In 2010, fifteen nationally and internationally exemplary Christian schools determined that institutional excellence and institutional integrity are their priorities and therefore came together with the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability leadership team to brainstorm and develop plans for an organization of Christian schools that would seek to impact education both nationally and internationally.  

These fifteen schools committed time, intellectual capital, and financial capital to ensure CESA could be born, would be thoughtfully and strategically developed, and would provide resources for Christian schools to realize their potential as rigorous academic institutions committed to programmatic excellence and distinction, for the glory of God.

Today, CESA membership has been opened to new schools and our membership is growing. Christian Schools affiliated with the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability are those that aspire to superlative academic standards, institutional best practices, and collaboration with like‑minded schools. 

CESA serves Christian schools through leadership services, academic enrichment, programmatic development, professional development, and by providing fellowship and fraternity to those who serve within Christian institutions. The CESA Standards of Accountability(c) and the related Audit is the basis of our membership. Coming alongside schools and organizations, CESA seeks to enable Christian schools with rigorous, objective standards to guide their development, providing schools with the tools necessary to reach such standards and the networks necessary to propel Christian schools with excellence and accountability as their hallmarks. With fraternity as one of our core values, CESA connects school leaders with one another to meet their goals. The continuous input of other school leaders and accountability to the Council allows for real school improvement over time.

CESA offers three levels of membership to meet the needs of a range of Christian schools. Details about the three levels of membership can be found by clicking: Members of Council, Affiliate Members, and Aspiring Members. All schools interested in joining this movement of Christian schools should complete the Application for Membership.  A member of the CESA leadership team will then be in contact with you about the next steps.