About Us

The Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) represents nearly one hundred schools in every state and territory. Over 45,000 students are educated at our member schools. The association includes three group members: Christian Education National, St Philips Christian Education and Pacific Hills Group along with a dozen individual member schools. AACS is led by our CEO, Mrs Vanessa Cheng, who has served the association for over five years and is governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by group and individual members. Click on the links below to see our member schools:

Member Schools

Formation and History

The Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) is the longest-running Christian school association and the only peak body which represents Christian schools in every state and territory across the country. The first "Christian school" was established by a group of parents in Hobart who wanted their children to have access to quality, affordable Christian education delivered by Christian teachers and staff. Hear about the humble beginnings from the founders of Calvin Christian School:

Since these early days, the movement experienced rapid growth and it was important to establish an advocacy body that could represent their collective interests to government. The possibility of a national association of Christian schools was first discussed in 1985 between Tony Deenick of Christian Parent-Controlled Schools (CPCS), Bob Frisken and Pam Harvey of Christian Community Schools (CCS). In 1988 the first meeting of the AACS Council was held and in 1989, an Executive Officer was appointed and a National Office was established in Canberra. Individual Christian schools and other national groups of Christian schools were also invited to join. You can read the first newsletter of the AACS below:

Tidings Newsletter 1989

Following development of the Association's Constitution in 1990, AACS became an incorporated body, registered in the ACT and governed by a duly appointed and elected Council. The association employs a full time Executive Officer and a part-time Communications and Administration Officer. Today, the Christian school movement is one of the fastest growing groups of schools within the independent sector. 

Constitution

AACS is registered as a charitable public company limited by guarantee and is governed by a Board of Directors who are appointed by the group members. View our Constitution:

AACS Constitution