Australian Association of Christian Schools
The Australian Association of Christian Schools Limited (AACS) is a nonprofit organisation representing independent Christian schools across Australia. Established in the late 1980s, it advocates for the rights of member schools to deliver education grounded in a Christian worldview while engaging with government bodies on policy matters[1][2][4].

History

Discussions to form a national association began in 1985, involving leaders from Christian Parent-Controlled Schools (CPCS) and Christian Community Schools (CCS). The AACS Council held its inaugural meeting in 1988, with a national office established in Canberra by 1989. It became an incorporated body in 1990, governed by an elected Council[2]. Today, AACS serves over 90 member schools across all states and territories, including group members such as Christian Education National and St Philips Christian Education[2][4].

Mission and activities

AACS supports member schools in maintaining an "authentic Christian education" by integrating faith into teaching and school life[1]. Key advocacy areas include policy reforms, religious freedom, and educational standards. Recent efforts focus on legislative changes, such as responding to Victoria’s 2025 Anti-Vilification Bill amendments[1], and federal election policy platforms emphasizing sustainable funding and institutional autonomy[1][5]. The association also facilitates professional development through events like the Advocacy & Policy Summit[1].

Structure

AACS is governed by a board elected by its group members. Vanessa Cheng has served as Executive Officer since the late 2010s, leading engagement with government and faith-based communities[2][4]. Member schools include both independent institutions and national groups, reflecting the diverse landscape of Australia’s Christian education sector[2][5].

Educational philosophy

AACS emphasizes holistic development, aiming to nurture students’ "God-given potential" through academic excellence and spiritual formation[1][5]. Its advocacy aligns with broader Christian educational principles, including parent choice and curriculum flexibility to accommodate faith-based values[5]. The association has critiqued perceived overstandardization in national curricula, advocating for localized educational expression[5].

[1] https://www.aacs.net.au [2] https://www.aacs.net.au/about-us [3] https://www.csa.edu.au [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/7b5191a6-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/profile [5] https://www.education.gov.au/system/files/documents/document-file/2020-12/australian-association-of-christian-schools.pdf