Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Q: Is Cornerstone Montessori Elementary a good school?

Cornerstone Montessori Elementary ranks 580 th of 881 Minnesota elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Cornerstone Montessori Elementary is a public charter elementary school located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, serving 138 students from kindergarten to 6th grade. The school has a diverse student population, with 48.55% White, 13.04% African American, 18.84% Hispanic, and 6.52% Asian students.

Cornerstone Montessori Elementary has consistently performed below the state average in math, reading, and science proficiency on the MCA-III assessments. In the 2023-2024 school year, only 26.03% of Cornerstone students were proficient in math, compared to the state average of 45.47%. However, the school performs better than some nearby schools, such as The Heights Community School, Nokomis Montessori North Campus, and Hazel Park Preparatory Academy, which all have lower proficiency rates. The school's ranking and rating have been consistently low, typically in the bottom half of Minnesota elementary schools, with a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger in the 2023-2024 school year.

Cornerstone Montessori Elementary's performance varies across different student subgroups, with White students and male students tending to perform better than female students and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The school serves a significant population of students from low-income families, with free and reduced lunch rates ranging from 26.09% in 2021-2022 to 55.07% in 2022-2023. This may be a contributing factor to the school's academic challenges, which could be addressed through targeted interventions and support, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds and those struggling academically. While Cornerstone Montessori performs better than some nearby schools, it lags behind the high-performing L'Etoile du Nord French Immersion school in the Saint Paul Public Schools district.

Detail:

Public, Charter K-6

1611 Ames Ave
Saint Paul, MN 55106-2903

(651) 774-5000

District: Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

SchoolDigger Rank:
580^th of 881 Minnesota Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $13,321

Student/teacher ratio: 16.0

Number of students: 138

Racial breakdown:

White:

48.6%

Hispanic:

18.8%

African American:

13.0%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 55.1%

See top rated Minnesota elementary schools

Compare Cornerstone Montessori Elementary to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Cornerstone Montessori Elementary ranks worse than 65.8% of elementary schools in Minnesota. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 40.47. (See more...)

Student Body

Compare Details Student population at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary is diverse. Racial makeup is: White (48.6%), Hispanic (18.8%), African American (13%). (See more...)

Compare Details 55.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary is 16. (See more...)

Compare Cornerstone Montessori Elementary employs 8.6 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary is $13,321.

Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Cornerstone Montessori Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Cornerstone Montessori Elementary 580^th of 881 Minnesota public elementary schools. (See Cornerstone Montessori Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:

Low Socio Economic Status students:

Female students:

Male students:

White students:

Cornerstone Montessori Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Cornerstone Montessori Elementary 317^th of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Cornerstone Montessori Elementary.

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Rank History for Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2014	18.51	720^th	826	12.8%
2015	9.46	765^th	840	8.9%
2016	22.40	710^th	848	16.3%
2017	20.77	718^th	853	15.8%
2018	30.10	662^nd	847	21.8%
2019	27.16	679^th	870	22.0%
2021	36.73	624^th	869	28.2%
2022	57.28	405^th	858	52.8%
2023	58.08	392^nd	845	53.6%
2024	40.47	580^th	881	34.2%

See the entire list of Minnesota Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	27.92	592^nd	740	20.0%
2023	47.20	425^th	774	45.1%
2024	36.36	548^th	793	30.9%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2019	25.20	637^th	787	19.1%
2022	60.07	355^th	799	55.6%
2023	56.05	384^th	787	51.2%
2024	38.21	546^th	809	32.5%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	19.97	660^th	779	15.3%
2022	62.10	317^th	808	60.8%
2023	57.47	362^nd	799	54.7%
2024	48.39	476^th	826	42.4%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	MN State Percentile
2018	65.72	223^rd	712	68.7%
2019	57.10	309^th	722	57.2%
2022	62.25	248^th	725	65.8%
2023	56.40	313^th	712	56.0%
2024	56.77	303^rd	730	58.5%

See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4.2)

80%

20%

Reviews:

by a parent
Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Wonderful small school that is focused on building up the whole child. Very caring staff and administration. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, March 7, 2019

Not a school for non-white students! We’re getting ready to organize a turnaround or shut down of this school. Close Quote

by a parent
Monday, January 22, 2018

Great family environment. Personal attention to students. Close Quote

by a parent
Thursday, February 6, 2014

Cornerstone Montessori is an outstanding school. This school is a beautiful place, where students feel supported and encouraged to develop their minds. The school is designed for what is best for kids, and it is clear in how the Montessori philosophy is alive and well at the school. Both my sons love school and are alive with learning. It is also an incredibly diverse environment, that truly values its diversity. It is a gem of a school. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Two or More Races	Total
2012	6	14	8	22	2	8	60
2013	20	18	11	25	1	7	82
2014	34	22	17	24	1	8	106
2015	45	29	15	25	1	9	124
2016	51	27	15	23	1	15	132
2017	56	24	11	20	2	20	133
2018	69	20	8	21	1	18	137
2019	70	29	5	15	0	21	140
2020	67	32	5	21	2	17	144
2021	61	26	8	21	1	18	135
2022	67	21	8	26	1	15	138
2023	67	18	9	26	0	18	138

