Welcome to Stories
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.
While attending the 2024 Rooted Educator Worldview Summit, Shawn Minks reflected on the current state of Christ-centered education. The Head of School at Cambridge Christian School in Tampa, Florida, has worked in Christian education for more than three decades.
This story has become increasingly uncommon in recent years: a student attends Christian school their whole life and is insulated from values and beliefs other than their own. They’re kept in a bubble, and once they graduate, they get blindsided by the outside world.
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Hear from ACSI Exemplary Accredited school leaders as they share how accreditation strengthens their institutions by upholding their mission, elevating academic and spiritual excellence, and showcasing their school's unique strengths.
Innovation met inspiration as nearly 200 students from across the country—and even virtually from the Dominican Republic—convened at Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix on April 4–5 for ACSI’s 2025 International Christian STEM Competition and the inaugural Venture Entrepreneurial Innovation Challenge.
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
When I was growing up, difficult things didn’t scare me. Life was simple, and I was content with what we had. I felt loved and valued at home, which reflected positively in my relationships and academic efforts. Many colleagues of my generation had similar experiences in their youth. Fast forward several decades. Times have changed. New challenges abound. Uncertainty is a certainty. Anxiety is at an all-time high, with up to 60% of children and adolescents reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Effective educators stay updated on research and integrate new findings, technology, and methodologies into their teaching. Just as the practices of professionals in fields like engineering and medicine evolve with advancements, teachers must adapt their procedures to align with current educational research. A mechanic cannot service an electric car using outdated techniques, and a dentist must also apply contemporary methods. Similarly, teachers should embrace research-backed instructional shifts to meet students’ needs.
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How often, if we’re honest, have we re-gifted something given to us? The truth is that many of us have done it at some point. But what motivation lies beneath this act? Is it merely a desire to rid ourselves of an unwanted item, or is there a deeper motivation—a desire to bless someone else with something we ourselves found valuable?
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Attending the Converge Conference was an unforgettable experience. Not only did I have the chance to be with almost 800 school leaders from more than 20 countries, but I also had the privilege to reconnect with some school leaders from several parts of the world: Africa, Latin America, and Asia. As I listened to Christian leaders worldwide, I was deeply moved by the stories of God’s work in Christian education. This conversation renewed my commitment and encouraged me even more to be an active agent in expanding global Christian education with my role as a researcher. Every conversation that I had reminded me that despite all of the challenges that many Christian schools around the globe are facing.
Podcast
Building a culture of trust and accountability must be rooted in Christian values to foster personal growth, integrity, and trust. Biblical examples, such as Nathan and David, illustrate how accountability can lead to repentance and not just correction.
Dr. Edward Bunn sits down with Chuck Gilliam, ACSI VP of Membership & Strategic Alliances, to discuss the leadership skill of adaptability.
A school leader from a country impacted by war shares a powerful testimony, including advice on preparing for and leading through crisis.
Dr. Paul Kaak, Senior Consultant and Lead Trainer at TheoMetrics, and Jerry Nelson discuss biblical integration into Christian schools, focusing on the concepts of general and special revelation.
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 Promotes Key Leader to VP for Development, Supporting the Organization’s Vision for 2030
Colorado Springs, CO—The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce former Senior Director of ACSI’S Western Division Dr. Cecil Swetland's promotion to Vice President for Development.
In his new role, Swetland will support Vision 2030 by building strong relationships with Kingdom investors, creating a strong foundation for the important initiatives ahead. He will also oversee the work of Children’s Tuition Fund, Strategic Partners, and Donor Relations.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor believes this transition will enable Swetland and the team to foster opportunities to better support, provide access to, and advance Christ-centered education globally.
“I have been honored to witness Dr. Swetland’s humility and total dependence on God,” he shared. “He is passionate about the ACSI mission, and it is so encouraging to have people on our leadership team that are gifted relationship builders. I am excited to see him use his skills and giftings in this role of Vice President for Development.”
Swetland has held multiple roles at ACSI over the last nine years including Senior 
Director of Western Division and Regional Director for California and Hawaii. Prior to those positions, Swetland was a head of school for 18 years. He brings years of experience in the financial world along with experience with Christian education to help support ACSI’s mission.
ACSI Vice President of USA Dr. David Balik looks forward to Swetland leading the Development team.
“For the better part of nine years, Dr. Swetland has done an outstanding job serving the almost 600 schools in the Western Division,” he said. “I have no doubt that Cecil will bring the same level of commitment, quality, and hard work to his new role as VP for Development."
Taylor said, “We will be forever grateful to Cecil for his strong service to the Western Division. We are currently searching for his replacement and in the meantime, we will come alongside Western Division schools to ensure great member relational service continues.”
Swetland shared his excitement in serving through this new role.
“I am thankful to the Lord for the privilege of serving Him at ACSI,” Swetland expressed. “Our mission to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators has inspired me since joining our team almost nine years ago. It’s a joy to work with remarkable school leaders and colleagues every day. I am grateful and excited to take on the role of VP for Development and serve donors and sponsors as they invest in Kingdom education and play a key role in the work being done on behalf of Christian school students, teachers, and leaders worldwide.”
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.
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.
