Flourishing Schools Institute

ACSI presents a professional development opportunity for Christian school leaders and teachers who want to transform their school culture to flourish.

Dr. Larry Taylor
Lynn Swaner
Nick Vujicic
John Stonestreet
Emily Pigott
Dr. Dennis Eastman
Schuyler Lehman
The Flourishing Schools Institute (FSi) brings ACSI school leaders and teachers together so they can collaborate and implement research-based principles. Learn from new Institute faculty speakers about wide-ranging topics related to the Flourishing Domains, including new constructs that have not been addressed before. Attending FSi will encourage you to continue your flourishing journey—or begin one!
Charlotte skyline
Charlotte, NC
June 20-22, 2023
Phoenix skyline
Phoenix, AZ
November 7-9, 2023

All New Teacher Track

Teachers, welcome to FSi! At FSi, you will have the opportunity to learn from a panel of dynamic keynote speakers and attend a variety of breakout sessions that address the constructs of: Questioning, Individualized Instruction, Insular Culture, Stress, and Responsiveness to Special Needs.

Gain Perspective

The Institute will give you rich perspective on what flourishing truly looks like and will equip you with the expertise and processes to bring your entire team on the journey to flourishing.

Cultivate Community

The Institute is a place to meet brothers and sisters in Christ who are dedicated to creating flourishing Christian schools.

Transform Lives

Through the Institute, you will discover how to apply research-based principles in your everyday leadership and school activities to radically transform your school culture.

Cultivating Leaders and Empowering Educators to Transform Culture
Your School Can Flourish

A flourishing Christian school is a community of students, educators, and families that glorifies Christ and excels in knowing Him and making Him known. Though such a community happens entirely by His grace, it does not happen at all by accident.

Click on the interactive model for more information.

Dr. Larry Taylor
Dr. Larry Taylor
President and CEO, ACSI

Dr. Larry Taylor is the president of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Prior to assuming leadership at ACSI, Dr. Taylor served for 20 years as the Head of School at Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) in Plano, Texas. Dr. Taylor previously served as President of the Texas Private Schools Association (TPSA) Board of Directors. Dr. Taylor also was a high school principal and assistant headmaster for 12 years at The First Academy in Orlando, Florida and has held teaching positions within the public school system. Taylor co-launched a national training institute for schools, “Becoming a Kingdom School Institute” and founded the Student Leadership Institute (SLI) program. He developed a training program for parents called “Becoming a Kingdom Family.” Dr. Taylor published the book titled Running with The Horses, which helps parents raise children to be servant-leaders for Christ and helps to build a family plan.

Architect, ACSI Flourishing Schools Research

Lynn Swaner
Dr. Lynn Swaner
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, ACSI

Dr. Lynn Swaner, ACSI Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer and Cardus Senior Fellow, leads ACSI's groundbreaking Flourishing Schools Research initiative. Join her at FSi as she unpacks the data from the Flourishing School Culture Instrument (FSCI), along with findings from Christian schools around the world and new insights on how leaders can shape their school's culture toward flourishing.

Institute Faculty 2023-2024

Nick Vujicic
well-being
Nick Vujicic
CEO of Life Without Limbs
Nick Vujicic
CEO of Life Without Limbs

Nick Vujicic is an entrepreneur, internationally known speaker, and author, who has traveled the globe sharing his life story to inspire millions of people. He motivates and equips people of all ages to dream big and never give up, as he shares his faith, values, and the principles of how he transformed his life from a life without limbs into a life without limits! He co-founded multiple non-profit organizations including Life Without Limbs, through which he has been able to evangelize and preach the gospel around the world; and through his passion to fight against bullying he, with partners at Noble Education Initiative, developed a full comprehensive, academic, social-emotional learning curriculum. Nick has a mission and mandate to change the world for the better, one person at a time.

Learn More: https://lifewithoutlimbs.org

Click Here to Read More About Nick Vujicic

Domain: Well-Being Construct: Resilience

John Stonestreet
purpose
John Stonestreet
President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview
John Stonestreet
President of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview

John Stonestreet serves as President of the Colson Center. He’s a sought-after author and speaker on areas of faith and culture, theology, worldview, education and apologetics. John is the daily voice of BreakPoint, the nationally syndicated commentary on the culture founded by the late Chuck Colson. He is also the voice of The Point, a daily one-minute feature on worldview, apologetics and cultural issues. He has co-authored five books including A Practical Guide to Culture and Restoring All Things.

Learn More: https://www.colsoncenter.org/

Click Here to Read More About John Stonestreet

Domain: Purpose Construct: Integrated Worldview

Emily Pigott
relationships
Emily Pigott
Director of Student Services
Emily Pigott
Director of Student Services

Emily Pigott serves as the Director of Student Services at ACSI and is dedicated to equipping educators and students to utilize culturally relevant and impactful experiences to enable them to think critically, vision-cast, solve problems, serve others, and lead with intentionality and influence. She has traveled the globe training student leaders and educators and is committed to ensuring that as many as possible can understand their value, worth, and capacity to accomplish their dreams. Emily believes that today’s students are full of potential and she holds the firm belief that they are more than capable of greatly impacting our culture for Jesus. Before her time at ACSI, Emily served as a high school principal, the Executive Director of Student Leadership University, and the co-author of The School of Leadership curriculum.

Learn More: https://www.acsi.org/academic-programs/student-activities/home

Click Here to Read More About Emily Pigott

Domain: Relationships Construct: Community Engagement

Dr. Dennis Eastman
teaching and learning
Dr. Dennis Eastman
Director of Secondary Education at Biola University
Dr. Dennis Eastman
Director of Secondary Education at Biola University

Dr. Dennis Eastman spent 15 years serving in multiple roles in the field of education before becoming the principal of Nova Academy Early College High School, in Santa Ana, California. During his tenure as principal, U.S. News and World Report recognized Nova Academy with a Bronze Medal ranking as one of the most improved schools in California. Dr. Eastman is currently serving Biola University as the Director of Secondary Education where he is able to combine his faith, expertise, and enthusiasm for teaching and coaching into preparing the next generation of high-quality educators. Dr. Eastman has travelled extensively internationally creating inclusive, active, and effective learning environments for all students.

Learn More: https://www.biola.edu/education

Click Here to Read More About Dr. Dennis Eastman

Domain: Teaching and Learning Construct: Outcomes Focus

Schuyler Lehman
expertise
Schuyler Lehman
Founder & Chairman of Mission Advancement
Schuyler Lehman
Founder & Chairman of Mission Advancement

Schuyler Lehman created Mission Advancement with the objective of helping nonprofit organizations develop the capacity for relationship-based major and principal gifts. Throughout his career spanning nearly four decades, his unwavering focus on serving the passions, interests, and needs of the donor has helped to redefine institutional fundraising. Schuyler has authored three books outlining his unique philosophy and approach, and he is also a frequent speaker and presenter at regional, national, and international conferences. Schuyler has helped raise more than $6 billion for a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. He has provided consultation and advice to more than 1,000 nonprofits for major capital and endowment campaigns, annual funds, and general development activities.

