Lakeside Christian School is a private K–12 Christian school in Clearwater, Florida, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Our elementary, middle, and high school programs provide a consistent Christ-centered educational experience designed to help students grow academically, spiritually, and socially. 

Lakeside Christian School is located at 1897 Sunset Point Road in Clearwater, Florida. Our campus serves families from Clearwater and communities throughout Pinellas County who are seeking private, Christ-centered K–12 education.

Yes. Lakeside Christian School is accredited by both Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). These accreditations provide independent accountability for educational quality and continuous improvement while supporting Lakeside's commitment to Christ-centered education.

Through accreditation, Lakeside's academic programs, leadership, learning environment, and school operations are evaluated against established standards.

Lakeside Christian School is a Christ-centered school where biblical truth is intentionally integrated into academics, student life, and character development. Our spiritual mission is that all students would come to know, love, and honor the Lord Jesus Christ. Students receive daily Bible instruction and participate in weekly chapel, while teachers incorporate a biblical worldview throughout the educational experience.

Lakeside was founded in 1975 as an educational ministry of Lakeside Community Chapel and continues that mission today.

Faith is part of everyday life at Lakeside, not limited to a single class or weekly service. Students participate in daily Bible classes and weekly chapel services, and biblical truth is integrated throughout the curriculum as students learn to connect faith with academics, relationships, character, and everyday decisions.

Our goal is to help students develop both a strong academic foundation and a biblical worldview that prepares them to live with faith, character, and purpose.

Lakeside Christian School has served students and families in Clearwater since 1975. Founded as a ministry of Lakeside Community Chapel, Lakeside has provided Christ-centered education for more than 50 years while continuing to grow and strengthen its academic programs, student opportunities, and campus community.

Today, Lakeside serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade while remaining committed to its founding spiritual mission: helping students know, love, and honor the Lord Jesus Christ.

Enrollment for the 2026–27 school year is still open at Lakeside Christian School, with limited availability in select grade levels. Most grades are currently full, but space remains available in 5th and 6th grade. Families interested in other grade levels are still encouraged to schedule a tour and apply to be considered for the waitlist.

The first day of the 2026–27 school year is Monday, August 10, 2026, so families seeking placement for this school year should contact our Admissions Team as soon as possible.

Planning ahead? Enrollment for the 2027–28 school year will open later this fall. Prospective families are welcome to tour Lakeside now to learn more about our K–12 Christian school and prepare for the next enrollment cycle.

The admissions process at Lakeside begins with a campus tour, followed by an online application, student records review, and student Shadow Day. After these steps are completed, Lakeside's Admissions Team reviews the student's information and notifies the family of the admissions decision.

New student applications are completed online through FACTS SIS and currently include a $25 application processing fee per student. If a student is accepted, the Lakeside team will help the family complete the remaining enrollment paperwork, required documentation, fees, and applicable scholarship steps. 

A campus tour is the first step in Lakeside Christian School's admissions process for new families. Tours give parents and students an opportunity to experience the school in person, see classrooms and facilities, ask questions, and learn more about Lakeside's Christ-centered K–12 environment before moving forward with enrollment.

Families can schedule a personalized tour online or contact the Admissions Team for assistance.

Lakeside's admissions process is designed to help both the school and your family determine whether Lakeside is a good fit for your child. New families typically complete the following steps: campus tour, new student application, records review, student Shadow Day and any necessary placement evaluation, admissions decision, and final enrollment paperwork.

During the records review, the Admissions Team considers information such as previous grades, testing results, behavior records, and any previous IEP or accommodation plans.

Questions? You are welcome to reach out to our Enrollment Director Connie Helms directly at chelms@lakesidechristianschool.org

Students participating in the admissions process may be asked to complete an entrance or placement evaluation to help Lakeside determine appropriate grade or course placement. New students also participate in a Shadow Day, where they are paired with a current student and experience a typical school day at Lakeside.

Placement decisions consider the student's academic records, previous testing, classroom readiness, and other relevant information.

Students with an IEP, 504 Plan, or previous accommodations may be considered for admission to Lakeside Christian School on an individual basis. As part of the admissions process, Lakeside reviews each student's educational records and support needs to determine whether our school can appropriately serve the student within our general education program.

Lakeside does not provide every specialized program or service that may be available in a public-school setting, so families should share relevant educational records and accommodation plans with the Admissions Team during the application process. This allows the school and family to have an open conversation about the student's needs and whether Lakeside can provide an appropriate learning environment.

Families accepted to Lakeside Christian School must complete the school's enrollment packet and provide required student documentation before enrollment is finalized. Required records may include previous school records or transcripts, a birth certificate, Florida-required immunization documentation, and other enrollment forms requested by the school.

The Enrollment Team will guide new families through the required paperwork after an admissions decision is made.

