Cornerstone Academy Charter

Posted: November 21, 2025

Posted: November 21, 2025

This school is not in Belle Isle. I can understand why they want you to think that but it's in Pinecastle, FL in unincorporated Orange County south of another city....Edgewood. There's Belle Isle Apts that's in Orlando city limits. Everyone calls themselves Belle Isle. I'll take it as a compliment....
And the school is a good neighbor and I hear nothing but good about both of them. They still aren't in Belle Isle...lol

Posted: May 6, 2023

Posted: May 6, 2023

Posted: May 6, 2023

Posted: May 6, 2023

Posted: May 6, 2023

Posted: May 6, 2023

Posted: May 6, 2023

Posted: May 6, 2023

My son is in first grade and he just loves school. Teaching is excellent, there are many extra curricular activities such as various sports. The structure of the school is also great. My son from the first day just leaves school excited and happy.

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

Posted: March 2, 2023

I have had the pleasure of entrusting my son's education to this exceptional school since his 1st grade. He absolutely adores it! Although there were some minor challenges last year with teacher turnover, this academic year has been notably more consistent. Given the unprecedented impact of Covid-19, I understood and appreciated the circumstances. The faculty has been outstanding in demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the students. Furthermore, the police officers assigned to the school are simply top-notch! Their presence and attention to detail are quite impressive, and it is clear that maintaining a safe and orderly environment is a top priority.

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: April 6, 2018

The admin and board care very little about the students, parents or surrounding community when it comes to demonstrating empathy, awareness or integrity. It is a superficial presentation to substantiate their own careers.

Posted: April 6, 2018

Posted: February 28, 2018

Posted: February 28, 2018

Posted: February 28, 2018

Posted: February 28, 2018

Posted: February 28, 2018

Posted: February 28, 2018

Awful! Stay away from this school, poor communication with parents, poor handling of bullying, a lot of teachers turn around, electives and sport program close to a disaster!

Posted: February 28, 2018

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Posted: May 31, 2017

Children with a learning dissability are shun at this school. Staff at this school told my daughter that she should get a job instead of coming to school. My daughter is emotional and I had to pick her from school for comments like that these because she felt bad.They have coaches that are teaching but dont know how to help students. I gave school proof of disability by neurologist but they are very quick to withdraw student from school.. I now know what she is going through and now have to look for a school that will understand and help her.
Even the principal was given copy of disability info.Before putting your kids at this school that catersr to over achievers only double check if they implement dissability placements.

Posted: March 27, 2017

I picked my son up from school with scratches on the side of his face where a classmate pushed and held him down. The teachers that supposed to be watching seem to be to busy talking about other teacher rather than watching kids. I no stuff happens with kids at school just seems to me they could do better

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: March 27, 2017

Posted: November 12, 2015

Posted: November 12, 2015

They are very good about getting information out for homework and upcoming events my child is doing very well in the school and seems to be happy. This is our first year there after private school for many years. I really love The information for grades as well on a daily basis the teachers are logging it in. My only reason for putting four stars is because I have had a little bit of a challenge trying to speak with The admissions director and high school guidance counselor. In the end it did all get straightened out. I also wish that they still had physical education for high school that is active and not online. I wish they had a band option that is not mandatory marching band as well.
Information is very important to me and that's where I feel they really stand out. I feel we need to know how our children are doing before they get to far behind And this is where they Excel. First year, but so far so good. I feel this school gives us another option in an area where some of the Florida public schools are not the best option. Many of their rules are more strict than the private schools but I feel this is good for the number of students that they are dealing with. Also the students per teacher are larger than I expected in high school and then I believe they've had in recent years. I did my research before coming to this school. All in all we are having a good experience.

Posted: September 5, 2015

Posted: September 5, 2015

Posted: September 5, 2015

Posted: September 5, 2015

Cornerstone Charter offers a small town/private school feel for students who live in a city. The teachers really seem excellent and caring, and they're not all fresh out of college. Administration is accessible. The school offers all of the sports and activities you'd expect at a regular public school, and they have the focus on academics you'd expect from a private prep school. So far, I am all-around impressed with Cornerstone!

Posted: July 19, 2015

Our experience has been fantastic. Our teachers have been excellent, so far. The administration is excellent.

