Accreditation & Certification
Accreditation with ACSI engages schools in a vigorous, holistic process of organizational appraisal and improvement that engages every school constituent. Our program is a highly regarded Christian program for member schools. We have partnerships with all of the U.S. regional accreditation agencies and offer joint accreditation with numerous accrediting organizations.
Every step in our accreditation process is designed to be useful for driving improvement in private schools. If you are striving for excellence based on a solid Christian philosophy of education, consider exploring our program.
The purpose of ACSI Certification is to strengthen Christian schools by credentialing educators who meet established professional and biblical requirements. ACSI Certification promotes continued professional learning and increased effectiveness. Establishing and maintaining the certification of staff and administration is an essential step toward professional credibility and growth. Education is a process. Just as we encourage our students to grow and become life–long learners, we want to set the same example as their teachers and leaders.
ACSI certification establishes a framework for professional growth to occur over time, just like continuous school improvement.
ACSI Appoints New VP for Public Policy, General Counsel
Novotny will assume his new duties on September 1, 2020.
As an attorney, Novotny has successfully represented and advised leading Fortune 500 corporations to small privately-owned companies. He is a member of both the Texas State Bar and the Washington State Bar.
In the arena of Christian education, Novotny recently completed 10 years of service as the executive director of Cypress Christian School in Houston, Texas. Under his leadership, the school experienced dynamic growth in all operational areas and enjoyed national recognition as an AP Capstone School with top-ranked scholastic, athletic, and fine arts programs.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor expressed excitement and anticipation on Novotny joining the association. “I’ve known Stephen for many years and his background, professionalism, and skillset are exactly what we need at this time in light of our emphasis on serving Christian schools in Legal and Legislative matters,” Taylor said. “Our school leaders have rated ACSI’s Legal & Legislative services as one of the most important member benefits provided. Steve is joining a strong team, and I am confident that under his leadership this strategic and essential ACSI service will become even stronger.”
Novotny also has served as an executive board member with the Texas Private School Association working to advance the public policy interests of private schools in Texas. Prior to his work in law and education, Mr. Novotny served as an officer in the United States Army, leading and training soldiers, and providing operational leadership for short range air defense gun and missile units.
“There has never been a time in our history where the freedom to think, the freedom to teach truth, and the freedom to choose the best educational environment for one’s own children have been more important,” Novotny explained. “I consider it a privilege to join ACSI in protecting these freedoms and in its mission to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators so that parents will always have the opportunity to send their children to a school that has both academic excellence and biblical values.”
Novotny has been married to Rachel Novotny for 28 years and together they have two sons, Calvin and Clayton, both of whom recently finished their time of service in the U.S. Army as Airborne Rangers with the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and are now pursing university studies.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., 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 by offering multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
For more information on the ministry, visit www.ACSI.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ACSIUSA or on Twitter at @ACSIUSA