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2012	60	3.3	17.8	70
2013	82	4.1	19.9	61
2014	106	6.6	15.9	55.7
2015	124	7.0	17.7	58.9
2016	132	8.0	16.5	50
2017	133	8.6	15.4	42.9
2018	137	7.6	17.9	43.1
2019	140	7.9	17.5	40
2020	144	8.6	16.7	42.4
2021	135	9.6	14.0	40
2022	138	7.6	18.1	26.1
2023	138	8.6	16.0	55.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2012	60	3.3	17.8	70
2013	82	4.1	19.9	61
2014	106	6.6	15.9	55.7
2015	124	7.0	17.7	58.9
2016	132	8.0	16.5	50
2017	133	8.6	15.4	42.9
2018	137	7.6	17.9	43.1
2019	140	7.9	17.5	40
2020	144	8.6	16.7	42.4
2021	135	9.6	14.0	40
2022	138	7.6	18.1	26.1
2023	138	8.6	16.0	55.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2019	$13,321

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 679^th of 870 Elementary schools	Ranks 392^nd of 845 Elementary schools	31.7%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	22.2	20	2.2%
3rd Grade Math (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	22.2	20	2.2%
3rd Grade Math (Minnesota)	65.6	59.1	6.5%
3rd Grade Reading (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	33.3	47.6	14.3%
3rd Grade Reading (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	33.3	47.6	14.3%
3rd Grade Reading (Minnesota)	54.6	47.4	7.2%
4th Grade Math (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	21.1	45.5	24.4%
4th Grade Math (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	21.1	45.5	24.4%
4th Grade Math (Minnesota)	63.9	57.1	6.8%
4th Grade Reading (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	36.8	59.1	22.3%
4th Grade Reading (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	36.8	59.1	22.3%
4th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	55.4	48.4	7.1%
5th Grade Math (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	11.5	31.6	20%
5th Grade Math (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	11.5	31.6	20%
5th Grade Math (Minnesota)	52	44.4	7.6%
5th Grade Reading (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	65.4	57.9	7.5%
5th Grade Reading (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	65.4	57.9	7.5%
5th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	65.8	58.7	7%
5th Grade Science (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	57.7	68.4	10.7%
5th Grade Science (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	57.7	68.4	10.7%
5th Grade Science (Minnesota)	54.9	48.4	6.5%
6th Grade Math (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	20	47.4	27.4%
6th Grade Math (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	20	47.4	27.4%
6th Grade Math (Minnesota)	50.5	39.7	10.8%
6th Grade Reading (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	70	79	8.9%
6th Grade Reading (Cornerstone Montessori Elementary)	70	79	8.9%
6th Grade Reading (Minnesota)	62.8	53.4	9.4%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	140	138	1.4%
African American	29	18	37.9%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	5	9	80%
Hispanic	15	26	73.3%
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	70	67	4.3%
Two or More Races	21	18	14.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	40%	55.1%	15.1%

