Worked for one of their schools. Missionaries there were rude. Lies from admin all the time. They prayed and wanted to convert souls, but their actions denied Him. Also, I was pressured into spending alot of my dismal pay to buy resources, this while the head of NICS was galavanting around the world. I had to take money from my meager pay while he lived high. It was not God. Also, the missionaries don't preach the gospel. At least not where I was.
It is a great pleasure to share my experience about the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) and the leader of NICS and Oasis International Schools Inc., Joe Hale.
In 1997, my wife and I and another couple were praying for and searching for a Christian, educational option in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We decided to start a school from scratch and the Lord led us to NICS and Joe Hale.
Over the next several months, Joe and his team helped the four of us make our prayer and our dream a reality. The entire story is long and most likely most meaningful to the four of us, but without Joe's help and the experience and direction of NICS, the school would have never started. The solid foundation was laid and the Buenos Aires International Christian Academy (BAICA) began in February of 1998. 23 years later, what Joe and NICS started in BAICA continues to minister to hundreds every year.
There is so much to share about how Joe and NICS lead BAICA. BAICA shunned NICS a few years after the school started, as the school thought itself as able to "do it on our own"! When BAICA was on the verge of collapse, I could share how the organization forgave and helped the school back to health. It is really a "God Story" to tell how through all the ups and downs and ins and outs, not to mention the finances and cultural hoops of an international ministry, how Joe and the team served the Lord! An investment in NICS, OASIS, and Joe Hale is a wise investment in the Lord's work.
As a US Civilian stationed in Uijongbu, South Korea; I personally know of many students who attended the International Christian School founded by Reverend Joseph Hale. We were thankful, Blessed and full of gratitude to have an International Christian school in a foreign country; providing a high quality education, indoctrinated with biblical teachings; available to our Civilian and Military community. The transformation of the Children attending the International Christian Schools was astonishing with the help of highly qualified Christian teachers, and administrative staff; who were truly dedicated to their profession and God’s calling for them. My 19 years of employment with the US government in South Korea; I personally witnessed graduate students of the International Christian Schools in South Korea; go onto major universities; equipped to succeed in all endeavors of their choosing. This is a testament to the outstanding leadership of Rev. Joseph Hale and his dedicated staff to expand from one school in Uijongbu, South Korea and establish International Christian Schools around the world.
NICS and Oasis International Schools is a wonderful educational organization that ministers to hundreds of students worldwide. I have personally visited many of the schools, mainly in Asia and South America and have been so impressed with the work they continue to do in sometimes very difficult circumstances. Their students receive an outstanding, quality education in every school. Their teachers are well educated, dedicated and being used by God to do marvelous work. The home office works tirelessly to support all of the schools to ensure they have everything they need to be effective in their respective countries. I HIGHLY recommend NICS and Oasis International Schools!!!
Previous Stories
I have visited many of the NICS schools in Korea, Bolivia, Peru, Singapore, etc. LOVED the time spent with staff and students. This is a great ministry to support as they are reaching the next generation in many areas of the world changing lives with the gospel and education!!!
Having known Joe Hale since he committed his life to Jesus Christ as a teenager, I knew his passion for the ministry would lead to great things. The evolution of NICS has been phenomenal and impacted the world immeasurably.
Working internationally with NICS/Oasis has been personally and professionally enriching. The opportunity to work with third culture kids and to provide them not only with first-class instruction and academic opportunity but moral, ethical, and spiritual grounding is a world changing experience for them and me. The network gives the tools and then provides the opportunity to impact the world in a variety of locations circling the globe. Knowing that I am supported by a network that puts children first and cares for their staff's well-being enables me to educate with confidence.
I have appreciated the level of excellence that NICS/OASIS schools have demonstrated, beginning with the clear delineation of outcomes (at the international and local school level) and the measuring of their work to the stated outcomes.
Without NICS, our Singapore school would have gone under. The NICS expertise, generous loan of $150,000, marketing help, and plain hard work saved us from extinction. Instead of 43 students descending into oblivion, the school now has over 400 students from 26 nations.
Working for NICS in S. Korea is and always will be a highlight in our lives! We made life-long friends and grew exponentially in our relationship with the Lord. NICS gave us the opportunity to fulfill the Spirit's calling in our lives to reach young people with the gospel. And the rewards were greater than we could have ever imagined.
I spent 15 years with NICS, serving in South Korea, Singapore, and the home office. I had the opportunity to visit NICS/Oasis teams in 10 additional countries and each one of them had amazing people serving in unique and challenging locations with a diverse student body. NICS ensures the core values and camaraderie across the network, so you can't go wrong with any location. It's a fabulous international organization!
Previous Stories
I served 15 years (in 3 countries) with NICS/OASIS and still love this ministry so much. Everything they do is with excellence. People are treated as family, not employees. 10 years later, I still count so many people as personal friends. The value of relationships is often underestimated in today's world. I'm grateful for an organization that still upholds the value of each student and staff member (and the broader communities connected as well).
Having served in administrative leadership in 10 NICS schools in 10 countries over the last 30 years, I am thankful for this opportunity.
In my first school in Korea I saw a third of the students become Christians. The schools combine all of the aspects of a quality education in international environments which adds to the richness of the students' experience. This also provides an unbelievable teaching experience for the staff.
I count it a true privilege to have dedicated my life to this amazing organization. To me, there is no more exciting and fulfilling mission.
As a trainer of teachers, my goal has always been to identify schools where teacher candidates can have an academic and spiritual impact on their students. NICS/Oasis schools
more than meet that criteria. Having visited all of the NICS and Oasis schools in South Korea as well as West Nairobi School in East Africa, I have the highest regard for the teachers and administrators at each location.
If you are a teacher candidate, or even a veteran teacher, please consider the possibility that God may be calling you to impact the lives of students at one of the NICS/Oasis Schools.
Richard K. Harris, Ed.D.
Scottsdale, AZ
Trought The Network of Internacional Christian School (NICS) we've found the way to share the God's word and impact the world in a positive way. The possibilty to serve around the world has changed our life as a Family. We invest in the life of kids that sometimes never heard about Jesus from different nationalities and we try to teach the classes with a biblical perspective. Also we have met people that became brother and sisters and part of the same Family overseas. All the glory to God. However, to operate schools overseas is challenging because every country has their own laws and rules. We operate with limited resources that we have to use with wisdom and stewardship. This is a Ministry we we can invest in other and continue growing as a human been and as a Christian.
Roger.
The Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) does Amazing work around the globe. My family and I have been richly impacted by the foundation and service that NICS has been able to provide. In my 18 years of education experience I have not seen an organization that has been able to have such a positive global impact on K-12 education. I have had direct experience with NICS in South Korea, Thailand, and the United States.
The Network of International Christian Schools has reached tens of thousands of people who might never have crossed the threshold of a church or other ministry. They have invested in lives, seeking to make disciples of our Lord, by providing excellent, Christ-honoring education. I have personally visited many, possibly most of their schools and have led accreditation visits to verify the quality and authenticity of their schools. Please consider them as an investment in the Lord’s work- Reach the next generation.
Previous Stories
internationally-minded American education from a Christian perspective. ACSI considers it a great privilege to serve this organization that starts schools around the world. All schools are accredited and committed to providing a quality education for the whole child. Their home office staff is growing and providing excellent support for their schools.
During this year of lockdowns and quarantines, my respect and admiration for our schools have greatly increased. NICS educators engaged learners from many languages and family structures in meaningful and purposeful ways. Stories of parental growth and student growth abound. many students at our schools are ex-pats and the pandemic has precluded much of the regular interaction with educators and classmates. School leaders modeled flexibility and provided support to all their learners. Many of our schools had to go back and forth between online, hybrid, and in-person instruction. The smiling faces of students and educators speak volumes. Here's to the world-class education provided by world-class educators during very challenging days!
