CORNERSTONE HISTORY

The reality of Cornerstone Christian School emerged as a result of a strong conviction for the need of Christian education in the San Angelo area.   God spoke and visionaries responded to the call.   In February, 1986, a foundational meeting was attended by Charles and Kathy Anderson, Herb and Marilyn Pennington, Jay and Ann Privitt, and Jim and Terry Mapes.   By July, 1986, Cornerstone Christian School was   incorporated, and the first school board was named to include the following: Charles Anderson, President; Greg Thomas, Secretary; James Mapes; Herb Pennington; and Jim Jackson.

The property at 1502 North Jefferson Street belonging to Riverside Baptist Church became available   in the spring of 1986.   The bond/title company that held the note on the building and property leased the building to CCS for the 1986-87 school year for $3,000.00 a month.   In early 1987, Wilbur and Mary Anderson purchased the building and property for $250,000 with the intent to continue leasing to CCS for $1 annually. In 1994, a certificate gift deed was granted to Cornerstone Christian School as long as it continued to function as a Christian educational facility.  

Under the leadership and administration of Mr. Jay Privitt and four faculty members (only two receiving salary), thirty-five students were enrolled when Cornerstone Christian School opened its doors for the 1986-1987 school year to the honor and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Over the first five years of CCS history, the enrollment grew consistently to a student body of one hundred forty-four students in grades K-4 through twelve with a matriculation of six graduates.

In the spring of 1992, the dream of elementary school accreditation was granted by   the Association of Christian Schools International. Application for Texas Alliance of Accredited Private Schools accreditation for K-5 through twelfth grade began in 1998 and became official in May, 1999.

The A Beka Christian Curriculum (A Beka Publishing Company; Pensacola, Florida) became the basic curriculum throughout both the elementary and secondary levels; with exception of a few specialized courses, A Beka remains the core curriculum today. The curriculum is reviewed annually.

After several seasons of utilizing local gymnasiums for indoor sports, another major project was undertaken.   In the spring of 1993, CCS broke ground on the north side of the educational facility to begin the construction of a gymnasium/cafeteria.   While many volunteer hours were given to the project by dedicated families of the school, Herb Pennington and Buddy Vines led the way in sacrificial giving of their time and labor. The CCS Lions hosted its first basketball tournament in January, 1996. That was a memorable event.