A new private school opened its doors for the first time in Salina Wednesday morning. Cornerstone Classical School of Salina held classes for the first time.

According to the school, doors opened at 7:30 and school began at 8:00 to an enrollment of 48 students, Pre-school thru 6th grade. Cornerstone is located in the former Franklin Elementary School Building located at 830 S. Ninth Street between Franklin and Frost Streets.

“Cornerstone continues to be blessed beyond measure with the recent acquisi­tion of the entire lower level classrooms, multipurpose room and offices of the current Smoky Hill Learning Center. This is another step in providing a unique educational opportunity to the families of Salina and we are indeed grateful for this provision of safety and space.” said Duane Custer, Headmaster.

Headmaster Custer noted that Cornerstone Classical School will have an en­closed playground area; a locked and monitored entrance, fully controlled by staff for increased security; and a generous parking lot located off 10th Street for student dropoff. In addition, Cornerstone students will have access to a school library, art appreciation, music and Latin.

According to Darren Gragg, Founding Board President,”As we embark on Cor­nerstone’s first year of operations, we will strive to honor God in all we do. We have been humbled by the community support and trust. Without our partnership with SHLC, it would have been a impossible to open our doors and we hope this is only the beginning of many partnerships with the Salina community.”

Franklin Elementary school first opened its doors in September 1926, thousands of students crossed its threshold until it closed in June of 2003. The school was build to accommodate 275 students. In June 2004, USD305 sold the building to the Smoky Hill Learning Center for Distance Learning and other purposes. Today, the Franklin building is used for a number of community-based classes, including citizenship, exercise and secondary language.

According to Headmaster Custer, “Franklin Elementary school stood tall for 77 years, serving as a beacon of education to many generations of Salina families. We are looking forward to its’ doors opening to a new generation of eager students seeking to be trained under the classical model.”

The goal of Cornerstone Classical School is to offer a Christian Classical-style education for children from preschool through sixth grade.