Posted: July 19, 2015

Some of the previous reviewers have said pretty horrible things about Cornerstone. Please be aware that these could just be sour grapes. Our experience has been great. My daughter has ADHD and her teachers have been very accommodating, so far.
Cornerstone is a municipally chartered school founded by the cities of Belle Isle and Edgewood, two communities just south of Orlando. The citizens of these communities get first dibs in the independently conducted lottery. People from all over Orange county are vying to get their kids into our school and the waiting list is a mile long. That is how good the reputation of this school is.
Even though the school has been asset to our community and an excellent investment for the families of Belle Isle and Edgewood, not all of the citizens support the school, particularly the older conservatives that do not have children in school. They thought it was a waste. Also, there have been families who lost their spot because they refused to complete the required 30 volunteer hours. If I had to guess these are the sour grapes calling the school "snobby".
The school has created an excellent sense of community because of the required volunteer hours. Whenever I am on campus there are always plenty of parents around. The ONLY complaint I have is that they do not offer foreign language in the elementary grades. The academics are very good. This year the school went above and beyond the math requirements for first grade and taught the kids how to count money because that had been taken out in the FL common core. This was above and beyond the math that they were "required to teach".

Posted: June 16, 2014

Cornerstone isn't a perfect school, but not many are. While the administration does care a lot about what students are wearing (sometimes more than they should) it's overall a good school. The sports are getting better every year and so are the academics. Most of the teachers are good teachers and really there aren't a lot of big issues with the school. It's good school. Some people just expect everything to be perfect (see reviews below) and that's just not possible.

Posted: May 13, 2014

Let's get real people - the school is four years young and received an A grade from the state. It has had 6 principals. Want to blame someone look at the "Board" specifically the Mayor of Belle Isle, Bill Brooks who is also the Chairman of the governing board. If the administration does not "bow" to his every command - he gets rid of them or threatens them. He doesn't care that EDUCATORS (at the Department of Education and with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) see the school as being an educationally sound facility. I guess having been a student he thinks he knows all about running a school - WRONG. I wonder how much he is profiting from the school being overseen by the for profit school organization Academica. Is my child learning - absolutely. Is my child being challenged - absolutely. Is the school perfect - no but name one school in Central Florida that is. I am proud of what the school is doing for their students. I am embarrashed that the City of Belle Isle's mayor wants to run the school like a prison with no concern about the students or staff.

Posted: May 8, 2014

This school is horrible for how they treat students with disabilities. And what is even more amazing the principal has a degree is ESE Studies...so sad of her to do this to children she has taught...only concerned with how they look of standardized testing...do NOT care about those who need additional help...charter school receiving public funds but only want selected students...this school was created for rich, stuck up parents who do not want their chidlren to go to Oak Ridge...so they have to select students who will make them look better...if they want to be a true community school then accept everyone as you should.

Posted: May 7, 2014

They do care more about the gifted learners than those who need time to grow and learn. They are quick to hand out suspensions without ever giving the child a chance to make it right. They offer no opportunities to help a child who may need counseling. They are just labeled as the bad kid. They should put more energy into getting the resources to help these children than kicking them out of the school.

Posted: March 23, 2014

I don't think it is a good school. We looked into it and the staff was very uppity and rude. Academic standards are based on FCAT. That is all they care about. The kids are all walking around with blank looks on their faces. It looks like a farm for morons.

Posted: January 26, 2014

Cornerstone Charter Academy is not a good school. The teaching and learning programs are horrible, my student never learns anything. Most of the students dislike the school yet are forced to be there due to their parents' wishes. Bullying is everywhere and the teachers don't care about the students. The teachers care more about being 'cool' and 'in the crowd' than actually teaching.

Posted: January 12, 2014

I have loved this school since it opened. I have two boys attending and I have never had an issue with administration or teachers. This is a wonderful school with involved parents, nice students and caring teachers. Love it!

Posted: January 7, 2014

This school has alright teachers but terribly poor administration.The offers it has are decent, as far as drama and sports go..It really needs work on it's administration policies.

Posted: October 23, 2013

Great school my Grandson is a member and there doing great for him. One of the best schools in Orlando

Posted: October 7, 2013

So sad to see negative parental attitudes, each family can have a positive influence on a school...BE PART OF THE SOLUTION NOT THE PROBLEM our kids need great examples!

Posted: October 7, 2013

Wonderful educational environment for students and families looking for a private school feeling, is tuition free, offers small classes, devoted teachers, and dedicated staff at all levels. Parental involvement is a plus as it serves as an example to our students and enriches their overall experience at CCA, so many talented and caring families here. We now have HS students that started day one at CCA and have been a part of the exciting growth and development of this student focused school. What a blessing to have an alternative school that not only encourages academic excellence but personal integrity, accountability and respect for self and others. Opportunities to excel academically, as well as foster personal development through athletics, the arts and social events! Love the family and community centered events and genuine caring all involved families share! Positive parenting encourages positive students who in turn develop into positive citizens(: Thank you to all who make our K-12 school uniquely special. We should all strive to teach our children by example...Education like life is a gift, we get out of it what we put into it !! GO FIGHTING DUCKS !!

