Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cornerstone Christian Online School accredited?
Parents have the assurance that the Cornerstone Christian Online School curriculum meets national and state standards and is taught by highly qualified and degreed/certified teachers. Cornerstone Christian Online School is accredited by The Association of Christan Schools International (ACSI), International Christian Accrediting Association (ICAA), and AdvancED. Our school is certified by the Texas Private School Accreditation Commission and is recognized as an accredited school by the State of Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Commissioner of Education. Cornerstone Christian Schools is afforded all the privileges and responsibilities of a state accredited school. CCS has achieved all accrediting standards and works continually to maintain them in our pursuit of excellence of God's glory.
What is the purpose of the diagnostic test?
The diagnostic test is also known as a placement test; it is a tool to help in the placement of your student in our curriculum. It helps us to customize your student’s program and identify any learning gaps. It is based on the mastery of skills covered in the curriculum.
Is there a transcript fee?
There is no fee for transcripts.
Do you know my particular state’s homeschooling requirements?
No, parents are responsible for knowing their own state’s homeschool laws. You may call your state homeschool organization for this information, or go to www.hslda.org.
What is the parent’s role?
While students and parents participating in Cornerstone Christian Online School will be supported by degreed/certified teachers and administrators, the parent holds the primary responsibility for making sure the student is prepared to learn. Once enrolled, you have agreed to partner with Cornerstone Christian Online School educators to accomplish the task of educating your student. This is a very powerful partnership. Daily parental involvement is essential to ensure your student’s success. Parents are expected to provide all of the materials necessary to ensure a successful educational experience for the student. Additionally, parents should consistently monitor student progress and stay informed through contact with the CCS Online School educators.
What is a typical school day like?
Although the yearly academic calendar is preset, you may arrange the school day as you see fit. You may have your student do all the work in one sitting or space it out over the day. Time spent on the computer will vary depending on the number of subjects that have been assigned and the student’s level of understanding of the course material. Generally, a student taking a full course load will spend at least six hours a day on the computer.
How are the lesson plans set up?
The online administrative staff, in conjunction with the parent, will set up a student’s school calendar at the beginning of the semester. Based on this calendar, the computer will divide the entire course into a lesson plan. The calendar can be adjusted throughout the year to allow for unplanned events or illness.
How much time does the student have to finish the school year?
Each student is given 10 months and no less than 8 months to complete a 1-credit course and 5 months and no less than 4 months to complete half-credit courses.
Is it better to have two computers if there are two Cornerstone Christian Online School students in the same family?
If you have two (or more) students working in our computer-based courses, it is easier if your students have two (or more) computers, but it is not required. If there will be two students working on one computer, we recommend having one student complete his or her work in the morning and the other in the afternoon. If there are more than two students in the same family enrolled in the online school, an additional computer is highly recommended.
When can my student start?
You can enroll your student(s) any day of the year. Cornerstone Christian Online School accepts registrations for enrollment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through our user friendly online registration form on our website ccsonlinecampus.org . You can also call the Online School Administrative Services at 210-979-9203 or Toll Free at 1-888-872-8554.
How long does the enrollment process take?
The entire enrollment process takes approximately one day to two weeks depending on information given to us by the previous school. The enrollment process includes online registration, transcript processing, placement testing (up to seven days to complete.), program placement, and advisement. (Students enrolling in Cornerstone Christian Online School will take a placement test.)
I have just pulled my student out of a public school. What do I do now?
States have different homeschooling requirements, so we recommend contacting your local homeschooling organization, as well as the Home School Legal Defense Association at www.hslda.org to find out what your state’s homeschooling laws are.
What electives are available for third through eighth grades?
There are some electives available for elementary level students. Academic advisors will assist you with the availability of electives.
What does the Cornerstone Christian Online School tuition cover?
The tuition covers enrollment in the Online School online curriculum. There may be additional paperback books to purchase for literature and reading courses.
Can I enroll in Cornerstone Christian Online School if I live in another country?
Cornerstone Christian Online School offers online distance learning to students all over the world. Student work is then transmitted over the Internet for the CCS Online School to grade and record. However, a word of caution: there could be challenges with personal contact via phone or online while students are working on their schoolwork due to extreme differences in time zones.
How does the online school accommodate students who are a grade level behind in one or two of their subjects?
Based on the placement test results and transfer credits, our guidance counselors will determine the academic level of your student and customize the program accordingly.
Will my Internet filter cause any problems?
If you have an Internet service provider (e.g., AOL) that allows you to set a filter, you will need to set the filter to the lowest level. This program does not work properly with Satellite Dish.
Does my student have to be connected to the Internet while doing schoolwork?
Yes.
Do you offer payment plans?
Full tuition with a 5% discount or half the tuition must be paid before access is allowed for the student.
How does the online school work with a student who has a learning disability, such as ADD or ADHD?
Students with learning disabilities may find that working in an online, virtual environment is too challenging or overwhelming. However, with parental supervision, some students with learning challenges such as ADD or ADHD may find that the virtual learning environment will be the means to help them with their learning. Parents and teachers will need to monitor these students closely to determine their success rate. Please note Cornerstone Christian Online School is not prepared to work with students who have been diagnosed with severe learning disabilities.
What should I do if my student misses a scheduled day of work? Do we need to notify the online school?
One of the benefits of virtual schooling is the flexibility of the schedule. With the online school, you have the flexibility to change your schedule when it becomes necessary. You do not need to notify the online school of a school day that has been missed. If your student will not be working for a week or more, you are required to inform the administrative services.
How often should I check my student’s progress?
Daily. We encourage parents to take an active role in their student’s education. Parents are essential in actively supervising throughout the lessons, and we encourage daily review of student progress. Your involvement is critical to your student’s success. We encourage parent conferences if you need help interpreting scores, answering questions, providing additional instruction, etc., please call the Online office for help at 210-979-9203 or Toll Free at 1-888-872-8554.
How does the student communicate with a Cornerstone Christian Online School teacher?
The teacher can communicate with a student in three ways. The first is through the writing of messages left in the memo pads and message from student boxes built into the curriculum, which are sent through the Internet with the student’s work. The second is through email. The final way is by phone.
Does Cornerstone Christian Online School periodically send report cards or progress reports?
Cornerstone Christian Online School allows immediate viewing for the parent to see the current and cumulative progress of the student. It also furnishes the parent with the capability of printing a grade summary at any time. If an official grade report is needed, we will send one upon request. Parents may request a conference call with the teacher or administration.
Do students have a set calendar?
Yes, upon purchasing the curriculum, the administrator sets the school calendar for your student to fit into a 10-month time span for a 1-credit course and 5 months for a half-credit course. Your school calendar is then used to establish the lesson plans and due dates.
Can I enroll my student for just one course?
Yes. Simply fill out the online registration form and request the course(s) you wish for your student to take. If your student plans to earn a high school diploma through our online school, he or she should register as a full-time student with the usual placement testing and program planning. Please call Administrative Services at 210-979-9203 ext. 1834 or Toll Free at 1-888-872-8554.