Cornerstone Christian Academy’s Campus Improvements. Photos By George Hunter.

Bright minds prefer a bright, sunny setting to stay sharp and positive. Cornerstone Christian Academy has gone to major lengths to promote the future success and well-being of their students by completing a serious of recent extensive campus renovations, funded by over $3 million raised by philanthropic support from the Cornerstone community and friends of Cornerstone.

Cornerstone is no stranger to renovations and building improvements throughout its two-decade history, continuing to expand its facilities periodically to accommodate for development in academics, athletics, arts and many other enriching educational endeavors. The school has come a long, long way from its humble 2001 beginnings as a church school in the children’s wing at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church.

Dee Ann Crawford, Josh Whitlock, Sara Fogle.

Since the 2016 purchase of their 11-acre property at 5295 Triangle Pkwy NW in Peachtree Corners, Cornerstone’s board redirected their efforts to projects that would prove beneficial in the long-term which previously weren’t feasible in a leasing agreement.

“God’s dreams for Cornerstone have always been bigger than mine. Each time we renovated or expanded our campus, I tried to imagine what God would do next,” said Former Head of School and current Director of Admissions De Ann Crawford.

The interior structure of the building works rather well, but the board felt the surrounding grounds could use enhancements of its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, students needed more useable outdoor spaces.

Making way for new space

Demolition to make way for wide-open spaces began over Spring Break last year, which included the leveling of an old office building to make way for a much-anticipated campus mall. Most of the construction was completed by the start of school. Staff and students gained full access to the new outdoor spaces after Cornerstone’s 20-year celebration on October 1.

“During the celebration, I must admit, I stepped aside with a grateful heart as the worship band played, families spent time together, and wonderful new memories were being created from one end of the campus to the other,” Crawford said.

At the improved Cornerstone Christian Academy campus, students can run around on the grassy campus mall dubbed Cougar Quad. Cougar Quad includes Flook Stage on one end and Honor Plaza on the other.

“Recess is significantly more fun because the large green space allows us to play ultimate frisbee. The green space also has allowed my teachers to create fun and innovative activities like math scavenger hunts,” said student Cole Creel. “In addition, as a house leader I am hoping to host ping pong and foosball tournaments in the MS Plaza for the student body.”

Creel just couldn’t contain his excitement about the transformation of his school and demonstrated gumption that perhaps mirrors his dad (Headmaster Colin Creel) by sending an impassioned message to Peachtree Corners Magazine asking for the good news to be shared with the outer community.

Quad brings benefits to all

Staff members have remarked on the welcome changes as well.

“As a parent of four young children, I know it’s important to let them run around outside in the fresh air. This space will be great for recess,” said Director of Technology and Design Josh Whitlock. “I already see students playing kickball, four square, just running around, and my personal favorite singing and dancing on the stage. Even the middle school students are enjoying the space.”

Whitlock has taught at Cornerstone for 10 years and has three children of his own attending the school in first, second and third grade, as well as a four-year-old who will join them next year. Besides his personal thoughts on the spaces, on a professional level Whitlock has already witnessed the benefits.

“I love taking my video production class outside any time there is good weather. We are able to spread out and film several projects in the new space,” he said. “I’ve also had the privilege of hosting some Cornerstone alumni Chapel Band members to play music for our large family gathering on the new stage. I know we will have a lot of live music and movie watching happen on the green.”

Teacher and Chapel Coordinator Sara Fogle shared similar sentiments. “The campus expansions have created such a positive energy to our student community,” she noted. “The addition of our Cougar Quad and patio has increased our ability to provide student gatherings and teaching options like never before.”

Fogle is quickly approaching 14 years at Cornerstone teaching a wide array of subjects, primarily seventh and eighth grade Math, and Bible classes for fifth through eighth grades, as well as elective classes such as World Religions, Cooking and Chess. Her three kids attended through eighth grade, then went on to Norcross High School; currently, all three attend University of Georgia.

“This place has been an anchored extended family that has helped us grow and thrive. I have been fortunate to see the physical growth of our school, as a staff and a campus,” Fogle said.

For the Lower School Carpool, a covered walkway was erected named Adra Breezeway. Lastly, the plan included numerous infrastructure additions related to fiber, lighting, asphalt and more. The added lighting and visibility should bolster security measures as well.

“We are blessed in Georgia with moderate temperatures which allow us to utilize these outdoor spaces for most of the year,” Headmaster Creel said.

Cornerstone’s cornerstone

But all that glitters isn’t necessarily gold. It’s always most important to remember what truly matters. A great campus is one thing, but it’s the people that are the cornerstone of Cornerstone.

“We are blessed by the leadership of Headmaster Colin Creel, an exemplary faculty, students that love to learn and supportive families that believe in the value of a Christian education,” Crawford stressed. “In my role, I can understand how new facilities might draw more people to Cornerstone, but this new look still isn’t as beautiful as the relationships that God has planned for the Cornerstone community.”

For more information about Cornerstone’s history in the community, and about current happenings at the school, head over to cornerstonecougars.org.