ALPHA: CORNERSTONE ACADEMY PREPARATORY

Alpha: Cornerstone Academy Preparatory is a Title I public charter elementary school that is part of the Franklin-McKinley Elementary school district, located in San Jose, CA with about 519 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 8th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 17 teachers, Alpha: Cornerstone Academy Preparatory has a student/teacher ratio of about 30:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

**Cornerstone Academy Preparatory School** (CAPS), located in the East San Jose area, is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in grades TK–8. As part of the Alpha Public Schools network, the institution is mission-driven to provide a rigorous, college-preparatory education to students in historically underserved communities. The school emphasizes a structured learning environment combined with personalized instruction, aiming to ensure that every student graduates with the academic skills and character traits necessary to succeed in four-year universities.

The school’s pedagogical approach is rooted in the "Alpha Model," which balances data-driven instruction with a strong focus on student culture and character development. By utilizing small-group instruction and leveraging technology to tailor learning to individual student needs, Cornerstone seeks to close the achievement gap for students in the San Jose region. Beyond academics, the school cultivates a close-knit community that encourages parent involvement and promotes values such as grit, integrity, and responsibility to prepare students for both high school success and long-term civic engagement.

For more information, contact Alpha: Cornerstone Academy Preparatory at (408) 361-3876 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.