The Cornerstone Difference

Cornerstone Schools of Washington, DC is a joyful and affordable K-12 learning community in southeast Washington, DC. Whether your student joins us in elementary school, middle school, or high school, we focus on prioritizing small class sizes, building a strong foundation, and educating the whole child. We provide a private Christian education for your whole family that will prepare your students for life during Cornerstone and beyond. Here, students will grow spiritually, academically, and emotionally. Through our classical curriculum, students read whole books, discuss big ideas, and learn how to love their neighbor as themselves.

Visit an Open House
Request more information
“I deeply appreciate Cornerstone for not only providing my children with a strong academic foundation but also for instilling essential core values such as peace and love. Over the years, I have witnessed remarkable growth in each of my three children, and I am truly grateful to the dedicated staff at Cornerstone for playing such a vital role in their development. I sincerely thank God for guiding my family to this incredible institution. The staff at Cornerstone are more than educators—they are an extension of our family.”
— Ms. Smith, a parent of three Cornerstone students

At Cornerstone, we know that community is the best way for students to learn. In our Christ-centered, restorative community, teachers care for students and work closely with them to succeed academically and grow personally. On average, our teachers have more than six years of teaching experience. We partner with parents to seek the best for students, with regular touchpoints with parents including our annual Saturday School, parent-teacher conferences, and more. Students are regularly given leadership opportunities and participate in shaping our community through opportunities like being a student ambassador or a House leader. We have a 99% high school graduation rate, and 90% of our graduates have been accepted into colleges.

Cornerstone’s Value

  • We are a small, family-like community with a focus on caring for the whole child. As a Restorative Practices school, we believe in working together to resolve conflict and support each student.

  • 90% of Cornerstone students are accepted into colleges. All students receive personalized college prep starting as early as 9th grade.

  • We reduce distractions through our phone-free policy. As needed, students may visit the main office to connect with caregivers.

  • By graduation, Cornerstone students would have read and discussed more than 25 books, including The Odyssey, The Inferno, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Crime & Punishment.

    Students are supported in key math foundational skills and have the option to take Algebra I in 8th grade if they meet the requirements.

Cornerstone’s Offerings

  • Cornerstone's lunch program this year includes Chick-fil-A, Mama’s Pizza, Silver Diner, and J&J Mex-Taqueria. Students may opt in the program to receive lunch 4 days a week at a reasonable rate.

  • The House System develops High School students’ leadership skills while shaping positive school culture and serving younger students. Each High School student is assigned a house.

  • Our after-school programs support students’ academics and develop students’ athletic, arts and technology interests. The Lions’ Den is our after-school program, and it is available to students in grades K-8 and runs from 3 pm - 6 pm Monday through Friday. Participants pay a weekly fee.

  • We value small class sizes to enrich the experience of each of our students. Our average class size has a 13:1 student-teacher ratio.

  • Many of our students participate in programs at the Washington Nationals Youth Basketball Academy, Life Pieces and Masterpieces, WTEF Tennis, and Fort Dupont Ice Skating Arena.

Admissions Process

Thank you for your interest in Cornerstone Schools of DC! We look forward to getting to know you and your student(s) as you explore the best educational option for your children. Here are the steps to discover Cornerstone:

Important Admissions Criteria

Cornerstone provides some 1-on-1 and small group supports to address academic gaps and to meet socio-emotional needs. Though we are able to provide services, we are not able to support students with significant needs. While we serve a wide range of students, as a small school, we are not equipped to effectively serve most students with an active IEP or who are below grade level.

  • We welcome families who have received the DC Opportunity Scholarship (OSP) for their student. OSP recipients must follow the admissions process, and the scholarship is not a guarantee of enrollment. DC residents can learn more and apply at servingourchildrendc.org.

  • Our kindergarten cut-off date is August 30 — not September 30. Please note: We will rarely accept students with September birthdates into kindergarten or first grade.

Apply to Cornerstone

Non-discrimination Policy

Cornerstone Schools of Washington, DC does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, disability (that may be reasonably accommodated) or national origin in the administration of its admissions policies and financial aid programs. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to the Director of Admissions.


Though not required to be Christians, the parents/guardians of students at Cornerstone Schools should have a clear understanding of the Biblical philosophy and goals of the school. This understanding includes a willingness to have their child exposed to the clear teaching of the school's Statement of Faith within the school curriculum.