Welcome to Stories
Three Christian schools, Oaks Christian School (OCS) in Westlake Village, CA, Calvary Christian High School (CCHS) in Clearwater, FL, and Scottsdale Christian Academy (SCA) in Phoenix, recently earned ACSI’s Exemplary Accreditation status. They will be acknowledged on stage at FSi Dallas in February 2026.
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We asked educators what they love about teaching in Christian schools, inviting them to reflect on their work, their classrooms, and their school communities. "I love teaching at a Christian school because I can freely tell my students about the love of Jesus and I get the honor to pray with my students and families! (I also enjoy) listening to their prayer requests and taking them seriously."
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Devin Darden spent barely half of his high school career at Williamsburg Christian Academy (WCA) in Virginia, but he made the most of his experience at the ACSI-accredited school. Darden transferred to WCA from a public school during his sophomore year, thanks in large part to a scholarship through the Children’s Tuition Fund. In his two-plus years at WCA, Darden participated in the Key Club and the National Honor Society, plus competing for WCA’s swim, track and field, soccer, and baseball teams.
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Christian schools across the globe united for ACSI’s 2025 Global Day of Prayer, setting aside time to seek the Lord together, celebrating the theme “Abide.” Students and faculty across campuses and time zones united in prayer, engaging in creative expressions such as building prayer vines, rotating through prayer stations, and contributing to prayer walls.
Dr. Jeff Mattner’s life was an authentic testimony of faithfulness, service, and deep commitment to God’s calling, specifically through Christ-centered education. For 14 years, Jeff served at the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), investing his time, gifts, and wisdom into hundreds of Christian schools. His steady devotion and graceful presence offered reassurance, counsel, and direction.
Featured Event
Rooted Educator Worldview Summit '26
June 15–17, 2026 | DoubleTree Hotel | Colorado Springs, CO
Rooted will explore what it means to be human in light of the Christian worldview and how this vision reshapes the aims, practices, and culture of Christian education. Grounded in the biblical narrative—from creation in God’s image, to the distortion of sin, to redemption and restoration in Christ—the conference invites educators to consider how a robust theological understanding of personhood informs formation, teaching, curriculum, and community life. By recovering a hopeful, truthful, and dignifying view of humanity, Christian education can equip students to embrace their identity as image-bearers, their belonging within God’s family, and their call to participate meaningfully in God’s redemptive work in the world.
Blog
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Rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidality among school-aged children have been growing in recent years (U.S. Census Bureau 2023; Kieling et al. 2024; CDC 2023). However, there has been limited research investigating the mental health of U.S. Christian school students and educators, as compared with the mental health of those groups in U.S. public schools (Thorton and Miller 2022). At the same time, better mental health and well-being might be expected among Christian school students and educators, given that communal religious participation is correlated with greater levels of happiness and life satisfaction, mental health and physical health, meaning and purpose, and close social relationships (VanderWeele 2017).
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John Maxwell once said, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” In my experience, this has proven to be true. Every successful school I have had contact with has had strong leadership. Conversely, schools that are struggling often have leadership issues. So what does strong leadership in a Christian school entail? The attributes of quality leadership are things dissertations and books are written on; here we will address five aspects of leadership in Christian schools.
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Christian schools tend to thrive when leaders are intentionally identified, cultivated, and developed. Leadership doesn’t emerge by accident; it grows through prayerful formation, intentional development, and wise stewardship of gifts. Every organization tends to rise or fall on the quality of its leaders. If we don’t invest in growing leaders, we’re essentially leaving the future of our organizations to chance. Development provides leaders with the tools to adapt, wisdom to make better decisions, and character to influence in healthy ways. The challenges of tomorrow often require us to build on yesterday’s strengths while also developing new leadership capacities.
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Long before Black History Month or America existed, a precedent was set that defied the common “logic” of that day and has positively impacted many people’s minds and actions to this day. This precedent was set by none other than the one true God, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Savior of humanity, Jesus the Christ. During His eternity-shifting life on Earth, Jesus corrected the corrupt logic that it is acceptable for people to devalue one another.
Podcast
Jonathon Basurto, Principal at Pusch Ridge Christian Academy South Campus in Tucson, AZ, witnesses how Christian education can transform underserved students.
What is the responsibility of leaders to invest in the spiritual formation of the employees they steward? Chris Loncar, ACSI's VP of Human Resources, discusses how organizations should care for their most important asset: people.
Darin Long hosts a session on making biblical unity a goal across your entire organization, using stories from his Christian school leadership experience.
Deon Parker hosts a session on pursuing biblical unity with Jesus Christ as the pace setter.
Stay Informed on ACSI's Events and Resources
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.
Christian Schools From Around the Globe Join in ACSI’s Annual Day of Prayer
Colorado Springs, CO- Thousands of Christian educators and students from around the world will join in celebrating the seventh annual ACSI Day of Prayer on Tuesday, February 27.
The ACSI Day of Prayer is one of the Association’s most popular events, focusing on advancing Christ-centered education through prayer. ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor looks forward to the unification of schools around the world through prayer.
“Now more than ever, there is an increased global desire for Christ-centered education, which is an encouraging trend to witness,” he said. “This not only showcases God’s faithfulness this year, it also reminds us to live in a constant state of praise, grateful for God’s provision and enduring love.”
The theme for this year’s Day of Prayer is “Faithfulness,” emphasizing the importance of God’s steadfast love and unchanging character. According to the website, the Isaiah 25:1 theme reminds individuals that God has a special plan and purpose for each and every one of them.
Mike Epp, ACSI Senior Vice President of Global, believes this event marks a beautiful, renewed commitment to worshipping God and seeking Him wholeheartedly.
“ACSI’s Global Day of Prayer is a profound demonstration of how we are unified, through Jesus Christ, to the passionate mission of teaching and discipling children to fully know Him,” he said. “We chose the theme ‘Faithfulness’ because of God’s constant faithfulness and to salute the perseverance and sacrifice of thousands of educators around the world who deliver the message of His love through their work.”
Schools can participate by submitting their prayer requests through the electronic form, which allows requests to be visible publicly on the ACSI website. They can also download the prayer guide, containing prayer station ideas and thematic Bible verses, to host an in-house Day of Prayer with their school communities.
In 2023, Christian educators from more than 58 countries participated in the Day of Prayer, including Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, India, and many more. This year, schools from more than 38 countries have already submitted their prayer requests.
Schools creatively structure their in-house Day of Prayer gatherings. In 2023, educators shared their celebration ideas on social media, including school-wide Chapels, Day of Prayer tent stations, art and music projects, and more.
Taylor said the theme of “Faithfulness” has perhaps never been more timely.
“God’s faithfulness throughout the past year at ACSI is apparent as we look at the many Christian educators that are being strengthened across the globe,” he said. “This year’s Day of Prayer will be a catalyst to unite educators in different cultural contexts through the power of prayer. It will be a time to thank God for His continuous faithfulness in bringing the love of Christ to schools and their surrounding communities.”
ACSI member Eastside Christian School participated in the 2023 Day of Prayer. Head of School Dr. Tiffany Stark shared their experience: “Our school loved participating in the ACSI Day of Prayer. There was a reverent attitude among our students as they stepped away from their regular classroom routines to join with schools across the globe to seek the Lord. Students from every grade level led our student body in prayer for our school, community, nation, and the world. What a gift to be part of an organization that aligns with the heartbeat of our school! Thank you, ACSI!”
To learn more about Day of Prayer, visit the website or contact ACSI Care Team by calling (800) 367-0798 or emailing careteam@acsi.org.
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.
