We believe education should be nothing short of extraordinary.
True learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. We challenge students to think critically, question boldly and strive further.
By providing the right balance of support and challenge, we empower every child to reach their full potential.
Our Story
Set in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, Cornerstone College stands proud as an example of exceptional education – we call it the ‘light on the hill’. For over 30 years, we’ve been pioneering education in an environment that balances academic excellence with emotional and spiritual growth. We are a leading Lutheran co-educational college for Years 7 to 12 students.
Christian values are central to a Cornerstone education. Our goal is to prepare young people to be thoughtful, compassionate leaders, driven by a sense of purpose. Our Lutheran heritage calls us to help students to flourish, discover their calling and use their unique gifts to make the world a better place.
We believe education should be nothing short of extraordinary. True learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. We challenge students to think critically, question boldly and strive further. By providing the right balance of support and challenge, we empower every child to reach their full potential.
Our stunning green campus offers the perfect environment for growth and excellence. Here, students thrive in world-class facilities, surrounded by nature. It’s a space where they can explore their passions and discover inspiration around every corner. It is an exceptional place to learn and grow.
Excellence isn’t just a goal, it’s our baseline. Our teachers are leaders in their fields, constantly innovating to ensure that students are prepared to make a difference in the community. We are proud to be pioneers in education.
While we embrace the future, we remain true to the values that define us. These values ensure every child is known and celebrated as an individual. We work closely with families to nurture young people who are not just successful but kind, compassionate, and ready to make an impact.
Our community fosters meaningful connections for life. Our commitment is to guide your child to pioneer their own story, one of excellence and purpose.
We warmly invite you to visit us, and see first-hand how we guide today’s students, and tomorrow’s citizens, to find their place in a world of opportunities.
'Cornerstone College is very inclusive. Our children are very happy & supported.'
Parent/caregiver comment, 2021 Satisfaction Survey
Our Mission
We are a caring Christian community nurturing within students a growing relationship with Christ which promotes individual excellence, learning and responsibility for life.
Our Values
At Cornerstone, we seek to nurture individuals, who are aware of their humanity, are open to the influence of Christian teachings, and growing in and living according to a cohesive worldview. We strive to guide our students to live by the core Lutheran values of love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, service, humility, courage, hope, quality and appreciation.
History
In 1984, a group of dedicated community members representing various Christian denominations came together to share their vision for a Christian secondary school in the Adelaide Hills. This vision culminated in the original group joining with the Lutheran Church to establish Cornerstone College.
Six years later, in 1990, the College commenced operations with 49 students, six staff and a collection of temporary buildings.
The 16 hectares of magnificent land at Mount Barker now accommodates a student body of over 900 students from Years 7 to 12, as well as an array of specialist built, state-of-the-art facilities.
The original governance of the College included members from Lutheran congregations and other Christian denominations in the Adelaide Hills – and that representation remains today, reflecting the ongoing outworking of the motto “Christ our firm foundation”.
The theological basis of the school is that of the Lutheran Church of Australia and the College operates as part of Lutheran Education Australia.
Staff members, students, families and supporters are encouraged to be vital parts of the Cornerstone community where the gift of love – reflecting our faith – can be shown through the care that we show to each other.
The College is a systemic Lutheran school and is closely associated with the three Lutheran Primary Schools in the Adelaide Hills:
St Mark’s, Mount Barker
St Michael’s, Hahndorf
Lobethal Lutheran, Lobethal
Academic Achievements
At Cornerstone College, we recognise the measure of academic success is as much about continual improvement and achieving personal goals, as the grade received. Our Academic Achievement brochure celebrates and acknowledges those students who have received outstanding academic results, which reflect their hard work and discipline. Our hope is that all our students will be learners for life.