Recently Cities 92.9 has reported on the potential for two new private Christian schools in our region. One of these schools would be located in the Bloomington area while the other would be in Fairbury. Both would be part of the GRACE Association network of schools. During discussion of those schools people have pointed out that there are existing private Christian schools in Bloomington.
There are two alternatives for parents in our area that may want to educate their children in private Christian Schools. Cornerstone Christian Academy (CCA) opened in 1998 with 37 students. They opened their current facility in 2004 at 22017 E. 1200 N. Rd. (known in the city limits of Bloomington as Ireland Grove Rd.) with 411 students. The other alternative is Calvary Christian Academy located in Calvary Baptist Church at 1017 N. School Rd. in Normal.
Cornerstone began when a group took over the Eastview Christian Preschool program in July of 1997. A man from White Oak Bible Church told them about Grace United Methodist Church (no relation to the GRACE Association). They found a three story school building attached to the church and a beautiful city park across the street that they could use as a playground. They opened their school at that location in the fall of 1998.
The early history of CCA is a beautiful story of faith. Among other interesting tidbits, according to their website, in June of 1998 they attended an auction that District 87 held at Bloomington High School where they bought “120 desks, 90 chairs, 35 phones, 23 computer monitors, 9 keyboards, 2 overhead projectors, a laminator (later seen to be worth $1800), office furniture, study carrels, and many other miscellaneous items” for $52.00. And in February 1999 Unit 5 gave them, ” enough computers that” they could upgrade their, “current computer lab and add an additional 11 stations. ”
Today, “CCA is an independent college preparatory school that exists to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by challenging its students to know Him as Lord, to think biblically, and to grow in knowledge and skill that they may serve and influence the world in his name,” according to their website. The website also declares, “Cornerstone Christian Academy has been recognized in the Bloomington/Normal area for its unique combination of academic excellence and Christian education. Beginning at the early education level, our commitment is to educate the total student, providing a nurturing, balanced, well-rounded educational experience and to help young men and women achieve their full potential in all facets of life. Cornerstone is a full accredited, independent, non-denominational school in which biblical values and worldview are taught and practiced in every aspect of school life. We seek families who appreciate the benefits of a challenging, Christ-centered education.”
Calvary Christian Academy serves three year old kindergarten through 12th grade students and is a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church.
The Calvary website says, “Our dedicated staff provides strong Biblical teaching and models a Christian worldview for students. We are intentional about partnering with parents to develop Christian leaders and by providing involvement opportunities and servant leadership. Lastly we pursue academic excellence in all areas of our educational process.”
One of the schools core values is a Christian worldview. “In a world filled with varying worldviews and belief systems, Calvary is dedicated to teaching and educating each student in every classroom from a Biblical perspective,” according to their website.
