NEWS PROVIDED BY
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
May 5, 2026
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 5, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) is pleased to grant two Christian schools with the prestigious Exemplary Accreditation status for the 2026 academic year.
The schools include:
• Santa Fe Christian Schools (Solana Beach, CA)
• Southwest Christian High School (Chaska, MN)
ACSI Exemplary Accreditation is designed for top-performing schools that are seeking to maintain higher standards for all programs and operations. There are 29 Christian schools total that hold this status.
In addition to meeting the Inspire indicators at an effective or highly effective level, these schools have a demonstrable history of exemplary programs and practices in governance, executive leadership, school viability, student learning, spiritual formation, and overall school culture.
Dan Beckering, Head of School at Southwest Christian High School, shared how he feels to be recognized as one of the ACSI Exemplary Accredited schools.
“We are honored to join the select group of ACSI Exemplary schools and belong to such a wonderful network of flourishing Christian communities,” he said. “ACSI’s Exemplary Accreditation process has been a catalyst to help us be more effective in our mission to develop mature disciples of Jesus Christ.”
Santa Fe Christian Schools Chief Academic Officer Hannah Park reflected on the impact the accreditation process had on their school community.
“The accreditation process gave us an opportunity to pause and reflect on who we are as a school,” Park said. “It was a season to celebrate the ways God has blessed our community and to prayerfully consider where we might grow. Additionally, this process affirmed that Santa Fe Christian Schools is a vibrant and healthy community, deeply rooted in its mission and biblical foundation.”
Vice President of Education Standards Stephen Deck shared why accreditation is meaningful for schools.
“Accreditation documents that a school is true to its stated mission and helps schools determine their own effectiveness in fulfilling the standards through a peer-review process that culminates in an action plan for continued improvement,” he said. “Similar to the picture in Jeremiah 17:7-8 of a tree planted by the water sending its roots by the stream, ACSI Accreditation provides a structured process for a school to strengthen its roots, helping the school to flourish.” Schools that pursue Exemplary Accreditation take the process a step further, seeking additional depth in the overall process.
ACSI renewed the exemplary status of one school this spring. The association appreciates schools that continue to maintain exemplary standards and are strong leaders amongst Christian schools.
• Christian Academy School System (Louisville, KY)
To learn more about ACSI Exemplary Accreditation, review the Exemplary Addendum or reach out to accreditation@acsi.org.
About the Association of Christian Schools International (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.
SOURCE Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
CONTACT: Brittany Steward, 719-867-0256, oce@acsi.org