Welcome to Stories
.jpg?sfvrsn=5a8fa93d_1 "Globe 950 x 475 (28)")
In 2025, ACSI set a new milestone by hosting a Student Track at the annual ACSI Public Policy and Advocacy (PPA) Summit in Washington, D.C., nine students from across the country came to the nation's capital to meet with state representatives and learn about advocacy from policy experts. The 2026 Summit will expand the opportunities for student leaders to engage in advocacy. ACSI Vice President of Educational Resources & Student Programs Emily Pigott looks forward to the event.
.jpg?sfvrsn=cbe0442d_1 "Enroll 600x400 (53)")
Christian schools around the world came together for ACSI’s 2026 Global Day of Prayer, intentionally seeking the Lord and reflecting on this year’s theme, “The Power of Prayer.” ACSI received over 620 prayer submissions from 77 countries, including Brazil, Uganda, and Spain.
Over 25 years, ACSI South Africa has grown from a small fellowship of pioneering schools into a recognized national and continental voice for Christian education. It advocates for Christian schools, provides policies, conferences, workshops, and resources, and partners globally within the ACSI family. Above all, the story reflects God’s faithfulness, provision, and guidance, along with a renewed commitment to advance Christ-centered education across South Africa and Africa for years to come.
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.
.jpg?sfvrsn=61cc2bed_1 "Enroll 600x400 (43)")
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."
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
.jpg?sfvrsn=c32b679b_1 "Globe 950 x 475 (27)")
I began teaching 7th grade math in 1999 after a postbaccalaureate certification program. My mentor teacher provided wisdom, compassion, and advice, supporting me through that challenging first year. She became my role model in later years when I became a mentor teacher. Many new teachers have passed through the doors of our school in Central Asia. Orientation programs include limited time for training in curriculum, classroom management, and culture. To meet the professional and personal needs of the teachers stepping into an international Christian school classroom for the first time, schools need an effective mentoring program.
.jpg?sfvrsn=d050331d_1 "Globe 950 x 475 (31)")
As we approach Women’s History Month, we reflect on the countless women who have shaped the United States through their faith, wisdom, and diligence. The Proverbs 31 woman is a model of virtue, embodying strength, intelligence, and compassion—qualities seen in women throughout American history who have overcome challenges to serve their families, communities, and God’s kingdom.
.jpg?sfvrsn=adfd7a64_1 "Globe 950 x 475 (26)")
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).
.jpg?sfvrsn=cb0a265b_1 "Globe 950 x 475 (24)")
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.
Podcast
What would happen if our desire for more parental involvement extended beyond the child's academics to something of greater worth? Dr. Toyin Atolagbe, Executive Director of Great Hearts Christos, shares how parental engagement shapes spiritual formation.
Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss ways to recognize the crucial role that that middle leaders serve as the "bridge" between upper-level leadership and staff.
Dr. Chuck Fuller, Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Anderson University, shares how he went from pastoral ministry to higher Christian education and identifies traits of "good" and "the right" types of education.
How does someone in charge of spiritual formation build a team to ensure growth builds beyond themself? Are you a spiritual formation lone ranger? Dr. David Brinkley, Director of Spiritual Life at Rosslyn Academy in Kenya, has insights to help.
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.
