Welcome to Stories
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Jamie Jodrey’s path to school leadership was catalyzed by a laptop. Two, in fact. As a first-grade teacher in Puerto Rico, Jodrey dabbled in leadership as a department chair and was encouraged by her administrators to pursue a master's degree in educational administration. She was not quick to leave teaching, however.
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When Dr. Jon Hill finished his master’s degree in teaching, he did not expect to lose his desire to teach after just one year, but that’s all he lasted—at least, in the U.S. One year of American public school made Hill “disillusioned” towards teaching, in his words, but the opportunity to impact people overseas and experience diverse cultures helped revitalize that passion.
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From September 9–13, 2024, the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) hosted the Asia Roundtable in Bali, Indonesia. This prestigious gathering brought together 55 leaders from higher education institutions, national Christian school associations, and leading schools from across 10 countries, including Australia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United States.
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A three-day roundtable of Christian education in Côte d’Ivoire, held from August 26–29, 2024, brought together key education stakeholders from across Francophone West Africa to explore strategies for improving teacher preparation in biblical worldview and integration and quality Christ-centered schooling.
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It has been a season of celebration for ACSI’s Caribbean team. In August 2024, the office hosted its annual convention celebrating 25 years of uninterrupted service, equipping Christian schools in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
Featured Event
Catalyst: Strengthening Your School's Operations and Finances
January 30–31, 2025 | First Presbyterian Academy, Greenville, SC
Ignite your school’s mission and broaden your vision at Catalyst, ACSI’s new Christian School Financial Conference, on January 30-31. Catalyst will feature industry expert key-note sessions and workshops, design to equip you with effective
and actionable solutions for your school’s operations. Register today!
Blog
Developing a Flourishing Culture Through Responsiveness to Special Needs
Tyra Harnishfeger | October15, 2024
In today’s rapidly shifting educational landscape, schools face numerous challenges, such as increased anxiety, diminishing respect for teachers, and the devaluation of schools. Amid these challenges, Christian schools are called to embody hospitality in meaningful and transformative ways.
Podcast
The Flourishing Journey Ep 10: Foundational Principles of a Healthy Workplace Culture
Dr. Edward Bunn | October 14, 2024
Dr. Edward Bunn talks with Chris Loncar, ACSI Vice President of Human Resources, to discuss foundational principles of developing a healthy workplace culture.
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 Announces Key Changes in Staff Structure, Including New Director of Digital Professional Development and Director of New Business Development for Sevenstar
Colorado Springs, CO – The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to announce key changes in its staff structure, including the promotion of Former Instructional Designer for Professional Development Jennifer Bollinger to Director of Digital Professional Development, and the hiring of Kristy Henriques as the new Director of New Business Development for Sevenstar, a ministry of ACSI.
ACSI President & CEO Dr. Larry Taylor believes these strategic changes will position the organization for success.
“We have invested significant resources into ensuring that we not only hire qualified personnel that will help take ACSI to the next level of excellence, but that we invest in the growth of our existing employees in honor of their strengths,” he shared. “As a Christian organization, we truly do place a large emphasis on taking care of our people.”
Bollinger, who has served ACSI for 13 years, assumes her new role as Director of Digital Professional Development. She will lead the organization's efforts to provide quality digital, on-demand professional learning content for Christian educators. She will facilitate the digital development team in engaging new generations of educators with relevant products and programs through the ever-changing landscape of Christian education.
Sevenstar CEO & Head of School Brett Henry looks forward to Bollinger leading the digital professional development team.
“The digital PD platform is a central element to accomplishing many of ACSI’s Vision 2030 initiatives, and Jennifer’s leadership of the team responsible for its content will surely elevate the effort to new heights,” he said. “Among the many strengths she brings to this assignment, her long tenure with ACSI provides invaluable understanding of our culture and foundational principles that are truly irreplaceable.”
Bollinger has held multiple roles at ACSI including Instructional Designer for Professional Development, Editorial Manager, and other editorial roles in Purposeful Design Publications.
Bollinger shared her goals and aspirations for her new position.
“My vision is for ACSI PD to be the primary resource for Christian educators seeking ongoing education,” she said. “This will feature a user-friendly platform that fosters engagement and learning. My passion is to develop biblically based, exceptional content for our Christian schools.”
ACSI is also pleased to welcome Kristy Henriques as the new Director of New Business Development for Sevenstar.
In her new role, Henriques will build, support, and lead the organization’s sales and marketing efforts by strategically expanding course enrollment in both the school and family areas.
Henriques shared her passion surrounding her new position.
“I'm so excited to be part of an organization that is helping students grow both intellectually and spiritually through online education,” she said. “It's been wonderful to join such a great team at Sevenstar and I'm eager to contribute to the ongoing success and growth of Christian education.”
Henriques formerly served as the Director of Digital Media at Leading the Way, during which time she helped streamline their digital infrastructure and added 1 million YouTube subscribers. She also served at Lighten Group, a non-profit start-up focused on helping to train Christians on how to answer questions about their faith.
Henry is excited to have Herniques step into the Director of Business role.
“As Sevenstar nears its twentieth year of ministry, we are at a strategic inflection point fueled by exponential growth in the non-traditional learning sector. As we reviewed our strategic planning in light of this, it was clear that new ways of attracting, capturing, and processing leads are needed for us to continue to succeed in the chapter ahead,” he said. “When we reviewed candidates for that task, it was clear that God had uniquely prepared Kristy with the skills, experience, and temperament needed to elevate this global ministry. With her help, I am confident that Sevenstar will continue to grow and expand access to Kingdom education for years to come.”
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.
