In 1964, under the leadership of Pastor Franklin Dodson, the people of First Baptist Church stepped out in faith toward the vision of a school that would serve the people of Albany and beyond. They desired to provide an alternative in education that would stress academic excellence, character development, biblical truth, and a spiritual bridge to children and their families. They purchased the former Albany High School building, with a 900-seat auditorium, regulation size gymnasium, cafeteria, and many classrooms, to become the new home for both the church and its new school ministry. In September 1985, ACS Preschool was founded. The Preschool, Elementary, and Middle School educate nearly 300 students.  Now in its 5th decade, ACS has led the way in providing quality Christian education to families in Albany and throughout the Willamette Valley.