About

Cornerstone Academy (CSA) is a charter school serving grades 6-8 in SBISD. CSA was first imagined in 1997 during a meeting of the SBISD Board of Trustees, who then approved a steering committee to create a school that “embodied choice, commitment, community, and collaboration” while relieving overcrowding. It is ranked in the top 0.5% of Texas middle schools. It has received exemplary ratings each year, and in 2008, it received the award “National Charter School of the Year.”

Cornerstone Academy has a unique middle school curriculum that incorporates six-week courses called CESITs (Career Exploration, Specialized Interests & Talents) which are taught by teachers, business professionals, and community volunteers.

Each six-week period, students are able to explore different careers by choosing between courses such as Architecture, Art, Medicine, Hotel/Restaurant Management, and Engineering. “Active CESITs,” such as Ultimate Frisbee or Mind/Body Fitness, count toward 7th and 8th grade PE requirements.

CSA integrates language arts/social studies and math/science through a team teaching approach. Teachers must meet the requirements for gifted and talented teaching. All courses are taught at an advanced academic level.  To remain enrolled at CSA, students are expected to maintain at least a C average.