1952
Representatives from seven societies were meeting as the Ontario Alliance of Calvinistic Societies, in the consistory room of the First Reformed Church in Hamilton. The two purposes of the organization were to promote Christian education and to establish an institution of higher learning.

1959
The Canadian Christian Teachers Association was formed, which would later become the Ontario Christian School Teachers Association (OCSTA).

1962
The Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools negotiated an agreement with the Minister of Education, W. Davis, allowing Christian schools with certified principals to “host” practice teachers from the teacher colleges for certification purposes.

1963
Mr. Hengstman was appointed as the first Executive Director of the OACS. His main job was to do the inspections of practice teachers. The office was located in Sarnia.

1965
The OACS negotiated an agreement with The Minister of Revenue with national respect to the determination of “charitable” donations to the schools.

1967
The Ontario Christian School Administrators Association (OCSAA) began for principals in OACS schools.

1971
Representatives from OACS communities presented the Premier and Minister of Education with petitions containing 120,000 signatures requesting justice and equality for all school children in Ontario.

1972
A political campaign to extend funding to independent schools and Catholic high schools in the Davis era was started.
Mr. J. Olthuis is appointed as Coordinator and Lobbyist.
An historic meeting took place in Windsor, where representatives of NUCS (National Union of Christian Schools, a largely U.S. organization), OACS, OCSTA, and OCSAA, as well as some of the Western delegates, met to discuss the future of “NUCS” in Canada.

1975
Dr. J. Fennema was appointed as the second Executive Director. The OACS office moved to Hamilton.

1977
The OACS appointed three part-time employees: Mr. Hank Hultink as Executive Director, Mr. John Stronks as Curriculum Coordinator, and Mr. Mel Elzinga as Public Relations Director.

1978
National Union of Christian Schools in Grand Rapids MI, USA, changed its official name to Christian Schools International (CSI).

1979
Mr. Adrian Guldemond was appointed as full-time Executive Director. The OACS office moved to Calvin Christian School on West 5th in Hamilton.

1981
The OACS took over school evaluation service from CSI.
The OACS was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation.

1982
A new agreement was reached with Revenue Canada interpreting the Information Circular75-23 for Christian schools. IC 75-23 dealt with giving donation receipts for tuition and the cost per pupil calculation.
The OACS office moved to Redeemer College on Beach Blvd. in Hamilton
The OACS Board ended the Teacher Recruitment Fund, which began in 1956.
The OACS issued the first OCSAA, OCSTA, OACS Salary Reports.
The OACS sponsored the CSI Convention in Ottawa.
The OACS endorsed CEAF (Christian Education Assistance Foundation) programs.

1984
The OACS submitted a major brief to the Shapiro Commission. Mr. Brinkman, Board Chair, served on the advisory committee of the Commission.

1986
The OACS office moved to the new Redeemer College Campus in Ancaster.

1991
The OACS won a major Human Rights victory in the case of Rhema (Peterborough) v. Garrod on a lifestyle issue.
The OACS and the Jewish Congress commenced court action against the government’s non-funding policy resulting in the Anderson decision from the Supreme Court of Ontario.

 

1992
The OACS hosted the first international CSI conference in Toronto, which was the first with a truly international attendance with representatives from around the world. It was the biggest CSI Convention ever!
The OACS joins the Canadian Jewish Congress in legal action against the Government of Ontario in order to activate fair funding.

1993
The OACS won the court case over the religious credits for the high school diploma which allowed high-schools to continue to apply Bible credits toward Ontario diploma requirements.

1995
In December, the OACS office moved to the Ancaster Fair Grounds, into the old Ministry of Agriculture building.

1996
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled on the Adler/Elgersma case and established the legal right to operate independent schools. This was a step forward on the road to justice.

1997
Approved the development of an accreditation process for member schools which eventually results in the establishment of the Canadian Hallmarks Institute and a move from the older school evaluation to a school quality assurance program now commonly known as SQAP.

1999
OACS Commissions GALLOP poll on independent school funding which shows strong support for this cause.
Many audits of school books were conducted by Revenue Canada. OACS holds meetings with officials in Ottawa.
OACS is registered with the Province as a lobbyist.
First meetings of Christian Schools Canada (CSC). Membership survey shows a strong support for new initiatives.
Board conducts third membership survey to determine satisfaction with services.
First classic invitational golf tournament for curriculum development.

2000
Board acts to encourage CSI to return the demutualization funds to the schools.
UN Decision – the Waldman case is decided in favour of the religious schools: funding is required.
Joint presentations, OACS-CJC are made to the Federal Minister of Justice and the Ontario Minister of Justice.
The OACS Board adopts new policy on mechanics of public funding and commissions KPMG to do the research on a tax credit option.
In the fall, there was extensive lobbying of the provincial government MPPs by the OACS staff.
The appointments of the “Fair Funding” Coordinators in December to increase awareness of the Christian school movement in Ontario and to encourage OACS schools to become involved in the funding discussion.
ONTARIO BREAKTHROUGH: The Minister of Health-Mrs. Witmer-allocates $3.4 million for special needs children in independent schools.

2001
ONTARIO SOLUTION: TUITION TAX CREDIT: The Equity in Education Tax Credit (EETC) is announced in the May 9 Provincial Budget of Finance Minister, The Honourable Jim Flaherty.
Board established Career Incentives Committee to look at long-term teacher shortages.
CSI makes further Bylaw changes in accordance with its new vision.

2002
First Conference of Christian Schools Canada is held in Vancouver.
OACS Budget exceeds $1 Million: staff is at 15 persons.
Membership approves resolution to establish a new relationship between CSI and CSC.
OACS establishes Canadian Development Task Force.
OACS celebrates its 50th anniversary with a gala dinner.

2003
Ontario government under Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty abolishes the EETC retroactively.

2007
The funding of faith-based independent schools becomes the focal point of the provincial election. The result of the election effectively demonizes private schools.

2008
The OACS launches fundraising campaign for new building.
Major staff changes take place.

2009
OACS moves to a new building located at 790 Shaver Rd. in Ancaster.

2010

Hugo Marcus takes over as executive director.