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 Welcomes "Accomplished, Strategic” Leader as New Chief Operating Officer
Colorado Springs, CO – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Klingstedt as its new Chief Operating Officer.
Klingstedt will serve as the driving force in ACSI’s continued transformation by implementing effective workflow strategies and leading all essential processes, including: reviewing efficiency of current ministry, program and business functions, and planning changes and updates to day-to-day operations.
He will also ensure organizational alignment with the Association’s “Three Pillar” strategic plan, assisting key personnel in the coordination of vision and global strategy for all ACSI offices and partnerships.
He assumes his new role today.
ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor shared his excitement about Klingstedt joining the Association’s Executive Team.
“Before my transition to ACSI, I served as Head of School at Prestonwood Christian Academy for 20 years. During this time, I served alongside John for nearly two decades,” he shared. “He is one of the most accomplished, strategic leaders I’ve been blessed to work with. I’ve seen his leadership and truly believe his skillset will fill a felt need at ACSI in powerful ways. We have been without a COO for over two years, so this is a much-needed position. He is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ with the utmost commitment to biblical principles and standards of excellence.”
Klingstedt joins ACSI with more than 20 years in Christian education leadership. He most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer at Prestonwood Christian Academy, during which time he facilitated the expansion of educational ministry to over 2,000 students and annual tuition and project revenues of nearly $60 million. He served as the key cross functional leader with direct reporting and oversight of Finance, Treasury, Human Resources, Development (fundraising), Marketing, Admissions, Facilities, Operations, Technology and Media departments. He led multiple special projects including technology, virtual education, satellite campus launches, mission mobilization, and ministry partnerships. He was also instrumental in strategic plan development and implementation and was responsible for direct risk management including policy making and implementation, organizational moral integrity criteria, insurance reviews, security and crisis management.
Prior to Prestonwood, Klingstedt served in corporate leadership positions— positions he believes gave him a unique perspective for his new role at ACSI. He served as Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at a top ten cable television company where he monitored and maintained complete financial reporting with revenues of over $500 million; maintained bank compliance on a $1 billion credit facility with 42 participating banking entities; and performed due diligence, forecasting and accounting research for more than six mergers and acquisitions. He also established best practices and internal benchmarking data used to compare activity at various field locations allowing management to evaluate operational results.
“I’ve truly benefited from ACSI’s services over the years serving in leadership at Prestonwood Christian,” Klingstedt said. “I’m thrilled to be joining an organization of passionate individuals who are committed to advancing Christian education globally.”
Klingstedt holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Oklahoma State University and is ordained as a minister at Prestonwood Baptist Church.
Taylor believes the addition of the COO position will amplify the organization’s reach and overall effectiveness.
“It’s a very exciting time at ACSI,” he said. “Klingstedt’s skillset and leadership will greatly strengthen our ability to better serve our Christian schools.”
To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing careteam@acsi.org.
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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