Learn More: https://missionadvancement.com

Click Here to Read More About Schuyler Lehman

Domain: Expertise and Resources Construct: Resource Constraints

Opening Session
Time
Activity
2:00-5:00pm
Institute Registration
2:30-3:30pm
Pre-Institute Data Workshops (Free/Optional)
4:00pm-5:00pm
Post-Event Learning Labs (Free/Optional)
4:00-6:00pm
Hotel Check-In
5:00-5:45pm
Appetizer Fellowship & Exhibitors
5:45-6:00pm
Worship and Welcome
6:15-8:00pm
Foundations in Flourishing
Day 2
7:30am
Continental Breakfast & Exhibitors
7:55am
Worship & Welcome
8:10am
Keynote: Purpose Domain
8:50am
Break
9:10am
Engagement Session: Purpose
10:25am
Break/Exhibitors
10:45am
Keynote: Teaching & Learning Domain
11:30am
Break
11:45am
Engagement Session: Teaching & Learning
1:00pm
Networking Lunch
2:00pm
Keynote: Relationships Domain
2:45pm
Break
3:00pm
Engagement Session: Relationships
4:15pm
End of Day
Evening
Create a team building event or planning session w/ your school team (Optional)
Day 3
7:30am
Continental Breakfast & Exhibitors
7:55am
Worship & Welcome
8:10am
Keynote: Well-Being Domain
8:50am
Break
9:10am
Engagement Session: Well-Being
10:25am
Break/Exhibitors
10:45am
Keynote: Expertise & Resources Domain
11:30am
Break
11:45am
Engagement Session: Expertise & Resources
1:00pm
Lunch & Closing Remarks with Dr. Larry Taylor
2:20pm
End of Day

*Please note this is a sample schedule and the final schedule can change per specific location.

Flourishing Schools Institute from ACSI
Research-based Learning

Dig deep into what flourishing in a Christian school means. Dynamic keynote speakers and breakout teachers will guide you through unpacking the ground-breaking, research-based Flourishing Christian School Model consisting of five domains: Purpose, Relationships, Learning Orientation, Expertise, and Resources along with Well-Being.

Interactive Experimentation & Application

Put your thinking into action with a collaborative time to process flourishing learnings with speakers and other educators. Together, we will brainstorm an action plan for your school culture. We hope you will enjoy the opportunity to network with other school leaders and teachers through the Institute.

Experiential, Exponential Growth

With in-person locations across the United States to consider, this unique, hands-on experience will be a rewarding investment professionally for you, your leadership team, and your teaching team, and for the long-term health of your school culture and community. These destinations also provide the opportunity to explore and enjoy a different perspective.

The Flourishing Christian School Model offers a wide range of ways to engage. While you may choose to just attend the Institute, we strongly recommend bundling the Instrument and Institute together, which will provide you with a fuller experience. If your survey data is completed before arriving at the Institute, it will help you to know what to focus on and thereby allow you to make the most of this collaborative time.

 

Hear From Past FSi Attendees

No matter how long you’ve been in Christian ed, there’s never a finish line. I think the professional development from a biblical worldview is extremely important.

Christy Monda, Loganville Christian Academy

I simply love FSi. I love the level of professionalism, the quality of speakers along with the research base. It’s really taking ACSI and Christian schools overall to a different level.

Denver Daniel, Open Door Christian Schools

The Flourishing Schools Institute was a powerful opportunity to learn about the research base behind what makes Christian schools flourish. The institute was well laid out and contained a good balance of solid keynote presentations coupled with roundtable discussions about the application. The content was spiritually rich, encouraging, and challenging. I left feeling affirmed, supported, and inspired to continue to lead my school toward flourishing from a Biblical perspective.

Randy Claes, Wooster Christian School

In over 20 years of attending ACSI events, this was the best training I've ever received. My team and I walked away challenged and equipped. The FSi event was the perfect blend of practical and theory, individual reflection, and group collaboration, and it even included practical "next steps" for our school that felt manageable. I look forward to attending again!

Mike Skaggs, Trinity Christian Academy

Seeing a research-backed roadmap to how a Christian school can flourish has been invaluable for us.

Dan Steinfeld, Delaware County Christian School

Join Us for Pre-Event Data Workshops

Get the most out of your FSi experience with informative sessions from two of ACSI’s greatest minds. Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Dr. Lynn Swaner, will prepare institutional leaders for the in-depth FSCI process, and Director of Research, Dr. Matthew Lee, will provide helpful insights and strategies for interpreting your school’s results once your report is complete.

Yes, I want to learn more about the ACSI Flourishing Schools Institute!

Defining Well-Being

Well-being is an important domain for both student and educator flourishing. The FSCI identified three constructs related to well-being—one for teachers and leaders (Stress), and two for students (Healthy Living and Resilience). This domain and related constructs demonstrate that the well-being of educators and students is not a secondary concern—but an essential contributor to flourishing outcomes.

