Christ-centered
Christian Education
About Cornerstone Christian Academy
We are proud to say that since our founding in 1983 in Brockport, NY, students who receive a Christian education from Cornerstone have been very successful. 95% of our graduates go on to college while the other 5% join the military, a trade, or enter directly into the job market. Our student body population is moderately sized, but our standardized test scores place us in the top rankings nationwide.
Here are some benefits of a CCA education:
- Comfort and confidence in teachers who honor your parental authority
- Peace of mind and satisfaction in having sound, advanced academics which are nurtured with Godly character development
- Confidence that your child will grow in knowledge as well as the wisdom to use their knowledge for good
- Joy in the knowledge that the Christian teachings of your home will be reinforced and extended into your child’s day
- Fulfillment of hope as your child is nurtured as a citizen of God’s Kingdom as well as patriots of our blessed nation
“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest in thy ways, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
Our Philosophy
The Opportunity We Provide
It is our purpose, as a Christian academy, to provide the opportunity for each student to come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. Further, we will offer each child an atmosphere and role models such that they are able to develop spiritual maturity along with intellectual, social, emotional, and physical maturity. Our responsibility for the student encompasses the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical areas. We believe these are inseparable, as through them runs the insistent thread of the spiritual. Therefore, it must be our aim to shun the tendency to teach the Bible compartmentally or on the intellectual level alone; the scarlet thread of redemption must be woven throughout the total curriculum.
This philosophy channels our energies to promote high academic standards while helping the students to achieve skills in creative and critical thinking, using the best-integrated curriculum available. The objective of our instructional program is to enable the student to pursue the post-secondary education of their choosing, whether in college, university, or in a vocational training area.
Our Social Aim
While the education of children is the responsibility of parents, the school functions as an agent for parents. Teachers must cooperate closely with the parents in every phase of the student’s development and both parties must seek to cooperate with one another and improve the process of Christian education.
Our Primary Purpose
- Provide a program imparting Christ-centered knowledge
- Teach our students to produce actions commensurate with this knowledge
- Strive for excellence in all areas and work to pass this trait on to each student
- Provide born-again, spiritually mature, qualified teachers who are evidence of God’s call to teach and a lifestyle that clearly testifies of a sanctified life
- Maintain on-going, extensive communication between school and home
- Furnish the students with an education that is challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable
- Consistently enforce high standards of discipline, following the principles set forth in the Bible
- Welcome students of all racial, social, ethnic, and religious backgrounds who are willing to accept and support the Christian doctrines of the school
Our 10 Objectives
1. Provide an atmosphere of positive faith and belief
2. Draw out and protect the sensitive child while directing the more assertive child to use their talents properly
3. Channel the energy of your child toward good works
4. Expose your child to a wide range of areas of interest
5. Help your child develop fully in spirit, mind, and body
6. Observe talents and strong points in your child and assist you and your child in the development of these areas
7. Teach your child to communicate well, including developing the ability to resolve conflicts with others
8. Teach your child how to work diligently to resolve problems and how to “think through” difficult problems
9. Help develop your child’s confidence and courage that they will use humbly, in love
10. Instill in your child an understanding of the Judeo-Christian heritage, including morals, the Protestant work ethic, the vital role of home and family relationships, and strong personal discipline
Interested in Supporting CCA?
Teachers & Staff
Classroom Teachers
Laurel Lindsay
Grades PreK4-K
Laurel Lindsay, Pre-Kindergarten 4 and Kindergarten teacher, did her undergraduate studies in SUNY Brockport, and receive a BS in Psychology. She has had teaching experience at the Brockport Child Development Center and Orleans County Christian School.
Laurel’s favorite scripture is Ezekiel 16: 1-14. And her favorite thing about working at CCA is having Christian fellowship at work.
Becky Hendel
Grades 1-2
Becky earned her B.S. in Education and M.A. in Literacy and Special Education at Roberts Wesleyan College.
She joined CCA in 2017 and says, “The staff is so supportive and encouraging; they have a Christ-like focus. I appreciate the biblical foundation on which the school is based and the focus and ability to pour into the children spiritually.”
Becky has two favorite scriptures:
Romans 12:9-12: “Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.”
Philippians 4: 4-7, 13: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus…I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Michael Proud
Lower Grades Math
Michael earned his B.A. in Humanities with a minor in Ministry from Roberts Wesleyan College. He joined CCA in 2021 after working for 25 years at the Brockport Free Methodist Church.
His favorite thing about CCA is, “I love being a part of the ‘family.’ We all help each other. The families make everyone feel welcome and supported.”
Michael’s favorite scripture is Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you.”
Marilyn Ostafew
Grades 3-4
Marilyn earned her B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education at Genesee Community College and Grand Canyon University. She then earned her M.A. in Literacy at Grand Canyon University.
Before joining CCA in 2018, she spent 30 years in various teaching positions.
About CCA, she says, “I am blessed to have the opportunity to teach in a Christian school.”
Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13: “I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Jenny Barone
Grades 5-6
Jenny Barone, currently teaching grades 5-6, studied Elementary Education at the University of Phoenix and also received a AA Business Management degree there. She was a full time substitute for two years, homeschooled her children for 12 years and was a 6th grade homeschool group leader.
Scriptures that especially touch her heart are Proverbs 3:5-6. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your path.”
A favorite quote to her is Lao Tzu’s, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Another being, “Don’t forget to always pray because God will always make a way.”
Here favorite book is Where the Wild Things Are, by Maurice Sendak.
Mrs. Barone looks forward to gaining more knowledge and understanding of God and His astonishing creation with the students in her class, as they discover together all He has for them.