Schools Near Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2024)				Ranking (2023)				MCA-III Math (2024)							MCA-III Reading (2024)							MCA-III Science (2024)			Per Pupil Expenditures (2019)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2024)	Statewide Rank (2024)	State Percentile (2024)	SchoolDigger Rating (2024)	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MCA-III Math 3rd Grade	MCA-III Math 4th Grade	MCA-III Math 5th Grade	MCA-III Math 6th Grade	MCA-III Math 7th Grade	MCA-III Math 8th Grade	MCA-III Math All Grades	MCA-III Reading 3rd Grade	MCA-III Reading 4th Grade	MCA-III Reading 5th Grade	MCA-III Reading 6th Grade	MCA-III Reading 7th Grade	MCA-III Reading 8th Grade	MCA-III Reading All Grades	MCA-III Science 5th Grade	MCA-III Science 8th Grade	MCA-III Science All Grades	Total
Cornerstone Montessori Elementary	Public, Charter	K-6	1611 Ames Ave	Saint Paul	55106	Ramsey County	Cornerstone Montessori Elementary	Yes	No	No	Yes	(651) 774-5000	138	9	16.0	55.1%	67 (48.6%)	18 (13.0%)	26 (18.8%)	9 (6.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	18 (13.0%)	40.5	580^th of 881 public elementary schools	34.2%		58.1	392^nd of 845 public elementary schools	53.6%	188	18.8	26.3	26.3	31.6			26.0	25.0	47.4	65.0	68.4			52.7	36.8		36.8	$13,321
L'Etoile du Nord French Immersion	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	1760 Ames Place	Saint Paul	55106	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	Yes	No	No	(651) 221-1480	295	23	13.0	39.3%	126 (42.7%)	57 (19.3%)	43 (14.6%)	14 (4.7%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	54 (18.3%)	76.2	181^st of 881 public elementary schools	79.5%		73.6	218^th of 845 public elementary schools	74.2%	37	65.1	60.0	62.5				62.7	54.8	48.6	80.0				61.5	67.5		67.5	$14,526
Hazel Park Preparatory Academy	Public	PK, KG-8	1140 White Bear Ave N	Saint Paul	55106	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(651) 293-8970	388	31	12.3	94.1%	29 (7.5%)	136 (35.1%)	48 (12.4%)	145 (37.4%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	28 (7.2%)	4.1	854^th of 881 public elementary schools	3.1%		6.7	786^th of 845 public elementary schools	7.0%	68	11.6	6.1	15.4	2.0	4.9	0.0	6.8	9.1	2.9	20.5	14.3	10.0	6.5	10.9	10.0	3.3	7.1	$5,237
Academia Cesar Chavez Charter School	Public, Charter	PK, KG-8	1801 Lacrosse Ave	Saint Paul	55119	Ramsey County	Academia Cesar Chavez Charter School	Yes	No	No	Yes	(651) 778-2940	547	38	14.4	85.9%	2 (0.4%)	6 (1.1%)	532 (97.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (1.3%)	3.1	864^th of 881 public elementary schools	1.9%		2.4	836^th of 845 public elementary schools	1.1%	28	3.7	0.0	0.0	10.2	2.2	12.7	4.8	9.3	0.0	17.9	16.3	26.7	21.8	15.0	5.6	3.6	4.6	$14,606
The Heights Community School	Public	PK, KG-5	1863 Clear Ave E	Saint Paul	55119	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(651) 293-8815	285	29	9.7	85.3%	32 (11.2%)	56 (19.6%)	50 (17.5%)	114 (40.0%)	2 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	31 (10.9%)	11.8	781^st of 881 public elementary schools	11.4%		10.1	761^st of 845 public elementary schools	9.9%	20	29.8	22.9	18.5				23.5	10.6	20.0	35.2				22.8	22.2		22.2	$16,687
Nokomis Montessori North Campus	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	985 Ruth St N	Saint Paul	55119	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(651) 744-7440	351	32	10.9	70.4%	62 (17.7%)	26 (7.4%)	32 (9.1%)	185 (52.7%)	5 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	41 (11.7%)	7.5	813^th of 881 public elementary schools	7.7%		7.7	776^th of 845 public elementary schools	8.2%	37	21.3	14.6	0.0				13.6	27.1	22.9	18.4				23.5	2.6		2.6	$15,872
Frost Lake Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	1505 Hoyt Ave E	Saint Paul	55106	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(651) 293-8930	509	42	11.9	89.4%	30 (5.9%)	92 (18.1%)	52 (10.2%)	292 (57.4%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	42 (8.3%)	5.5	837^th of 881 public elementary schools	5.0%		8.9	768^th of 845 public elementary schools	9.1%	69	12.6	12.2	14.1				12.9	8.3	19.5	25.6				17.1	10.5		10.5	$17,828
Achieve Language Academy	Public, Charter	PK, KG-8	2169 Stillwater Ave	Saint Paul	55119	Ramsey County	Achieve Language Academy	Yes	No	No	Yes	(651) 738-4875	450	38	11.9	85.6%	22 (4.9%)	53 (11.8%)	200 (44.4%)	151 (33.6%)	2 (0.4%)	1 (0.2%)	21 (4.7%)	8.9	800^th of 881 public elementary schools	9.2%		6.5	789^th of 845 public elementary schools	6.6%	11	33.3	22.9	4.0	6.3	8.2	12.8	14.5	12.2	20.4	16.0	36.7	26.5	30.8	23.5	10.4	18.9	14.1	$14,603
Eastern Heights Elementary	Public	PK, KG-5	2001 Margaret St	Saint Paul	55119	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(651) 293-8870	266	26	10.3	93.2%	28 (10.5%)	55 (20.7%)	31 (11.7%)	125 (47.0%)	2 (0.8%)	0 (0.0%)	25 (9.4%)	18	738^th of 881 public elementary schools	16.2%		10.3	759^th of 845 public elementary schools	10.2%	21	20.0	24.5	27.9				24.1	24.4	27.8	44.2				31.7	27.9		27.9	$19,421
Nokomis Montessori South Campus	Public, Magnet	PK, KG-5	525 White Bear Ave N	Saint Paul	55106	Ramsey County	Saint Paul Public Schools	No	Yes	No	Yes	(651) 744-5500	264	24	10.9	68.9%	69 (26.1%)	39 (14.8%)	21 (8.0%)	107 (40.5%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	27 (10.2%)	14.3	765^th of 881 public elementary schools	13.2%		15.1	721^st of 845 public elementary schools	14.7%	44	24.2	21.1	11.1				18.7	33.3	35.1	29.7				32.7	16.2		16.2	$17,309

Frequently Asked Questions about Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

Is Cornerstone Montessori Elementary a good school?

Cornerstone Montessori Elementary ranks 580^th of 881 Minnesota elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Cornerstone Montessori Elementary?

Students at Cornerstone Montessori Elementary are 49% White, 19% Hispanic, 13% African American, 13% Two or more races, 7% Asian.

How many students attend Cornerstone Montessori Elementary?

In the 2022-23 school year, 138 students attended Cornerstone Montessori Elementary.

What district is Cornerstone Montessori Elementary in?

Cornerstone Montessori Elementary

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Minnesota Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.