Member Benefits

A Member Benefits Guide

Last Updated Aug 17, 2010

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, They form one body. So it is with Christ.
—1 Corinthians 12:12, NIV

Thank you for being a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). It is a privilege to be able to offer your Christian school, students, and staff the many benefits that ACSI has available. The benefits listed here help ACSI fulfill its mission to enable Christian educators and schools worldwide to effectively prepare students for life. In connection with our benefits, this website has become a resourceful tool for many teachers and administrators. This site helps ACSI achieve its vision of speaking with a viable and authoritative voice in education.

Please take advantage of as many benefits as you can use and check other areas of the ACSI website for more benefits that we will be adding throughout the year. As you review your benefits and the many resources available here, you will notice that this year’s theme is the importance of putting the “kingdom of God” first (Matthew 6:33, NKJV). It is good to be part of a body of Christian educators who strive to place God's kingdom first in all we do.

To achieve ACSI’s mission and vision, the following services and benefits are available to Christian schools that are ACSI members.

General Areas of Interest

► Resources for Effective Schools

► Resources for Professional Growth

► Resources for Distinct Aspects of Education

Benefits are categorized for use in the following areas:

[A] All schools/Programs	[G] ACSI Global Programs
[EE] Early Education Programs	[K–12] Grade School by Grades
[H] Post Secondary/Higher Education	* Services limited to US schools only

Table of Contents

ACSI Enabler Series [A*]
ACSI Listserv [A]
ACSI Website [A]
Administrator Internship Program [K–12]
Administrator Mentoring Program [K–12]
Annual School Survey [A]
Apostille or Hague Authentication Letters [G]
Attorney Discount [A*]
Certification [A]
Christian Educator/School Recognition [A]
Christian Video Licensing International [A]
Classroom Resource Kits [K–6]
Conventions, Conferences, District Meetings [A]
Destinations [9–12, I]
Distinguished Christian HS Student Prgm [11–12]
Early Education Services [EE]
Education Job Opportunities [A*]
eeRadio [EE]
Fund-Raising [A*]
Instructional Materials, Educator Resources [A]
Insurance Programs [A*]
IICSE [K–12]
International Recruiting Fair [G]
International Recruiting Services [G]
ISDS [G]
Leadership Academy [A]

Legal-Defense Fund [A*]
Legal Defense Protection [A*]
Legal/Legislative Support [A*]
North American Conf. for Int. Schools [G]
Online Education [4–12]
Parent Newsletter [A]
Payment Processing Services [EE*]
Pre-Field Orientation [G]
Preschool Associate Credential [EE]
Professional Education Literature [A]
Professional Educator Associations [A]
Professional Journals and Publications [A]
School Accreditation [A]
School Furniture, Equipment, Supplies [A*]
School-Support Publications [A]
STAR Program [K–12]
Student Activities [K–12*]
Student Assessment [EE–12*]
Student Tours [K–12*]
Tax-Exempt Bond Financing [A*]
Technology Support [A*]
Transcript Depository and Forwarding [G]
Tuition Management [A*]
Urban School Services [A*]
Virtual University for Early Education [EE]
Webinars [A]

Resources for Effective Schools

ACSI Website [A] The ACSI website connects to a broad array of educational resources designed to equip all member schools to reach greater effectiveness in achieving their mission. Member’s only password protected site available to EE members. The content of this area includes downloadable posters, certificates and program covers, along with children’s literature lesson plans. Content is updated regularly. www.acsi.org	Annual School Survey [A] Each year, ACSI does a complete member-school survey covering benefits offered by member schools. The survey addresses salary and tuition information, enrollment numbers, and much more. Results are available online in February each year. www.acsi.org/kwschoolsurvey Executive Support 719.528.6906	Apostille or Hague Authentication Letters [G] ACSI offers Apostille letters for transcripts and/or diplomas for international member schools when colleges or universities require such authentication prior to admitting students into their organization. www.acsi.org/kwauthapostletters transcript@acsi.org
Attorney Discount [A*] If you do not have an attorney and you wish to use ACSI’s corporate attorney, you may call John L. Cooley. Discounts are available for ACSI member schools. 540.343.2451 800.269.5588	Christian Educator/School Recognition [A] Career Service/Achievement Award This service honors individual educators who are nominated and who meet the criteria for recognition. www.acsi.org/kwcareerachieve CSE@acsi.org	Christian Video Licensing International [A] CVLI provides an all-encompassing, low-cost license to churches, religious schools, childcare centers, and all other church-operated sites. ACSI members receive a 10% discount off the license fee. www.acsi.org/kwcvli www.cvli.org 888.771.CVLI, ext. 2854 [TOP]
Classroom Resource Kits [K–6] Math Manipulative Kits for levels K–5 and Science Equipment Kits for levels 1–6 are available and designed to enhance lessons in the Purposeful Design Math and Science series. www.purposefuldesign.com Customer Service 800.367.0798	Education Job Opportunities [A] This year-round online service is provided to Christian schools worldwide so that they can advertise their openings for teachers, administrators, and support staff. ACSI schools receive a 50% discount. www.acsi.org/kwteachopportunities	Foreign Language Teacher and Student Resources [A] Some products listed in the ACSI catalog have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, and French or have been adapted to different cultures. The translation and the cultural adaptation continue. Customer Service 800.367.0798
Fund-Raising [A*] Benevon, in partnership with ACSI, equips schools to build passionate, committed lifelong donors. Benevon trains and coaches nonprofit organizations to implement a low-pressure, mission-based system for increasing sustainable funding. www.benevon.com info@benevon.com 206.709.9400 ETapestry offers fund-raising software that tracts donors, prospects, or alumni while managing gifts, pledges and payments. ACSI members receive a 10% discount off base services and user fees. leads@etapestry.com	Instructional Materials and Educator Resources [A] Textbooks from Purposeful Design Publications are available for review at no cost and are yours to keep. Member schools receive 25–50% off the price of Purposeful Design products. Member schools also receive free Purposeful Design teacher editions with each purchased classroom set of at least 10 student editions. www.acsi.org/kwinstructsupport www.purposefuldesign.com Customer Service 800.367.0798	Insurance Programs [A*] www.acsi.org/kwinsfinserv Liability and Property Casualty Church Mutual partners with ACSI to provide comprehensive property, casualty, and liability insurance programs for member schools. Not only do they offer schools a discounted ACSI rate, but provide a dividend program to schools in effort encourage increased safety and risk management efforts. www.churchmutual.com marketing@churchmutual.com 800.554.2642
Student Accident UnitedHealthcare offers ACSI member schools access to a voluntary student health plan designed to give administrators and parents a greater peace of mind when children take full advantage of the variety of school activities offered. ACSI is proud to partner with UnitedHealthcare. They are ACSI’s only preferred provider of student insurance. www.ACSIinsurance.com Enrollment: 800.237.0903 x6281 Claims: 866.408.3400	Supplemental Health Augeo Benefits Insurance Offering the following insurance options for member schools: Major medical insurance, limited medical insurance, medical discount savings card, accident insurance, term life insurance, identity theft protection, and critical illness insurance. www.augeobenefits.com 888.414.0197	International Recruiting Fair [G] This fair provides a platform for international school administrators and recruiters to interact with postsecondary students and experienced educators about serving internationally in both teaching and administrative positions. missionteach@acsi.org www.acsi.org/kwicerecruit [TOP]
Int. Recruiting Services [G] Mission:Teach is a service that enables Christian teachers who are interested in serving internationally to connect with the more than 700 ministry opportunities that are available in our MK/international schools each year. www.missionteach.com	International School Development Services (ISDS) [G] For member international schools enrolled in ISDS, ACSI provides gift receipting and accounting of tax-deductible donations in the United States. Banking services and submission of grant proposals on behalf of the schools are other benefits. isds@acsi.org 719.528.6906	Legal-Defense Fund [A*] The ACSI Legal Defense Fund provides legal fees for selected cases and actions affecting ACSI member schools. Many member schools provide donations to this fund. www.acsi.org/kwleglegisserv 719.528.6906, ext. 201
Legal-Defense Protection [A*] Through the Legal Defense Reimbursement Program (LDRP), member schools can pay a small annual fee to be reimbursed up to $30,000 a year for legal fees related to employee or student lawsuits. www.acsi.org/kwldrp 719.528.6906	Legal/Legislative Support [A*] Member schools receive current information and practical help dealing with national and state legal issues, including an up-to-date listing of state bills affecting Christian schools. www.acsi.org/kwleglegisserv legal-legislative@acsi.org 719.528.6906, ext. 201	Parent Newsletter [A] Christian School Comment This resource, published nine times a year, explores a variety of interests related to Christian schools. Written by the ACSI president, it offers practical advice to parents and educators. Member schools automatically receive a subscription. www.acsi.org/kwpublications
Payment Processing Services [EE*] Increase your cash flow and improve collection with the ACSI Merchant Program by providing payment options for families. This program ensures the best rates for credit card processing with no application, annual, or cancellation fees to ACSI members. www.affiniscape.com/acsi 866.376.0950	Professional Education Literature [A] Materials are available for board members, administrators, and teachers. Member schools receive a discount on the majority of products. www.purposefuldesign.com Customer Service 800.367.0798	School Accreditation [A] ACSI accreditation provides P–12 day and boarding Christian schools with regional, national, and international benchmarks to ensure standards, performance, integrity, and quality. www.acsi.org/kwaccreditation Regional Office accreditation@acsi.org
School Furniture, Equipment, and Supplies [A*] Staples, Inc. offers ACSI schools significantly discounted pricing on office and classroom products as well as custodial and facilities supplies. www.acsi.org/kwstaplesad Customer Service 800.367.0798	School-Support Publications [A] www.acsi.org/kwpublications E-news: This publication is sent from each regional office. It contains important information, time-sensitive material, and thought-provoking articles—all designed to help Christian schools accomplish their mission. Member schools automatically receive a subscription. National Notes: This periodic update, published ten times a year covers federal legislation and federal issues pertaining to Christian Schools. Member schools can view this publication on the ACSI website.	STAR Program [K–12] The Steps Toward Achieving Recognition program is designed to provide nonaccredited member schools with a formal process of school improvement that will lead them toward accreditation with ACSI. www.acsi.org/kwstarprogram Academic Services 719.528.6906 [TOP]
Student Assessment [EE–12*] Student assessment is available in cooperation with the Educational Measurement group of Pearson through the Stanford Achievement Test, Form C, which includes a Bible assessment and scoring services. Early educators can purchase the Bracken School Readiness Assessment, Third Edition. In addition, ACSI offers an array of diagnostic assessments and instructional materials to help schools link assessment to instruction. www.acsi.org/kwstanfordachtest Customer Service 800.367.0798	Tax-Exempt Bond Financing [A*] For major capital projects and refinancing, the ACSI Capital Corporation provides a variety of financial advisory services that allow member schools to access tax-exempt bond financing available through the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority (CECFA). Typical savings have ranged from 2% to 4%. www.acsi.org/kwacsicapcorp Ken Smitherman 719.867.6170	Technology Support [A*] Paragon Micro is a leading provider of top name-brand IT computing products, software, and advanced IT services—helping member schools enable, manage, and secure their IT environment. Through Paragon Micro, schools can access ACSI’s Microsoft Education Alliance Agreement (MEAA), which provides deep member discounts on Microsoft licensing and software. Microsoft is also partnering with Paragon to bring a wealth of other education resources and benefits to member schools. sales@paragonmicro.net 866.380.8663
Transcript Depository and Forwarding [G] Member international schools can obtain free and secure storage of alumni transcripts. This service also provides graduates with quick access to their certified, official transcripts. www.acsi.org/kwtransdeposit	Tuition Management [A*] FACTS Tuition Management, partners with ACSI to provide tuition management services for member schools. A true friend of Christian schooling, FACTS helps nearly 5,000 educational institutions achieve their goals—representing over a million families each year. www.factsmgt.com 800.624.7092

Resources for Professional Growth [TOP]

ACSI Enabler Series [A*] One-day enablers are scheduled across North America, providing in-depth training on such topics as school finances, legal issues, supervision, relationships with parents, brain-based learning, biblical worldview integration, and curriculum development. www.acsi.org/kwenablers leadership@acsi.org 719.528.6906	ACSI Listserv [A] www.acsi.org/kwlistserv This Listserv allows educators from all over to discuss topics and issues that matter to them. To subscribe, simply send an e-mail to one of the e-mail addresses below and type “subscribe” in the message area: Christian School Elementary Tchrs Idea Exchange: csetie@villagechristian.net Christian School Guid. Counselors Idea Exchange: csgcie@villagechristian.net Christian School Secondary Tchrs Idea Exchange: csstie@villagechristian.net	Administrator Internship Program [K–12] This program is designed to allow teachers who desire to be administrators go through an intensive one year internship program. www.acsi.org/kwadminintern Leadership/Professional Dev. 719.528.6906 Administrator Mentoring Program [K–12] This program is designed for Christian school administrators who have less than five years of experience. www.acsi.org/kwadminmentor Leadership/Professional Dev. 719.528.6906
Certification [A] This program is designed to provide professional certification to qualified Christian school educators. www.acsi.org/kwcertification certification@acsi.org 719.528.6906	Conventions, Conferences, District Meetings [A] Professional training for administrators, board members, and, preschool through grade 12 teaching staff, is available through teacher conventions, conferences, and district meetings held every year in each region. Member schools receive a 50% discount. www.acsi.org/kwconventions www.acsi.org/kwconferences	eeRadio [EE] EE members receive broadcasts through e-mailed Web links twice each month of the academic year (17 broadcasts per year). The ACSI website includes an EE members-only section that contains archived broadcasts. www.acsi.org/kwearlyedserv [TOP]
International Institute for Christian School Educators [K–12] IICSE, a 40 year Christian school tradition, takes place on the Columbian International University campus. The schedule allows delegates to choose from 20 CEU tracks including Bible, three to five graduate courses, and numerous elective sessions. Teachers and administrators can earn up to three graduate credits or up to five CEU’s in Bible and professional studies. www.acsi.org/kwiicseducators Leadership and Professional Development 719.528.6906	Leadership Academy [A] ACSI’s forward-looking, issue-confronting Academy for leaders offers an outstanding keynote speaker and several point-counterpoint presentations and panel discussions. It also provides great networking among key leaders, including ACSI board members and major school leaders from around the world. The schedule has time for rest, reflection, and a variety of recreational and sightseeing pursuits. George Fox University provides an optional graduate credit, which is included with the cost, for attendance and completion of a reflection paper. www.acsi.org/kwlacademy Academic Services 719.528.6906	North American Conferences for International Schools [G] Intermission Missionary Kids Education Consultation IMKEC is an annual meeting of mainly home-office sending agency personnel who have MK education issues as part of their responsibilities. IMKEC also welcomes MK school administrators. www.acsi.org/kwimkec
Pre-Field Orientation [G] This training program for new teachers and boarding parents of member international schools provides attendees with skills that will help them transition more easily to another culture, relate interpersonally, resolve conflict, and deal not only with the unique challenges of third culture kids (TCKs) but also with the culturally diverse MK and international Christian school settings. www.acsi.org/kwpfo pfo@acsi.org	Preschool Associate Credential [EE] The PAC is a competency credential that is equivalent to the nationally recognized CDA and to several state competency credentials. ACSI’s Virtual University contains all the training to complete the requirements for the Preschool Associate Credential. www.acsi.org/kwearlyedserv	Professional Educator Associations [A] www.acsi.org/kwiacsabee Individuals can join these associations to experience personal and professional growth. International Association of Christian School Administrators and Board Members (IACSA&B) Leadership and Professional Development 866.793.8162
International Association of Christian Early Educators (IACEE) Join ACSI as an individual. Benefits include: a subscription to Christian Early Education magazine, a carefully chosen book, a CD presentation from an ACSI early education conference, member pricing on all trade books in the ACSI catalog, and a handsome membership certificate. Early Education Services 888.892.4258	Professional Journals and Publications [A] www.acsi.org/kwpublications ACSI Member Directory This directory includes information on all ACSI member schools, and it is provided at no cost to member schools. Christian Early Education This award winning magazine, published four times a year, informs and educates ACSI members about teaching young children in early education programs, ages birth through prekindergarten (age five). Some articles are available in Spanish. For Spanish-translated articles, go to www.acsi.org. Member early education programs automatically receive a subscription.	Christian School Education This full-color magazine, published four times a year, addresses issues relevant to Christian schools. Member schools automatically receive a subscription. Publishing Secretary 719.528.6906 Legal/Legislative Update Published three times a year, this publication informs Christian school leaders regarding legal issues currently facing Christian schools. Member schools automatically receive a subscription. This publication can also be found on the ACSI website. [TOP]
The Meantime This magazine, published three times a year by Urban School Services and written from a Christian perspective, contains articles and information specific to the needs and challenges of schools targeting and serving urban, under-resourced, and minority students. Urban member schools automatically receive a subscription. The Seal Seeking Excellence in Administrative Leadership is a newsletter benefit of IACSA&B membership. It provides eight issues a year and includes a book review, reviews of research articles, and insights for leaders. Leadership and Professional Development 719.528.6906	School Accreditation [A] ACSI accreditation provides EE standalone and EE-12 day and boarding Christian schools with a national benchmark to measure standards, performance, integrity, and quality. www.acsi.org/kwaccreditation Regional Office accreditation@acsi.org	Virtual University for Early Education [EE] Early educators can access affordable online training through the ACSI website. They can take advantage of more than 120 hours of entry-level content. Christian early educators will appreciate the Christian perspective used to address an entire catalog of topics. www.acsi.org/kwearlyedserv Webinars [A] Webinars are offered online throughout the year. Christian school educators interact online, saving time, travel, and money. Webinars are recorded and made available on the ACSI website. www.acsi.org/kwforumweb

Resources for Distinct Aspects of Education [TOP]

Christian Higher Education [H] Membership is offered to accredited or ACSI-recognized Christian colleges and universities to provide opportunities to interact and to discuss the issues of Christian education, from early education through university levels. ACSI member institutions benefit from the following: • Distinguished Christian High School Student Program • Education Department Approval Programs • Administration Approval Program • Teacher and administrator training at conventions and conferences and in continuing education courses • Publishing opportunities • Consulting services and worldwide speaking opportunities • Membership listing in the ACSI directory www.acsi.org/kwhigheredserv Academic Services 719.528.6906	Destinations [9–12, G] This exchange program encourages cross-cultural learning among ACSI member schools and their staff, students, and communities. Opportunities include inbound long-term study for international students at select ACSI member schools in the United States, outbound short-term mission trips for U.S. and Canadian school teams, and outbound long-term study-abroad for individual American and Canadian students. www.acsi.org/kwdestinations destinations@acsi.org 719.528.6906	Distinguished Christian High School Student Program [11–12] This program identifies and honors outstanding juniors and seniors of member high schools worldwide. The DCHSS Program also provides these select students with potential communication from ACSI member colleges and universities in North America that use this important vehicle to recruit Christian high school students for their degree programs. www.acsi.org/kwdchsstudents Academic Services 719.528.6906
Early Education Services [EE] This department provides professional leadership and support services to more than 2,500 ACSI member preschools and childcare centers. www.acsi.org/kwearlyedserv earlyeducation@acsi.org 888.892.4258	Online Education [4–12] Sevenstar Academy is partnering with ACSI to provide outstanding online Christian education opportunities for member schools. Their desire is to make disciples of Christ through a global learning community that glorifies God. Member discounts are available for Sevenstar’s online programs, including the more than sixty courses available for grades 6 through 12. www.sevenstaracademy.org 707.276.3472 877.229.6312	Student Activities [K–12] These activities are designed to enhance participating students’ God-given abilities, gifts, and talents. Activities include competitions such as spelling bees, speech meets, math olympics, creative-writing festivals, art and music festivals, leadership conferences, science fairs, and cheerleading competitions. www.acsi.org/kwstudentact Regional Office [TOP]*
Student Tours [K–12*] American Christian Tours (ACTS) offers education programs that focus on specific historic destinations in the United States. By experiencing America’s Christian history, your students will gain not only a deeper understanding of our nations’ heritage but also a sense of their role in our nation’s future. www.acts-tours.com mail@acts-tours.com 715.234.6500	Urban School Services [A*] This department provides products and services to Christian educators and schools, enabling them to effectively educate urban, socioeconomically disadvantaged, and minority students. www.acsi.org/kwurbanschserv urbanservices@acsi.org 719.528.6906
	The Power of Partnership Our ACSI National Corporate Partners understand the immeasurable impact you have on the children and young people in your school. As our partners assist you with obtaining a variety of products and services, their gaze is also focused on the future generations who will one day fill your classrooms. Our partners are carefully chosen for their scope and quality of services, as well as the benefit for membership they provide. Contact Development and Corporate Partnership Department at 866.401.4801 or development@acsi.org

ACSI Member Benefits: A Comprehensive Desktop Guide, 2011 [TOP]