At Lakeside Christian School, a private Christian school in Clearwater, Florida, we have a strong foundation of faith and community, and it’s this foundation that helps us persevere through challenges. In the wake of Hurricane Milton, our campus has experienced significant water damage, temporarily closing the school. Yet, as we strive to reopen and welcome students back to their classrooms, the response from our school community and Lakeside Community Chapel is inspiring. Thanks to the support of our extended family, we are working hard to ensure our students are back in a safe and thriving environment. Our commitment to being a leader among private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, remains steadfast, and we look forward to welcoming back K-8 students on Monday, October 21, and 9-12 students on Wednesday, October 23. Our 9-12 students will be able to complete online review lessons from home on October 21-22 to prepare them for their on campus return, ready to start their quarter 2 classwork.
The damage from Hurricane Milton left our gym and first floor flooded, with many areas requiring complete restoration. While challenging, the support from parents, staff, and Lakeside Community Chapel has truly showcased our school’s strength. From the very beginning, the church, which founded our school as a ministry in 1975, has been actively involved in clean-up efforts and providing logistical support for recovery.
Together, our community is rallying to restore our campus and provide a space where students can continue their academic and spiritual growth. This cooperation among parents, alumni, church members, teachers, and student volunteers is a testament to the unique strength of private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, where collaboration and shared faith guide our actions.
At Lakeside Christian School, faith is at the core of everything we do. During this time, it has been heartening to see so many community members coming together with the shared goal of restoring our campus. Our students, parents, and faculty have all pitched in, contributing time and resources to help us rebuild. Our partnership with Lakeside Community Chapel has been instrumental, with the church’s support serving as a true reminder of how our Christian values manifest in times of need.
As we navigate this process, we are reminded of the words of Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that our reliance on God’s guidance strengthens us as a community, especially in times of adversity.
Safety is a priority as we work to reopen our campus. With the help of professional restoration teams, we are addressing the necessary repairs to ensure that each classroom is safe and conducive to learning. We are working diligently to meet our reopening goals, ensuring that our school environment is once again ready for students.
While repairs are underway, we also continue to prioritize academic excellence. As one of the most respected private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, our focus remains on providing high-quality education and Biblical guidance. As our second quarter begins, we are excited to re-engage students with a renewed commitment to both their academic and spiritual growth.
Lakeside Christian School’s commitment to integrity and perseverance is also recognized in our athletics program. We were honored to be named runner-up for the FHSAA Sportsmanship Award last year, underscoring our dedication to values like respect, teamwork, and discipline.
Our students learn the value of sportsmanship, not just on the field but in everyday life. Through participation in sports, they experience firsthand the importance of perseverance, commitment, and representing Christ. These are the same values that guide our recovery from Hurricane Milton, as our school community strives to be a beacon of light and hope in Clearwater.
Amid the recovery, our students and coaches are already looking forward to the upcoming winter sports season, including basketball and soccer. Football, volleyball, and cross country will wrap up their seasons over the next few weeks. The start of these winter athletics programs provides our students with opportunities to bond, build resilience, and strengthen their athletic abilities. The delay in reopening has not dampened our enthusiasm; instead, it has highlighted the importance of community, resilience, and teamwork—values that are at the heart of both our academic and athletic programs. Our volleyball and football teams have been able to continue their practices even though school is not yet in session.
With basketball and soccer seasons on the horizon, students and coaches are prepared to uphold the same level of sportsmanship and dedication they displayed during the fall. We are excited for these programs to contribute positively to our school community, reinforcing our commitment to fostering both spiritual and physical growth.
The support from our community has been invaluable, and for those who wish to contribute, there are multiple ways to help us rebuild. Whether it’s through financial donations, volunteer time, or prayer, every bit of support helps. Those interested in contributing can contact our administrative office at office@lakesidechristianschool.org to learn more about specific needs.
It’s in moments like these that we realize the importance of unity within our school family. Lakeside Christian School is more than a campus; it’s a community of families, students, and educators who share a commitment to living out their faith.
Despite these recent challenges, Lakeside Christian School continues to be one of the leading private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL. If you’re considering a faith-centered education for your K-12 child, we invite you to learn more about our school’s programs, values, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We are currently enrolling both new student for this year (spots are limited so please contact us for availability) and we are currently enrolling for the upcoming school year. We would love to share how Lakeside Christian School is uniquely equipped to nurture both academic achievement and spiritual growth.
If you are exploring safe, academically challenging, accredited private schools in Clearwater, FL, we encourage you to visit our website or call to schedule a tour. Let us show you how Lakeside Christian School’s dedication to providing a supportive and faith-filled environment can make a lasting difference in your child’s life.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
At Lakeside Christian School, one of the leading private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, the safety of our students is our top priority. We know that providing a nurturing, Christ-centered education requires more than just academics; it also means ensuring that our campus is a secure environment where students can thrive. That’s why we are proud to participate in the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department School Guardian Program, which strengthens our safety protocols and enhances the protection of our K-12 school community.
