seniors with a distinct advantage.

A Christian Environment

Cornerstone Classical School seeks to integrate faith and learning so that our students may graduate with a stronger,deeper, and vibrant faith, ready to glorify God in service to mankind.

As a Christ-centered school, CCS embraces the Bible as the final authority for life and teaching. Cornerstone values Christian character and the communication of life principles and values both through integrated teaching and through the godly example of staff members who model Christianity through their lives and demeanor. Education is not indoctrination, but the equipping of students to love God with all of their minds (Matthew 22:37), to ask probing questions, and to explore boldly the various aspects of knowledge from the conviction that all truth is in essence, God's truth. Students are expected to adhere to a Student Honor Code, show respect and kindness to others and model excellent character for the younger students.

Cornerstone intentionally maintains a low student-teacher ratio and is committed to nurturing a healthy small student population which will encourage strong relationships and community. No less important than community is the high value Cornerstone places on honesty and integrity. In all of this, the atmosphere at Cornerstone Classical is one of 'firmness with freedom' and is a vibrant community of learners.

It is our desire at Cornerstone to make a fine classical and Christian education accessible to any student who would benefit most from our challenging and exciting approach to learning. Thus, we welcome applicants from various levels of academic achievement and from all economic, racial,and ethnic backgrounds. We offer an excellent, college preparatory education without the elitism.

Cornerstone Classical is a ministry of Christ Community Church who provides support for the school and encourages the school board to govern autonomously. In our Statement of Faith, we uphold the most basic tenets of historical, orthodox, Christianity and strive to encourage an atmosphere of unity in Jesus Christ which emphasises our common convictions and is respectful of our diversity.

A Vibrant Student Life

In addition to excellent academics, Cornerstone Classical offers rich opportunities for every student to grow.

Weekly Chapels: This regular gathering provides a variety of speakers and dramatic presentations with an emphasis on spiritual formation and community building worship. The older students play an active role in leading each Chapel service. Chapel is one of the many times that the entire student body comes together as one.

The Taylor Library: With over 3,000 classics, hard to find, rare and out of print texts the students of Cornerstone Classical are blessed and privileged to have at their fingertips and incredible academic resource of primary texts.

Co-Curricular: In addition to the regular curriculum, students experience a wealth of activities. From recitations, annual drama productions, singing engagements, art classes, service projects, mission trips, student retreats and national competitions and events there is no shortage of meaningful activities that cultivate servant-leaders at Cornerstone Classical.

Events and Co-Curricular Activities Include:

Grandparents Day, Veterans Day, Easter Chapel, Merry Fitness and A Happy New You, Project Connect, Spring Fling, National Latin Exam, National Mythology Exam, Drama, Community Outreach, Europe Trip, Class trips, Enrichment Programs, 3-D Printing, Oculus Rift and VIBE and Computer Lab, Track and Field.

A Responsibility To Serve

A classical and Christian educational experience will inevitably have a major impact on the community.

All Cornerstone Classical students participate in service projects both on and off campus. On campus, students in high school sit with the younger students during the weekly chapel service, modelling appropriate worship and participation. All students take part in the daily maintenance chores and major campus clean-ups several times a year. Many classes participate in planting and maintaining flower beds and our new Herb Garden. The first Wednesday of every month sees the CCS students volunteering at a local Soup Kitchen.

In 2016-17 school year, Cornerstone HS students will seek to participate in international missions venturing to places such as Bolivia, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Cornerstone Classical school also values service to the community at large, believing that loving and generous service is a natural outgrowth of Christian love. The older students frequently give up their lunch hour to play with the younger students, the younger students deliver cookies and letters to local pastors in the Valley and have visited local nursing homes to sing and just to hold hands with the elderly. Through these and the emphasis on missions, Cornerstone students grow in character as they serve throughout the community.

Cornerstone Classical school and Christ Community Church are committed to helping students develop spiritual, intellectual, and physical excellence as well as the ability to establish loving, charitable relationships with fellow students and teachers. We encourage and expect high standards in the development of excellent work and character habits. In all academic endeavors, we encourage each student's love for learning which we trust will remain throughout their lives. We encourage and model service to each other and to the community. We pray that God will continue to bless and mold Cornerstone and that His Hand will continue to guide and direct us as we look to the future.

"Is not the great defect of our education today-a defect traceable through all the disquieting symptoms of trouble that I have mentioned-that although we often succeed in teaching our pupils "subjects," we fail lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think: they learn everything, except the art of learning."

Dorothy Sayers