Cornerstone Academy
Cornerstone Academy, the Geftakys ministry private shcool, began with grades K-3 in 1982.
Ginger Geftakys was the first principle, succeeded by Rod Zach sometime
after 1990. Parents were required to be instructional aids, even teachers,
although not academically prepared. Gifted students were drafted to
tutor younger children, rather than being given enrichment
opportunities. Cornerstone middle school graduates were discovered
to be behind in several areas when they went on to public high
school.
The principles Ginger spelled out in her pamphlet, Child Training for God's Servants, were employed at Cornerstone, including spanking. One third-grader was discovered at bedtime to have worn two pairs of underwear to school. She said she did it "...just in case something to my bottom." Parents were required to always agree with any punishments decreed at school and to impose further punishment at home.
There were strange excesses. In one case a nine-year-old was helping to move classroom tables. A table accidentally bumped a large window, which cracked. The parents were informed that the child was required to pay for the entire cost of replacing the window, $146.00 (at 1980's prices). This was the consequence for the "rebellion of carelessness."
Public shaming was another discipline technique. At an eighth grade graduation banquet, awards were presented for the year's accomplishments - academics, character, attitude. There were six awards among seven students. One student was excluded, even though several awards were deserved. This was a maneuver to secure greater compliance from the parents, as well as the student.
Cornerstone Academy came to an end in 2004 after the implosion of the Geftakys ministry. The property was sold, but those who had initially donated funds for the purchase were not reimbursed. There has been no acknowledgment or apology by Ginger or any other teachers for any abuses or negligence.