Who are we?

The Academy of Christian Leadership (ACL) is a day school established in 2003 to offer a Christian education alternative for grades 6-12.  Located just south of Albany, New York in the Town of Kinderhook, we have students from neighboring Berkshire, Greene, Rensselaer, Albany, and Schenectady counties.  See our map link on the left for further instructions.

Friday Enrichment

ACL offers a unique program of 4 days of classical academics with an optional Friday Enrichment Program that takes students outside the classroom.  Monday through Thursday students attend ACL from 8:15am to 4:00pm.  Fridays allow activities such as museum trips, hikes, all day sports, community service, special speakers, and a variety of other options.  Fridays also allow families to schedule appointments or enjoy a long weekend together.

Diplomas and Advanced Study

ACL from its inception has been registered with the State of New York and issues Regents and Advanced Regents diplomas.  In addition, ACL is one of the only area schools to offer Advanced Placement Chemistry.

Schedules at ACL are designed to allow upper grade students to begin college classes during their high school years.  Students who pursue this program may graduate up to a year early if they meet all NYS requirements. 

Science

Special emphasis on the sciences began our first year with the donation of a science lab, equipment, and supplies.  Each of our science teachers are uniquely qualified in their fields and gifted to teach our youth.  Our programs engage our student's imaginations, such as our "Machines!" course where students learn to build everything from potato cannons to water-powered levers.  We do not shy away from controversy - this is a school that teaches logic and critical thinking.  Students hear both sides of the debate over creation versus evolution.  Scientists from the Answers in Genesis ministry have held well received seminars at ACL.

Art

Our new Art Studio building opened in September 2006 to house our expanding art program.  Studio Art, Graphic Design, Painting, Drawing, Digital Photography, 2D, and performing arts as well as Art History are part of the program.  ACL won first place and one of our students won best-in-show competing against all area schools at the 2007 Columbia County Fair art show. 

Bible

ACL is a non-denominational Christian school that teaches basic Bible principles stressing the importance of living what you profess.  We regard the Bible alone to be the infallible Word of God that not only shows the path to salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, but also guides us in practical truths that promote health, happiness and prosperity.

Classical Education

As a classical Christian school, ACL teaches in a more traditional manner than can be found in today's educational institutions.  We begin Latin and Greek roots in the sixth grade; seventh and eighth graders take Latin and Hebrew.  Continuing studies in Latin and other languages are available in high school based on demand in any given year (Spanish, Chinese, Italian, and New Testament Greek).

Logic and critical thinking are offered to our Junior High students with debate and rhetoric skills emphasized in the High School.

Tuition

Tuition at ACL is income adjusted.  Each family pays based on their ability up to a maximum of $7500 per student per year.  Monthly payment plans are available interest-free.  Each year about 75% of our students attend ACL for less than the maximum tuition.

Community Service

Emphasis on the importance of service by the Christian community must begin early when lifetime habits are formed.  Serving others begins at home, church, and school, then grows to become outreach within our community.  At school, students clean the building every day, help with maintenance projects, and participate in fund raising activities to keep our tuition affordable.  Community projects to benefit soup kitchens, the local food pantry, crisis pregnancy centers, and other ministries form an important part of a student's character training.  Each year ACL forms student teams to do yard clean-up for local elderly residents.