Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Cornerstone is an approved nonpublic school in accordance with the regulations of the State of Connecticut Department of Education.

Cornerstone maintains PreK-12 accreditation by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). ACSI is an internationally recognized accrediting organization. It ensures member schools have undergone careful self-analysis and have met accrediting standards for their educational program. The Connecticut State Department of Education recognizes ACSI as an approved accrediting agency. Cornerstone teachers actively maintain ACSI teacher certification.

As an accredited program, Cornerstone’s Pre-K program is exempt from CT childcare licensing requirements [CT GSS 19a-77(b)(1)(B)].

Cornerstone’s K-12 program is also dually accredited by the Middle States Association: Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA).

Cornerstone is a distinctly Christian school. The commitment to biblical education goes beyond Bible class and chapel. Faith impacts every part of the program from academics to social skills. All faculty and staff are committed Christians active in their local churches.

Cornerstone is a ministry of the Manchester Church of the Nazarene. However, the school is not a denominational school. More than 40 churches are represented by CCS families. The Statement of Faith outlines the core tenants of Christian faith that are upheld. Additionally, the Lifestyle Guidelines outline the school's position and the standards to which CCS employees agree to live.

It is not required that families be of the Christian faith to enroll in Cornerstone. However, all students participate in the school’s full program, including Bible class and chapel; biblical worldview impacts every course and program offered.

As an accredited school, Cornerstone hires qualified teachers who are certified by the school’s accrediting agency (ACSI). Teachers provide academically rigorous programs that are developmentally appropriate for their respective grade levels. The school aligns its learning benchmarks with Connecticut State Standards while encouraging each student to do all things to the glory of God. Cornerstone provides a Preschool through Grade 12 program that equips and enables each graduate to advance to college and beyond.

Cornerstone's school day runs from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm each weekday. Parents may drop students off beginning at 7:50 am. Growing Like Christ, the extended-day program, is available until 5:30 pm for students in Preschool to Grade 5 for an additional charge.

Cornerstone is a school-year program, typically beginning the last week in August and ending in early June. School holidays and breaks are published each spring. The most up-to-date information is always located on the school's Google Calendar.

Cornerstone has designed a curriculum that guides academic instruction from preschool through high school. It is aligned with state and nationally recognized standards while integrating a biblical worldview

The resources used to implement the curriculum, such as textbooks, come from a variety of publishers.

Yes, Cornerstone is in compliance with all laws and legal requirements for non-public schools, including those regarding the required immunizations for school attendance.

Cornerstone provides an academically rigorous curriculum through a developmentally appropriate program. The program is designed for students with average to above average academic ability.

Cornerstone teachers offer Tier I and Tier 2 interventions by providing support within small classroom environments.

Cornerstone students are eligible to receive limited services through the Town of Manchester's Pupil Services Department. These services include student identification, testing, and minimal support through an Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

While CCS does not employ a social worker, a partnership with The Light House provides consultation to classroom teachers and parents, group interventions, and opportunities for individual student support.

A Christian Education focuses on educating the whole child—academically, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Cornerstone partners with parents to educate and equip children to manage themselves and treat others in a godly manner. Cornerstone uses the Friendzy Biblical Social-Emotional Learning program in Preschool to Grade 8. This program focuses on providing common language and skills that assist students in living well in community.

Cornerstone's partnership with The Light House enhances the school program by providing support for staff and limited direct student support.

Beginning in Kindergarten, students follow a dress code. The dress code outlines the type of clothing pieces that are permitted. Items are not required to be purchased from a specific provider and do not require logos to be embroidered on them.

In general, students wear a polo shirt (white, light blue or light yellow) with navy bottoms (pants, skirts, shorts, jumpers). Details are published in the school's Parent & Student handbook.

Beginning in Grade 3, students enrolled in a Physical Education (P.E.) class are required to wear a P.E. Uniform. This uniform is purchased directly from an online supplier.

The Town of Manchester provides busing for K-12 students who are residents of Manchester and meet the required distance from the school.