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 Grants Exemplary Accreditation to Christian Schools for 2026
ACSI Exemplary Accreditation is designed for top-performing schools that are seeking to maintain higher standards for all programs and operations. There are 29 Christian schools total that hold this status.
In addition to meeting the Inspire indicators at an effective or highly effective level, these schools have a demonstrable history of exemplary programs and practices in governance, executive leadership, school viability, student learning, spiritual formation, and overall school culture.
Dan Beckering, Head of School at Southwest Christian High School, shared how he feels to be recognized as one of the ACSI Exemplary Accredited schools.
"We are honored to join the select group of ACSI Exemplary schools and belong to such a wonderful network of flourishing Christian communities,” he said. “ACSI's Exemplary Accreditation process has been a catalyst to help us be more effective in our mission to develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ."
Santa Fe Christian Schools Chief Academic Officer Hannah Park reflected on the impact the accreditation process had on their school community.
"The accreditation process gave us an opportunity to pause and reflect on who we are as a school," Park said. "It was a season to celebrate the ways God has blessed our community and to prayerfully consider where we might grow. Additionally, this process affirmed that Santa Fe Christian Schools is a vibrant and healthy community, deeply rooted in its mission and biblical foundation.”
Vice President of Education Standards Stephen Deck shared why accreditation is meaningful for schools.
“Accreditation documents that a school is true to its stated mission and helps schools determine their own effectiveness in fulfilling the standards through a peer-review process that culminates in an action plan for continued improvement,” he said. “Similar to the picture in Jeremiah 17:7-8 of a tree planted by the water sending its roots by the stream, ACSI Accreditation provides a structured process for a school to strengthen its roots, helping the school to flourish.” Schools that pursue Exemplary Accreditation take the process a step further, seeking additional depth in the overall process.
ACSI renewed the exemplary status of one school this spring. The association appreciates schools that continue to maintain exemplary standards and are strong leaders amongst Christian schools.
• Christian Academy School System (Louisville, KY)