Accreditation & Certification
Accreditation with ACSI engages schools in a vigorous, holistic process of organizational appraisal and improvement that engages every school constituent. Our program is a highly regarded Christian program for member schools. We have partnerships with all of the U.S. regional accreditation agencies and offer joint accreditation with numerous accrediting organizations.
Every step in our accreditation process is designed to be useful for driving improvement in private schools. If you are striving for excellence based on a solid Christian philosophy of education, consider exploring our program.
The purpose of ACSI Certification is to strengthen Christian schools by credentialing educators who meet established professional and biblical requirements. ACSI Certification promotes continued professional learning and increased effectiveness. Establishing and maintaining the certification of staff and administration is an essential step toward professional credibility and growth. Education is a process. Just as we encourage our students to grow and become life–long learners, we want to set the same example as their teachers and leaders.
ACSI certification establishes a framework for professional growth to occur over time, just like continuous school improvement.
ACSI Announces Appointment of New Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives
Colorado Springs, Colo. – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cindy Dodds as the Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives. Her responsibilities will include facilitating collaboration across departments to ensure the integration of the Flourishing Schools Research within ACSI.
She will begin this new role June 17, 2021.
Dodds has served ACSI for four years in a variety of capacities, most recently as the Director of Professional Development. Before her time in the Professional Development Department, Dodds led and resourced hundreds of Christian school leaders as the ACSI Northeast Regional Director. Before joining ACSI, she served 20 years in Christian education as an administrator for two Christian schools in Pennsylvania. Dodds has served on the ACSI Board, Accreditation Commission and Regional Council. She was also a field director for the Children’s Tuition Fund and an advocacy team member for ACSIPA, a network of Pennsylvania Christian Schools advocating for public support of school choice.
According to ACSI President Dr. Larry Taylor, Dodds brings the right skill set and experience to the position.
“As Director of Professional Development, Cindy Dodds has shown exceptional leadership,” he said. “I have witnessed her commitment to school growth and her passion for leadership development. I believe she’ll bring a unique perspective to this role.”
Dodds’ focus will be ensuring organizational alignment with the Flourishing Schools Research. This will include accreditation revisions, field-level consulting/convening activities, and all professional development offerings, including leadership development programs, digital content development, speaker or organizational engagements/partnerships and Flourishing School Networks.
In anticipation of coordinating a variety of educational offerings on behalf of the association, Dodds is excited to assume the new role.
“I am both humbled and honored to become the steward of ACSI’s groundbreaking Flourishing Schools Research,” she said. “As a former head of school, I realize the incredible impact this research will have on the culture of our Christian schools. I am grateful to work alongside such a deeply committed leadership team in serving our members.”
According to Taylor, the creation of this position is intentionally aligned with ACSI’s Strategic Plan.
“All work at ACSI is informed by the strategic plan,” he said. “The position of Vice President of Flourishing Initiatives will help to truly advance the Kingdom. I believe Dodds’ transition to this role will be seamless.”
To learn more about ACSI, please visit the website at ACSI.org or connect with the ACSI Care Team by calling (800)367-0798 or at careteam@acsi.org.
About ACSI:
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, 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 advances excellence in Christian schools by enhancing the professional and personal development of Christian educators and providing vital support functions for Christian schools through multiple services including teacher and administrator certification, school accreditation, legal/legislative assistance, and curriculum publishing. Serving more than 25,000 schools in 108 countries, ACSI helps more than 5.5 million students worldwide connect to Christian education.
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