AACS Today

Matt and Jamison return from a brief hiatus to explore the critical intersection of upcoming midterm elections, Christian civic duty, and key policy priorities for faith-based education. The hosts examine why Christian educators and ministry leaders must actively engage at the polls to champion moral clarity, protect religious autonomy, and uphold First Amendment freedoms.

Focusing on state-level impacts, the hosts highlight how gubernatorial races directly determine state participation in the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) through governor opt-in requirements, while sharing encouraging updates on the Accord Kids rollout. Additionally, the conversation addresses protecting tax-exempt status from government overreach, offering practical guidance for institutions to fortify their founding documents and navigate advocacy under the Johnson Amendment. Packed with timely insights, this discussion equips school leaders, parents, and donors to vote their values and advance religious liberty on Election Day.

In this episode of AACS Today, host Jamison Coppola welcomes Randy Melchert, Director of Accord Kids, to break down the Treasury Department’s newly released 181-page proposed regulations for the Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC). Set to launch in 2027, this landmark federal tax credit allows individual taxpayers to redirect up to $1,700—and married couples filing jointly up to $3,400—of their existing federal tax liability to fund Christian school scholarships at zero net cost to donors.

Coppola and Melchert analyze critical regulatory updates, including 96% student eligibility, strong safeguards for religious liberty, and key victories regarding governor opt-in rules and cross-border student flexibility. The conversation also explores how Accord Kids—the AACS-affiliate scholarship franting organization—is equipping school leaders, parents, and donors with the resources needed to navigate this once-in-a-generation opportunity. Tune in to discover how Christian educators can prepare their school communities for launch day on January 1, 2027, and equip more families to access a faith-based education.

In this episode of AACS Today, Hannah DeBruler, higher education policy analyst for the AACS, joins Matt to analyze a newly proposed IRS rule on racial nondiscrimination in private schools. While designed to address diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies across educational institutions, the hosts examine the broader implications of this regulation for K–12 Christian schools, colleges, and trade schools.

The discussion explores the legal history surrounding tax-exempt status, specifically highlighting how the precedent of "fundamental public policy" established by the Supreme Court could present long-term risks to religious liberty under future presidential administrations. To safeguard faith-based institutions, Ticzkus and DeBruler outline two vital action steps: submitting public feedback on the Federal Register before the November 3 deadline and advocating for the Fair Treatment of Religious Organizations Act of 2026. Tune in to discover how Christian educators and ministry leaders can proactively engage in public policy to protect the future of faith-based education.

In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison Coppola recap the highlights and impact of the American Association of Christian Schools’ National Legislative Conference (NLC) in Washington, D.C.. The hosts detail how school leaders gathered to advocate for key policy priorities, including Educational Freedom Tax Credit Scholarships, protecting tax exemptions for religious organizations, and supporting the Chloe Cole Act.

Beyond legislative strategy, the episode highlights member briefings, spiritual encouragement from speaker Dean Miller, and the presentation of the American Freedom Award to retiring Congressman Barry Loudermilk following his address at the closing banquet. They reflect on the vital role of grassroots advocacy, urging Christian educators to embrace self-government by building active relationships with their elected representatives. Whether discussing Capitol Hill advocacy or lighthearted moments on the pickleball court, this conversation underscores how educators can boldly influence public policy while staying anchored in their faith. Tune in for an inspiring look at how Christian education and policy intersect in our nation's capital.

In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison reflect on the 25th anniversary of September 11 and its enduring significance for American society and Christian education. They share personal memories from that historic day while recalling the extraordinary role of AACS leaders in Washington, D.C., who conducted impromptu prayer meetings with White House administration staff during the immediate aftermath of the attacks. The hosts also explore lesser-known historical context surrounding aviation security, including General Benjamin Davis’s 1974 warning about potential airborne mass-casualty events. Addressing a growing generational divide among students born after 9/11, the discussion emphasizes the essential responsibility Christian educators hold in instilling heroism, self-sacrifice, and moral clarity. Highlighting recent sentiments shared by the Department of Education, this episode underscores why schools must ensure rising generations honor the victims, remember first responders, and understand this pivotal watershed moment. Tune in to explore how Christian schools can preserve these vital historical lessons to cultivate gratitude, courage, and hope for the future.

