The Association of Christian Schools International ~

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.

Vision
ACSI will become a leading international organization that promotes Christian education and provides training and resources to Christian schools and Christian educators, resulting in

• schools that contribute to the public good through effective teaching and learning and that are biblically sound, academically rigorous, socially engaged, and culturally relevant; and
• educators who embody a biblical worldview, engage in transformational teaching and discipling, and embrace personal and professional growth.

Accreditation
ACSI provides a highly regarded accreditation program for secondary, elementary, and standalone and attached preschools. ACSI has partnerships with all of the U.S. regional accreditation agencies.

Who:
ACSI member schools seek accreditation to validate their quality and verify that they are striving for excellence based on a solid Christian philosophy of education foundation.

What:
Accreditation and school improvement assist member schools in changing for the better in an orderly and systematic way. They bring a vigorous dynamic into the school by engaging every school constituent in a process of organizational appraisal.

Why:

• It documents that the school is true to its own foundational statements (mission, vision, core values, goals)
• It affirms that the school meets standards of quality established by the international school community
• It provides validation of the credibility of the school through a peer review process
• It promotes accountability to the school community
• It improves instruction targeting increased student achievement
• It promotes ongoing instructional improvement through a continuous process of self-assessment and systematic school development
• It encourages the evaluation of biblical and spiritual integration of the school
• It transfers credits between schools and between nation's school systems

Recognitions:

• The U.S. Department of Education for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, I-20, and I-17 forms.
• Various U.S. state, national, and international recognitions.
• Endorsement to administer College Board/ACT exams on the school site.
• Recognition of early education accreditation status in several states, allowing accredited programs to receive higher reimbursement rates for subsidized children.

Eligibility for joint accreditation status with the following:

• AdvancEd (North Central Association, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Association of Colleges & Schools)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Middle States Association (Elementary and/or Secondary)
  
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges.