Why Winter Sports at Lakeside Christian School Are About More Than Just Winning
At Lakeside Christian School, a leading choice among Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, our middle school and high school winter sports programs offer more than just competition—they’re about fostering teamwork, perseverance, and spiritual growth. As one of the best private high schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside provides students with opportunities to develop character, faith, and skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
A Well-Rounded Winter Sports Program
Lakeside’s winter sports offerings for our middle school and high school students include:
- Soccer: Middle school co-ed, varsity girls, and varsity boys teams.
- Basketball: Middle school boys, JV boys, varsity boys, and varsity girls teams.
These programs are led by coaches dedicated to developing athletes physically, emotionally, and spiritually. With softball and baseball seasons starting soon, Lakeside remains committed to offering a wide range of athletic opportunities to its students.
If you’re exploring Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, or searching for private high schools in Clearwater, FL with strong athletic programs, contact us to learn more.
Teamwork: Building Stronger Individuals
At Lakeside Christian School, teamwork is a cornerstone of our winter sports programs. Whether on the soccer field or basketball court, students learn to work together, communicate effectively, and support one another. These skills, honed at one of the top private high schools in Clearwater, FL, prepare students for success in their future endeavors.
Perseverance: Overcoming Challenges
Winter sports at Lakeside help students build resilience. Through challenges such as tough games, rigorous practices, and occasional setbacks, they learn to persevere. These lessons prepare them to face obstacles in life with confidence.
Parents searching for Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL can trust Lakeside to instill qualities like perseverance and determination in their children, equipping them for success beyond the classroom.
Spiritual Growth: Athletics with a Higher Purpose
What sets Lakeside apart from other private high schools in Clearwater, FL is our focus on spiritual development through sports. Our athletes engage in prayer, devotionals, and Christ-centered character building.
This holistic approach ensures students grow not only as athletes but as individuals who live out their faith. For families considering Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside offers a unique combination of academic, athletic, and spiritual excellence.
Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Sports
Participation in sports offers teens numerous physical and mental health benefits. At Lakeside Christian School, our winter sports programs, including soccer and basketball, help students stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, and enhances coordination.
But the benefits don’t stop at physical health. Sports also positively impact mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and building confidence. Teens involved in athletics often demonstrate better time-management skills and increased self-discipline—qualities that benefit them academically and personally. For families seeking private high schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside provides a supportive environment where these benefits are cultivated.
Leadership Skills Developed Through Sports
Sports at Lakeside Christian School also help teens develop leadership skills. Whether captaining a team, mentoring younger athletes, or learning to lead by example, students gain valuable experience in guiding others. A study reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution indicates that nearly 70% of women who played sports in their youth went on to hold leadership roles in their workplaces, underscoring the role of youth athletics in leadership development. These leadership opportunities translate into stronger self-esteem and better interpersonal skills, setting students up for success in college and beyond.
By emphasizing leadership and teamwork, Lakeside stands out among Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL as a place where students grow into well-rounded, confident individuals ready to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
If you want your child to experience these life-changing opportunities, reach out to Lakeside today to schedule a school tour and learn more.
Testimonials: What Families Say
Families consistently praise the transformative experience of Lakeside’s sports programs, coaches, and academics. One parent shared in a google review:
“Lakeside Christian School provides our daughter with a strong academic and spiritual balance. The teachers and administration are dedicated and genuinely care about the students. They are also role models who live out their faith in Christ and help to set an example for our daughter. We are not only thankful for the academic program but athletics and other enrichment opportunities that LCS has to offer. The school community feels like family: they foster a safe, caring, and respectful environment that is felt the moment you walk onto the campus. Additionally, we have found LCS to be a wonderful collaboration of caring families who share the same values and support one another. I hope prospective parents and children will also see how special and outstanding LCS truly is. I highly recommend it.”
This feedback reflects the values that make Lakeside a standout among private high schools in Clearwater, FL.
A Community Committed to Growth
As Lakeside Christian School continues to grow, we remain focused on providing exceptional opportunities for our students. Whether in academics, athletics, or spiritual development, we aim to create a nurturing environment that sets us apart from other Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL.
To learn more about our programs or schedule a visit, fill our our simple and easy contact form and an Administrator will reach out to you.
Join the Lions: A Tradition of Excellence
If you’re searching for private high schools in Clearwater, FL, that combine competitive sports with character-building and spiritual growth, Lakeside Christian School is the perfect choice. Our winter sports programs, including soccer and basketball, go beyond winning to instill values that last a lifetime.
Discover why so many families choose Lakeside. Contact us today to learn more about enrollment for the 2025-26 school year and become part of a K-12 private school community that champions faith, learning, and purpose.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to discover why Lakeside Christian School is one of the best private high schools in Clearwater FL? Contact us today to learn more about our programs, schedule a campus tour, or discuss enrollment opportunities. We look forward to partnering with your family on this exciting educational journey.
Contact us to schedule a tour or speak with our admissions team. You can reach us at 727-239-7808, email us at office@lakesidechristianschool.org, or fill out our online contact form.
Experience the Lakeside difference—where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, the best private high school in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
Starting Fresh: How Lakeside Prepares Students for a Successful New Semester
As the new semester begins at Lakeside Christian School, a renewed sense of excitement and focus fills the campus. This time of year marks not just the continuation of academic learning but also an opportunity for students to set new goals, reflect on past achievements, and deepen their faith. As the best private school in Clearwater FL, Lakeside takes a holistic approach to preparing students for success, blending rigorous academics with spiritual growth and character development.
A Foundation Rooted in Faith and Academic Excellence
At Lakeside, we believe that education is more than just textbooks and tests. Our mission as a private Christian school in Clearwater FL is to guide students to excel academically while growing in their relationship with Christ. As the new semester unfolds, our faculty and staff are committed to ensuring that each student feels supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their fullest potential.
Starting the semester with a focus on prayer and community sets a positive tone. Daily Bible lessons and weekly chapel services allow our K-12 students to grow in their faith, while teachers create classroom environments that foster curiosity and critical thinking. This balance between faith and learning is a key differentiator for Lakeside, solidifying our reputation as one of the best private schools in Clearwater FL.
Goal Setting and Academic Planning
Goal setting is essential to student success. At the start of each semester, Lakeside teachers guide students through structured goal-setting exercises, encouraging them to reflect on the previous semester and identify areas for growth. Whether it’s improving in a specific subject, becoming more organized, or participating more actively in class discussions, these personal goals help students stay motivated and focused.
Small class sizes at Lakeside Christian School allow for more one-on-one interaction, enabling teachers to identify strengths and areas where students may need extra support. This individualized approach enhances learning outcomes and boosts confidence and academic resilience.
Building Stronger Study Habits
A new semester is a fresh opportunity to develop stronger study habits and time management skills. Throughout January, upper school students should focus on organizational strategies, effective note-taking, and test preparation. Our goal is to equip students with the tools they need to manage their workload and thrive academically.
Parents are encouraged to partner with their child’s teachers to reinforce these habits at home, creating a cohesive support system that nurtures growth both in and out of the classroom. As one of the leading private Christian schools in Clearwater FL, we recognize the importance of collaboration between educators and families in fostering student success.
The Importance of Community and Peer Support
One of the most significant advantages of attending a private Christian school like Lakeside is the sense of community that permeates campus life. Students build meaningful relationships with peers, faculty, and staff, creating a supportive environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. As a K-12 private school in Clearwater, FL, we foster camaraderie and collaboration among different grade levels, helping students feel a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement.
Embracing Extracurricular Opportunities
Academic success is just one part of the Lakeside experience. We believe that extracurricular involvement plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded individuals. As the second semester begins, students are encouraged to participate in school sports, art classes, and various Awana and youth group activities hosted by our sponsoring church, Lakeside Community Chapel. Getting involved in athletics, the arts, or church-led youth groups helps students develop important life skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Parental Involvement and Open Communication
At Lakeside, we value strong partnerships between parents and educators. Open communication is essential to student success, and we encourage parents to stay actively involved in their child’s education. Parent-teacher conferences, progress reports, and school events create opportunities for dialogue, community, and collaboration.
Additionally, our faculty and administration are available to address concerns or provide academic guidance to ensure that parents feel connected to their child’s educational journey and confident in the support their student receives.
Preparing for the Future
A Lakeside Christian School education extends beyond the classroom. Our goal is to prepare students not only for academic success but also for life as compassionate, Christ-centered leaders. By instilling strong Biblical values, critical thinking skills, and a heart for sharing the gospel, we empower our students to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.
As the new semester begins, Lakeside Christian School remains committed to providing an exceptional education grounded in faith and academic excellence. If you are searching for the best private school in Clearwater FL or are interested in learning more about our private Christian school, we invite you to contact us or schedule a campus tour and experience firsthand the difference Lakeside can make in your child’s education.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to discover why Lakeside Christian School is one of the best private schools in Clearwater FL? Contact us today to learn more about our programs, schedule a campus tour, or discuss enrollment opportunities. We look forward to partnering with your family on this exciting educational journey.
Contact us to schedule a tour 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.
Experience the Lakeside difference—where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
Autism Awareness Month
“When it comes to people with mental or physical disabilities, we need to help them to achieve what kind of dreams they want,” he added. “And when it comes to autism, we always have one goal and that is to thrive. We need to thrive.”
This quote comes from Parker Neilson, as quoted by Fox 31 news in an article you can find here. If you watch the video and read the article, you’ll find that Parker is a senior at Lakeside Christian School, and has been diagnosed with autism. He now gives back to the community that has helped him grow and thrive.
It’s inspiring, to say the least.
It’s Autism Awareness Month, and we wanted to share Parker’s story here in order to encourage families that also have children with autism. Lakeside Christian School does not specialize in teaching students with special needs, but we do strive to include students with many different abilities (including those with autism) like Parker. We believe that every student is made in God’s image and we’d like everyone to take a look at LCS to see if their child could benefit from our program.
Parker began attending LCS in 3rd grade, where he received the foundation he needed to find success in high school. Parker now attends part time and is also home schooled, but both Parker and his parents credit LCS with helping to prepare him to “thrive,” as he said.
Your child will fit perfectly somewhere. Why not take a look at Lakeside Christian School and see if that somewhere is with us. Call us and schedule your personal tour today!
SAQs (Should-Ask Questions)
Certainly you’re familiar with the term “FAQs” (Frequently Asked Questions), but have you heard of SAQs? SAQs are “Should-Ask Questions.” What questions should you ask when searching for the perfect school for your child? Try these:
- “How can you make this education affordable for me?” Instead of asking how much it costs and writing off a high-ticket education, ask instead how it can be made affordable. Some schools are free… and you get what you pay for. Some educations cost as much as a new car, and they expect you to pay every penny. But some schools, like ours, provide an excellent education that, while expensive, works with every single budget to make it affordable for anyone.
- “Are your graduates prepared for college and career?” Don’t merely ask about graduation rates and GPAs. Those are deceptive. Rather, find out if graduates are prepared for life after high school. At LCS, we don’t try to make ourselves look good by handing out as many A grades as possible. Instead, we teach our students what is needed to succeed beyond high school.
- “Can you help my child catch up or move ahead?” If your child is in elementary school, you’ll want to know how to either bring your child to grade level or how to help them excel farther. We have documented proof that we have been able to close academic gaps for students who come to us already behind, and many of those who are on grade level are propelling ahead!
- “How invested is your staff?” It’s likely that at any school, the teachers will have experience and talent, as ours do. But beyond that, you’ll want to know if the staff is invested in their jobs and if they truly care for their students. Most of our staff attend our church and serve in some way, like AWANA or youth group. This means they choose to not only teach their students throughout the weekdays, but also choose to spend additional time with them some nights, teaching them even more important spiritual truths. Our staff cares not just about each student’s education, but more importantly, their soul.
- “Will my child be safe?” There’s no way to guarantee with 100% certainty the safety of anyone. But you’ll want to know if your child will be both physically and emotionally safe, to the best of the school’s ability. At LCS, we do not tolerate bullying, either in school or online between our students. Teachers strive to stay aware of social interactions and the climate of their classrooms in order to keep their students safe.
These five questions will give you a good indication of a school’s heart, and whether or not they’d be a good fit for your child. We encourage you to schedule a personal tour with Lakeside Christian School today and ask these very questions!
“The Best Education”
“I highly recommend LCS to anyone who wants the best education for their child.”
This is a real quote from a real parent of a student at Lakeside Christian School. Is this something you can say about your child’s school? If not, we’d love it if you checked out LCS.
Here are some things you’ll find at LCS:
- We offer an incredible education: we’re closing academic gaps and propelling students ahead in both reading and math, starting in kindergarten!
- Our environment is safe, secure, and close-knit. We take great care to protect our students and create a place in which they feel comfortable and ready to learn.
- A Biblical worldview is our backbone. More than anything, we want our students to know Christ.
- It’s affordable. Yes, we’re a private Christian school. Yes, we offer a top-notch education. Yes, we have a close-knit, safe environment. But we also work with every family’s budget in order to make LCS affordable!
Call us today and come for a visit! We’d love to meet you.
Why Enroll in a Christian School?
ACSI commissioned The Barna Group to do a nation-wide large scale study regarding why parents enroll their children in Christian schools. These were their top six reasons and things they looked for:
1) safe environment
2) teachers who care
3) academic excellence
4) accessible staff
5) intentional about developing character
6) affordable
Lakeside Christian School meets all six of these, and then some. Let’s look a little closer:
1) LCS has worked hard to make the building safe and secure, to build a safety plan, and to fight bullying.
2) Our teachers are among the best, brightest, and most loving you will find. They see their work as a calling rather than a job, and their students as their reason for doing what they do.
3) At LCS, we used best practice instruction and tested curriculum to build an academic program that not only pulls students up to grade level, put also accelerates many beyond grade level. Students are frequently evaluated in order to give them the kind of education they need.
4) Our teachers not only care, but are easily accessible via email and scheduled meetings. They are happy to communicate with both parents and teachers whenever is desired.
5) LCS’s number one goal is to show the love and character of Christ to our students, that they may know Jesus Christ as their Savior and grow to be more like Him.
6) Unlike many private Christian schools, LCS strives to be affordable for all household incomes. We will work with every family to make LCS affordable for you.
When your options are public schools, expensive private schools, and public charter schools, why wouldn’t you check out LCS? Call us today and schedule a tour.
Online Schooling < LCS
There are a number of options from which each family can choose the school that will best meet their needs:
Public school
Private school
Charter school
Online school
Home school
We’ve already discussed the perils of Florida public schools, the expense of private schools, and the cons of charter schools. If you missed those posts, check them out here. Home school is great, if parents feel up to the challenge. This leaves online school.
Whether from home or another location, whether one student or a handful, online school is where students complete their education in front of a computer screen. For some, they consider this ideal. They can home school without learning how to teach the material to their child. But online schooling is simply not a good option if you hope your child will become college and career ready by the end of their time in high school.
Consider this:
Jason Burns wrote an article for Michigan State University last November. This article outlines a Stanford study that determined online schools to be ineffective. He writes, “According to this report, the academic growth of students who attend “online charter schools,” where a majority of instruction takes place over the internet, falls far behind the growth of students who receive their education in traditional settings.”
The article details the fact that students who attend online schools are often an ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR behind in math, and about HALF A SCHOOL YEAR behind in reading. These facts cannot be shrugged off. How will your child be college prepared when they may be an entire year behind their peers?
This is just one article of many that highlights the ineffectiveness of online schools. Think carefully about your child’s education. Convenience and low price might be appealing, but in the end is like buying a cheap, old car. This car might look like it will do what you need for much less than other cars. Yet if it doesn’t get you where you need to go, it’s worthless, and a waste of money. In that way, your child’s education needs to get them where they want to go. An online education won’t do that.
We encourage you to take a look at Lakeside Christian School. Unlike public schools, we have high-quality academics. Unlike other private schools, we can make it affordable for you. Unlike charter schools, we have control over what we teach and how money is spent. Unlike online schools, we use best practice teaching. Unlike home school, we offer the complete school experience- including sports, fine arts, and chapel.
Your child’s education is of utmost importance. Call today to set up a tour of Lakeside Christian School, and let us show you how we are different.
To read more about the failure of online schools, read the original quoted article here.
Stuck Like Glue
Parents are happy with what we are doing at Lakeside Christian School.
How do we know this? We have an over 90% retention rate. Perhaps it’s purely academic: we are closing learning gaps among our elementary students. This means we are bringing most of those who were behind, up to and above grade level. Or it’s our desire to prepare all students for college and career, starting LONG before high school begins. Maybe it’s the fact that we teach each class and every subject from a biblical worldview. Or it could be the environment- safe and secure, with loving staff and a family feel. It could be any number of things, like our athletics or drama program, for example. But we believe it’s most likely the unique combination of all these things that makes Lakeside Christian School such a special place.
Schedule a tour today to find out what’s different about Lakeside Christian School, and why our families don’t just attend; they stick around.
LCS Fine Arts Quick Facts
1) After years of success in the early 2000’s, followed by a hiatus, the LCS chorus returned three years ago. In those three years, the group has grown from 7 to 18 students and has received an Excellence award at the ACSI chorus festival each of the past three years.
LCS Athletics Quick Facts
We’ve already established Lakeside’s excellent academics and biblical foundation. You may want to know about some of our extracurricular activities. Here are ten quick facts about LCS athletics:
- Lakeside’s varsity football team has made the FCAPPS state championship game four out of the last eight years.
- Lakeside offers 24 sports teams for elementary, middle, and high school students.
- Lakeside currently has six graduates playing college athletics.
- 64% of students participate in Lakeside Athletics.
- There are six former Lakeside basketball players that have scored over 1,000 points during their high school careers at Lakeside.
- From 1979 – 1985, the Lakeside boys soccer team won the Suncoast Christian Conference State Championship.
- Since 2008, two Lakeside Football players have been awarded the FCAPPS league MVP.
- In the last eight years, Lakeside has added six elementary sports teams: four middle school sports teams, and four varsity sports teams.
- Next school year (2016-2017), Lakeside will add elementary soccer, baseball, flag football, volleyball, and basketball for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students.
- Lakeside is a part of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial School (FCAPPS).
Lakeside Christian School has a talented and caring coaching staff that builds healthy relationships with the students while encouraging them to do their best, always for God’s glory. If your child enjoys athletics, consider booking a tour with LCS today and find out more about their athletic program!
Special thanks to our Athletic Director, James Coffman, for the information!