ACSI Member School Spotlight: Faith Academy in the Philippines

With Head of School Leighton Helwig

Could you share a bit of your school's history?

Faith Academy was established in 1957 by missionaries who aimed to create a dedicated educational environment for their children. The school began with 47 students and six teachers in a rented house on V. Mapa Street, Manila, and relocated to a permanent campus in Rizal by 1962. For over 66 years, God has been faithful to our campus and community, consistently caring for Faith Academy and remaining committed to its mission. We serve an average of 520 students each school year, primarily from missionary and ministry families. We collaborate with around 100 mission agencies and welcome over 100 missionary teachers and support staff. Additionally, we have a network of 3,000 alumni living in 50 countries worldwide.

What makes your school unique? How do you stand out?

Faith Academy is committed to providing a Christ-centered, multicultural education that fosters a sense of community and Christian values. The school serves a diverse student body, comprised of children of missionaries, local ministry workers, international business professionals, and Philippine nationals. Its mission focuses on forming Christ-like, lifelong learners through dynamic and relevant education. Our facilities support academic, creative, and physical development, reflecting the school's dedication to holistic education. 

How has ACSI supported you or your school?

ACSI provides resources, training, and a network that support our mission to deliver high-quality Christian education. The accreditation process establishes important standards that hold the school accountable to best practices in education and encourages our school to continually seek ways to improve. Partnering with ACSI ensures Faith Academy stays aligned with global best practices in Christian schooling. 

What do you envision for the future of international Christian education?

The future of international Christian education will continue to emphasize integrating faith with learning, fostering global citizenship, and adapting to the evolving needs of diverse student populations. There is a focus on equipping students to think biblically about every aspect of life and to positively impact the world through the gospel. This includes embracing technological advancements, promoting cultural sensitivity, and expanding outreach to various communities. 

In what ways do you foresee your school growing/changing? Expanding opportunities? New programs?

As Faith remains committed to its mission, we will adapt to the global changes we observe. We will continue to welcome a diverse student body, whose parents are engaged in missions and ministry in the Philippines and throughout Asia. Our mission statement emphasizes the importance of providing a dynamic and relevant education. Our goal is to equip students with the tools they need to navigate our ever-changing world, enabling them to use their vocations to love God and serve others effectively.

We will use this perspective to guide our decisions regarding course offerings and the programs available to our students. Over the past decade, we have noticed a change in our demographics. An increasing number of Filipino families are choosing to send their children to Faith Academy. As we welcome more Filipino students, we embrace the opportunity to equip the next generation of leaders in the Philippines.

We hold the same hope for all our students: that they will be shining examples of God’s redemptive grace, wherever they are called to serve.