Posted: May 27, 2013

My son came in this year 2012/13 to cornerstone as a 4th grader. The school is still working out a few kinks. That said it has been a positive experience over all. The teachers are held to a high standard. The lower grade booster club is working toward year round school sports for elementry and the PTSA works hard on fundraising and the parents actually know what the money goes toward! The schools web site is always up to date. My son does class work on a laptop for his use during the lesson, rooms have permethium boards and work can be submitted through email. The teachers are accessable as well as the principle whom twice this year invited the parents for a "coffee with the principle" to talk about concerns and let the parents ask questions. My eamils are always answered promptly. Along with the OCPS regulations Cornerstone adds a few of their own including a no tolerance of "bullying" they uphold Which is a plus! They do require each family to "volunteer" hours during the school year which I don't like. My son is safe, happy and learning a lot! Judging from the previous comments Cornerstone has come along way. My kindergardner will start next fall.

Posted: October 24, 2012

Our family has given this school 3 years to get it together. I have with drew my child from Cornerstone this year! I have seen and heard things that just are crazy. This school just cares about the "apparence of the students" then education! Many children are struggling this year and th new "IEP Director" isnt helping much. The teachers are so over worked and most wish they can find a job in another school! With that being said just think how that effects the students. Believe me I have seen them in action and I only pray they get it together soon or it will fall apart by the seams!

Posted: June 20, 2012

I have 3 children in Cornerstone. Two are high learners and one is bright, but struggles with ADHD. I have been very happy with the new way they handle "intervention" time at the school. This is time dedicated to helping kids who need more help in reading, writing or math. For those who do not need more help, they break them into an "enrichment" group, which is essentially a gifted program. I love this flexibility and true interest in the education of specific children. I would like to see the classrooms divided by learning ability, but the administration won't do it. I have found the administration to be more arm's length than I would prefer, but the teachers we have had have been AMAZING! I have plenty of contact with them and they have always been responsive to me. More importantly, my children are learning and progressing, and doing so in an environment which is fun and engaging, yet intolerant of misbehavior. I am very happy at CCA. It is not for every family - you have to complete your volunteer hours and your children need to understand discipline and acceptable behavior. But if that works for you, it is a fantastic alternative to the regular public schools.

Posted: May 2, 2012

its OK but not great. a fairly apathetic administration with a just get by mentality. I think they are mostly worried about their FCAT score than the actual "teaching" of the students. Likely that there is some sort of financial benefit to them so it is a priority. The principal seems to just be "winging it". He really doesn't have a clue. Teachers are as well OK. Of course there are likely some good ones but we haven't really seen it. They're nice but we want educational results. Our child is languishing there. We are looking to put our child in a different school at the first possible opportunity. I think most of the parents want a good school so bad that they have convinced themselves that this is it. Well it isn't.

Posted: March 11, 2012

We have been very happy with the middle school program, especially this year. The first year was chaotic, which we expected. The principal and teachers (with a couple of exceptions), are always quick to respond to concerns and are very involved. Academics are very good, as is the growing number of after school activities. Our children now want to stay at Cornerstone for high school and we are delighted.

Posted: January 24, 2012

Amazing. My child completed Kindergarten here the year they opened and is now enrolled in his 2nd year. They're hard on the parents with the goal of keeping us involved. I truly appreciate this. It's so easy to become complacent and get caught up in life without realizing the impact us parents can have by being involved with our child's school. I've seen my child grow tremendously academically, socially, and as a responsible human being. I couldn't have done it alone.

Posted: July 9, 2011

We switched from a great public school to Cornerstone for the inaugural year and it has been a great experience for our family. We have been very pleased with the excellence of the teachers as well as the administrative leadership of the school. And parent involvement is exceptional!

Posted: June 6, 2011

We kept our child in this school for seven months, believing that this school needed time to grow and develop. Unfortunately, he got behind in his learning while being inundated with constant testing every two to three weeks. They gave tons of work but never taught them how to do any of it. They didn't seem to understand children from an elementary school age and made good kids feel like they were "bad'. They had limited resources and I saw my son go from being a really hard worker to hating school. I pulled him out and he started to flourish once again. A complete transformation. This school is NOT for everyone, and it really does depend on the teacher and the luck of the draw, as there is not consistancy or standardization from the administration .