Evaleena Brown
Grades 7-8
Evaleena earned her B.S. in Sociology from the College of the Ozarks and then joined CCA in 2019.
She says, “I have enjoyed getting to know the students. I look forward to growing with them spiritually and academically. I am excited to teach them about God throughout our year together.”
Evaleena is from Nebraska but now loves living in New York.
She has two favorite scriptures:
2 Corinthians 5:17-20: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”
Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were robed in white with palm branches in their hands.”
Leonard Craft
Grades 9-12 Math & Science
Leonard earned his B.S. and M.S. from SUNY Brockport and is certified in students with disabilities and Mathematics for grades 7-12.
He joined CCA in 2010, and his favorite thing about our school is the small class sizes.
Outside of school, Leonard enjoys playing disc golf, and as a fun fact, he owns all 37 of Jet Li’s martial arts movies!
Leonard’s two favorite scriptures are:
Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Proverbs 26:18-19: “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, Is the man who deceives his neighbor, and says, “I was only joking!”
Chris Johnson
Grades 9-12 English, History, & Bible, Principal
Chris earned his B.S. and M.S. in Educational Administration from SUNY Brockport and founded Cornerstone Christian Academy in 1983.
He says, “CCA is a family. The children grow up and move out, which is sad at times, but we have the joy of watching all they become. Having the children of former students as our new generation of students is very fulfilling. As a teacher, I have the opportunity to share life-giving faith to our students.”
Favorite scriptures:
2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.”
“Righteous exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
Art and Music
Laura Eisele
Art
Laura earned her BS in Art Education degree and certification at Robert’s Wesleyan College. She received her master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Arts for Children, at SUNY Brockport.
Prior teaching experience before teaching at Cornerstone, January 2023, was at Fairport CSD and Churchville Chili CSD, though she has been involved at CCA, since 2016, with her grandson.
Laura’s favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you”, says the Lord, “Plans for peace and well-being, not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Her favorite quote is from Max Lucado, “God never said that the journey would be easy-but he did say that the arrival would be worthwhile.”
One of her favorite things about working at CCA is the family atmosphere and working with teachers and students that are grounded in Christian values.
Laurie’s favorite book is Broken for Good, by Rebecca Rene’ Jones.
Michelle Trost
Music
Michelle Trost has her BS in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College and MS from SUNY Brockport. Other teaching experiences have been at the Rochester City School District, Park Ridge Free Methodist Church, and various home-school co-ops. Michelle has taught private music lessons at Cornerstone for 2 ½ years.
A favorite scripture of hers is John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world! “
A favorite quote is from Martin Luther King Jr. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenges and controversy.”
Working at CCA, Michelle enjoys getting to know the kids and the many personalities God has created. She also loves that she can walk to work!
Reading is a favorite of hers, whether it is fantasy, mystery, comedy, or science textbooks! Michelle’s favorite author is C.S. Lewis.
Physical Education and Language
Jessica Roth
Physical Education
Jessica has her associate’s degree in Sports Management from Genesee Community College and joined CCA in 2016.
Her role changed at the start of the 2022-2023 school year to
become a full-time employee. She now teaches most of the physical
education classes and is our primary indoor/outdoor maintenance
staff member.
She says her favorite thing about CCA is, “I love the feel of being a part of a big family. I also love knowing that we are instilling good, Christian morals.”
Her favorite scripture is Matthew 10:29-31: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Joy Colbert
Joy has her associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Monroe Community College and joined CCA in 2016.
Joy says, “I’m blessed to be given this opportunity to share my love for the deaf, their culture, and their language.”
She enjoys eating Indian food, playing Scrabble, and gardening in her free time.
Favorite scriptures:
1 John 4:4: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Isaiah 26:3: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Support Staff
Erika Morse
Erika has her B.S. in Elementary and Special Education and M.A. in Reading from SUNY Geneseo.
She joined CCA in 2015 and says that “CCA is a supportive and encouraging environment where God is at the center.”
Erika’s favorite scripture is 1 John 4:4: “Greater is He that is in me than he who is in the world.”
Joan Johnson
Joan has her B.S. in Elementary Education from SUNY Brockport. In 1983, she joined CCA with her husband, Chris Johnson.
At CCA she enjoys “The joy of daily interacting with the students and staff. Seeing the growth and maturity personally and spiritually in the kids – while seeing their success following graduation is a great honor.”
She served for 25 years as the head of her Church’s Sunday School and her favorite scriptures are:
Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
Joshua 1:9: “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid for the Lord is with you wherever you go.”
Extracurricular Activities
Sports
At Cornerstone Christian Academy we offer soccer and basketball for our students and local homeschoolers. Our teams compete with students from Christian schools along with the Rochester School for the Deaf. We emphasize integrity and sportsmanship and believe that sports help students learn these Christ-centered traits as well as many others.
For more information please contact us.
Activities
We have numerous activities for the students at CCA to participate in.
These include:
- The annual Winter Fun Day and End of the Year Picnic
- Private voice, piano, woodwind, and brass lessons during the school day with semi-annual recitals
- Worship in weekly chapel services
Required activities include:
- Art and Music courses once per week
- Physical Education twice per week
- Sign Language courses twice per week to meet the High School language requirement
Private Music lessons
At CCA we love being able to offer private music lessons to interested students during the school day. 30-minute lessons are offered during non-teaching times at $30 per session. Parents pay the instructor directly. We look forward to watching the students perform in recitals at Christmas and in the Spring.
Options:
- Beginning guitar
- Woodwinds
- Brass
- Piano
- Percussion
myschoolworx
Call now for registration information!
Business Hours:
Monday – Friday:
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM