Higher Education
Welcome to ACSI Higher Education
Institutions of Christian higher education have a crucial role in training future leaders, educators, and workers for service worldwide. They commendably fill this role and continue to meet the critical need for well-trained, biblically sound teachers, administrators, leaders, and others.
As colleges and universities seek to be effective in preparing young hearts and minds for their vocations, ACSI desires to assist in that process and partner with higher education institutions worldwide. ACSI membership offers Christian colleges and universities
the opportunity to engage their EE–12 colleagues in a variety of settings. ACSI member colleges cooperate in the Distinguished Christian High School Student Program and the Higher Education Accreditation Program.
Higher Education Accreditation Program (HEAP)
The Higher Education Accreditation Program (HEAP) is offered to currently accredited ACSI member Christian liberal arts colleges, universities, and Bible colleges. Colleges and universities seeking to participate in the program must give evidence of a commitment to preparing teachers and administrators to serve in Christian schools and must show they are encouraging their graduates to prayerfully consider serving in Christian schools around the world.
Resources
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.