About Us

Cornatzer's History

In 1999 Central Davie Elementary School, which offered grades 4-5, dissolved to form a new school, and to expand Mocksville Elementary from a K-3 school to a K-5 school. District lines were redrawn and students were reassigned from Shady Grove, Mocksville and Cooleemee schools to populate the new facility. The 34-acre site was chosen because it was almost halfway between Shady Grove and Central Davie. 

A team of teachers and architects designed the school and were given the assignment to not duplicate another plan.  The Board wanted the new school to serve students with 21st century skills so two computer labs and an integrated telecommunications system were part of the design.   The gym had composition flooring to save wear and tear and enable use by the community and a four-pipe heating system balanced individual room temperatures.  
 
Cornatzer Elementary was completed in late July 2000, only a few days before the school year began. Classrooms were useable but construction in the cafeteria, gym and media center were not complete.  Without a kitchen, students received bag lunches for the first two weeks of school.  On September 10, the school was officially dedicated by superintendent, William Steed and Candy Poplin served as the first principal.  

Ten years later, October 12, 2010, a second ribbon cutting was the beginning of a year-long celebration in recognition of 10 years as a Decade of Excellence.   A tribute to the strong teaching force, every year since the dedication, Cornatzer has been recognized as a NC School of Growth or School of Distinction.  It currently is additionally recognized as a Achieving Reward School.