Well-Being FSCM Constructs

Stress – Constant feelings of stress and being overwhelmed accompany a lack of time to prepare for instruction (Teachers) or to focus on physical health (Leaders).

Healthy Living – Students are happy with their physical health, including sufficient exercise and a healthy diet.

Resilience – Students handle stress effectively and respond well to/bounce back from difficult situations.

Defining Purpose

A Christian perspective on education provides the telos, or purposeful aim, of Christian schooling. The FSCI identified a commitment on the part of all school constituencies to the central purposes of education as strongly connected with flourishing outcomes.

Purpose FSCM Constructs

Responsibility – Leaders, teachers, and support staff feel a sense of shared ownership for school mission, success, and improvement.

Holistic Teaching – Teaching involves helping students develop spiritually and emotionally (teaching the heart and soul, as well as the mind).

Integrated Worldview – Christian worldview changes how we educate; there is no such thing as a secular sphere.

God’s Story – Students believe they are a part of God’s bigger plan and can be used by him to “make a difference.”

Questioning – Students have doubts about their faith, lack time to pray or study the Bible, and feel that most Christians are too judgmental.

Partnership – Families feel they are a part of the school’s mission, and that their child’s spiritual development requires their partnering with and being involved at the school.

Spiritual Formation – Alumni report that their Christian faith is stronger thanks to attending a Christian school, and they believe people can change with God’s help.

Defining Expertise & Resources

While a sense of purpose is essential for Christian school leaders and teachers, their ability to fulfill that purpose is necessarily dependent upon their expertise as educators. FCSI research shows that flourishing is connected to excellence in educational and school management practices.

Expertise & Resources FSCM Constructs

Qualified Staff – New teacher hires are credentialed (licensed/certified) and have classroom experience.

Responsiveness to Special Needs – Teaching staff works together to serve students with special needs, aided by processes and resources for identifying and responding to those needs.

Resources – Materials and resources for teaching, including technology, are sufficient, and the school building is in good physical condition.

Resource Planning – A strategic financial plan and master facilities plan is in place, and financial planning is a strength of the board.

Resource Constraints – The school has financial resources to operate effectively; or, we could be more effective as a school if not for fiscal constraints, and we lack the resources we need to make changes in our school.

Opening Session
Time
Activity
2:00-5:00pm
Institute Registration
2:30-3:30pm
Pre-Institute Data Workshops (Free/Optional)
4:00pm-5:00pm
Post-Event Learning Labs (Free/Optional)
4:00-6:00pm
Hotel Check-In
5:00-6:00pm
Appetizer Fellowship & Exhibitors
6:00-6:15pm
Worship and Welcome
6:15-8:00pm
Foundations in Flourishing
Day 2
7:30am
Continental Breakfast & Exhibitors
7:55am
Worship & Welcome
8:20am
Keynote: Purpose Domain
9:00am
Break
9:15am
Engagement Session: Purpose
10:30am
Break/Exhibitors
10:55am
Keynote: Teaching & Learning Domain
11:35am
Break
11:45am
Engagement Session: Teaching & Learning
1:00pm
Networking Lunch
2:10pm
Keynote: Relationships Domain
2:50pm
Break
3:05pm
Engagement Session: Relationships
4:20pm
End of Day
Evening
Create a team building event or planning session w/ your school team (Optional)
Day 3
7:30am
Continental Breakfast & Exhibitors
7:55am
Worship & Welcome
8:20am
Keynote: Well-Being Domain
9:00am
Break
9:15am
Engagement Session: Well-Being
10:30am
Break/Exhibitors
10:55am
Keynote: Expertise & Resources Domain
11:35am
Break
11:45am
Engagement Session: Expertise & Resources
1:00pm
Lunch & Closing Remarks with Dr. Larry Taylor
2:15pm
End of Day

*Please note this is a sample schedule and the final schedule can change per specific location.