Frequently Asked Questions

What grades will Cornerstone Charter School serve?

Cornerstone Charter School will open with grades K–3 for the 2026-2027 school year. This intentional focus allows us to build strong instructional systems and a solid foundation in literacy from the very start.

We plan to grow one grade level at a time as students move through the school. Our long-term vision is to serve students through middle school.

Why is Cornerstone starting with K–3 only?

The early elementary years are when foundational literacy skills are developed and when the right instruction can have the greatest long-term impact.

By starting with K–3, we can ensure:

Consistent, high-quality instruction
Strong intervention systems
Well-supported educators
A stable, coherent school culture

This approach allows Cornerstone to grow responsibly while maintaining the quality families expect.

Do you accept students in grades beyond K–3?

Not at this time. Cornerstone is currently enrolling students in grades K–3 only.

Families interested in future grades are invited to complete our Future Grades Interest Form so we can stay in touch and share updates as the school grows.

Do you offer a way for families with preschool-aged children to express interest in future enrollment?

Yes. Families with preschool-aged children who are interested in future kindergarten enrollment at Cornerstone are invited to complete our Future Kindergarten Interest Form. Submitting this form does not guarantee enrollment or a future spot, but it allows us to stay in touch, share updates, and provide information as your child approaches kindergarten age and as the school grows.

Do you teach subjects beyond reading and literacy?

Yes. While strong literacy instruction is foundational at Cornerstone, our program is not limited to reading alone.

Cornerstone offers a content-rich, well-rounded elementary education that includes:

Reading, writing, and language development
Mathematics
Science
Social studies
Social-emotional learning

As students build strong literacy skills, they apply them across subject areas through project-based learning. Our content areas are intentionally integrated, allowing students to read, write, think, and problem-solve in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Literacy is the foundation that allows students to fully access and engage with all areas of learning, while project-based learning deepens understanding, curiosity, and critical thinking.

How does enrollment work at a New Hampshire charter school?

Charter schools in New Hampshire follow a statewide open enrollment process that is different from district-based enrollment policies.

At Cornerstone:

Any New Hampshire student may apply, regardless of where they live
There are no attendance zones
Enrollment follows a defined application window
If applications exceed available seats, students are selected through a blind lottery
Admission is non-discriminatory and does not require district approval

This process is established in New Hampshire charter law and applies to charter schools statewide.

How is charter school enrollment different from district open enrollment?

Recent news coverage has focused on district-to-district open enrollment, which is a separate system from charter school enrollment.

District open enrollment:

Is a local decision made by individual school districts
May include caps, conditions, or limitations
Requires districts to pay tuition when resident students attend another district
Is currently being debated and implemented differently across New Hampshire

Charter school enrollment is fundamentally different:

Charter schools are public schools funded through state adequacy aid and grant funding
A student’s home district does not pay tuition when a student enrolls in a charter school
Charter enrollment does not require districts to create policies, caps, or approvals
Charter schools follow a statewide, consistent enrollment framework

The financial and policy questions districts are currently navigating do not apply to charter schools.

Are charter schools part of the current open enrollment tuition debate?

No. Charter schools are not part of the district tuition debate currently in the news.

Charter schools:

Are not funded by local district tax dollars
Do not require tuition payments from districts
Operate under a separate, long-established enrollment and funding model

Conflating district open enrollment with charter enrollment can create confusion, which is why we believe clear information is especially important right now.

Can families use Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) at Cornerstone?

No. Cornerstone Charter School is a public charter school, and students do not use Education Freedom Accounts (EFAs) to attend.

EFAs are used for certain nonpublic education options. Charter schools are public schools and are funded through state adequacy aid and grant funding, rather than local property taxes. Cornerstone does not receive local district tax dollars.

Because Cornerstone is a public school, families do not pay tuition to attend, and EFAs are not used for enrollment.

Is Cornerstone Charter School free to attend?

Yes. Cornerstone Charter School is a tuition-free public school for New Hampshire residents.

Out-of-state students may be eligible to attend with tuition, in accordance with New Hampshire charter school law.

If you don’t see your question answered here, please reach out. We’re happy to help!