Article posted on February 22, 2026 • 10 min read

Why Lakeside Christian School Is the Perfect Place for Your Child

Article posted by Updated on Mar 3, 2026

Choosing the right private school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. The right environment can foster academic excellence, spiritual growth, and well-rounded personal development. At Lakeside Christian School, a Cognia accredited private school in Clearwater, FL, we understand the importance of these elements and strive to create a nurturing, safe, and effective educational experience. Here’s why Lakeside Christian School is the perfect place for your child.

Academic Excellence

Comprehensive Curriculum
Lakeside Christian School, founded in 1975 in Clearwater, FL, offers a rigorous academic curriculum designed to challenge students and prepare them for future success. From elementary to middle school to high school, our curriculum includes a strong emphasis on core subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies. We offer specialized reading and math instruction for elementary students who struggle or are behind. Additionally, we provide a variety of high school elective courses to enhance students’ learning experiences and allow them to explore their interests. As much as we can, we get students out of the classroom for field trips that apply thier learning to the real world.

Qualified and Dedicated Teachers
Our private school educators are highly qualified and passionate about teaching. They are committed to providing personalized attention to each student, ensuring that individual learning needs are met. Our teachers integrate innovative teaching methods and technology into the classroom to make learning engaging and effective. Most importantly, our staff is made up of dedicated Christians who live out their faith in front of their students.

Recognized Excellence: Cognia Accreditation
One of the distinguishing features of Lakeside Christian School is our Cognia accreditation. This prestigious accreditation ensures that our school meets rigorous standards of educational quality and continuous improvement.

What is Cognia Accreditation?
Cognia is a globally recognized organization that provides accreditation and certification services to educational institutions. Cognia accreditation signifies that Lakeside Christian School adheres to high standards of educational excellence and is committed to continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and school leadership.

Why Cognia Accreditation Matters
Assurance of Quality: Cognia accreditation provides assurance that Lakeside Christian School maintains high standards in curriculum, instruction, and student services.
Continuous Improvement: The accreditation process involves regular evaluations and assessments, ensuring that we are always striving to enhance our educational programs.
Global Recognition: Being Cognia accredited connects us to a network of over 36,000 schools worldwide, fostering a global perspective and commitment to best practices in education.
Student Success: The rigorous standards set by Cognia help ensure that our students receive a well-rounded, high-quality education that prepares them for future success.

See the Difference
Our Cognia accreditation is just one of the many reasons why Lakeside Christian School stands out as one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL. To learn more about our accreditation and how it benefits our students, schedule a tour today. Discover how Lakeside Christian School can provide an exceptional education for your child.

Spiritual Growth

Faith-Based Education
As one of the top private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School places a strong emphasis on spiritual development. Our curriculum and classrooms are infused with biblical principles, and we provide students with regular opportunities for prayer, worship, and Bible study. Bible classes are mandatory for every grade level and students participate in weekly corporate worship during chapel sessions. By integrating the Bible into daily learning, our Christian educators help students build a solid spiritual foundation that will guide them throughout their lives.

Character Development
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe in the importance of character education for all of our K-12 students. We teach values such as integrity, respect, responsibility, and compassion, encouraging students to live out these principles in their daily lives. Our goal is to develop well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate strong moral character.

Safe and Nurturing Environment

Safe Campus
Safety is a top priority at Lakeside Christian School. Our campus is secure, we are a member of the Guardian program, and we have measures in place led by our on campus SSO officer to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. We maintain a low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for close supervision and a supportive learning environment. We use the Dashpass app to maintain student safety during drop-off and pick-up times.

Supportive Community
Our school community is like a family. Students, teachers, and parents work together to create a positive and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported. We encourage open communication and collaboration between home and school, fostering a strong partnership in your child’s education.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Athletics
Lakeside Christian School offers a wide range of athletic programs for students our K-12 students to participate in. From soccer and basketball to volleyball and football, our sports teams provide opportunities for physical fitness, teamwork, and personal growth. Our JV and Varsity competitive sports programs are a part of the FHSAA and the SSA. Being a part of a team helps students develop discipline, resilience, and leadership skills.

Arts and Entrepreneurship
In addition to athletics, we offer various programs in the visual and digital arts and high school entrepreneurship classes. Our students have the opportunity to explore their creative talents and business savvy. Participation in the arts and extracurricular classes enhances cognitive abilities, boosts confidence, and provides a balanced educational experience.