I've been privileged to intersect with NICS for 15 years directly with many of their executive team and also with their leaders in the schools around the world. Having been involved in helping train their teachers and also having helped supply teachers through our University, I've experienced their dedication to excellent staffing. As I've seen them in action i'm pleased that they have the best in mind for the families and the staff in their schools and seek to "leave it better than they found it" as they serve local communities around the world.
I am a US citizen living abroad with my 3 sons and wife. All if my sons have attended a NICS school and got more than an education, they learned character by watching and interacting with the staff both in the classroom and out. The staff are dedicated and really care about the whole child.
I am a former student at the first NICS school in Korea, and then some years later I worked for a NICS school in South East Asia. I now serve in senior leadership positions in two non-profits, one based in the USA and one in Asia. I can vouch for the integrity and high standards of NICS/Oasis. The way the organization recruits and prepares teachers is excellent, and the schools I have interacted with in Asia do a great job preparing students for university and success in life. About ten years ago, I visited the organization's corporate office and met with several members of its leadership team. I was struck once again how much the leadership team remains focused on the organization's vision and how well it remains true to its core values.
I hold the ministry of NICS in highest regard. I have witnessed the work of the organization since its beginnings in Korea. It has been absolutely faithful to its mission as the organization has continued to broaden its influence around the world. As a dean of the college of education at Columbia International University, I have encouraged graduates to join the ministry and I have also taught graduate students who were currently serving in NICS schools. Throughout this time every report related to the effectiveness and integrity of this ministry has been positive. I regard NICS as a fellow laborer in the cause of Kingdom Education. Students are receiving a world class education based upon a biblical worldview and dynamic "living curriculum". May God continue to encourage each team member, supply their needs, and open new doors of opportunity. Dr. Milton V. Uecker, Director of the Lowrie Center for Christian School Education at CIU
Our daughter attended NICS from kindergarten until the 9th grade. We found the staff to be excellent and very dedicated to providing the best environment and care for the students. The teachers are well qualified for the subjects taught and had a loving heart towards the students. We highly recommend this school for providing the highest level of education and nurturing for your child's education.
Previous Stories
The teachers are excellent! The staff is very helpful and supportive. My daughter attended for 10 years and we could not be more satisfied with the professionalism and educational expertise that she received. My daughter went on to graduate from UCLA and is now a medical missionary in Uganda. We highly recommend NICS for your children's education and career development.
Our children attended their school in Accra, Ghana. They had the best time of their school years there. Great people and great learning. Joe Hale, the President, is one of the most cheerful and engaged leaders one could ask for in a school setting. While at the school he displayed genuine love and empathy for parents, children, and employees.
All four of my children attended International Christian School in Uijeongbu, S. Korea. The teachers were amazing and cared for our children. They were prepared for college and all four have college degrees. Two have followed the example of their teachers and have become teachers themselves. Thank you ICS-U! We love you and the Network of International Christian Schools!
Previous Stories
I joined the Network of International Christian Schools in 1996. Twenty years later I retired and was so proud to be part of the organization. The mission to present Christ to the international community through education was a new paradigm that NICS embraced and brought to the forefront. Every school sucessfully obtained American regional accreditation quickly and most students who attended one of the Network schools went on to attend college. This is a truly Great organization!
My two sons attended its elementary and middle school. I am a big fan of the network. The network of the schools not only instill a Christian view of the world, but also have excellent teachers who are good role models for students.
I support the network in any ways I can in order for the future generation of children can have education taught by those teachers.
NICS is a wonderful ministry doing good work all over the world. Their goal is to make disciples of students all over the world through K-12 education, and they always remain on mission.
Network of International Christian Schools is an organization which has provided a quality Christian education in many countries for decades. The needs of both parents and children of expatriates and missionaries in places where a quality education would not have been provided otherwise. Children who might have had to be sent to a boarding school have been able to stay with their parents and attend school during the day.
The education provided by NICS is student centered, giving individual attention to the needs of each. Dedicated teachers give up a comfortable life at home to teach in different locations throughout the world.
The influence of NICS cannot be measured, except in the lives of students and their families who have gone on to universities and successful careers.
It was a pleasure to serve the Lord while working with this organization overseas. Their heart to changes lives and run quality schools is evident.
Our unaffiliated Singapore school of 43 students at first tried to go at it alone without NICS. In our second year, we were about to close and board members were dropping like flies. We had $146,000 in debt and morale had tanked, but becoming a NICS school literally saved the day. Two decades later, the school invests in 460 students every day, finances are strong, the board provides strong leadership, and the trajectory is continually upward. I thank God that NICS helped train my three sons who are now responsible young adults.
Previous Stories
I was involved in a "go-it-alone" strategy of starting an international school in Singapore in 1992. Within two years this new school faced a teacher exodus, low morale, only 46 students, and financial ruin. NICS gently offered to get us back on our feet. After a $180,000 investment to bail us out, NICS also handled sensitive personnel decisions, brought in great teachers and truly saved the school. Now, 23 years later, all three of my sons have graduated from this school that now has 480 students. The loan from NICS that we repaid after several years fails in comparison to the school's annual $6 million budget now. Not only that, thousands of lives of students from around the world are profoundly changed for the better through this school alone.
I have watched NICS grow from its inception to where it is today. From the home office to all points abroad, these are people with a purpose and an others-centered mission.
NICS is the best Christian education has to offer in many countries where a great education is not readily available. I can't say enough about the staff at these schools or their leadership. Mike Stu
We were so blessed to have been associated with NICS. My husband taught in Indonesia with NICS. As a result we raised our kids there for over 4 years. The school was a great place to work and was also an amazing place to have our children receive an excellent academic experience they were enriched academically, spiritually, and culturally in a way that we could have never planned out. Our oldest child graduated from the school in Indonesia, and later taught at another NICS school in Mexico City. We hope to continue a long legacy with NICS.
The Network of International Christian schools strategically uses international Christian education to share the gospel in places that would otherwise not be reached or where it is difficult to openly share. This innovative model allows for both the support of missionary workers on the field as well as direct evangelism of students and their families. The organization works hard to use its resources wisely and continues to look for more opportunities to open schools.
I assist with providing leadership to the global outreach efforts of our local church. My experience with NICS and the Oasis International Schools has been nothing but very positive. We have had a number of our young people finish their university training in education and have then decided to serve the Lord by joining NICS. Further, we have had a number of retired folks, who have decided to serve 2-5 years at a school overseas, to also go with NICS. The interactions and communications from NICS as they serve us and serve our people have been clear and always positive. I will continue to encourage as many of our people, who are considering service overseas in an educational venue, to consider NICS in their future.
Jim Pendleton
Director of Global Missions
First Evangelical Church, Memphis, TN
The Network of International Christian Schools/Oasis International Schools is a great organization. I am proud to say that I served with this organization in both South America and in Africa. The quality education that they offer is tremendous and their teachers truly love the children under their care.
Keep up the good work!
“Life changing” is the only phrase fit to describe NICS. To this day, I still fondly look back at my time at a NICS school as some of the best years of my life— an unsurprising outcome given NICS’ unique vision to love the whole student. My school community was led by educators interested in growing not only our minds, but also our hearts and souls. Most of my teachers and peers had left comfortable lives for the sole purpose of serving in a foreign land. This sacrificial mindset fueled lives committed to the wellbeing of others. Academically NICS helped prepare me as well— I was admitted to Canada’s #1 ranked university with scholarships, and graduated in the top 5% of my year. I always recommend my friends consider a NICS school for their children!
I have been aware of the marvellous work of this organization since 1992. NICS has dedicated itself to providing quality education based on Christian principles over this period of time. I have seen first hand the way in which students have been influenced and chosen to modelled there lives based on excellence and high moral principles. The quality chosen staff and home support team are dedicated to the goal of quality education in a Christian environment. I would urge parents all around the world who are searching to educate their children in this manner to highly consider NICS !
