Welcome to Cornerstone Academy
About Us
​At Cornerstone Academy, our mission is to guide students in their academic, social, physical, and emotional growth, preparing them to be responsible and successful in their future. We are committed to building a supportive community that includes the school, students' families, and Cornerstone Evangelical Baptist Church. Our goal is to create an environment where students can thrive academically, form healthy relationships, and develop physical fitness while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning. With a curriculum that integrates technology, promotes respect, and fosters emotional well-being, we help students reach their full potential. Our focus is on developing well-rounded individuals who are not only prepared for academic success but also equipped to contribute positively to society and lead fulfilling lives.
Welcome From the Principal
Since our humble beginnings almost 50 years ago as Little Lights Preschool to our development into one of the largest private schools in San Francisco, our goal at Cornerstone Academy has always been to provide a safe and loving learning environment for students to develop as total persons - intellectually, socially, physically, and spiritually.
Our academic program emphasizes the mastery of reading, writing, oral communication, math and the cognitive skills as well as the disciplines of science, history, social studies, music, art, and physical education. On the spiritual side, we seek to help each student grow and develop in knowledge and appreciation of Christian principles, develop positive relationships with others, and improve confidence and self-esteem.
Whether you are a current or prospective parent, we welcome your child to Cornerstone and want to do everything we can to ensure that the learning experiences will be happy and wholesome. Education is a partnership between parents and the school. We invite you to visit the school, ask questions, and make suggestions. Experience has proven that the best assurance for the success of your child is close cooperation with the school and an understanding of our expectations, procedures, and goals.
Principal Derrick Wong
School History
Cornerstone Academy was founded in 1975 as an outreach of Cornerstone Evangelical Baptist Church in San Francisco. It began with a preschool called "Little Lights School," created to support young families in need of childcare. As the school grew, it expanded to include kindergarten and later grade school. In 1985, the school was renamed Cornerstone Academy and moved into a former theater, the "Surf Theater." Over the years, the school continued to grow, adding campuses like the Silver Campus in 1989 and the Cambridge Campus in 1999. In 2017, the Upper School was renamed Cambridge International Preparatory School, reflecting its diverse and global curriculum. However, in 2019, Cornerstone Academy closed its high school division after 20 years. With over 50 years of history, Cornerstone Academy remains dedicated to fostering growth and education for children of all ages.
Educational Philosophy
We believe in providing a comprehensive education that nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, physically, and emotionally. We emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, ensuring that students are equipped to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Our curriculum prioritizes academic excellence while also fostering healthy relationships, physical fitness, and emotional intelligence. We integrate technology into learning, promote respect for others, and focus on developing skills that will benefit students in all aspects of their lives. Our educational approach encourages students to become lifelong learners, confident individuals, and responsible members of their community, ready to face the challenges of the future with integrity and compassion.
