Our Foundation and Purpose
At a time when many schools are searching for clarity, tradition, and purpose, the Anglican Schools Association (ASA) offers a distinctly rooted and revitalizing vision of education. Grounded in the classical Christian tradition and guided by the richness of the Anglican Way, the ASA exists to serve schools that seek to pursue academic excellence as well as spiritual depth and faithful formation. Below, you'll find what makes the ASA unique—its mission, leadership, practical support, and the deep well of tradition from which it draws.
Why the ASA?
The Anglican School Association (ASA) preserves and revitalizes a time-honored approach to education. Anglican education is both classical and ecclesial, drawing from the rich traditions of the early Church in the British Isles and the broader heritage of classical learning—traditions that the Church historically adapted, shaping them into a powerful tool for the kingdom of God (think Augustine, Boethius, Basil the Great, Alcuin of York).
Governed by a committee chaired by Bishop John Boonzaaijer, and operating within the life of the Anglican Church in North America, the ASA is committed to fostering spiritual formation in the Anglican Way, maintaining rigorous scholarship, and cultivating a strong sense of community and service. We have member schools that are a part of the Anglican Province of America, the Reformed Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Church in North America. By emphasizing minimal bureaucracy and ensuring strong ecclesial oversight, the ASA keeps its schools faithful to their mission while equipping them to meet the challenges of raising children in today’s culture.
What the ASA Can Do for You
The ASA provides philosophical and pedagogical guidance for Anglican parochial and diocesan schools. Equally important, however, is the practical support we offer—designed to help your school thrive. Our services include an accreditation process that upholds both academic and spiritual excellence. The ASA also fosters networking opportunities for administrators, including job postings and professional gatherings. Through our partnership with a national Christian educational foundation, we provide affordable resources to support new school launches and to strengthen key areas such as leadership, fundraising, and marketing for all schools. Additionally, initiatives like the Society of St. Bede Teachers Association and our teacher certification program offer encouragement, fellowship, and ongoing professional development—ensuring that educators and school leaders are well-equipped to excel.
What are the Requirements for Joining the Anglican Schools Association?
To join the Anglican School Association (ASA), member schools must be Anglican in jurisdiction, ethos, and practice; incorporate at least one Daily Office from the Prayer Book into school life; follow a traditional Western classical education model; and be governed by ASA-approved bylaws. Other members, such as homeschool families or co-ops, are also required to keep the Daily Office in their daily routine and use a classical education approach, as evaluated by the ASA Board. Teachers who are not currently teaching at member schools may also join if they are members of an Anglican parish and are teaching at (or retired from) any school. Exceptions to these requirements may be made at the discretion of the ASA Directors.
Leadership
