For more than 40 years, ACSI has faithfully lived out its mission around the world:

To strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Since our founding in 1978, our vision has steadfastly desired that:

ACSI will become a leading international organization that promotes Christian education and provides training and resources to Christian schools and Christian educators.

As our mission continues, ACSI is renewing our commitment to Christian schools and educators to help them deal with today’s challenging times—characterized by seismic cultural shifts and disruption. 

Today and into the future we will continue to assist, encourage and develop:

  • Schools that contribute to the public good through effective teaching and learning and that are biblically sound, academically rigorous, socially engaged, and culturally relevant; and
  • Educators who embody a biblical worldview, engage in transformational teaching and discipling, and embrace personal and professional growth.

Over the past two years, ACSI has diligently sought the Lord's guidance through prayer, and is now positioning everything under three pillars: Advancing, Access and Advocacy. 

pillar_logoADVANCING – Leading Christ-centered education toward excellence and flourishing

ACCESS – Making Christ-centered education available and obtainable

ADVOCACY – Promoting and protecting Christ-centered education for today and tomorrow

This will allow ACSI to be laser-focused on promoting excellence in Kingdom education around the world in the months and years to come.

Discover how ACSI can serve you by taking the time to visit our updated website. We’re excited to journey with you by providing new opportunities and services.

We invite you to join us as together, we advance the cause of Kingdom Education today and into the future.

 

3 Pillars

3pillars

Over the past two years, ACSI has diligently sought the Lord's guidance through prayer, and is now positioning everything under three pillars: Advancing, Access and Advocacy. 

More

Statement of Faith
Vision 2030
Senior Leadership
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Board of Directors
ACSI Fact Sheet

Contacts

Mailing Address
Association of Christian Schools International
P.O. Box 62249
Colorado Springs, CO 80962
(800) 367.5391

Office of Communication & Engagement
communications@acsi.org
(719) 367-5391

Media Inquiries
media_inquiries@acsi.org
(719) 867-0243

Contact Us Form
Care Team and Departments

News & Press Releases

 

ACSI Welcomes "Accomplished, Strategic” Leader as New Chief Operating Officer

Feb 15, 2022, 07:21 AM by Caitlyn Harding

Colorado Springs, CO – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Klingstedt as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Klingstedt will serve as the driving force in ACSI’s continued transformation by implementing effective workflow strategies and leading all essential processes, including: reviewing efficiency of current ministry, program and business functions, and planning changes and updates to day-to-day operations.

He will also ensure organizational alignment with the Association’s “Three Pillar” strategic plan, assisting key personnel in the coordination of vision and global strategy for all ACSI offices and partnerships.

He assumes his new role today.

ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor shared his excitement about Klingstedt joining the Association’s Executive Team.

“Before my transition to ACSI, I served as Head of School at Prestonwood Christian Academy for 20 years. During this time, I served alongside John for nearly two decades,” he shared. “He is one of the most accomplished, strategic leaders I’ve been blessed to work with. I’ve seen his leadership and truly believe his skillset will fill a felt need at ACSI in powerful ways. We have been without a COO for over two years, so this is a much-needed position. He is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ with the utmost commitment to biblical principles and standards of excellence.”

J Klingstedt headshotKlingstedt joins ACSI with more than 20 years in Christian education leadership. He most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer at Prestonwood Christian Academy, during which time he facilitated the expansion of educational ministry to over 2,000 students and annual tuition and project revenues of nearly $60 million. He served as the key cross functional leader with direct reporting and oversight of Finance, Treasury, Human Resources, Development (fundraising), Marketing, Admissions, Facilities, Operations, Technology and Media departments. He led multiple special projects including technology, virtual education, satellite campus launches, mission mobilization, and ministry partnerships. He was also instrumental in strategic plan development and implementation and was responsible for direct risk management including policy making and implementation, organizational moral integrity criteria, insurance reviews, security and crisis management.

Prior to Prestonwood, Klingstedt served in corporate leadership positions— positions he believes gave him a unique perspective for his new role at ACSI. He served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at a top ten cable television company where he monitored and maintained complete financial reporting with revenues of over $500 million; maintained bank compliance on a $1 billion credit facility with 42 participating banking entities; and performed due diligence, forecasting and accounting research for more than six mergers and acquisitions. He also established best practices and internal benchmarking data used to compare activity at various field locations allowing management to evaluate operational results.

“I’ve truly benefited from ACSI’s services over the years serving in leadership at Prestonwood Christian,” Klingstedt said. “I’m thrilled to be joining an organization of passionate individuals who are committed to advancing Christian education globally.”

Klingstedt holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Oklahoma State University and is ordained as a minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church.

Taylor believes the addition of the COO position will amplify the organization’s reach and overall effectiveness.

“It’s a very exciting time at ACSI,” he said. “Klingstedt’s skillset and leadership will greatly strengthen our ability to better serve our Christian schools.”

To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing careteam@acsi.org.

 

About ACSI: 

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, ACSI exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. ACSI advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. ACSI supports more than 5,000 member schools throughout the United States and around the world, which collectively serve approximately 1.2 million students. Through additional training programs, materials, and expertise provided to other educational groups worldwide, ACSI’s overall influence and positive impact reaches more than 26,000 schools operating in 100 countries, together serving 5.5 million people.

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