Cornerstone Academy

9016 Westview Drive

School District

Spring Branch Independent
Grade

6-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

charter

School Map for Spring Branch Independent School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on June 11, 2024

CSA is a unique school. My daughter just finished 8th grade. We had a great experience throughout the years. I’ll start with the principal. She is absolutely great. Ms. Purdy would do anything for these kids and fulfill her promises no matter the challenges. The teachers we had were great with no exceptions. Very engaging, warm, and supportive in a way that makes kids like learning . The curriculum is challenging, having all classes at AAC level. The students master the material through projects, research, and great teaching. Amazingly, the kids do great on their standardized tests without being prepped with countless IXLs and worksheets. I think the engaging, friendly environment is not something you can experience in many other middle schools.
Submitted by parent on May 29, 2014

This school is located in a substandard building, but the education and experience is truly exceptional. The faculty and administration know each student, and work hard to make a challenging curriculum engaging. The student body is diverse, both racially and economically and yet the school still has a culture of unity and acceptance. A note on testing: The students ace the state test each year, but there are no ridiculous drills wasting class time -- they just take the test for a few hours and move on. I love this school and am so sad that our time there is done.
Submitted by other on February 23, 2014

My school has the most challenging academics in our district. Algebra and Geometry are two examples of challenging academics. Pre-Ap classes also make up our great curriculum.
Submitted by other on January 23, 2014

I AM A STUDENT A CSA AND IT IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!! GO MRS HENNIG AND THE COUGARS!!!!
Submitted by parent on November 01, 2013

Cornerstone has good teachers and innovative ideas including combining the social studies and L.A. curriculum. However, they are not good in working with individual student differences. They attribute individual student academic issues to individual student deficits versus legitimate learning problems such as add/adhd or dyslexia. There is a marked lack of diferentiation. Very frustrating!
Submitted by parent on October 08, 2013

I am a parent of two children at Cornerstone. I can't say enough about this school. The staff, the students and especially the teachers are truly amazing. The teachers actually CARE about their students. I've seen teachers go "far and above" to make sure each student understands the concepts. Those teachers have taken my kids and given them the knowledge and confidence to succeed in middle school. Can a parent ask for anything more? I've spoken with parents who have had kids go through CSA in the past and the parents STILL credit that school with their children's successes! What does that say about the teachers?? They are wonderful. EVERY one of them is wonderful. My family is truly blessed to be a part of Cornerstone. I can't express that enough.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2013

My daughter is in her second year at Cornerstone and I feel she is receiving an exemplary education. The co-teaching that happens at this school is a great benefit to students. I believe this school does alot to give students many avenues to learn what is expected of them with lots of ways to learn and always a positive attitude towards the child. The school is a great bridge between elementary school and high school. Each student is treated like the important individual that they are and given a great opportunity to thrive. I could not be happier with Cornerstone Academy!
Submitted by parent on July 18, 2013

We have just completed the worst year at Cornerstone. The 7th grade Math/Science teachers were horrible! Our teachers completely disregarded SBISD grading policy by failing to have the minimum amount of grades required by the District. Our teachers also had other SBISD policy infractions that were brought before the Director. The teachers were pretty new to teaching, did not enjoy it, could not differentiate their teaching methods to accommodate kids learning styles, and bullied the kids. About 1/4 of the class failed the year and attended summer school. The Director knew of the problems in the class and failed to react to the situation. She was unwilling to accept that there was a problem in the class and more unwilling to do her job to remedy the situation. The Director has checked out on the education process and is resting on her past successes. What should have been a great year was a very disappointing year. Cornerstone has developed a reputation in the greater SBISD community as having a flawed grading system, assigning group projects that don't work, having teachers who play favorites, and most importantly, matriculating kids who are not ready to transition to High School.
Submitted by other on June 19, 2013

