Admission Process
Thank you for your interest in The Cornerstone School! Cornerstone is a trusted, independent school in Marion County serving families in Ocala and the surrounding communities.
Our Admissions process is designed to thoughtfully match students and families with our mission-driven, supportive learning environment. Admission to The Cornerstone School is based on multiple factors reviewed by our admissions committee to ensure the best overall fit. These factors may include prior school records (for students entering 1st – 8th Grade), state or school assessments, a campus visit, and a parent interview. While submitting a completed application is an important step, it does not guarantee enrollment, as each application is carefully and holistically reviewed before an admissions decision is made. View tuition rates.
All Preschool applicants must be 3 years old by September 1 and potty trained. Junior Kindergarten applicants must be 4 years old by September 1. Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years old by September 1.
STEP 1
Inquiry: Complete the online inquiry form to begin the process.
STEP 2
Tour: Our Admissions Coordinator will contact you to schedule a tour of our campus. This is an opportunity to share your child’s story and ask any questions you may have.
STEP 3
After your tour, you will be emailed an online application. The online application requires report cards (if applicable), state assessment results, IEPs or 504 plans, and teacher recommendations. All items must be completed and a $100 non-refundable application fee must be submitted to move on to the next step. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Completed applications do not guarantee a space.
STEP 4
Application Review: Our Admissions Committee will review your application. IEP and 504 accommodations will be reviewed at this time to determine if the school can support the student. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, it does not automatically eliminate your chances of having your child attend Cornerstone. We view our responsibility as a partnership and we do appreciate full disclosure about the needs of your child. If your application is approved you will be contacted to schedule a visit day for your child.
STEP 5
Visit with Assessment (Jan -March) Students will spend a day at Cornerstone with their current grade level, working in the classroom and going to specials. During the day the Lower Division Head and/or classroom teacher will assess the student one-on-one.
STEP 6
Parent Interview: After the visit day, parents will have a scheduled interview with our head of school.
STEP 7
Admissions Committee Review: The Admissions Committee will review the results of the visit day, assessment, and parent interview.
STEP 8
Contract: If your child is accepted and there is a space available you will receive a phone call and a contract will be emailed. If your child is accepted and there is not a space available their name will be added to the waiting pool. If your child is not accepted the Division Head will reach out to you.
STEP 1
Inquiry: Complete the online inquiry form to begin the process.
STEP 2
Tour: Our Admissions Coordinator will contact you to schedule a tour of our campus. This is an opportunity to share your child’s story and ask any questions you may have.
STEP 3
After your tour, you will be emailed an online application. The online application requires report cards (if applicable), state assessment results, IEPs or 504 plans, and teacher recommendations. All items must be completed and a $100 non-refundable application fee must be submitted to move on to the next step. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Completed applications do not guarantee a space.
STEP 4
Application Review: Our Admissions Committee will review your application. IEP and 504 accommodations will be reviewed at this time to determine if the school can support the student. If your application is approved you will be contacted to schedule an assessment for your child.
STEP 5
Assessment (Jan-March): Students will be scheduled for an assessment with the Division Head. The admissions assessments are important because scores are based on independent schools' norms. These scores are predictors of success in independent schools.
STEP 6
Assessment Review: The Admissions Committee will review the results of the assessment and decide if the school would like to move forward. Students must be academically on or above grade level to continue to the next step.
STEP 7
Visit Day: Students will be scheduled for a visit day where they will attend classes with their current grade level.
STEP 8
Parent Interview: After the visit day, parents will have a scheduled interview with our Head of School.
STEP 9
Admissions Committee Review: The Admissions Committee will review the results of the visit day and parent interview.
STEP 10
Contract: If your child is accepted and there is a space available you will receive a phone call and a contract will be emailed. If your child is accepted and there is not a space available their name will be added to the waiting pool. If your child is not accepted the Division Head will reach out to you.
