Council on Educational Standards and Accountability | CESA

Edifying the Christian School Head.

Edifying the Local Christian School.

Edifying the Christian School Movement.

Leadership is a high calling.

You don’t have to answer it alone.

The Council on Educational Standards and Accountability (CESA) exists to strengthen Christian schools by developing strong, mission-minded leaders and fostering a culture of excellence. Our peer-driven network connects school leaders who share a passion for leading with wisdom, growing in community, and advancing the name of Jesus through their work.

The CESA Difference

At CESA, we believe that discipleship and excellence go hand in hand. Academic rigor, programmatic strength, and spiritual formation are not in competition — they are essential partners in the mission of Christian education. That’s why CESA comes alongside schools to elevate every area of leadership and learning. Through accountability, encouragement, and a shared pursuit of distinction, we help Christian schools thrive for the glory of God.

Grow the leader, grow the school

CESA was built by heads of school, for heads of school. We develop leaders who grow in wisdom, influence, and capacity — knowing that as the leader flourishes, so does the school.

Iron sharpens iron

Our model is peer-driven and accountability-rich. CESA leaders refine one another, fostering purposeful relationships that help schools meet high standards and shape generations for the glory of God.

Jesus first

CESA is unlike other school leadership organizations. Our shared mission is to make the name of Jesus great by forming disciples and advancing His Kingdom through schools led with excellence.

One for another

Leadership doesn’t have to be lonely. CESA exists to connect Christ-centered leaders who encourage and walk alongside one another in a meaningful community.

Explore the standards that are raising the bar for Christian schooling.

CESA’s Standards of Accountability are designed to help schools thrive — spiritually, academically, and operationally. Grounded in biblical truth and best practices, these standards serve as a roadmap for sustainable excellence in Christian schools.

Learn about our Standards

100%

of CESA school leaders engage in peer-to-peer evaluation, fostering accountability and continual development.

8 Standards. 50+ Indicators.

CESA’s Standards of Accountability offer a comprehensive framework for spiritual formation, academic excellence, and institutional health.

30+ States Represented

CESA connects Christian schools across the country, building a nationwide movement of professionals who grow in shared values and a commitment to excellence.

APPLYING FOR CESA
MEMBERSHIP

”CESA has been instrumental in connecting our school with other like-minded professionals across the country. At times, it’s challenging to share one’s burdens with neighboring schools. The vast CESA network allows us easy access to countless excellent schools as well as the ability to compare best practices (Proverbs 27:17). We are a much better school because of CESA.”

Colin Creel, Head of School

Cornerstone Christian Academy
Peachtree Corners, GA

“If you truly want to improve your school, there is nothing like the CESA community. The standards really do illuminate the pathway to excellent Christian schooling. The friends you will meet from other Christian schools will give you guides to journey with you along the pathway.”

Tom Konjoyan, Head of School

Village Christian Schools
Sun Valley, CA

“CESA sent a review team to our campus… meeting with board members, administration, faculty, parents, and students. They carefully inspected our governance model, financials, business practices, facilities, curriculum, teaching and learning best practices, mission/vision/values, and more. This comprehensive process helped our school continue to improve and grow.”

-Matt Davidson, Superintendent

Timothy Christian Schools
Elmhurst, IL

“If you are a person who is part of a school where you are truly seeking to follow Christ in all that you do and truly seeking excellence for yourself and your school, then CESA is a place where you will fit, find meaningful relationships, and find great support in who the Lord has called you to be and in what He has called you to do. It can’t be done apart from Him, and it can’t be done apart from meaningful relationships with others.”

-Kevin Bracher, Head of School

Whitfield Academy
Smyrna, GA

News

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Events

CESA Heads Retreat 2026

Our annual Heads Retreat is dedicated to renewing the minds, spirits, and souls of our school Heads and their spouses….

Faithful Teaching Institute

Summer Advancement Institute

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Edifying the Christian School Head.
Edifying the Local Christian School.
Edifying the Christian School Movement.