Flourishing Schools Institute Charlotte, North Carolina - June 20–22, 2023
Biblical Unity ACSI Core Convictions and Commitments According to Biblical Worldview Truths
ACSI's Foundational 3 Pillars:
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.
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.
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.
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Students from Christian Schools Across the U.S. Converge at Grand Canyon University to Compete in ACSI International Christian STEM Competition
Phoenix, Ariz., April 18, 2023 –Students from ACSI Member schools across 11 states will converge in Phoenix, Ariz., Saturday, April 22, for the highly anticipated Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) International Christian STEM Competition, taking place at Grand Canyon University (GCU).
The competition, which will allow more than 160 Christian students in grades 7-12 to compete in eight different STEM challenges, is made possible through a partnership between ACSI and GCU.
ACSI Director of Student Services Emily Pigott believes this offering is extremely relevant and timely for today’s students.
“We are thrilled to provide our member school students with the opportunity to participate in this competition,” she shared. “The Divisional and International Christian STEM Competitions allow students to explore the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math through a biblical worldview perspective.”
The International Christian STEM Competition is preceded by seven Divisional Competitions. Divisional Competition winners will compete in eight challenges at GCU, including Aerospace Glider, Rehabilitation Challenge: Biomedical Engineering, Capture the Flag (Cybersecurity), Deep Racer Challenge (AI/Machine Learning), Innovation in Service, Onsite Design Challenge, Robotics Thunder Lunch, and Software Development.
Corinne Araza, Director of K12 STEM Outreach, a division of the K12 Educational Development at GCU, looks forward to hosting the competition.
“We believe that enabling students to pursue their passions and to really explore the unique ways God has gifted them is important,” she shared. “Last year’s competition inspired us to expand the challenge options. We have seen great interest and increased participation from schools across the U.S.’”
In fact, in the 2022-23 school year, 32 schools participated in the Divisional Competitions with an estimated 332 participating students—nearly double the number of participants from 2021-22.
“We also received interest from 16 potential host sites and numerous schools ready to join the competition next year, so we anticipate further expansion,” Pigott said. “We are eager to witness students from around the world improve and develop their STEM abilities.”
Gary Shoup, STEAM Teacher at Stoneybrooke Christian School, accompanied his qualifying students to the International Christian STEM Competition last year.
“The ACSI STEM Competitions, Divisional and ICSC, were a HUGE success!” he shared. “Students were engaged, excited, and challenged. Learning and spiritual growth were evident everywhere. The events were amazing—creative, well-designed, and varied for all types of interests and abilities. We look forward to attending next year!”
To learn more about the ACSI International Christian STEM Competition, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or emailing careteam@acsi.org. To learn more about GCU, 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. 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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About Grand Canyon University:
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. The university offers 318 academic programs, including 260+ online academic programs. With more than 200,000 alumni, Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The college is growing rapidly with plans for continued expansion. Learn more on the website.
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