About ACSI
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) was founded in 1978 when several regional U.S. school associations joined, becoming a united voice to advance excellence in Christian education. The leaders’ vision was to inspire, challenge, and resource educators and schools. First headquartered in La Habra, California, ACSI moved to an expanded facility in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1994. Today, ACSI serves 25,000 schools in 108 countries.
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.
Vision 2030
Our Vision 2030 strategic plan continues to build upon our three foundational pillars of Advancing, Access, and Advocacy through four new growth initiatives to globally support flourishing Christ-centered education. We will continue in bold and innovative ways, not only responding to critical needs before us today but also planning for the future of Christ-centered education tomorrow.
We invite you to join us as together, we advance the cause of Kingdom education today and into the future.
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
ACSI Releases New Book, “Redemptive School Discipline”
The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is excited to announce the release of “Redemptive School Discipline,” a practical guide by Dr. Melissa Wetzel that helps Christian educators move beyond secular exclusionary discipline methods toward Christ-honoring restoration grounded in the gospel. The book equips schools to focus on heart change, not just behavior modification, offering actionable strategies for educators.
Wetzel draws on decades of experience in Christian education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, and director of curriculum and instruction. Her passion for redemptive practices stems from her upbringing as a missionary kid in Spain and Mexico, as well as from her doctoral research in K–12 leadership at Regent University, where she developed a system for mentoring and restoring students after misconduct.
The book is divided into two sections: one for teachers, outlining redemptive discipline strategies for the classroom, and one for administrators, guiding the creation of a schoolwide “culture of redemption.” Through real-life examples and practical tools, Wetzel shows how educators can walk alongside students in their failures and help them reintegrate into the school community with accountability and grace.
“Redemption was at the very heart of the gospel,” Wetzel shared. “Our Christian schools, then, should have redemption at the heart of all they do, too.”
Dr. Wetzel, author of “Redemptive School Discipline,” is available for interviews. Please contact media_inquiries@acsi.org to secure a time.
About Dr. Melissa Wetzel:
Dr. Wetzel brings over 16 years of classroom experience teaching Bible and Spanish at Williamsburg Christian, Norfolk Christian, and Atlantic Shores Christian, where she also developed curriculum and contributed to Purposeful Design and ACSI’s online Old Testament course. She earned her doctorate in K–12 Leadership from Regent University in 2023, where she completed a dissertation on redemptive school discipline. She now serves as an adjunct professor and dissertation chair, mentoring future school leaders.
Purchase your copy today at https://www.acsi.org/redemptiveschooldiscipline.
About PDP:
Since the mid-1980s, Purposeful Design Publications (PDP), a division of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), has provided resources and assessments, including academically rigorous textbooks that are intentionally rooted in biblical truth to equip schools and educators with the tools to eternally transform the hearts and minds of children.