Welcome to Stories
We ask that you be in prayer for an ongoing ethnic and political crisis in an Asian country in which ACSI has a strong presence. Tensions between two communities escalated in May 2023 due to long-standing grievances, including issues related to land rights and political representation. This strife led to violent clashes, displacement of thousands of people, destruction of property, and widespread humanitarian concerns. The conflict has drawn national and international attention, with efforts underway to restore peace, but the situation remains volatile and sensitive.
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, Peoria Christian School’s Key Club held a babysitting event aimed at raising relief funds for ACSI schools impacted by the storm. This year, the club, guided by a student-elected board, selected babysitting as their central project to support needs in the Christian community. With roughly 50 members committed to the mission, the club planned a sequence of four babysitting days in October, December, February, and April, each designed to generate financial support for various projects.
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Hanging in the atrium of Sherwood Baptist Church is a large banner which reads, “Whoever wants the next generation the most will get them.” This message has been the heart cry of our senior pastor, Michael Catt. When looking for a new school headmaster nine years ago, church leadership wanted to make sure they found someone who had the same deep conviction about young people. They looked no further than Dr. Glen Schultz. He brought a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience in Christian education that has helped Sherwood Christian Academy become a beacon of light in southwest Georgia.
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Kaelyn, a standout swimmer and student at Cottage Hill Christian Academy (CHCA) in Mobile, AL, is making waves, both in the pool and in the community. According to her mother, Laquise, Kaelyn “has been special since day one—intelligent beyond her years. I had her later in life when I didn’t think I could carry a child. But God blessed me with a miracle, and despite my own health struggles, I call Kaelyn my miracle child.”
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It was an incredible blessing and joy to host two Student Leadership Conferences (SLC) again this year, marking the 26th year of SLC. Three of these years have included back-to-back events, and it all began in 1999 with just 80 participants. This year, we welcomed 234 participants from 22 schools and 11 countries in the first week, and 154 participants from 13 schools and 9 countries in the second week. In total, 16 countries were represented, and over 90% of this year’s attendees were first-timers.
Featured Event
Flourish Deeper
- Rethinking Worldview & Student Leadership Development
02/6/25 | Columbus, OH - Healthy Governance & Sustainable Funding
03/6/25 | Pittsburgh, PA - Engaging Students Who Think & Learn Differently
03/20/25 | Sacramento, CA
Flourish Deeper is a one day focused, learning experience around a relevant construct from the Flourishing School Culture Research. It is a deep learning opportunity with a unique blend of expert-led sessions and interactive discussions designed to inform
a school’s planning, practice, and purpose.
Blog
The Heart of Christian Education: What Do We Really Value? Evidence from Christian Schools in Indonesia
Dr. Rian R. Djita | November 19, 2024
Undeniably, schools emphasize academic success, measured by students’ achievement, test scores, graduation, or college going. While these outcomes are essential, Christian education is called for a purpose beyond that. In a world increasingly focused on academic achievement and standardized test scores, sometimes it is easy for Christian educators to lose sight of the true purpose of Christian education.
Podcast
Student Leadership & Learning Ep 11 | Navigating Difficult Conversations
Emily Pigott | November 18, 2024
If we teach our students not what to think but how to think, we equip them with the skill to discern with wisdom. Emily Pigott provides more encouragement and advice on how to intentionally converse with students.
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. Also, don’t miss the International Schools Job Fair.
ACSI Welcomes Kati Melton as its New Senior Director for the Western Division
Melton brings more than 20 years of educational experience leading faculty and staff, her most recent position being the Head of School at Cherry Hills Christian School in Colorado.She will continue serving as Head of School at Cherry Hills Christian School until the end of the 2024-25 school year, transitioning fully into her role at ACSI by the summer of 2025.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor shared his excitement about Melton’s new position.
“We are glad to welcome Kati to the ACSI team,” he said. “Her wealth of knowledge in the Christian school leadership context will make her an invaluable resource to our schools across the Western Division. We have spent time selecting the right, God-appointed candidate for this important role, as we are passionate about ensuring our schools are equipped and supported.”
Dr. David Balik, ACSI Vice President, USA, shared his gratitude for God’s provision and steadfast faithfulness.
“I am grateful that God continues to show Himself faithful in providing for our every need at ACSI, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Hiring the right people is so important, and Kati Melton is truly an answer to prayer! She is going to do an outstanding job serving our schools and school leaders in the Western Division going forward.”
Melton looks forward to resourcing and facilitating relationships with Christian schools in the Western Division.
“I am excited that God continues to make His calling clear in my life, and I can’t wait to serve ACSI for His Kingdom and glory. I look forward to advancing Christ-centered education, building meaningful relationships, and supporting schools in their mission to impact lives for Christ. Together, we will work to advance God’s Kingdom in powerful and lasting ways.”
Throughout her career, she has served as a head of school, principal, and teacher, always putting Christ at the center of her work.
During her time at Cherry Hills Christian School, Melton led the ACSI Accreditation process and the development of a school-wide continuous improvement plan. She successfully set and oversaw the school’s long-range strategy that focused on bringing academic excellence, developing a thriving spiritual formation plan, and creating financial stability and growth in a flourishing school community.
Melton has a Master of Arts in Education Leadership from University of Northern Colorado and is pursuing a Doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. Additionally, she is currently in executive management training through the Van Lunen Fellows Program at Calvin University.
To learn more about ACSI’s Western Division, visit the website.
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.