Parental Involvement

Engaging Parents
We believe that parental involvement is crucial to a child’s success. At Lakeside Christian School, we encourage parents to be actively involved in their child’s education. We offer numerous opportunities for parents to participate in school activities, volunteer, and engage in meaningful ways with the school community.

Open Communication
We maintain open lines of communication between parents and teachers. Regular updates, parent-teacher conferences, and an open-door policy ensure that parents are always informed about their child’s progress and can address any concerns promptly. This collaborative approach helps us provide the best possible support for each student.

Lifelong learning
At Lakeside Christian School, we aim to instill a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Our students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and pursue knowledge with curiosity and enthusiasm. By fostering a growth mindset, we prepare our students to be adaptable, lifelong learners who are ready to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world.

Parent Testimonials: Happy Parents, Happy Students
At Lakeside Christian School, we are proud of the strong and supportive community we have built. Our parents play an integral role in the success of our students, and their positive feedback speaks volumes about the quality of education and care we provide.

Hear More from Our Parents
We invite prospective families to read more about the experiences of our happy parents. Visit our website to check out detailed parent testimonials, explore reviews on our Google Business page, and see ratings on SchoolAhoop. These testimonials provide an authentic glimpse into what makes Lakeside Christian School one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL.

See for Yourself
To truly understand the Lakeside difference, we encourage you to schedule a tour and witness our vibrant community firsthand. Join us and discover how Lakeside Christian School can be the perfect place for your child’s education and growth. Contact us today to schedule your visit!

Accessibility Through Step Up for Students Scholarships
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that a high-quality, Christ-centered education should be accessible to all families. That’s why we proudly accept Step Up for Students scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of your child’s education.

What is Step Up for Students?
Step Up for Students is a scholarship program that provides Florida families with financial assistance to attend private schools that best meet their children’s needs. This program empowers families to choose a private school in Clearwater, FL, that aligns with their academic and personal development goals.

Benefits of Step Up for Students at Lakeside
Affordability: By accepting Step Up for Students scholarships, Lakeside Christian School makes private education more affordable for families, covering tuition and other related expenses such as registration, books, testing, and fees.
Accessibility: Families from diverse economic backgrounds can access the high-quality education offered at Lakeside. This inclusivity fosters a rich, diverse learning environment where all students can thrive.
Supportive Environment: Students who have experienced bullying or need a fresh start can find a safe, nurturing environment at Lakeside. Our supportive community and dedicated educators are committed to every student’s success.
Tailored Education: With the financial support from Step Up for Students, families can choose Lakeside for its personalized, faith-based education that caters to each child’s unique needs.
How to Apply
Families interested in applying for Step Up for Students scholarships can find assistance through our school office or visit the Step Up website directly. We currently accept the FES-EO and FTC private school scholarships as well as the FES-UA students with unique abilites scholarship. Note: We do not accept the PEP Personalized Education Plan scholarship at this time. Our staff is dedicated to helping families navigate the application process and ensure that every eligible student has the opportunity to attend Lakeside Christian School.

By accepting Step Up for Students scholarships, Lakeside Christian School stands out as a premier private school in Clearwater, FL, offering exceptional educational opportunities to all students. To learn more about the scholarship program and how it can benefit your family, contact our school office today by emailing office@lakesidechristianschool.org or calling 727-461-3311. Our offics is open Monday through Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm.

Why Choose Lakeside Christian School?

Commitment to Excellence
Our commitment to excellence in all areas of education sets us apart from other private schools in Clearwater, FL. We provide a holistic educational experience that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Our dedicated staff, supportive community, and strong academic and extracurricular programs make Lakeside Christian School the ideal choice for your child’s education.

Schedule a Tour Today
Discover why Lakeside Christian School is the perfect place for your child. We invite you to schedule a tour and see our campus, meet our staff, and learn more about our programs. Experience firsthand the supportive, faith-based environment that makes Lakeside Christian School one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL. Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step towards providing your child with a premier education that balances academic excellence with spiritual growth.

By choosing Lakeside Christian School, you are investing in a bright future for your child, where they can thrive academically, grow spiritually, and develop into well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in the world. We look forward to partnering with you in your child’s educational journey.

To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.