Academics and extra curricular opportunities usually top the list of parents searching for an excellent private high school for their children. Those are critical. Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater, FL, a small and safe K-12 grade private Chirstian school, realizes how central athletics and the arts are to a fully rounded high school education. Sports and fine arts aren’t add-on activities, they are integral to how we develop leadership, faith, and life-ready skills in our students.
High school is a season when students test boundaries, learn resilience, and discover identity. Athletics and arts provide structured opportunities to grow in character. In team sports, students learn responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance: lessons that show up in the classroom and in life. When a player deals with a tough loss, they’re learning humility and grace. When a team practices and perseveres together and gains the victory, they celebrate their God-given gifts of talent and hard work. When a student creates a masterful painting, uses 21st century skills to produce graphic designs, or takes captivating photos for the school yearbook, they’re cultivating creativity, confidence, and communication.
At Lakeside, coaches and arts instructors intentionally connect these experiences to a Christian worldview: practice and performance become places to apply biblical values like service, integrity, and humility. Coaches model servant leadership; arts teachers encourage work that honors God. This integration helps students form habits of heart, not just habits of performance.
Belonging matters. Sports teams and art classes give students a sense of identity and a circle of peers who encourage them. That social support reduces isolation, increases school engagement, and improves mental health, especially during the high-pressure teen years.
Lakeside offers multiple entry points for students to belong. Whether a student tries out for JV basketball, joins the varsity soccer team, leads worship and games in elementary chapel, or helps design pages for the yearbook, they find supportive mentors and lasting friendships. Coaches, parents, and staff all play a role in coaching character as much as technique.
Colleges and workplaces increasingly look for the soft skills developed through athletics and arts in high school: teamwork, problem solving, time management, persistence, and creativity. Student-athletes learn to balance practice schedules, travel, and academic commitments. Yearbook students learn collaboration and project management. Visual arts students develop attention to detail and creative problem solving.
Lakeside helps students translate those experiences into real outcomes. High school students build portfolios in graphic arts, complete entrepreneurial projects in business courses, and can take dual-enrollment classes at SPC and PTEC to earn college credit or career credentials, all while staying grounded in our Christ and gospel-centered mission.
Because Lakeside is a close-knit K–12 community, students have more chances to try different activities than at a large public school where competition for roster spots can be fierce. Here, a student can play football and be part of chapel crew, or be in the art room and still compete on the track team. That flexibility helps students discover passions without being boxed in.
Our athletic philosophy prioritizes growth over pure winning. Coaches teach competition and skill, but they also mentor students to lead with godly character. The school’s commitment to values is why Lakeside has been honored in the past with recognition for sportsmanship: a reflection of how we compete and how we represent Christ in every arena.
While athletics build teamwork and resilience, the arts cultivate voice, empathy, and cultural engagement. Creative pursuits help students process life, communicate deeply, and offer beauty to their communities. Lakeside’s arts program includes visual art, digital art, performance opportunities as a part of chapel crew, and elective coursework that aligns with college and career pathways.
Importantly, our high school arts instruction is also faith-infused: students explore how creativity reflects God’s image and can be used in worship and service. That spiritual framing makes creative work more meaningful and encourages students to think biblically and artistically about their gifts.
The combination of academics, athletics, and arts contributes to strong outcomes. Students who are engaged in these programs demonstrate leadership in school and community, and apply to colleges with portfolios or experiences that stand out. Lakeside graduates leave with academic preparation plus transferable skills: leadership, collaboration, and a vocational sense of calling.
Families looking at private schools in Clearwater often tell us they want a school that prepares children “for life, not just college.” Lakeside answers that by layering rigorous academics with character development in sports and arts rooted in a Christian worldview.
Do students need to be elite to join? No. Lakeside welcomes students at multiple levels — competitive and developmental programs exist so every student can participate and grow.
How do you staff programs? Coaches and arts teachers are qualified educators and committed Christian mentors. Many are staff, parents, or experienced volunteers who invest in students’ character and skills.
How does this fit with the school’s mission? Every program is designed to help students know, love, and honor Jesus Christ — whether on the chapel stage, in the art studio, or on the athletic field.
How do I find out more about Lakeside’s Athletic Programs? Parents can learn more about our Lakeisde Christian School athletics programs here or by emailing our Athletic Director, James COffman, at jcoffman@lakesidechristianschool.org
If you’re comparing Christian schools or private schools in Clearwater, Florida, and want your teen to grow academically and spiritually, while also developing leadership and life skills through sports and arts, Lakeside Christian School invites you to schedule a tour. Our principal leads personal campus visits so parents can see our programs and culture firsthand.
Schedule your tour today by filling our our easy contact form or call Admissions at 727-461-3311. Fall 2025 enrollment AND enrollment for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year are both open. Find out how athletics and arts at Lakeside can help your child thrive.
If you’ve held back from applying 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 K-12 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.
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.
Experience the Lakeside difference: where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.
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.
Lakeside’s winter sports offerings for our middle school and high school students include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
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