Welcome to Stories
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Forty-five minutes. That’s all that separates the parking lot of Ocean View Christian Academy in San Diego from the dirt roads, improvised homes, and vibrant faith communities of Primo Tapia, Mexico. But for the students who cross the border each year on the school’s annual mission trip, those 45 minutes may as well be a world away. And that’s exactly why they go.
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ACSI believes that Faith Teaches every moment, every day, every way. It is tremendous to witness member schools putting faith into action. Through teaching students servant leadership by volunteering at The Salvation Army, to raising money in penny drives to support missions overseas, Christian schools are truly showing what it means to be the hands and feet of Christ.
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As Christmas approaches, we reached out to our ACSI leaders across the globe and asked them to tell us how their regions celebrate this joyous season. The traditions they shared rooted in faith, culture, and community paint a rich picture of how Christians everywhere honor the miracle of Christ’s birth. Enjoy this look at Christmas around the world!
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The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) continues to advance its Vision 2030 initiatives with notable progress in Early Education. We asked Dr. Althea Penn, ACSI’s Director of Early Education, to share some of the exciting updates and milestones taking place in this vital area of Christian schooling.
David Ray, Assistant Vice President for ACSI USA and Director for Florida with 46 years of Christian education experience, is retiring from this position in December. During his time in this role, he has provided support, encouragement, and consultation to schools and leaders on a variety of educational topics. He has been able to use his prior experience as a former educator and head of school to relate in a special way to the needs of boards, leadership teams, and faculty members, as well as families and students, providing helpful and practical solutions to a myriad of challenges.
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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I promise that I didn’t do it on purpose. I was not snooping around, but one early December day many years ago, in a moment of mindless meddling around the house, I found it. My big Christmas gift that my parents tried to keep hidden until Christmas morning: a full-sized Voltron action figure, the envy of any elementary aged boy in the 1980s. However, as much as I pleaded and begged, they would not let me play with it until Christmas morning. The toy was agonizingly within my grasp, but I had to wait.
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At North Raleigh Christian Academy (NRCA), we believe our mission doesn’t end at graduation. We’ve seen firsthand how alumni continue to impact their communities and the world for Christ — from doctors and pastors to artists, athletes, engineers, and educators. And because of this, maintaining strong, meaningful connections with them isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a vital extension of our mission.
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Joseph saved God’s people from starvation as a high-ranking leader in Egypt. Moses led God’s people out of bondage in Egypt. David led God’s people both as military leader and king. Gideon led an army of God’s people into battle. Elisha relayed God’s words to His people. Peter, Andrew, James, and John led God’s people in the days of the early Church. What do all these men have in common? They each experienced a radical, God-ordained career change. Each of them was “unconventionally prepared” for their leadership roles. Consider David—he had no military experience when he fought Goliath, nor political experience when he was anointed king. Yet God took a humble shepherd and transformed him into a warrior and a king.
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I will never forget the sight and experience of my husband leading our church in worship the week after we lost our baby. With hands lifted high in praise and open in surrender, he proclaimed the faithfulness and goodness of God to every soul listening and invited them to do the same. I will never forget the agony—and bliss—of that moment: our chance to bring a true sacrifice of praise. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” (NIV)
Podcast
Douglas Campbell hosts an episode with three major contributors to ACSI's Spiritual Formation Network meetings.
Emily Pigott shares how to lead with presence to remind students that peace is not the absence of chaos, it's the awareness of Christ in that chaos.
Rachael Jones sits down with Dr. Edward Bunn to discuss strategies for receiving and implementing healthy feedback as leaders.
This episode features Dr. Chad McNatt, Superintendent at Seattle Christian School (WA), on students asking tough questions, as well as highlights from Catalyst and Asheville Christian Academy's hurricane recovery efforts.
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.
