Brainerd Baptist School Joins CESA
We’re excited to announce a new partnership - Brainerd Baptist School is now a member of the Council on Educational and Spiritual Accountability (CESA).
Now, you might be wondering, “What does that mean for me?” This is a fair question, especially in education, where acronyms abound. Off the top of my head, here are just a few that are significant to schools like BBS: SAIS, NWEA, ERB, MAP, IEP, TAIS, SSAT, TACS, NAIS, ACSI, MISBO, NBOA, ESHA, TABS. Most parents may not know what all of these mean, and that’s okay. You’ve still trusted us with your children, not because of the acronyms we use, but because of the values we uphold and the strong education provided.
So why does it matter that Brainerd Baptist School is joining CESA?
Just like in the business world, the professional organizations a school chooses to affiliate with reflect its values, priorities, and vision. For example, BBS is accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), one of the most respected regional accrediting bodies in the country. Over 400 schools across 14 states are SAIS members, including many institutions known for academic excellence, strong governance, and a clear, compelling mission.
Like SAIS, CESA shares many of those same commitments, with one key distinction: all CESA schools are Christian schools. These schools integrate academic rigor with a deep commitment to spiritual formation and the development of a Biblical worldview. In essence, CESA is a network of schools that strive to be the best, not only academically, but also in spiritual formation and development.
We are educating children in a world that is changing fast, often in ways that challenge long-held beliefs about truth, identity, and morality. Cultural norms that once felt extreme are now widely accepted. In the middle of all that, it’s more important than ever for Christian schools to stay rooted in their convictions, shaped by Scripture and committed to truth with grace. CESA helps us do that.
A core pillar of CESA’s mission is strong governance. This is the behind-the-scenes leadership structure that ensures a school stays mission-focused, financially sound, and well-managed. While parents may not always see the effects of good governance directly, it plays a critical role in shaping the overall quality and stability of the school.
CESA member schools are held to rigorous standards in areas including governance, academics, and Christian culture. Membership requires schools to meet and maintain a robust set of expectations. That’s where the “accountability” comes in. CESA walks alongside its member schools to ensure they remain aligned with their mission, rooted in Biblical truth, and continually growing stronger.
So, what does this mean for you as a parent?
In your everyday experience, you may not notice any immediate changes. But you can rest assured that Brainerd Baptist School is taking intentional steps to grow, improve, and remain faithful to our mission. By joining CESA, we are partnering with like-minded institutions that share our commitment to excellence, integrity, and Christ-centered education.
We are grateful for your trust, and we will continue to work diligently to earn it every day.
TLDR
1. Brainerd Baptist School is now a member of CESA (Council for Educational and Spiritual Accountability).
2. CESA is a network of Christian schools focused on academic excellence, strong governance, and spiritual formation.
3. Like SAIS, CESA holds member schools to high standards, with the added emphasis on Biblical truth and Christian values.
4. You might not see immediate changes, but this partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and mission-driven leadership.