Become a Member

The Illinois Association of Christian Schools is the state chapter of the American Association of Christian Schools (AACS), one of the leading organizations of Christian schools in the country. The IACS was founded in 1974 and over the years has grown to represent approximately 25 conservative Christian schools statewide.

As a state affiliate of the AACS our benefit program expands to a national scope affording a broad spectrum of both cost saving options (such as a national health insurance program) and professional helps. The IACS meets on a regular basis during the school year for information distribution, discussion of current Illinois educational issues or trends, and fellowship. Our state organization also sponsors a yearly teachers’ convention bringing in workshop speakers of national recognition. This convention gives our faculty and staff opportunities for professional development and spiritual growth.

The Illinois Association of Christian Schools places a priority on doctrinal agreement among the member schools. Member schools may not be a part of the ecumenical movement or promote the doctrine or practice of the modern charismatic movement or the exercise of the “sign gifts” (speaking in tongues, gifts of healing, sign gifts, etc.).

Benefits of Joining the IACS

Academic & Fine Arts Competitions

State-wide Athletic Tournaments

State Legislative Monitoring

National Academic Tournaments

The American Christian Honor Society

Free Membership in the American Association of Christian Schools

Membership Information

The application process is as follows:

  • Complete the online membership application and be in agreement with the IACS purpose, doctrinal statement of faith, and philosophy of education.

  • Include a copy of your church or school constitution/doctrinal statement and a school handbook with your completed application.

  • We will contact you to schedule a phone consultation and to explain the next steps in the membership process.

  • If all is in order, our staff will arrange a site visit to your school.

  • No fees are required until your school is officially accepted into membership.

Download PDF Application
Fill Out Online Application

Member Schools

The value of schools of like faith working together to maintain our freedoms cannot be measured. The IACS provides a strong, unified voice in Illinois that is able to accomplish more together than any could do alone. We welcome all schools that share our philosophy and desire to see Christian schools grow and progress in Illinois.

View or find current schools that are currently a part of the IACS by clicking the button below.

View Member Schools

Online Application

Membership Form

School Information

Church Information

If there is a church that has oversight of the school, please complete the information below. If your school is not under the oversight of a church, you can skip this section.

Other Information

All schools requesting to join are required to submit a doctrinal statement and a copy of your parent/student handbook.

AACS STATEMENT OF FAITH

We believe that the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, was verbally inspired of God and is inerrant and is our only rule in matters of faith and practice. We believe in creation, not evolution; that man and woman were created by the direct
act of God and in the image of God; we believe that life begins at conception where the only genders (male and female) are divinely predetermined. We believe that Adam and Eve, in yielding to the temptation of Satan, became fallen creatures. We believe that all men are born in sin. We believe in the Incarnation, the Virgin Birth, the Deity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe in the vicarious and substitutional Atonement for the sins of mankind by the shedding of His blood on the cross. We believe in the resurrection of His body from the tomb, His ascension to Heaven, and that He is now our Advocate. We believe that He is personally coming again. We believe in His power to save men from sin. We believe in the necessity of the New Birth, and that this New Birth is through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. We believe that salvation is by grace through faith, plus nothing minus nothing, in the atoning blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We believe that God ordained marriage and family as the foundational institution of society. We further believe that the only Biblically sanctioned marriage is the public, monogamous union of one man and one woman that is intended for a lifetime and that any sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful and is detrimental to society. We believe in the Biblical doctrine of ecclesiastical separation, and therefore believe that churches and Christian schools shall not be members of or in agreement either with organizations or movements (such as the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches) which deny the fundamental doctrines found in this statement or with ecumenism which minimizes doctrinal distinctives. We further believe in the completed revelation of Scripture which allows neither for direct revelation from God today, nor for continuation of temporary New Testament sign gifts, such as visions, dreams, prophecies, healings or speaking in tongues, such as is practiced in the Charismatic movement.
We believe that this doctrinal statement (statement of faith) is basic for Christian fellowship and that all born-again men and women who sincerely accept it and are separated from the world of apostasy and sin can and should live together in peace, and that it is their Christian duty to promote harmony among the Believers.


AACS MEMBERSHIP STATEMENT


Membership will not be afforded to those associated with, members of, or in accord with the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the modern charismatic movement, or the ecumenical movement.

Current Enrollment

*do not include homeschool students in this section

Payment Information

Please calculate the current total IACS Membership using the enrollment data listed above. The $11.00 per student and employee member fee includes membership in both the IACS and AACS. There is a $50.00 minimum per school. Please mail the membership fee to the IACS office, and we will mail the proper portion to the AACS. No late fees will be assessed, but schools will be denied participation in any IACS sponsored activities if dues are not paid on time.

*(Please deduct $50.00 from the membership fee if your school submitted the “Intent to Renew” fee.)

Formula:

IACS Total Membership x $11 = Membership Fee

*Membership - $50 Intent to Renew Discount = Adjusted Membership Fee