Welcome to Stories
Featured Event
Rooted Educator Worldview Summit
This June, ACSI and the Colson Center are partnering together for an educators "worldview summit" to discuss how to more effectively engage students in the spiritual formation journey and help develop deeper roots in the flourishing soil of a biblical worldview. Join June 24-26 for the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit in Black Mountain, NC.
Blog
Artificial Intelligence: A Choice to Build Empires, or God’s Kingdom
Jason Toevs
| April 22, 2024
As a father and a lifelong Christian, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) captivates our imagination and stirs deep ethical debates within our community. Its influence is poised to reshape our families, faith, and the very fabric of society. I remember a conversation with my daughter where she asked “Siri” a question about Solomon from the Bible. Her innocent question underscored the importance of engaging with AI proactively and using it for good, in accordance with the Truth.
Podcast
Grafted Together Ep 4 | Vocational Education and Helping Students Find Their Gifting
Jerry Nelson | April 22, 2024
Jerry Nelson and his guest, Alice Middelkoop-Stijsiger, discuss a biblical worldview of vocation, how to help students see how God has gifted them, and what we can learn from the Netherlands' educational system.
President's Office
“I can think of no greater cause than to partner with you to advance Christ-centered education.” Dr. Larry Taylor, ACSI President & CEO
Dr. Taylor has been serving in education for over 30 years. He is passionate about training up this generation of disciples for Jesus Christ through Christian education.
Prior to accepting the President position at ACSI, Dr. Larry Taylor served twenty years as the Head of School at Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) in Plano, Texas. Prestonwood Christian Academy serves more than 1,600 students enrolled at four campuses as part of its school system.
Click the link below to read more.
ACSI's Mission
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's Foundational 3 Pillars
Advancing
Leading Christ-centered education toward excellence and flourishing
We want all schools to aspire to, achieve, and remain committed to a biblically-based philosophy of education, standards that are measurable, and flourishing-related criteria. ACSI strives to lead, support, and serve Christian schools, and educators, by placing them on a path of growth and flourishing using the research-based Flourishing Schools Initiative. This model should link leadership and faculty professional development accreditation, and every culture-driving component of a school. A common philosophy, and a flourishing-based metric, would unify our efforts of advancing Christian schools and educators.
Access
Making Christ-centered education available and obtainable
ACSI is committed to making Kingdom education available to as many children and families as desire it, believing that such an education offers students an opportunity to grow in a loving relationship with their Creator, come to know His saving work through Jesus, and flourish in His Ephesians 2:10 calling for their lives. This commitment requires removing barriers to access for those who traditionally have not benefited from Christian school, as well as seeking out new ways to create access points to Kingdom education and the ability to thrive and be successful in that education—for all those who desire it.
Advocacy
Promoting and protecting Christ-centered education for today and tomorrow
As the largest evangelical Christian school association in the world, ACSI is by default viewed as the spokesperson for Christian schooling in the public square. In order to discharge this responsibility with excellence and seasoned speech (Colossians 4:6), and to equip our member schools to do the same, ACSI must invest in developing public-facing resources and forming strategic relationships with those working in the area of advocacy for Christian Education and for religious liberty.
Stay Connected to ACSI
The ACSI Community online forum exists to provide connection, collaboration, and networking with Christ-centered education advocates, educators, and influencers in a protected online environment.
ACSI Community offers Christian educators opportunities to Connect, Collaborate, Compel, Captivate, and Comprehend. Join thousands of like-minded education professionals around to globe to grow in knowledge, sharpen skills, and deepen your faith, in a safe, authentic virtual environment.
ACSI provide helpful tools for you to find the next position God has for you through a resume review search and career planning portal. You can also discover ACSI positions.
Thinking about serving internationally? PFO2Go will provide the confidence to enter a new culture in which to both work and live outside the United States. Also, don’t miss the International Schools Job Fair.
ACSI Announces Appointment of New Director of Research
Colorado Springs, Colo., March 8, 2021 – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Matthew H. Lee as Director of Research. Lee’s responsibilities will include building on ACSI’s groundbreaking Flourishing Schools research and ongoing sustainability research, as well as developing new initiatives that will undergird ACSI’s thought leadership in Christian education.
He assumed duties on March 1, 2021.
Lee joins ACSI with a wealth of experience in academic and applied research and writing, including numerous articles related to school choice outcomes, private school leadership and educational program evaluation. His work has been cited in national outlets such as Education Next and Education Week, as well as by major policy organizations such as the American Enterprise Institute, the R Street Institute, and the Cato Institute.
Dr. Lynn Swaner, ACSI Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, believes Lee brings a unique skillset to this role.
“I am thrilled to have Matt Lee join ACSI as our Director of Research,” she said. “He brings the right mix of expertise and passion to ACSI, and we look forward to his leadership in research on matters of educational, spiritual and cultural importance for Christian schools.”
Lee is the co-editor of the book, “Religious Liberty and Education,” published in 2020 by Rowan & Littlefield, which garnered the praise of Yuval Levin (National Affairs), Frederick Hess (AEI), and Ruth Wisse (Harvard University). He recently completed his dissertation, “Faith-based Education and Civic Value Formation,” at the University of Arkansas under the supervision of Cardus Senior Fellow, Dr. Albert Cheng. Lee has also previously served as intern for ACSI Thought Leadership & Research in fall 2020.
ACSI President, Dr. Larry Taylor, is confident that Lee will be a great addition to the Thought Leadership & Research team.
“Dr. Lee has already done incredible work at ACSI,” he said. “I have no doubt that he will continue to strengthen the innovative efforts of the department, ultimately benefiting our Christian schools.”
Lee looks forward to assuming his new duties.
“I am excited to join the talented Thought Leadership & Research team and am grateful to God for the opportunity to support ACSI schools as they prepare students for lives of faithfulness and flourishing,” he said.
Lee lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with his wife Caroline and their two children.
To learn more about ACSI Thought Leadership & Research, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or by emailing research@acsi.org.
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 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.
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Strategic Partners
ACSI proudly presents the Strategic Partnership Program, which includes companies, organizations, and ministries who have been carefully chosen to benefit you—our member schools—and to assist you in accomplishing your life-changing mission.