Welcome to Stories
This is an uncommon sight: more than 400 Christian school students and teachers gathering in China for a three-day Christian conference. These students are used to attending underground schools where they have to arrive secretly, wary of neighbors noticing large groups of students who aren’t in public schools. But at this recent student leadership conference far from any big city, the students and teachers came together to collaborate, worship, pray, and enjoy Bible studies, a talent show, and sports events.
Summer is here and we know the importance of utilizing this time to refill your cup and invest in your own professional development! We have compiled a list of recommended books that our educators are reading for you to browse for your own summer reading list.
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Dr. Derrick Mueller serves as one of the Executive Directors for ACSI Canada, overseeing the East Coast, but his path into a career in education and leadership was far from typical. Born into a broken home and facing trauma at a young age, he spent his early years moving between foster families in Northern Quebec. He dealt with language barriers, health issues, and learning difficulties, all of which made school a tough experience for him.
Every graduating senior is a unique creation in the image of God, yet schools aim to instill certain desired outcomes in all of them. During my time as head of school at Prestonwood Christian Academy in Texas, we prayerfully aspired for our graduating seniors to demonstrate these foundational desired outcomes.
This Easter season, students at Happy Hands and Deaf Christian Academy encountered the story of Jesus in a way they never have before—through their own language. Thanks to the groundbreaking release of “Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film” in American Sign Language (ASL), Deaf students now have direct access to the life of Christ, portrayed entirely in ASL without the need for subtitles, interpreters, or animated versions.
Featured Event
Rooted Educator Worldview Summit '25
June 16–18, 2025 | Dallas, TX
Educators around the world are asking how to more effectively engage students in the spiritual formation journey and help develop deeper roots in the flourishing soil of a biblical worldview. ACSI and the Colson Center have partnered together to offer a “worldview summit” to answer this leading question and to provide valuable resources for:
- Developing a Christlike culture
- Facilitating healthy faith formation
- Providing tools to engage secular ideology
- Expanding best practice around a clear and consistent application of the Christian worldview
Blog
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Some of us may have experience building our own house. Even without that lived experience, we all may understand intuitively and agree that constructing a strong house requires complex planning and detailed execution. Every construction project not only needs a solid blueprint but also a team of skilled laborers, sufficient resources, the right tools, an achievable timeline and Gant Chart to plot the overlapping phases of construction, and strong project management skills. A sturdy house cannot be completed if any of these elements are missing.
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There are very few educators with a completed to-do list—there is always more to plan and implement, and every day creates new challenges to add to issues from yesterday that are still unresolved. As we look back at the school year (that either just finished or will finish soon), there are certain to be items we had to leave unchecked.
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It’s that time of year once again. As the sun sets on the familiar halls that echo with laughter and locker doors clanging shut, a mix of emotions hangs in the air. High school graduation, a milestone marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood, is an event brimming with nostalgia, anticipation, and the promise of new beginnings.
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Over the years, I’ve asked hundreds of school leaders and boards for their opinion on strategic planning. The response has varied, to say the least. Some roll their eyes and recount failed attempts in the past that led only to frustration. Others shrug it off as a nice thing to do when there’s plenty of time to do it, but certainly not now. Some show their frustration at trying to write and implement plans that took more time and energy than the benefit they provided. Still others take a strangely detached spiritual approach by saying something like, “We just follow the leading of the Holy Spirit; we don’t need a plan.” The minority who strongly advocate for a plan will admit that the one they have doesn’t really serve them the way they had hoped.
Podcast
Hear from Dr. Larry Taylor at the International Educator Leadership Conference in Budapest, and from Phil Hills, Executive Regional Director of ACSI Western Canada, ahead of this September's Public Policy & Advocacy Summit.
Emily Pigott emphasizes the importance of leading by example through biblical leaders Nehemiah, Deborah, Ruth, and Moses. She highlights various leadership traits such as integrity, humility, and perseverance.
Dr. Cy Smith, Superintendent of Mansfield Christian School, shares actionable insights on how to handle the shortage of quality Christian educators.
Jerry Nelson discusses the purpose and goals of Christian education, emphasizing the need for divine guidance over external influences.
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 Announces Key Changes in Staff Structure, Including New Director of Digital Professional Development and Director of New Business Development for Sevenstar
Colorado Springs, CO – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce key changes in its staff structure, including the promotion of Former Instructional Designer for Professional Development Jennifer Bollinger to Director of Digital Professional Development, and the hiring of Kristy Henriques as the new Director of New Business Development for Sevenstar, a ministry of ACSI.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor believes these strategic changes will position the organization for success.
“We have invested significant resources into ensuring that we not only hire qualified personnel that will help take ACSI to the next level of excellence, but that we invest in the growth of our existing employees in honor of their strengths,” he shared. “As a Christian organization, we truly do place a large emphasis on taking care of our people.”
Bollinger, who has served ACSI for 13 years, assumes her new role as Director of Digital Professional Development. She will lead the organization's efforts to provide quality digital, on-demand professional learning content for Christian educators. She will facilitate the digital development team in engaging new generations of educators with relevant products and programs through the ever-changing landscape of Christian education.
Sevenstar CEO & Head of School Brett Henry looks forward to Bollinger leading the digital professional development team.
“The digital PD platform is a central element to accomplishing many of ACSI’s Vision 2030 initiatives, and Jennifer’s leadership of the team responsible for its content will surely elevate the effort to new heights,” he said. “Among the many strengths she brings to this assignment, her long tenure with ACSI provides invaluable understanding of our culture and foundational principles that are truly irreplaceable.”
Bollinger has held multiple roles at ACSI including Instructional Designer for Professional Development, Editorial Manager, and other editorial roles in Purposeful Design Publications.
Bollinger shared her goals and aspirations for her new position.
“My vision is for ACSI PD to be the primary resource for Christian educators seeking ongoing education,” she said. “This will feature a user-friendly platform that fosters engagement and learning. My passion is to develop biblically based, exceptional content for our Christian schools.”
ACSI is also pleased to welcome Kristy Henriques as the new Director of New Business Development for Sevenstar.
In her new role, Henriques will build, support, and lead the organization’s sales and marketing efforts by strategically expanding course enrollment in both the school and family areas.
Henriques shared her passion surrounding her new position.
“I'm so excited to be part of an organization that is helping students grow both intellectually and spiritually through online education,” she said. “It's been wonderful to join such a great team at Sevenstar and I'm eager to contribute to the ongoing success and growth of Christian education.”
Henriques formerly served as the Director of Digital Media at Leading the Way, during which time she helped streamline their digital infrastructure and added 1 million YouTube subscribers. She also served at Lighten Group, a non-profit start-up focused on helping to train Christians on how to answer questions about their faith.
Henry is excited to have Herniques step into the Director of Business role.
“As Sevenstar nears its twentieth year of ministry, we are at a strategic inflection point fueled by exponential growth in the non-traditional learning sector. As we reviewed our strategic planning in light of this, it was clear that new ways of attracting, capturing, and processing leads are needed for us to continue to succeed in the chapter ahead,” he said. “When we reviewed candidates for that task, it was clear that God had uniquely prepared Kristy with the skills, experience, and temperament needed to elevate this global ministry. With her help, I am confident that Sevenstar will continue to grow and expand access to Kingdom education for years to come.”
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.
