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 Matt Hannan as Director of Accreditation for the Western Division
Colorado Springs, CO– The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to welcome Matt Hannan as the new Director of Accreditation for the Western Division. In this role, Hannan will support member schools by providing professional counsel and ensuring all accreditation policies, standards, guidelines, and criteria are applied in order to drive school improvement.
ACSI Chief of Flourishing Initiatives Cindy Dodds looks forward to Hannan joining the Accreditation team.
“The high demand for our research-based, biblically rooted accreditation protocol is reaching new heights all over the world,” she shared. “Matt is the right person at the right time to meet the ever-changing needs of our USA Western Division schools as our Christian schools respond to the culture and adapt to new models of education delivery.”
Hannan brings more than 20 years of experience in education to his new position. Prior to joining ACSI, he served as the Upper School Principal at Santa Fe Christian Schools since 2008, where he played a key role in advancing the school’s academic strategic plan and mission. Under his leadership, Santa Fe Christian Schools maintained full dual accreditation status through ACSI and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
In addition to his role at Santa Fe Christian Schools, Hannan has served as an ACSI Accreditation Commissioner in Southern California since 2022. He has also been actively involved with WASC, serving as an Accreditation Visiting Team Member and Chair since 2014.
Stephen Deck, ACSI Senior Director of Accreditation and Credentialing, said, “Mr. Hannan’s Christian school leadership experience, as well as his experience directly with accreditation, will serve ACSI schools well. He is a great addition to our team that will help schools in our Western Division flourish.”
Hannan holds a Master's in Educational Administration from the California State University San Marcos School of Education. His comprehensive background in school administration, coupled with his passion for promoting Christian education, will be instrumental in advancing ACSI's mission to strengthen Christian schools and equip them for greater impact.
ACSI leadership and staff are grateful to Lee Duncan, the retiring former Director of Accreditation, for his seven years of faithful service.
Hannan is thankful to the Lord for providing him with this opportunity to serve Him.
“I am humbled, honored, and very excited to step into the role of Director of Accreditation for the ACSI Western Division,” he said. “Having served as a site administrator for nearly 20 years, I know and value the importance of the accreditation process for schools and I'm eager to come alongside all of our ACSI schools to help them be the best they can be.”
To learn more about ACSI Accreditation, please visit the website.
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. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
Follow ACSI on our social channels: Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Instagram