In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison sit down with Katy Faust, the founder and president of the global children's rights movement Them Before Us. Faust discusses her organization's primary mission: defending children's natural rights to their biological mother and father. She challenges modern assumptions about family structures, explaining why marriage, IVF, surrogacy, and adoption must be viewed through a child-centric, justice-focused lens rather than adult desires. Faust outlines her global efforts to change hearts and laws, including the "Greater Than" campaign aimed at overturning Obergefell. She also shares practical, countercultural advice for Christian parents and educators navigating hostile cultural environments. Faust details her unique approach to worldview preparation, emphasizing how parents can proactively equip children—especially middle schoolers—to recognize secular distortions and stand firm in their faith. Tune in to explore how natural law, children's lived experiences, and timeless biblical truths can protect the next generation in an increasingly complex world.

In this episode, Matt and Jamison  discuss a recent visit to a White House back-to-school event. Dr. Coppola, who attended the Rose Garden ceremony, highlights President Trump’s focus on key education policies, centering on three main themes: the primary role of parents in education, expanding school choice through the proposed Education Freedom Tax Credit, and the eventual dismantling of the federal Department of Education. The conversation blends serious policy analysis with lighthearted moments, including a whimsical recount of Trump leading attendees on an unscheduled tour of a new White House helipad under construction. Ultimately, the hosts underscore how the AACS invitation to such high-profile events reflects the organization's outsized influence in Washington, DC, and its ongoing mission to advocate for parental rights and biblically-based education. This episode serves as an encouraging reminder of the tangible fruit of Christian school advocacy.

In this episode of AACS Today, Matt and Jamison explore the unique, often underappreciated challenges facing Christian school leaders during the demanding back-to-school season. Transitioning from nostalgic reflections on childhood school supply shopping, the co-hosts dive into the high-stress realities of modern school administration, addressing critical hurdles like last-minute staffing shortages, tight budgets, and unexpected building maintenance costs.

Drawing from their own leadership experiences, the hosts offer a blend of practical strategies and spiritual encouragement. They emphasize the vital importance of "sharpening the saw" through physical activity, continuous personal development, and guilt-free rest. The discussion also covers essential principles for building organizational trust, navigating difficult personalities, and establishing a healthy work-life "counterbalance". Grounded in biblical wisdom from James and Hebrews, this episode serves as a refreshing, supportive guide designed to sustain educators as they embark on a new school year.

With Congress in recess, this briefing provides a critical update on key legislative priorities affecting the Christian school community and religious liberty.

The discussion features an in-depth look at two major House bills: the Fair Treatment of Religious Organizations Act, which seeks to protect the tax-exempt status of ministries holding traditional views on marriage, and the Chloe Cole Act, designed to provide legal recourse for individuals harmed by pediatric gender-transition procedures.

Moving to the Senate, the hosts analyze the College Transparency Act and the Protect College Sports Act, highlighting concerns regarding federal oversight and the preservation of biological women's sports. 

Finally, the episode explores the future of "Reconciliation 3.0" and the transformative potential of the Education Freedom Tax Credit. Discover how the AACS’s new scholarship entity, Accord Kids, is preparing to help families access Christian education through these upcoming federal opportunities. Stay informed on how these Washington developments impact your ministry.

Matt and AACS Government Relations Specialist, Olivia Summers, provide a comprehensive recap of the 32nd annual Youth Legislative Development Conference (YLDC) in Washington, D.C.. This year’s event brought together 40 students from 18 states to explore public policy through the lens of a Christian worldview, casting a vital vision for politics as a ministry.

The hosts explore the highlights of a busy week, including the intensive Mock Senate simulation and a historic briefing held on the White House grounds. Listeners will hear how students engaged directly with the legislative process by meeting with congressional offices to advocate for the education freedom tax credit. The discussion also features insights from guest speakers like Dr. Matthew Spalding and Tim Goeglein, alongside a panel of YLDC alumni currently serving as congressional staffers. From tours of the U.S. Capitol during the America 250 celebrations to a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, discover how this program equips the next generation of engaged citizens. Tune in to learn more about the application process for the 2027 conference.