Cornerstone is an amazing school. I've been here all three years and I can strongly say these 3 years have been the best. It's so sad having to leave such a warm and close knit environment. The teachers are helpful and the students are kind. There's not very much bullying, and there are many opportunities given to report it. I strongly advise everyone to apply, it provides so much more than my zoned school would have. There are so many field trips and fun activities. The principal is amazing. By the end of 3 years, she knows everyone by name. Cornerstone Academy is the best middle school in the district.
Submitted by other on February 14, 2013

Cornerstone is a great middle school, coming from an eighth grader that's been attending it since 6th grade. The teachers are very interactive and come up with creative ways to teach students. Personally, I feel that as a CSA student, I was introduced to more opportunities and advantages than I would have been if I went to the middle school I was zoned to. I'm very grateful for Cornerstone, its teachers, staff, and even the students. There is rarely a case of bullying, resulting in a positive learning environment. We often work in groups on projects, rather than individually, giving students a chance to learn with their friends, instead of just being in the same class. Overall, I'm so glad I got accepted into Cornerstone, and if you're considering Cornerstone for a middle school, I would highly recommend applying. (:
Submitted by other on October 18, 2012

I currently attend school here and I must say it is an amazing school. You work at your own pace and if you don't understand something the teachers will help you through it. The teachers? Wow they are some good teachers they believe that the learning we do inside the classroom is the most important part. Not the tests but what we spend 7 hours learning. I think this is the best school I could get my education at. Our principle
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2012

This is a wonderful middle school. It is small, caring, and has a wonderful approach to adolescents. No hysteria about scoring high on the standardized tests--they understand that you don't need to teach to the tests. They focus on the basics here and yet allow for creativity through the CESITs. This school is much better than Memorial Middle School. My son was fortunate to win the lottery to go here. Great teachers, fantastic principal, only preap classes, you really can't go wrong. Totally relaxed atmosphere but very professional. All classes are preAP so don't bother to apply if your kid is not expected to make good grades. Those that don't perform have to exit.
Submitted by other on December 10, 2010

I once was a student of Cornerstone Academy and I have to admit, it's a great school! The teachers and staff are trustworthy, caring and intelligent, and have good morals. They are always at-hand and would even stay after school to tutor students one-on-one! The student population is very diverse ethnically, philosophically, and intellectually, with students from all backgrounds and walks of life. They are also diverse in their religious beliefs and tastes in things (e.g. music, literature, food, etc.). There is virtually no fighting anywhere in the school, since the students are very accepting of one another. Illegal drug activity is very low in the community (<5%; trust me, that' low!). Parental involvement is prominant and there are many unique opportunities given, ranging from electives, such as glass fusion and "Ultimate Frisbee," to field trips, such a "Beach Day." Along with all of this, Cornerstone Academy has AP courses on all subjects, has a special education mentor on-campus, and they currently teach two foreign languages: French and Spanish! What's not to love?
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2010

My daughter has managed her entire school career here independently of her parents, and was an A-B student. She scored in the commended zone for all TAKS tests this year, and based on further tests was placed in Honors Geometry, Honors English and Honors Biology at St. Agnes Academy. The school teachers ARE above average and there is excellent communication via the teacher's web sites. I think the all AP designation needs to be tempered with the grades and test results, before jumping past Algebra in HS. The goal to study BC Calculus in high school is what drives the AP Algebra designation. The first Calculus course at university is a shock compared to high school math class, so if your child misses the high school BC Calculus, send them to summer school to rework Calculus before entering their college class.
Submitted by student on May 05, 2010

I'm a former student here! The former home of the Cornerstone Cougars! Teachers are wonderful and are ready to inspire you in education! This school has recieved the exemplary nominations from the excellent students we have here at CSA. Our principal is AMAZING! she takes us to a fun filled field trips as well as carnivals before the TAKS! She takes us on to Stewart beach which i think is the best idea anyone could ever have! Come to CSA and experince the thrilling, fun year you could get from this school rather than any other SBISD schools!
Submitted by parent on July 01, 2009

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Submitted by student on April 22, 2008

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Submitted by student on August 28, 2007

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Submitted by student on July 11, 2007

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