About ACSI
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.
ADVANCING – 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.
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.
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
News & Press Releases
Students from Christian Schools Across the U.S. Converge at Grand Canyon University to Compete in ACSI International Christian STEM Competition
Phoenix, Ariz., April 18, 2023 –Students from ACSI Member schools across 11 states will converge in Phoenix, Ariz., Saturday, April 22, for the highly anticipated Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) International Christian STEM Competition, taking place at Grand Canyon University (GCU).
The competition, which will allow more than 160 Christian students in grades 7-12 to compete in eight different STEM challenges, is made possible through a partnership between ACSI and GCU.
ACSI Director of Student Services Emily Pigott believes this offering is extremely relevant and timely for today’s students.
“We are thrilled to provide our member school students with the opportunity to participate in this competition,” she shared. “The Divisional and International Christian STEM Competitions allow students to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math through a biblical worldview perspective.”
The International Christian STEM Competition is preceded by seven Divisional Competitions. Divisional Competition winners will compete in eight challenges at GCU, including Aerospace Glider, Rehabilitation Challenge: Biomedical Engineering, Capture the Flag (Cybersecurity), Deep Racer Challenge (AI/Machine Learning), Innovation in Service, Onsite Design Challenge, Robotics Thunder Lunch, and Software Development.
Corinne Araza, Director of K12 STEM Outreach, a division of the K12 Educational Development at GCU, looks forward to hosting the competition.
“We believe that enabling students to pursue their passions and to really explore the unique ways God has gifted them is important,” she shared. “Last year’s competition inspired us to expand the challenge options. We have seen great interest and increased participation from schools across the U.S.’”
In fact, in the 2022-23 school year, 32 schools participated in the Divisional Competitions with an estimated 332 participating students—nearly double the number of participants from 2021-22.
“We also received interest from 16 potential host sites and numerous schools ready to join the competition next year, so we anticipate further expansion,” Pigott said. “We are eager to witness students from around the world improve and develop their STEM abilities.”
Gary Shoup, STEAM Teacher at Stoneybrooke Christian School, accompanied his qualifying students to the International Christian STEM Competition last year.
“The ACSI STEM Competitions, Divisional and ICSC, were a HUGE success!” he shared. “Students were engaged, excited, and challenged. Learning and spiritual growth were evident everywhere. The events were amazing—creative, well-designed, and varied for all types of interests and abilities. We look forward to attending next year!”
To learn more about the ACSI International Christian STEM Competition, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or emailing careteam@acsi.org. To learn more about GCU, visit the website.
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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About Grand Canyon University:
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. The university offers 318 academic programs, including 260+ online academic programs. With more than 200,000 alumni, Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The college is growing rapidly with plans for continued expansion. Learn more on the website.
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Follow GCU K12 Education Department on social: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram