Choosing the right private elementary school in Clearwater, Fl, for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right school provides a strong academic foundation, a nurturing environment, and Christ-centered values that shape your child’s future. But with so many options, how do you determine the best fit?
A strong foundation in early education shapes not only academic success but also character, values, and social development. At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that education is about more than just academics—it’s about nurturing the whole child in a Christ-centered environment.
Our mission is that all students would come to know, love, and honor the Lord Jesus Christ while achieving measurable academic success. We integrate faith into every aspect of learning, helping students develop strong moral character, integrity, and a love for God. This foundation not only enhances their education but also prepares them for a lifetime of faith and purpose.
Here’s a parent-friendly guide to choosing the best private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, along with insights into why Lakeside Christian School stands out.
One of the biggest advantages of private education is smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized instruction.
Why It Matters:
If academic support and personalized attention are important to you, look for a school that emphasizes small student-to-teacher ratios—like Lakeside. Small class sizes allow for individualized instruction, ensuring that each child receives the attention they need to thrive.
At Lakeside, our dedicated teachers provide personalized learning experiences, catering to various learning styles and paces. In our kindergarten program, we offer small class sizes with extra ELA support to help early readers build a strong foundation. Our fourth graders are also able access their daily lessons and notes on their google classroom to aid in easy review at home.
Public schools in Florida require students to take the FAST test, a high-stakes standardized assessment. However, at Lakeside Christian School, we do not require FAST testing.
Benefits of a Private School Without FAST Testing:
Unlike public schools, Lakeside Christian School does not participate in Florida’s FAST standardized testing. Instead, we utilize MAP Growth testing, conducted quarterly, to track student progress throughout the year. MAP testing provides valuable insights into each child’s academic development, allowing teachers to tailor instruction based on individual needs. This approach ensures a well-rounded education without the stress of high-stakes standardized testing.
For many families, choosing a Christian private school means giving their child an education that reinforces biblical values and character development.
Why a Christ-Centered Education Matters:
A school that aligns with your family’s faith and values is essential. At Lakeside Christian School, faith is integrated into every aspect of learning. Students engage in daily Bible lessons, prayer, and a curriculum designed to develop a biblical worldview. A Christ-centered education not only strengthens a child’s academic growth but also fosters spiritual development, ensuring they grow in wisdom and faith.
At Lakeside, our Christ-centered curriculum ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow in faith, wisdom, and compassion.
A great elementary education goes beyond academics! The best private schools offer opportunities for extracurricular growth.
Lakeside’s Elementary Programs Include:
Athletics: Soccer, basketball, volleyball & more. Each quarter Kindergarten through fifth grade students have new sports to choose from and participate in. Students get to play against other private elementary schools in the area on Saturday mornings.
Bible: Students have daily Bible class, curriculum with a Biblical worldview, caring Christian teachers, weekly chapel services, and opportunities for special Bible studies. Our third grade girls are currently completing a study on navigating friendships in a godly way.
Fine Arts: daily fine arts classes and opportunities to showcase their work in our school and in the larger Tampa Bay community at the Florida State Fair
Recess and PE: Students have recess and PE classes scheduled into their day. Last year, funds were raised for brand new playground equipment and the school gym was recently refurbished with new flooring.
By choosing a school with a balanced mix of academics, faith, and extracurriculars, you help your child grow into a confident, well-rounded individual.
Many families assume private school is out of reach, but programs like Step Up for Students provide financial assistance for qualifying families.
What is Step Up for Students?
Step Up for Students is a state-funded scholarship program that helps families afford tuition at private schools, including Lakeside Christian School. Available scholarships include:
Next Step: Learn more about tuition assistance and see if your family qualifies. Re-Enrollment and new applications for the 2025-26 school year are now being accepted by Step Up. Visit the Step Up for Students website for details.
The best way to determine if a school is the right fit is by visiting in person. Schedule a campus tour at Lakeside Christian School to experience our Christ-centered education firsthand. Meet our teachers, explore our facilities, and see how our approach to faith and learning can benefit your child. Learn more about our Admissions process here.
Choosing a private elementary school is a big decision, but focusing on small class sizes, academic excellence, Christian values, extracurricular opportunities, and tuition assistance can help you find the best fit for your child.
Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater, FL offers all of these benefits and more. Our school, created as a ministry to our Clearwater community by Lakeside Community Chapel in 1975, exists to bring God glory and to make Him known to our students. We are committed to providing a faith-based, academically strong education that equips students for success. If you’re searching for the best private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, we invite you to learn more about how Lakeside can support your child’s growth—academically, spiritually, and socially.
Schedule a tour today and discover why so many families choose us for faith-based, high-quality elementary education.
Are you ready to discover why Lakeside Christian School is one of the best private elementary 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 elementary school in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
As we enter Quarter 2 at Lakeside Christian School, we’re embarking on a new chapter filled with fresh academic goals, enriching curriculum, and a continued focus on spiritual growth. Whether it’s helping students achieve their academic best or nurturing their spiritual development, our dedicated faculty at Lakeside is committed to providing the supportive, Christ-centered environment families are looking for in private elementary schoolsin Clearwater, FL. We’re ready to make this quarter a standout season for every student, with a strong focus on balancing educational rigor with Christian values.
In Quarter 2, our faculty and staff have set ambitious yet attainable goals for our students, with a mission to support each child’s academic and spiritual journey. At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that Christian elementary schools in Clearwater, FL can do more than provide a foundation in reading, math, science, and history. Our goals include:
Through engaging reading materials and interactive discussions, students in our elementary classes are building a strong literacy foundation. They’re encouraged to think critically, question assumptions, and apply lessons from their reading to their own lives.
In the second quarter, our focus expands on practical math skills and problem-solving techniques that prepare students for real-world applications. From multiplication and division to understanding fractions and geometry, our curriculum aims to empower students with the tools they need to succeed.
Our hands-on science curriculum ignites curiosity in students. They will participate in hands on activities, ask questions about the world around them, and gain a foundational understanding of the scientific method—skills that encourage both discovery and understanding. There are several science based field trips planned for our elementary students this quarter as well.
History lessons go beyond dates and facts. We help students see the bigger picture by connecting historical events to present-day lessons and discussions around Christian values, promoting both empathy and understanding.
By prioritizing these goals, Lakeside Christian School ensures that every student’s academic growth aligns with a balanced approach to learning, helping us maintain our reputation as one of the leading private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.
With open spots in grades 4 and 5, our team is especially focused on making each day in the classroom meaningful. The curriculum for these grades is designed to be challenging, engaging, and supportive of each student’s learning style.
In grades 4 and 5, students experience a curriculum enriched with project-based learning. This approach helps them apply what they learn in practical ways, from creating science models to working on group research projects that emphasize teamwork and cooperation.
Every subject at Lakeside incorporates biblical principles. Students explore how math, science, history, and language arts can all reflect God’s design. This integration helps students see that their faith is not separate from their learning—it’s a lens through which they view the world and their studies.
As students progress, our writing curriculum emphasizes narrative, expository, and persuasive writing. Writing exercises allow students to develop their voice, structure their thoughts, and communicate effectively—key skills that will support them throughout their academic careers and beyond.
Physical activity plays a vital role in a well-rounded education at Lakeside Christian School. Students in grades 4 and 5 have PE class, enjoy outdoor recess time, and can participate in our Saturday sports program where they compete against other private elementary schools in our area. This quarter’s sport for these grades is lacrosse, providing an exciting way for students to develop teamwork, learn new skills, and stay active.
We recognize that the success of our students extends beyond the classroom. Lakeside Christian School is dedicated to ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education grounded in Christian values. By emphasizing both academic excellence and spiritual growth, we’re helping students prepare for a lifetime of achievement, with a firm foundation in their faith.
Our teachers focus on more than just the mastery of subject matter—they are mentors who foster curiosity, perseverance, and a love for learning. This dedication to both academic and personal growth is what makes Lakeside one of the top Christian elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.
As Lakeside Christian School continues recovery efforts from the recent challenges posed by Hurricane Milton, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a safe, nurturing environment where students can grow academically and spiritually. Our recovery journey has only strengthened our sense of community, as parents, staff, and local volunteers have come together to support our mission.
The transition to Quarter 2 comes at a time when students are eager to return to familiar routines, and we offer them a structured, faith-centered environment where they can learn and thrive. With the support of Lakeside Community Chapel, which has been a pillar of our community since it founded our school in 1975, we’re committed to creating a learning space that reflects our values and love for Christ.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that a Christian education goes beyond academics. It’s about instilling values, shaping character, and guiding students toward a deeper relationship with God. Most importantly, it’s learning about our Savior, Jesus, and how to have a relationship with Him. As one of the leading Christian elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, we provide students with:
Biblical teachings are woven into every lesson, helping students see how God’s word applies to their lives and studies. Our curriculum emphasizes the importance of understanding salvation in Christ alone, faith, compassion, and integrity, creating a moral compass that will guide students throughout their lives.
All elementary students at Lakeside Christian School learn more about the Lord, His plan for their lives, and the truth of the Bible through daily Bible classes and weekly chapel services.
Lakeside is a supportive environment where students can be themselves, ask questions about the Bible, and feel safe. Our teachers work closely with each student to ensure they feel valued, seen, and loved, that they know they are a unique creation of the Lord with a special purpose for life—a key aspect of learning that we cherish and nurture.
The friendships formed at Lakeside Christian School are grounded in shared values and a commitment to living out Christian principles. We believe that the relationships our students build here will positively impact their spiritual and personal lives for years to come.
As we move forward into Quarter 2, we invite families to join our Lakeside Christian School community. We currently have open spots in grades 4 and 5, and we would love to welcome your child into an environment that values academic excellence and spiritual growth. Interested in enrollment of your K-12 child for the 2025-2026 school year? Contact us to set up a school tour and to learn more. If you’re considering private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and faith-based learning.
Reach out to us today to schedule a tour or learn more about what makes Lakeside Christian School a place where every child can thrive. Our dedicated teachers and strong support system ensure that every student is “fully equipped” to succeed, both in their studies and their faith journey.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
Parents of Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, Click Here.