Cornerstone Learning Community
Secular, Founded 1999
Updated July 2026
Cornerstone Learning Community is a private, preK through 8th-grade school in Tallahassee, Florida, dedicated to inspiring and empowering compassionate, global learners. It operates with a public mission that treats parents as partners, teachers as leaders, and students as individuals.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school is guided by seven core virtues: Compassion, Giving, Honesty, Self-Discipline, Perseverance, Respect, and Responsibility. Its educational approach is holistic, experiential, and learner-centered, balancing structure with student choice to foster agency. The philosophy emphasizes international-mindedness, social and environmental justice, and the development of the whole child in a safe, inclusive environment.
Programmes
The academic program spans preK through 8th grade, utilizing play-based early childhood education and project-based curricula in the elementary years. The middle school is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme, focusing on rigorous problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. Core subjects include math, social studies, visual art, music, language acquisition, library, STEM, and environmental education. Additionally, students in grades 4–8 participate in overnight field trips, including a 5-night trip to Washington, D.C., for 8th graders.
Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for high school success and are consistently among the top of their local high school graduating classes. Alumni are described as confident, compassionate, and capable individuals who carry values of curiosity and community into their future academic and creative pursuits. The school's foundation emphasizes integrity, empathy, and lifelong learning.
Student support
Learning support
The school employs dedicated learning specialists to support student needs. These professionals work within the faculty to provide targeted assistance and ensure that the school's learner-centered environment remains accessible and effective for all students.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Cornerstone Learning Community offer?
- Cornerstone Learning Community offers IB MYP.
- How much is tuition at Cornerstone Learning Community?
- Annual tuition at Cornerstone Learning Community is $8.4K–$14.3K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Cornerstone Learning Community a day or boarding school?
- Cornerstone Learning Community is a day school.
- What accreditations does Cornerstone Learning Community hold?
- Cornerstone Learning Community holds accreditations including IB.
- Is Cornerstone Learning Community co-educational?
- Cornerstone Learning Community is a co-ed school.
- Where is Cornerstone Learning Community located?
- Cornerstone Learning Community is an international school in Tallahassee, United States.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| PK Half Day | 3–4 | $8.4K |
| PK Full Day | 3–4 | $11.6K |
| Kindergarten | 5–5 | $13.1K |
| 1st - 5th | 6–10 | $13.6K |
| 6th - 8th | 11–13 | $14.3K |
Other fees(3)
| Application fee· A non-refundable application fee is due upon submission of the student's application. | $85 |
|---|---|
| Insurance· Tuition Assurance Fee due with first tuition payment on July 1st if the 12-Month Payment Plan is selected ($150 if the 10-Month Payment Plan is selected). | $120 |
| Enrolment fee· A nonrefundable FACTS enrollment fee will be automatically charged within 14 days of your agreement being posted to the FACTS system. | — |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: discounts available
Admissions
The admissions process begins with a campus tour, followed by an online application. Prospective students participate in a shadow visit or play day to assess school readiness and experience the school environment. Applications for the upcoming school year are due by March 31, with a non-refundable $85 application fee. Once an offer of admission is made, families must submit an enrollment agreement and fee within 10 days.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features an outdoor stage used for school-wide performances and educational gatherings. Students have access to specialized learning spaces, including a library, STEM facilities, and gardening areas. The school also utilizes off-campus resources, such as a local sustainable farm, to provide direct environmental education and hands-on agricultural experiences.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a variety of extracurricular programs, including robotics, math and science competitions, music concerts, and theatrical plays. Students also engage in community-focused activities such as service learning, environmental stewardship projects, and regular school-wide Community Sings. Additionally, the PTO sponsors social events like pumpkin carving, movie nights, and joke and poetry nights.
- Annmarie SmallHead of School
Annmarie Small serves as the Head of School at Cornerstone Learning Community.
- Bryan WilliamsAssistant Head of School
Bryan Williams serves as the Assistant Head of School at Cornerstone Learning Community. He also holds the roles of Extended Care Coordinator and Athletic Director.
- Patty BackesAdmissions Director
Patty Backes serves as the Admissions Director at Cornerstone Learning Community.
- Karen MetcalfIB Coordinator
Karen Metcalf serves as the IB Coordinator at Cornerstone Learning Community. She is also a Middle School Science & Design Lead.
IB MYP