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"Our Modern Montessori approach nurtures confident students with the skills to thrive in an evolving world. Every child is known, cared for and challenged to reach their potential. In K–3, individualized learning, Montessori materials, nature and practical life build independence and strong academic foundations. From Grades 4–7, personal MacBooks extend hands-on learning through research, coding and 3D printing. Grace, courtesy and respect shape our students—and truly define the Cornerstone difference."
Cornerstone combines the strongest elements of Montessori education with the academics, technology and experiences students need for the world they are growing into. In K–2, two full-time teachers in each classroom allow for highly individualized instruction, with students progressing according to readiness rather than being limited by grade-level expectations. Grade 3 serves as an intentional bridge, adding structured academics, research and technology while maintaining Montessori foundations. In Grades 4–7, students learn from subject-specialist teachers and use personal MacBooks for research, digital projects, web design, coding, CAD and 3D printing. Across every grade, we extend beyond the BC curriculum with thoughtful, challenging units and engaging discussion. The result is a program that evolves with the child—building the independence, knowledge and confidence that inspire a lifelong love of learning.
Cornerstone makes deliberate choices about where we focus our resources and attention. We have intentionally prioritized a personal school environment over a large campus and student body. This allows us to be exceptionally selective in hiring, building a long-standing team of educators who genuinely share our values and are deeply invested in their students. Most graduates began at Cornerstone in Kindergarten, growing up together within our close-knit community and developing lifelong friendships. The result is a school where students, families and teachers truly know one another.
Our approach also balances tradition with innovation. Montessori principles remain at our foundation, but we do not believe preserving tradition should come at the expense of preparing students for the world they are entering. As children mature, we gradually introduce greater academic structure, immersive field trips, subject-specialist teaching and purposeful technology.
Cornerstone was founded in 1985, when Dale and Rita Gausman purchased the property that remains our campus today. The original house became our first preschool classroom. In 1991, our main school building opened with two spacious classrooms, expanding Cornerstone to include Kindergarten. By the late 1990s, additional classrooms and a second level had transformed Cornerstone into a full elementary school. Our generously sized classrooms have since been continually renovated and modernized while preserving the warmth of our original campus.
In the early 2020s, a new generation of leadership brought fresh ideas while building on the foundation established by our founders. Rita remains an important part of Cornerstone today. This balance of heritage and evolution has shaped our Modern Montessori approach—honouring the principles that have served children for decades while continually evolving our academics, technology and learning experiences, alongside vibrant school-wide events.
Students who thrive at Cornerstone are curious, engaged learners who benefit from being known as individuals and encouraged to grow in both independence and confidence. They do not need to arrive at Cornerstone academically advanced; our individualized approach allows students to receive support where needed and greater challenge where they are ready. As students mature, they should be increasingly willing to participate in discussion, take responsibility for their learning and engage thoughtfully with new ideas.
Cornerstone is an especially good fit for families who value strong academics without an overly competitive environment. Our families appreciate the independence and respect at the heart of Montessori, while also valuing structure, technology and preparation for high school. They want teachers who truly know their child, value open communication with the school, and see education as developing not only a strong student, but a capable, kind and confident young person.
Cornerstone may not be the right fit for families seeking either a strictly traditional education or a rigidly traditional Montessori experience through Grade 7. Our Modern Montessori approach evolves as children mature, blending Montessori principles with increasingly structured, future-focused learning.
We may also not suit families seeking the scale, anonymity or extensive facilities of a large school. Our personal environment means students are well known by teachers and administration, families become familiar faces, and communication between home and school is valued.
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Cornerstone is known as a warm, highly personal school with strong academics and a longstanding reputation in our community. Our graduates have developed a reputation for entering high school exceptionally well prepared; private high schools even reach out to Cornerstone directly to ask whether upcoming graduates may be interested in attending their schools.
Families often discover Cornerstone through other parents and alumni, with word of mouth playing an important role in our community. We are known for passionate teachers who genuinely know and care about their students, strong academics that extend beyond grade-level expectations, and an environment that develops confidence and independence. Above all, Cornerstone is known as a school where children are happy and genuinely enjoy their time at school. Families feel connected and students grow up with a strong sense of belonging.
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Cornerstone continues to evolve while remaining rooted in the values that have shaped our school for over 40 years. This summer, our Intermediate building is undergoing a complete renovation alongside significant campus and landscaping upgrades, including new electric gates and automatic-locking exterior doors as part of our continued investment in student safety. This year, we also introduced a beautifully redesigned uniform and new school crest, and expanded our technology program with 3D printing. Our Kindergarten students now benefit from a covered outdoor classroom designed for gardening, loose-parts, sensory exploration, water activities and large-motor development. In recent years, we have also established an annual large-scale school event, with experiences ranging from musicals and science and culture fairs to interdisciplinary exhibitions.
In the coming years, Cornerstone will continue expanding opportunities for students to become involved in school life beyond the classroom. This year, we are growing our after-school offerings beyond Chess and Drama Clubs to include Choir and Student Council. Student Council will give students a meaningful voice within the school while taking responsibility for projects including the yearbook and a monthly Cornerstone newspaper. We will continue to introduce opportunities that build leadership and reflect student interests and creativity.
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