NICS is an incredible organization that combines educators' love for teaching with their love for Jesus Christ. I first become aware of NICS by being friends with some of their incredible home office staff in Southaven, MS. I have since learned more about the inner workings of the organization and am privileged to serve on the Board of Directors. I am constantly amazed at the way this talented group of believers use their talents in a very unique way to spread the Gospel in countries where it would not otherwise be possible.
I have worked as an advisor with this wonderful organization for over a decade. I have never met a more dedicated, visionary, disciplined group of people. The commitment to excellence and the love they have for their students and teachers is extraordinary.
NICS is making a difference in young lives. Graduates from our program have been hired as teachers in NICS schools and they have been excited about the international opportunities to travel and to experience another culture.
This organization is one with a great vision. I have followed this organization for years and am continually impressed with the integrity of which it is run. Great vision bound by integrity...
My husband and I met Joe Hale and his family at the first graduating class of their first school in South Korea in Wee Jaun Boo sp? may be wrong, as that was around 30 years ago.. We have watched and read about the Network of International Chrisitan Schools opening all over the world and are convinced that it has been the work of God. The humility of Joe and Ann Hale is a part of God blessing this ministry mightily. Every time we hear of someone thinking about teaching abroad we are "YES, YES, YES!!!! Do it.!!!!"
It is a ministry that has vision, high integrity, with decisions covered in prayer. So proud to recommend it highly!!!!!
I served 9 years in South Korea and 6 years in China. The work was challenging and very fulfilling. I served as both a teacher and administrator. The best part was being a part of a team that served the international community.
NICS is an exceptional Christian non-profit organization doing an amazing job instructing and mentoring young people all around the world. I have volunteered with this ministry, traveled with its leaders and served on its board. In each of those capacities, I have observed first hand the high character of the employees, the financial accountablility of the organization and the effective pursuit of its stated mission.
NICS is the best in the world at providing a quality education to students in an environment that encourages personal growth and achievement, as well as academic excellence. Their staff is top in their field of expertise and always willing to provide the best service for both their students and their families. The organization is a credit to its founder and to the purpose for which it was created.
NICS was born when Joe Hale while on a college missions trip. As Mr. Hale’s professor, I witnessed his vision for NICS grow to 18 schools in 16 countries. I have personally . witnessed the school’s impack on hundreds of lives.
My wife and I taught at a NICS school in Lima, Peru for a few years and loved it. We also really appreciated the quality education that was afforded to our children, both of which, received an excellent education that allowed them to continue through to college. Can't say enough good things about them and what they do.
I've been acquainted with NICS since 1998. They are a wonderful organization with an amazing mission to educate the whole student. In my role in higher education, I've taken numerous groups of students to their annual job fair in February. I've visited their home campus in Southaven and one of their schools in Bolivia. Very impressive. So much so my daughter taught for them for 3 years in Brasil and Bolivia. Check them out.
I worked for NICS in 2010-2011 as a principal of Highlands International School during my sabbatical from Taylor University for a year. I have nothing but positive praise for the way they take care of their employees from meeting us at the airport at 5 a.m. at 13,500 feet above sea level, carrying our heavy bags up three stories to our apartment, furnishing our apartment, even supplying food to start, taking us out that day to get a cell phone and get acclimated to our surroundings, etc. They also provided the needed information concerning public transportation, shopping, and churches in the area. Most importantly, they were there for us from the start. We immediately developed lasting deep relationships and friendships with those in our school community. I have helped many of my graduating teacher education majors find employment with NICS knowing that they will be fully taken care of as a beginning teacher. Over 20 have taken jobs with NICS and they have fantastic success stories of the care, concern and encouragement they received from NICS.
