A Legacy of Faith and Education: ACSI Latin America’s Journey

By: David Harding  

For over three decades, the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) has played a pivotal role in shaping Christian education in Latin America. What began as a vision to expand biblical teaching beyond North America has grown into a thriving network of schools, educators, and leaders across the globe committed to academic excellence and spiritual formation. This is how ACSI Latin America became one of the largest and most dynamic divisions within the global ACSI family. 

Foundations of ACSI and the Latin American Vision 

ACSI was founded in 1978 when three U.S.-based Christian school associations merged to form a unified body. Under the leadership of Dr. Roy Lowrie Jr. and Dr. Paul Kienel, the association’s goal was to support Christian schools in the U.S. and worldwide. The “international” scope of ACSI’s name was inspired by co-founder Dr. Gene Garrick, reflecting the organization’s global ambitions. Headquartered in Southern California, ACSI initially served mostly North American schools, with some international outreach to missionary communities. 

In 1989, ACSI took significant steps toward Latin America. That year, ACSI Missions Director Dr. Phil Renicks encountered Stuart and Sheny Salazar, a passionate Guatemalan couple who shared a deep burden for Christian education in their region. This meeting would set the stage for a new chapter in ACSI’s history. 

Looking back through the years, Stuart Salazar recognizes God’s hand at work. "As a 28-year-old Bible teacher I was the least expected candidate to serve as the first global director of ACSI outside North America,” he said. “Through God's grace and power, He has used our team to extend ACSI's blessings to the nations. All glory belongs to God alone for what He has enabled us to accomplish over these 35 years." 

The Launch of ACSI Latin America: A Leap of Faith 

In February 1990, the Salazars were commissioned by the ACSI board to establish the first regional office outside North America. Just two months later, on April 2, 1990, the couple launched the ACSI Latin America office in Guatemala City, armed with a small workspace, minimal equipment, and a big vision. 

The first ACSI teacher convention in Latin America took place six months later, attracting more than 500 educators from across Guatemala. This milestone event demonstrated the hunger for biblical integration in education and set the tone for ACSI’s expansion in the region. Around the same time, the Spanish edition of Ruth Haycock’s Encyclopedia of Bible Truths for School Subjects was published, providing a foundational resource for Christian educators. 

Today, Latin America stands as ACSI’s second-largest global division, with 36 staff members and over 600 member schools, serving more than 150,000 students. With more than 2,000 Christian schools in the region—potentially educating over half a million students—the opportunities for growth are immense. 

1990–2000: Pioneering a Movement 

The first decade of ACSI Latin America was marked by pioneering efforts. Conferences and training events introduced ACSI to new countries, and national Christian education leaders emerged to champion the cause in their own nations. By the year 2000, leaders from nearly every Latin American country gathered at Summit 2000 in Guatemala and Summit 2001 in Brazil, setting a strategic course for expansion. 

2001–2010: Laying a Strong Foundation 

During this period, ACSI Latin America solidified its presence with the establishment of regional offices in Paraguay, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic. Membership grew exponentially, making Latin America ACSI’s largest global region. The integration of technology expanded access to resources and training, while new programs and services were developed to meet the needs of educators and schools. 

2011–2020: Growth and Sustainability 

ACSI Latin America reached financial self-sufficiency in this decade, a testament to the strength and commitment of its leadership. The launch of Recursos Educativos, ACSI’s publishing division in Latin America, provided Christian educators with tailored materials in Spanish. Operational boards of directors were established in every regional office, ensuring accountability and strategic direction. 

Professional development opportunities expanded significantly, with online certification programs and a recognized accreditation process becoming key initiatives. Networking and partnerships flourished, further raising ACSI’s profile in Latin America. Then came 2020, a year of unprecedented challenges. The COVID-19 crisis tested the resilience of the organization, but ACSI Latin America responded with adaptability, leveraging technology to continue serving schools and educators remotely. 

2021–2030: Innovation and the Future 

Emerging from the pandemic, ACSI Latin America has embraced a renewed strategic vision. Innovative school services, digital resources, and leadership development initiatives are shaping the future. The introduction of Vision 2030 and a global technology platform opens new doors for growth, ensuring that Christian education in Latin America continues to thrive. 

As ACSI Latin America looks ahead, one thing remains constant—the unwavering commitment to transforming the future of Latin America through Christ-centered education.