We take proactive steps to ensure that students, staff, and families feel confident about our commitment to security. Here’s how our collaboration with the School Guardian Program and our in-house safety measures make Lakeside Christian School one of the safest private schools in the area.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department School Guardian Program is a comprehensive safety initiative designed to protect students and staff in schools throughout the county. As part of this program, Lakeside Christian School has access to specialized resources and personnel, allowing us to respond swiftly and effectively to any safety concerns.
The program also gives us access to the School Threat Assessment Team, a dedicated group of law enforcement officers who are immediately available should we encounter a potential threat on campus. With this team on call, our school administration can quickly assess and address any risks, knowing that the Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies will respond promptly and provide expert assistance.
One of the most significant benefits of our participation in the School Guardian Program is having a School Security Officer (SSO) on-site. This officer is a key figure in ensuring that our campus remains secure throughout the day. Trained by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department, our SSO not only monitors the premises but also serves as a visible reminder to the school community that safety is a priority.
This dedicated presence helps to deter any potential threats and offers a sense of comfort to our students, staff, and families. The officer is also an integral part of our team during safety drills and emergency preparedness exercises, ensuring that we are always ready to respond to any situation.
In addition to the presence of our School Security Officer, our administrators are trained in safety procedures and protocols that align with the highest standards of school security. Our team stays up-to-date with best practices in emergency response, ensuring that we can effectively manage situations such as lockdowns, evacuations, or other potential threats.
This training extends to our students and staff as well. At Lakeside Christian School, we believe in the importance of preparation, which is why we regularly conduct practice safety drills. These drills cover a range of scenarios, from fire drills to active threat situations, and ensure that everyone on campus knows how to respond swiftly and safely in case of an emergency.
We aim to make these drills as informative as possible without causing unnecessary alarm. Our goal is to equip our students with the knowledge and confidence they need to stay safe while maintaining a sense of calm and security in their daily school routines.
Our collaboration with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department is a cornerstone of our comprehensive approach to school safety. By partnering with the School Guardian Program, we benefit from the expertise and resources of law enforcement professionals who specialize in school safety. This collaboration means that Lakeside Christian School is not only focused on preventing potential threats but is also prepared to act swiftly in the event of an emergency.
The School Threat Assessment Team plays a vital role in this process. By allowing us to communicate directly with law enforcement and receive immediate support from sheriff’s deputies, this program ensures that we can respond quickly and decisively to any situation that may arise.
For parents, this partnership offers peace of mind. Knowing that their children attend one of the safest private schools in Clearwater, FL, allows them to focus on what truly matters—providing their children with a high-quality, Christ-centered education in a nurturing environment.
While our primary mission at Lakeside Christian School is to foster academic and spiritual growth, we understand that none of this can happen if students don’t feel safe. Our commitment to security goes hand-in-hand with our dedication to providing a Christ-centered education. By creating a safe space for learning, we allow students to focus on growing their faith, pursuing their academic goals, and building lifelong friendships.
Safety is not just about responding to threats; it’s also about creating an atmosphere where students can confidently explore their potential and deepen their relationship with God. Through our partnership with the School Guardian Program, we reinforce our commitment to serving our students holistically—academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that creating a safe and supportive environment for our students is a collaborative effort between our school, local law enforcement, and parents. Parents can support the school safety measures and also contribute by discussing safety topics with their children and ensuring they understand the importance of following school protocols during drills and emergency situations. Together, we can maintain the high standards of security that have made Lakeside Christian School one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that safety is a shared responsibility. While our security team and administration work diligently to keep our campus secure, students also play an essential role in maintaining a safe environment. One of the most powerful ways students can contribute to school safety is by speaking up if they see, hear, or experience anything that feels threatening—whether it happens in person, on their phones, or online.
Encouraging students to report any suspicious or concerning behavior helps us take swift action to prevent potential issues from escalating. Whether it’s overhearing a harmful conversation, witnessing cyberbullying, or seeing something alarming on social media, students should know that their voices matter. By alerting a trusted teacher, administrator, or our School Security Officer (SSO), they help protect themselves and their peers.
We want our students to understand that reporting potential threats isn’t just about protecting themselves—it’s about ensuring the safety of the entire K-12 school community. At Lakeside, we foster an open, supportive environment where students are encouraged to come forward without fear of judgment or retaliation. When we all work together, we can continue to make Lakeside Christian School one of the safest private schools in Clearwater, FL.
At Lakeside Christian School, we take pride in offering a secure, Christ-centered environment where students can thrive. Through our participation in the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department School Guardian Program, we’ve strengthened our commitment to campus safety, ensuring that students receive both academic excellence and spiritual growth in a safe environment.
If you’re looking for one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, that prioritizes both education and safety, consider Lakeside Christian School. Our collaboration with local law enforcement, on-campus security personnel, and proactive safety measures ensures that your child can learn, grow, and flourish in a protected environment.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
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