Education that echoes the gospel
Classical education is, in other words, a traditional education. Here is what that means for a child at Cornerstone, and why the school exists.
A place where children flourish
Cornerstone Community Schoolhouse is a non-profit private Christian school. Since 2023 we have partnered with families to help each child grow academically, spiritually and socially, at their own level, from kindergarten through 6th grade.
Small class sizes mean each student gets personal attention from teachers who know them. We believe every child is uniquely created by God with special gifts and talents, and our role is to help them discover and develop those abilities.
The three stages of the Trivium
A classical education includes three stages of development called the Trivium, which is Latin for “where three paths meet.”
The first is the grammar stage, the foundational stage of learning. It includes memorization, recitation and repetition, which children from birth to about 12 are naturally good at.
Then comes the dialectic or logic stage, generally ages 12 to 15. Students learn to think critically and logically, asking clarifying questions to make sense of what they have learned up to this point.
The rhetoric stage is typically ages 15 to 18. Students begin to form their own ideas and share the knowledge they have learned in the previous stages.
Cornerstone currently accepts students up to the grammar stage, kindergarten through 6th grade. As we grow, we hope to add the dialectic and rhetoric stages.
What students learn
Students receive a biblical worldview of learning through classical education, which is learning how to order things rightly and judge them well. They also learn life skills, including manners, gardening, sewing, cooking, music and art.
Classical education teaches wisdom and virtue. It trains our ears to hear echoes of the gospel in Literature, Latin, Math, Science, History and Geography, and ties each of them to God’s Word. Each grade has its own scope and sequence: the standards for what that class is working on.
The curriculum
We teach the classical core subjects using the Memoria Press curriculum. It is scaffolded in a way that lets students fully grasp each concept before the next one arrives.
We strive to use the complete curriculum with fidelity so there are no gaps in our teaching. Proper use of a curriculum creates the consistency a child needs to learn and grow.
How it’s taught
Every student is God’s unique creation. Our teachers are skilled at adjusting their teaching to the student, using kinesthetic, visual and auditory learning, with evidence-based and research-based techniques to support each child’s needs.
Our core values
The principles that guide everything we do at Cornerstone Community Schoolhouse.
Faith in Christ
A strong foundation in Christian faith is essential for life. Our curriculum and environment foster a deep understanding of, and personal relationship with, Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:1Integrity and character
We cultivate honesty, trustworthiness and strong moral character, teaching students to act with integrity in their words, actions and relationships.
Proverbs 11:3Pursuit of excellence
We encourage students to strive for their best in academics, character and all endeavors, recognizing their God-given potential.
Colossians 3:23Loving community
We foster a nurturing community where every student feels valued, respected and loved, with compassion, empathy and mutual support.
John 13:34–35Heart of service
We inspire students to develop a servant’s heart, looking for ways to serve others in their school, families and wider community.
Mark 10:45Wisdom and knowledge
We guide students to seek wisdom and knowledge from a biblical worldview, understanding that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.
Proverbs 9:10
On the way to full accreditation
After two years as a Partner Member of the Classical Latin School Association, and with the support of the families around us, Cornerstone applied for and received provisional accreditation through the CLSA. That means we are on our way to becoming a fully accredited classical school, and we are working toward it now.
Why Cornerstone was started
Cornerstone Community was created to meet the needs of families in our community who are not sure about homeschooling, who need extra support, or who are looking outside of public schools for their children’s needs.
With an ever-changing society, our intention is to provide an environment where students learn God’s Word, listen to how to apply it to the world around them through literature, and live their lives with the truth in their hearts and minds.
Director Celeste Mays opened the school in 2023. Read her story, or see what the school believes.
Cover story in Christian Living Magazine
Cornerstone Community Schoolhouse was the cover story of the November/December 2025 issue of Christian Living Magazine. The article, “Where education’s foundation is always Jesus” by Gaye Bunderson, tells how Celeste Mays started the school. It begins on page 20.
Come see a school day for yourself.
Enrollment starts with a tour or an open house. Bring your questions, and bring the kids.
912 W Linden St, Caldwell. School runs Monday to Thursday, 9:00 to 2:30.