Published tuition at Lakeside Christian School for the 2026–27 school year is $14,000 per student for kindergarten through 12th grade. However, many Lakeside families pay significantly less after Florida's Step Up for Students scholarship and Lakeside's income-based tuition structure are applied.

In fact, many Lakeside families pay between $0 and $5,000 per year in tuition after scholarships, depending on household circumstances and income. Additional enrollment, technology, curriculum, athletics, and other applicable school fees may apply. 

Yes. Lakeside Christian School accepts Florida Step Up for Students scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of private Christian education for eligible K–12 students.

Florida's scholarship programs are available to Florida families regardless of household income, although scholarship priority and award amounts can vary.

Lakeside requires enrolling families to access an applicable Florida scholarship, and our Admissions Team can help families understand the process and how scholarship funding works with Lakeside's tuition structure. Scholarship approval can take time, so families are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

For some families, yes. A Florida Step Up for Students scholarship combined with Lakeside's tuition structure can cover 100% of tuition. The amount a family ultimately pays depends on factors including household income, applicable benefits, scholarship funding, and school fees.

For example, under Lakeside's current 2026–27 tuition structure, families receiving qualifying state or federal assistance such as SNAP may have both tuition and Digital Technology & Curriculum fees covered. Families with an adjusted gross income below $100,000 may have tuition fully covered while remaining responsible for applicable school fees.

Lakeside Christian School uses Florida scholarship funding together with an income-based tuition structure to determine each family's tuition responsibility. A student's Step Up for Students scholarship is applied first, and the family's remaining tuition contribution is determined by the applicable tuition tier.

For 2026–27, Lakeside's tuition tiers consider factors such as participation in SNAP or other qualifying assistance programs and the family's adjusted gross income (AGI). Families may be asked to provide proof of benefits or a prior-year tax return so the appropriate tuition tier can be determined.

Our Admissions Team provides each enrolling family with a specific cost breakdown so parents know their expected tuition and fees before completing the enrollment process.

Yes. Families may be responsible for enrollment fees, Digital Technology & Curriculum fees, and other optional or activity-specific costs in addition to tuition. For 2026–27, the new-family enrollment fee is $200, and Digital Technology & Curriculum fees are $800 for the youngest enrolled student, $500 for the next oldest, and $250 for the third student.

Depending on a family's tuition tier, some or all of these fees may be covered through scholarship funding. Additional costs may apply for athletics, aftercare, uniforms, special activities, or other optional programs.

Yes. Lakeside Christian School offers monthly payment options for tuition and applicable fees that remain after scholarships are applied. Families receive their specific tuition and payment information as part of the enrollment process.

Lakeside also offers eligible returning families a pay-in-full discount. For 2026–27, returning families who pay applicable tuition and fees in full before the first day of school may receive a 10% pay-in-full discount. 

Lakeside provides a standards-based K–12 academic program designed to build strong foundations in elementary school, develop confident and capable learners in middle school, and prepare high school students for college, career, and their future calling. Instruction emphasizes measurable academic growth, critical thinking, individualized support, and the integration of biblical truth throughout the learning experience.

Elementary students benefit from early literacy support and differentiated learning opportunities; middle school students strengthen study skills and prepare for increasingly challenging coursework; and high school students can pursue honors and dual enrollment pathways based on their goals and abilities.

Yes. Lakeside Christian School offers differentiated and honors-level academic opportunities for students who are ready for additional challenge. Differentiated academic tracks begin as early as 4th grade, with honors opportunities continuing through middle and high school.

At the high school level, students can pursue advanced coursework in core academic areas and may also qualify for dual enrollment courses that allow them to earn college credit while completing high school.

Yes. Eligible Lakeside Christian School high school students can earn college credit through dual enrollment opportunities with St. Petersburg College (SPC), with additional career-focused opportunities available through Pinellas Technical College (PTEC). These pathways allow qualified students to begin college-level or career-focused coursework while still enrolled at Lakeside.

For SPC dual enrollment, students must meet college and Lakeside eligibility requirements, including academic and testing requirements. Lakeside's Guidance Department helps students and families determine whether dual enrollment fits the student's academic goals and graduation plan.

Lakeside students have opportunities to grow beyond core academics through athletics, fine and digital arts, leadership, service, field trips, and other school activities. Opportunities vary by grade level and are designed to help students discover their interests, develop their talents, build relationships, and grow in confidence.

Elementary students participate in enrichment such as art, physical education, chess club, field trips, and athletics, while older students have additional opportunities in athletics, arts, leadership, service, and organizations such as National Honor Society.

Lakeside Christian School offers competitive athletics for middle and high school students, along with a developmental elementary sports program for students in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Middle school, JV, and varsity opportunities include football, volleyball, cross country, cheerleading, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, track and field, and marksmanship, with specific teams offered by grade level and season.

