The Association of Christian Schools International

Abstract

Since the time of Jesus Christ, parents have sought to educate their children according to a distinctively Christian worldview aligned with biblical principles. In order to accomplish this more effectively, like-minded groups have banded together forming school associations. One such organization is the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). This chapter begins by examining the events that led to ACSI’s formation in 1978 when three existing associations merged to more effectively facilitate the growing American Christian school movement. ACSI got off to a successful start largely because of the leadership team of Dr. Paul A. Kienel and Dr. Roy W. Lowrie, Jr. They provided organizational expertise, academic credibility, and spiritual depth. The second part of this chapter examines the international reach of ACSI services including the development of global regional offices and its pioneering work among international Christian schools. There are now 13 North American and 5 international regional offices staffed by highly respected Christian school leaders. The most significant potential for future growth for ACSI lies overseas and so the final section provides a detailed overview of ACSI’s work in Asia, Europe and the CIS, Africa, and Latin America and the global issues facing each region. The future looks brightest for the Christian school movement, not nationally here in America, but rather internationally, and ACSI is strategically positioned to contribute to the cause for decades to come.