Welcome to Stories
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Hear from ACSI Exemplary Accredited Heads of School as they share how accreditation strengthens their institutions by upholding their mission, elevating academic and spiritual excellence, and showcasing their school's unique strengths.
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Before Alisa Childers gained notoriety with the Dove Award-winning band ZOEgirl, she fell in love with Christian education as a student. From walking into her Christian preschool for the first time, to the memory verses she still remembers from first grade, all the way to graduating from a Christian high school, Childers is a strong advocate of Christian schools.
The news was devastating. Fires were spreading across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, leaving in their wake immense destruction and loss. The Resurrection Christian School community in Loveland, CO, immediately joined together in prayer. They collectively brainstormed ways they could help. “Each year, our elementary students participate in a Penny War, where they collect coins by class and we donate the proceeds to a specific cause,” said Inta Hand, Elementary Assistant Principal at Resurrection Christian School.
It did not take long for Schools United to see its vision for building camaraderie between Christian educators to come true and then far exceed it. What began in 2018 as an informal gathering of Christian school leaders in South Florida has developed into a robust organization that connects Christian school professionals across the United States—and soon: beyond.
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We asked ACSI Exemplary Accredited school leaders what they love most about Christian education. Here's what they shared.
Featured Event
Flourish Deeper
- Engaging Students Who Think & Learn Differently
03/20/25 | Sacramento, CA
Flourish Deeper is a one day focused, learning experience around a relevant construct from the Flourishing School Culture Research. It is a deep learning opportunity with a unique blend of expert-led sessions and interactive discussions designed to inform
a school’s planning, practice, and purpose.
Blog
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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.
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Risk management is a crucial aspect of school administration, yet research on the specific needs of Christian schools has been limited. To address this gap, ACSI’s 2024–2025 Commercial Insurance and Risk Management Benchmarking Report (CIRM-BR) aimed to provide valuable insights into the unique risk profiles and insurance options for Christian schools. The report presents key findings from a national survey of ACSI member schools, covering areas like insurance purchasing, risk management practices, and consumer sentiment.
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There are many words that we can use to describe our modern culture, but there is one that we can all resonate with: “busy.” We are busy people living in a busy world. The calendar always seems full, and life always seems to be moving at a more rapid pace than the year before. As an educator, you feel this at an even higher level as spring approaches. There are too many tasks to complete, events to be planned, and meetings to be attended, yet too little time.
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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.
Podcast
Integrating faith and leadership skills requires character and humility in leadership. Ultimately, faith is the core of leadership, stressing the need for leaders to trust in God.
Dr. Edward Bunn sits down with Becky Tubergen and Betsy Winkle from All Belong to discuss how to help every student thrive.
Dr. Larry Taylor interviews Mark Thiessen, a Christian school leader in Indonesia. Mark shares his journey and commitment to Christian education, describing how his family was called to serve in Indonesia.
Mia Lazaga rejoins the podcast for a longform conversation about community development and empowering students beyond the classroom.
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.
ACSI Welcomes Terry Caywood as the New Accreditation Director for Central Division
Colorado Springs, CO – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce Terry Caywood as its new Central Division Accreditation Director.
This role will ensure educational excellence by overseeing ACSI’s accreditation process for Christian member schools across 18 states. Caywood will foster relationships with accredited school leaders in the Central Division and will resource them as they embark on their journey of continuous improvement.
Caywood will begin his role on Dec. 1, 2024, bringing 37 years of educational experience, having served the last 17 years as the Head of School at Harvest Christian Academy in Keller, Texas. He attended Stephen F. Austin State University for his Bachelor of Science degree and then earned an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Throughout his tenure in K-12 Christian education, Caywood has been active in ACSI accreditation by leading his school through the accreditation process, serving as a team member, and chairing multiple ACSI teams. He has also served on the ACSI Central Division, South Accreditation Commission. He has developed deep experience and relationships with schools in his region.
Stephen Deck, ACSI Senior Director of Accreditation and Credentialing, shared his excitement about Caywood joining the ACSI team."Terry brings a wealth of Christian school leadership experience and accreditation experience, as well as a heart for helping Christian schools target key areas to drive school improvement,” he said. “As ACSI fully implements the Inspire protocol, aligned with the Flourishing Schools research, Terry will effectively lead the accreditation process for our Central Division schools as they continue to prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ."
Caywood is looking forward to serving Christian schools at ACSI.
“I look forward to serving and connecting with ACSI schools through this accreditation position as we honor the Lord in the lives of students and families,” he said. “To have this opportunity to help strengthen and advance Kingdom education through ACSI's accreditation program is humbling. I am excited about the many new relationships that will be formed with Christian school leaders as we strive to be effective and impactful in every facet of our students' experiences.”
To learn more about ACSI’s Inspire Accreditation Protocol, please visit the website.
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.
