Educating for Academic Excellence and Spiritual Maturity
Cornerstone's roots lie in the compassion and dedication of Christians throughout the Philadelphia region. In response to the 1980 Philadelphia teachers strike and subsequent distress in Philadelphia schools, attorney James Sweet and evangelist Tony Campolo began investing themselves in the lives of children in Southwest Philadelphia. By 1988 Cornerstone Christian Academy was born with 40 children, kindergarten to third grade. Located in the heart of southwest Philadelphia at 58th Street and Kingsessing Avenue, Cornerstone has since grown to over 200 kindergarten to eighth grade students, 17 teachers and an annual operating budget of $1.5 million. Cornerstone is a co-educational, independent Christian school offering a full academic program for its students.
Our Mission:
The mission of Cornerstone Christian Academy is to educate children in an environment that provides the highest standards for academic achievement and spiritual development. It is our vision to be a model urban Christian school where students are grounded in faith and prepared with knowledge and skills to succeed in high school, college, and throughout life.
Our Statement of Faith:
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We believe that the Bible, composed of the Old and New Testament, is inspired of God and is the supreme and final authority in faith and life.
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We believe in one God existing in three persons-Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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We believe in the vicarious death of the Lord Jesus Christ for our sins, the resurrection of his body, his ascension into Heaven, and His future return to the earth.
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We believe salvation is available through one's acceptance of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.
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We believe that a New Testament church is a body of baptized believers associated for worship, service, and the spread of the gospel and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the entire world.
Our Leadership:
Richard R. Ollinger, President and CEO
In February 2002, Richard R. Ollinger joined the Cornerstone team as our first President and Chief Executive Officer. Having served as an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church, Mr. Ollinger brings over 20 years administrative and transformational experience to Cornerstone. As Cornerstone continues to grow and expand, Mr. Ollinger is responsible for overseeing the entire operation and keeping Cornerstone true to its vision and strategic plan. As President, he is also concerned with the financial growth and stability of Cornerstone, the long-range planning and general accountability of Cornerstone to our supporters and families.
Deborah Lee, Principal
Deborah Lee began serving Conerstone in 1996. She has been a 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teacher, as well as the school's Reading Specialist. In 2005, Ms. Lee was appointed Assistant Principal and in 2007 became the Principal. Deborah holds a B.S. Degree in Education from Temple University and a M.S. Degree in Reading from Lincoln University
Board of Trustees
Supporting the President/CEO and Head of School are a dedicated Board of Trustees committed to the vision and success of Cornerstone. For a complete list of the members of the Board, click here.
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