Intentional Character Development
Cornerstone Prep develops each child based on Biblical principles. We want to encourage self-leadership and the ability to lead others as well. Two key areas of character involve:
- A Biblical Worldview
While
the truth of the Bible pervades every aspect of Cornerstone Prep, the
school
intentionally promotes two concepts: the teaching of a Biblical
Worldview and the
development of Christian character.
- Community View of Leadership
Our students are challenged each day to grow in their
ability to
lead. We prepare students not only to be leaders in
their
school but to become life-changing leaders in their community after
leaving
school.
Biblical Worldview and Christian Principles
Cornerstone
Preparatory School teaches the Bible as the inspired Word of God, “God-breathed
and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2nd
Timothy 3:16). Therefore, the Bible is the ultimate authority for life and
practice and all decisions made at Cornerstone Prep are based on Scripture.
While
the truth of the Bible pervades every aspect of Cornerstone Prep, the school
intentionally promotes two concepts: the teaching of a Biblical Worldview and the
development of Christian character.
The word “worldview”, derived from
the German, weltanschauung, is defined as a collection of beliefs about life and the
universe held by an individual or a group. Therefore, a person’s worldview is
the basis on which that person will make decisions, large and small, that
determine the direction of that person’s life.
A Biblical worldview, then, is
simply defined as the worldview described in the Bible. Beliefs about life and
the universe as found in the Bible will be taught and modeled every day at
Cornerstone Prep.
These beliefs will include such things as:
·
God’s
nature and character
·
Man’s
purpose in life
·
Sin’s
effect on man and this life
·
Jesus’
life, death and resurrection
·
Jesus’
atoning death on the cross for those who trust in Him
·
Jesus’
certain return and eternal reign
These
and other truths revealed in the Bible will be taught everyday at Cornerstone
Prep. The desired outcome is that Cornerstone Prep students use a Biblical
Worldview as the foundation for all of their decisions.
The
other concept intentionally promoted at Cornerstone Prep is the development of
Christian character. The school teaches and models Christian character that is
critical to both academic success and a life of following Jesus.
These 7
principles are:
1. Excellence
2. Integrity
3. Humility
4. Courage
5. Respect
6. Personal responsibility
7. Self-control
The Bible calls all followers of Jesus to exhibit these
character traits as a living example to the world of the beautiful nature of
Jesus. Therefore, these traits are posted on the walls of the school, taught
during the daily Biblical Worldview class and reinforced daily by faculty s as
method of instilling Christian character in all Cornerstone Prep students.
Cornerstone Prep believes that this combination of a
Biblical Worldview and the development of Christian character, along with the
relentless pursuit of academic achievement, bring glory and honor to Christ and
prepares students to succeed in college and to become life-changing leaders in
their community.
Leadership Development
Cornerstone
Prep students are equipped and challenged each day to grow in their ability to
lead. This leadership focus prepares students not only to be leaders in their
school but to become life-changing leaders in their community after leaving
school.
There are 5 core areas for which students receive leadership principles
and practice: family, career, community, church and the world.
Cornerstone
Prep students are taught a variety of skills and concepts to prepare them for a
life of leadership. Some of these skills and concepts are highlighted below:
·
Collaboration
·
Conflict resolution
·
Creative problem
solving.
·
Effective oral and
written communication
·
Planning and prioritizing
·
Mission and vision
These
and other skills and concepts are taught as part of the core curriculum as well
as being part of the culture of the school. Students are afforded opportunities
to practice leadership in a variety of ways. For example, students earn the
right to lead portions of the Cornerstone Prep morning meetings and other
classroom meetings as well as school-wide assemblies.
They are taught to
prepare for their role, to execute their role, and are provided direct and
honest feedback through videos of their leadership. This leadership development
process for students mirrors the development of the Cornerstone Prep teachers,
who are also provided clear expectations and direct feedback on their
performance as leaders in the classroom.
By third grade, students will be
conducting at least 75% of school-wide programs. This is just one example of how
Cornerstone Prep teachers and faculty will develop students into the leaders
society desperately needs.
Leadership
development is also a critical part of the Cornerstone Prep strategy of
equipping all students for college. The elite colleges desire to enroll
students who are more than just educated – they desire educated leaders.
Deidre Leopold, the Executive Director
of MBA admissions at Harvard, was asked the following question by the Boston
Globe on September 13, 2009: “What does HBS look for in its candidates?”
Leopold responded: “Our mission is
to educate leaders who will make a difference in the world. So we’re driving back
to that guiding principle.
We’re looking to compose a class of talented leaders
who come from many different backgrounds…” Cornerstone Prep’s focus on
leadership development will result in students who are ready for programs like
Harvard’s MBA program and are equipped and challenged to be the world’s future
leaders.