My daughter and son in law took their family to Indonesia to work in an Oasis school. Their training was so compelling and practical; their preparation, as guided by the NICS staff, was complete; and the welcoming they received as they arrived in Indonesia was amazing. The support from the school throughout their time in Indonesia was genuine and so helpful. Everyone, from the entire ministry team at the home office to those in the field, loved our children and grandchildren as they taught and ministered to the students and people in Indonesia.
My family and I were first introduced to NICS in 1992. We were encouraged to find that the organization's foundation was focused on bringing quality education combined with Biblical teaching to spread the word of God. Through a series of prayer and evaluation, we decided to join the NICS staff in Korea. Throughout our 12 years of service we can proudly say that the school demonstrated and displayed a Christ centered atmosphere to the students and community. The teachers and staff established a unique family type of relationship with the students and families. My children were able to receive a great education surrounded with other children from many nations. This impacted them in a very positive way that will always be with them. Even to this day many of the former students still stay in contact with us and I believe that the education they received from NICS helped prepare them for their professional careers. I am so thankful for the vision that God gave the Director Joe Hale many years ago to reach children all over the world through education.
I served in China with my family as a part of this ministry for 5 years. It was a tremendous blessing and we would be happy to serve with them again. We have been associated with NICS for more than 20 years and believe strongly in their mission and vision.
Review from Guidestar
I have never worked alongside a group of people so willing to help connect the dots of applicants' life goals, calling and professional expertise to the country of their choice, when possible. Having volunteered and then worked with this organization for many, many years I can say whole heartedly that the employees exercise character and integrity with every decision made. And with all choices falling under that umbrella, anyone knows that success ushers in many difficult challenges and even through those, I have observed decisions that fan integrity, continue. We are not perfect, not even close, but we are transparent. If you doubt, inquire; if you are puzzled by the 8 percent, please pick up the phone. Then we can explain that other agencies need up to 15 percent instead of our requested 8. May we always, come what may, strive to create and support God honoring schools led by directors and staff who also reflect this ultimate calling. Maybe you are a teacher or have a teacher friend who would like to apply? We hope so! Think missions, think a challenge, think super hard work and schools that skirt alongside adventure, and we may just be the place for you!
I became aware of the Network of International Christian Schools in 2006. Since that time, I have found the NICS organization to be filled with mission-minded professionals that are committed to providing an excellent international education for students worldwide. The future is bright for this organization!
I have been connected with this organization for over 20 yrs. and have known the leadership to be Godly people. In 2009 I had the opportunity to teach Bible at the school in Uijongbu, South Korea. This was one of the most enjoyable ministry opportunities I have ever experienced. The family atmosphere was truly amazing and their was true professionalism at this school. Presently, I do some volunteer work through the home office and if I have any complaint it is that they are too concerned about asking too much from their volunteers. It is unfortunate that some who have a bad experience or think themselves wiser than the leadership feel the need to speak negatively about an organization that has existed over 30 years and continues to grow for the glory of God.
Having been deeply impacted by God's call to missions, my family and I followed that call to NICS/OASIS. The Network Of International Christian Schools gives me the opportunity to use the skills that I have developed as an educator to help spread the Gospel of Christ while also helping to prepare students for college studies and beyond. The heart of the leadership and the folks at every level of NICS is one that wishes to see Christ lifted high in all we do. Having taken two kids out to the field as well, I can say as a parent that NICS schools are caring places with high quality academics.
I have two children who attended a NICS school while in high school. It was one of the best experiences of their life and we were very thankful for the opportunity that NICS gave them to have an excellent cross cultural experience.
My wife and I have had the pleasure and privilege of serving with NICS for the past 18 years at two schools in different countries. I have always found the organization to be one that honors God and demonstrates integrity and responds proactively when suggestions for improvement are made. I cannot think of a non-profit organization with which I would rather work.
NICS continues to have a great impact on the lives of children and families literally around the world. The Director is a man of integrity with a huge heart with vision to match.' I am proud to support this ministry prayerfully and financially!
