In an effort to assist in the implementation of best practices, MCSTs Department of Urban School Services exists to help Christian schools and educators effectively educate urban students. The department provides services and resources in five areas that are represented by the acronym FACTS:

FUND-RAISING AND DEVELOPMENT

Many urban families cannot afford the cost of a tuition-based school. Urban School Services provides consultation for schools in developing a contributions-based program in order to make their services affordable to economically disadvantaged families.

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT

Urban schools and educators target and serve children who are academically at risk. In many instances, these children have been undereducated. Urban School Services offers professional assistance designed to assist in developing an educational program that effectively serves underresourced children.

CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

The curriculum is related to academic enrichment in that it is the tool that delivers the educational package. Urban School Services provides assistance to urban schools and educators in designing and developing a curriculum for urban students that is both academically excellent and socially and cul- turally relevant for the urban child.

TEACHER TRAINING

Increasingly, teachers in urban settings are culturally, socially, and racially removed from the students sitting in their classrooms. In order to be effec- tive, teachers must know and relate to their students. Urban School Services provides consultation in diversity assessment and training for urban schools and educators.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
ACSI offers nationally recognized accreditation programs for preschools, elementary schools, and secondary schools. These programs enable schools to pursue and maintain academic and spiritual excellence. ACSI also pro- vides professional credentials for teachers and administrators.