Choosing the best private elementary school shapes far more than a child’s test scores. It influences their confidence, friendships, faith, and long-term love of learning. As Clearwater families begin researching private school options for the 2026–27 school year, one question rises to the top: What actually makes a great private elementary school?
Parents often compare websites, reviews, and tour notes, but the most important qualities aren’t always obvious at first glance. This guide breaks down the core factors Clearwater parents should look for when evaluating private elementary schools in the Tampa Bay area, and why Lakeside Christian School continues to be a strong choice for families seeking a safe, Christ-centered, academically strong environment for grades K–5.
Safety is the foundation of every strong elementary program. At this age, children need stability, predictability, and a campus where they feel protected and known.
The best private elementary schools prioritize:
Secure campus access and visitor protocols
On-site School Safety Officers (SSO) or Guardian Program alignment
Regular safety drills and administration training
Classroom routines that reduce anxiety and create calm spaces
An emphasis on kindness, respect, and conflict resolution
At Lakeside Christian School, safety is a whole-campus commitment. Students benefit from secure access points, trained staff, consistent supervision, and a community culture that values peace and belonging.
Research consistently shows that elementary students learn best when teachers have the time and space to support individual growth. The best private elementary schools in Clearwater keep class sizes small so teachers can:
Identify learning gaps early
Celebrate progress
Build meaningful relationships with each student
Offer personalized learning strategies
Support reading and math foundations with more 1:1 attention
At Lakeside, small class sizes are intentional, not accidental. Teachers know their students well: their strengths, areas of improvement, personalities, and how they learn best. For families in Clearwater, Florida wanting a school where their child will not be overlooked, this is one of the most impactful benefits.
Elementary school sets the direction for middle school and beyond. That’s why parents should look closely at a school’s academic philosophy, curriculum, and early-literacy support.
Indicators of a strong academic program include:
Structured phonics-based reading instruction
Hands-on math and problem-solving skills
Science and social studies integration
Targeted support for struggling learners
Opportunities for enrichment
Lakeside offers all of these, plus reading support specialists in the early grades who ensure every child builds confidence and fluency. Small classes also mean teachers are able to spot challenges early and partner with families before frustration grows.
Lakeside is also dual accredited with ACSI and Cognia in order to provide our private school students the best academic advantages and accountability to provide the best teaching practices.
For many Clearwater families, “Christian elementary school” means more than chapel services or occasional Bible lessons, it means a school that partners with parents to shape a child’s character and heart.
The best Christian elementary schools integrate faith naturally and consistently by:
Teaching Scripture-based truth daily
Modeling Christlike character
Encouraging prayer and gratitude
Building a culture of kindness and service
Addressing behaviors through grace, responsibility, and restoration
At Lakeside, students attend weekly elementary chapel, participate in age-appropriate Bible classes, and learn from teachers who view their role as both academic and spiritual shepherds. Families often say they appreciate hearing their children talk about what they’re thankful for, how they prayed with their teacher, or how they learned to show kindness to a classmate.
A great elementary school doesn’t limit learning to a desk. Parents should look for programs that nurture creativity, curiosity, and community.
The strongest private elementary schools offer:
Art, music, and PE classes
Local field trips that reinforce classroom learning
Weekly chapel services
Elementary sports programs and Saturday activities
Hands-on projects and special events
At Lakeside, students enjoy a full rotation of specials, local field trips that enhance lessons, and activities that make school fun and memorable. These experiences help children discover interests early and develop confidence beyond academics.
The best private elementary schools actively communicate with families and see education as a partnership, not a transaction. Parents should look for:
Consistent communication
Teachers who welcome questions
A campus community that feels like family
Support during transitions (such as moving from lower to upper elementary)
Lakeside is known for building deep, lasting relationships with families, many of whom stay with our K-12 grade school through graduation because they value the stability and consistency.
Finally, a great private elementary school should invite you to visit, observe, and ask questions. Lakeside offers personalized, one-on-one tours led by on campus Principals and Admin so parents can see classrooms, meet teachers, and experience the culture firsthand.
Seats for K–5 fill quickly each year, and early tours give families the best opportunity for placement.
Choosing the right elementary school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re searching for the best private elementary school in Clearwater, we’d love to meet your family.
👉 Schedule your personal tour today and discover the difference small classes, strong academics, safety, and Christ-centered teaching can make.
Look for small class sizes, strong reading instruction, a safe campus, caring teachers, and a learning environment aligned with your family’s values. These are foundational to long-term student success.
Lakeside uses structured phonics, hands-on math, and personalized support from early literacy specialists in K–2. Teachers monitor progress closely to ensure every student grows confidently.
Christian schools connect academics with character formation, helping students develop gratitude, kindness, responsibility, and a biblical worldview during their most formative years.
Yes. Small classes mean more individualized instruction, stronger relationships, fewer distractions, and earlier intervention when needed — especially important in the elementary years.
Enrollment begins early for the next school year, and K–5 seats are limited. Families are encouraged to schedule a personal tour as soon as possible for the best placement options.
If you’ve held back from applying to a private school in Florida before because of an income barrier, now is the time. Step Up for Students scholarships mean that many more families in Clearwater are eligible than ever before.
👉 Schedule your personal tour with our principal to see Lakeside in person, talk through scholarship options, and determine what support your child will get. Reach out via our contact form or email us today at office@lakesidechristianschool.org to start the process.
We believe that a Christian education for all students is an eternal investment.
If you are seeking a private Christian school where your child will be nurtured, challenged, and prepared for life, we invite you to tour our campus to kick off your enrollment process.
Find out more about our fall enrollment 2026-2027 tuition and scholarship opportunities here.
Contact us to schedule a tour, learn more, or speak with our admissions team. You can reach us at 727-261-0937, email us at office@lakesidechristianschool.org, or fill out our online contact form.
Reach out to our Enrollment Director directly at chelms@lakesidechristianschool.org
Experience the Lakeside difference: where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.