While growing up I had a deep passion for missions and felt God leading me into the world of education. I planned to do my student teaching overseas in order to fuel this combined desire. After my first day of student teaching I knew that not only was God calling me to this life of educating TCKs but that there was no other organization that I would want to partner with. NICS has a Christ centered focus towards educating the next generation of world-class citizens. I have had countless conversations with parents of students and others who did not have a personal connection to the school, of their general awe of the level of professionalism, love towards students and families, and the quality of educational standards that NICS/OASIS provides. I'm honored to be a part of the NICS family and I look forward to many more years.
NICS is a first-class organization that offers an unparalleled secondary educational experience to families across the globe. Our experience with students, teachers, and administrators has been inspirational. The world needs more NICS schools in currently underserved locations.
My husband and I have supported NICS almost since it began. We have seen a vibrant, growing ministry headed by sharp leaders with a heart to truly serve God. People we have known who have gone to serve with NICS have been well-trained individuals who were professional as well as being caring educators. I cannot praise highly enough the integrity and the caring of this organization and its founder Joe Hale.
As a former director of two different NICS schools, I can emphatically state that the value our schools received from NICS far outweighed the service fee we sent to the organization. It would have cost us far more to provide those same services had we tried to do it all on our own.
As a graduate of a NICS School, I can say that this organization greatly influenced my life. Not only did I receive a top quality education, but I experienced sincere care, concern, and encouragement from the NICS teachers that taught me. Most importantly, my experience with NICS helped establish a firm foundation in my walk with Christ.
Although their mission statement is "NICS/OASIS ASSISTS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS AROUND THE WORLD BY HELPING TO START UP NEW SCHOOLS, RECRUIT TEACHERS, PURCHASE TEXTBOOKS AND PROVIDE OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE SCHOOLS" NICS does not disclose that they actually charge the schools they "support" an 8.5% flat fee of each school's tuition income as well as then charge ADDITIONALLY for recruitment and training of teachers (PFO), Director training (ALC), and a contingency fund as well as a faux "retirement" fund. The schools buy their own textbooks and resources, and very little (in most cases no) money flows from the "Home Office" to the schools around the world. Conversely, the money flows into Southaven in the millions and is exempt from tax (at least for now). If you look at their Form 990 you can easily see that they state that they do not own any school overseas, and yet this is not clearly stated on their website. Also of note, donated funds in the amount of $500kUSD are being used to support the start up of a FOR-PROFIT school in Kuala Lumpur, a direct violation of non-profit laws (ironically this school is led by the President's son). They actually promote this on their website, asking for donations for their for-profit school in Malaysia! Also, take a look at (Form 990) how many schools the "network" had each year in the past (hint, it is decreasing). Also, hundreds of thousands of donor's and school dollars are being used for legal fees around the world (not declared accurately). It is actually a sad state of affairs as they could be a very positive and impactful organization.

joehale 06/30/2015
Sadly, the above comment is made by someone who betrayed all their commitments and set himself up to, in fact, "steal" one of the schools NICS started. It is sad that this comment is the first many may read about NICS. Yes, NICS requires all member schools to pay 6% of their income for a long list of services provided by the organization. Most of these schools are started by NICS. Other schools join NICS because they are struggling to survive and need a new model of operation. Every school knows exactly what the agreement is when becoming a part of NICS; there is no deception here. Bitterness about family members of the president being on staff are simply unfounded; many mission agencies include family members, as mission work is often done by families. My family worked overseas in founding this ministry for 20 years and our family loves the ministry of NICS; it is with joy that three of my four sons have chosen to work for this agency; my wife works part time. All our family members' salaries are publicly listed. We put the Form 990 on our own website because we have nothing to hide. People with bad motives can so easily write (interestingly anonymously) what they wish on a site like this, but it only further undermines their own credibility and seems to be more of an effort to justify their own unethical actions (such as stealing a school) than accomplishing anything of value. Every item named in the above comment has a logical explanation but I will not endeavor to make this forum a place to deal the spiteful and bitter accusations of one who has an agenda of destruction. Joe Hale, President
Review from Guidestar