Lakeside holds athletic membership with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and the Sunshine State Athletic Conference (SSAC). Our athletics program emphasizes more than competition, helping student-athletes develop character, teamwork, discipline, leadership, and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Our Lion Cub Athletics program for grades K–5 introduces younger students to soccer, baseball, lacrosse, flag football, volleyball, and basketball in a supportive environment focused on skill development, teamwork, and confidence. Practices are incorporated into the week, with games played on Saturday mornings against other Pinellas County private schools.

Lakeside prepares students for life after high school through rigorous academics, individualized guidance, honors and dual enrollment opportunities, leadership development, and college-and-career planning. High school students work toward graduation while exploring pathways that may include four-year universities, community college, technical education, career training, or entering the workforce.

Lakeside's Guidance Department supports students with graduation planning, dual enrollment, Florida Bright Futures information, college and career decisions, and other resources as students prepare for their next step.

Throughout that preparation, our goal extends beyond a diploma: we want graduates equipped academically and spiritually to pursue their future with faith, character, and purpose.

Our ultimate goal is that every Lion student graduates knowing, honoring, and loving the Lord Jesus Christ.

Student life at Lakeside combines faith, friendships, academics, athletics, arts, leadership, and school traditions within a close-knit K–12 Christian community. With small classes and students sharing one K–12 campus, Lakeside provides opportunities for students to build lasting relationships with classmates, teachers, coaches, and mentors throughout their school years.

Students participate in daily Bible classes and weekly chapel services alongside academic classes and opportunities in athletics, arts, service, leadership, and school activities. Our goal is to create a school experience where students are known, supported, challenged, and encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and socially.

School hours at Lakeside Christian School vary by grade level.

For the 2026–27 school year:

• students in grades 9–12 begin at 7:30 a.m. and dismiss at 2:30 p.m.
• Students in grades K–8 begin at 8:30 a.m., with K–4 dismissing at 2:45 p.m. and grades 5–8 dismissing at 3:00 p.m.

Campus buildings open at 7:20 a.m. for grades 9–12 and 8:20 a.m. for grades K–8. Families who need an earlier arrival option may use Lakeside's Before Care program.

Current schedules and family resources are available on the Parent Portal.

Yes. Lakeside Christian School offers Before Care beginning at 7:00 a.m. and After Care until 6:00 p.m. for families who need care outside regular school hours.

Current families should review the Parent Portal or school email communications for current rates, procedures, and other program details.

Lakeside Christian School maintains separate online calendars for school events and athletics so families can easily keep track of important dates throughout the year. The School Calendar includes events such as holidays, parent events, special programs, and other school activities, while the Athletics Calendar provides current game and competition schedules for our middle school, JV, and varsity teams.

Families are encouraged to check the online calendars regularly because dates and athletic schedules may change during the school year.

• School Calendar
• Athletics Calendar

Lakeside families should use the DashPass carline app to communicate student absences and early pickups with the school. Parents should download the DashPass app onto their cell phone. The app can be found in both the googleplay and the app store.

Using the school's designated system helps ensure that information reaches the front office and the appropriate staff members promptly. Parents can also use DashPass to manage authorized individuals who are permitted to pick up their student. For time-sensitive attendance or dismissal questions, families may also contact the school office directly.

School Office

• office@lakesidechristianschool.org
• 727-461-3311

Yes. Lakeside Christian School uses uniforms and a school dress code designed to promote a neat, appropriate, and consistent learning environment. Students wear official Lakeside uniform polos as part of the regular school uniform, with grade-level dress requirements outlined in the school's current dress code.

Official Lakeside polos and Friday shirts are ordered and purchased through the school office. Families should review the current dress code before purchasing other school clothing to ensure items meet school requirements.

Need to order school polos and Friday shirts?

Call the school office to set up an appointment and payment: 727-461-3311

Current Lakeside families can find frequently used school information and resources in the Lakeside Parent Portal. The Parent Hub provides convenient access to items such as school calendars, handbooks, policies, dress code information, forms, school procedures, academic resources, and other information families may need throughout the year.

Families should also watch thei inboxes for official school email and other Lakeside communications for time-sensitive announcements and updates.

Lakeside Christian School is committed to protecting the privacy of our students, families, employees, alumni, donors, and website visitors. We use reasonable safeguards and trusted technology providers to protect information submitted through our website and use personal information only for appropriate school, communication, operational, and marketing purposes.

Lakeside does not sell or rent personal information. Our complete Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected, how it is used, the technologies used on our website, and the steps we take to protect it.

The safety and well-being of Lakeside Christian School students is a priority, and the school maintains policies and procedures for responding to safety concerns, threats, suspected abuse, and other situations that may affect students. Lakeside employees follow applicable reporting requirements and school procedures when concerns involving student safety or welfare arise.

Parents or students who have an immediate concern should report it to the appropriate school administrator or contact the school office. Lakeside also maintains policies addressing threat assessment, mandatory reporting, misconduct, and student safety.

• Reporting Misconduct or Abuse