Lakeside Christian School is a private K12 Christian school in Clearwater, Florida, serving families throughout Pinellas County with a Christ-centered education focused on Faith, Character, and Purpose.
Since 1975, Lakeside has combined strong, research-based academics with Biblical truth, intentional character development, and a supportive school community where students are known, challenged, and encouraged to thrive.
Small class sizes and individualized attention help students grow academically, while daily Bible instruction, competitive athletics, fine arts, and college- and career-readiness opportunities allow students to discover and develop their God-given gifts.
Dual accredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), Lakeside also accepts Step Up For Students scholarships, helping make high-quality Christian education accessible and affordable for Florida families.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked FL School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 531 students
- Yearly Tuition: $14,000
- Acceptance rate: 90%
- Average class size: 17 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Lakeside Christian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Year Founded
1975
Colors
blue, black, white
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Fri. May 21, 2027
Campus Size
3 acres
Student Body
Total Students
531 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
42%
State avg.: 48%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
38 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
17 students
Number of AP/Advanced Courses
6 courses
AP/Advanced Courses
Honors AlgebraHonors Biology
Honors ChemistryHonors Economics
Honors EnglishHonors Geometry
Honors History
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
School polo with jeans or khaki pants for 6-12/shorts for K-5
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$14,000
Tuition Notes
We accept Step Up Scholarships and have affordable tuition payment tiers based on family income. Head here to learn more:
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 82%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Connie Helms
Admissions Associate
Jeremy Crane
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
12 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
9 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Chess ClubDebate Club
National Honor Society ChapterPainting Club
Student CouncilUkelele Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Digital ArtsFine Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Elementary Sports Program
School Notes
- School Motto: equipping students to imapct the world for Christ
- School Mascot: Lions
Key Highlights
- 草榴社区 K12 Christian school in Clearwater, Florida, serving families throughout Pinellas County
- Established in 1975 with more than 50 years of Christ-centered educationAccredited by Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
- Small class sizes that allow for individualized attention and meaningful teacher-student relationships
- Research-based, standards-aligned academics focused on measurable student growth, critical thinking, and college and career readiness
- Honors, accelerated learning, and dual enrollment opportunities for qualifying students
- Daily Bible classes, weekly chapel, and Biblical worldview integration throughout the curriculum and school culture
- Christ-centered emphasis on faith, character, leadership, integrity, and service
- Competitive middle and high school athletics plus elementary sports opportunities
- Fine and digital arts, student leadership, and extracurricular opportunities
- Dedicated on-campus School Safety Officer and a strong emphasis on maintaining a safe, supportive learning environment
- Tiered tuition options designed to help make Christian education accessible to families
- Accepts Florida Step Up For Students scholarships
- Technology-integrated classrooms and opportunities that prepare students for learning and life beyond graduation
- Close-knit K12 community where students can grow academically, spiritually, socially, and personally from kindergarten through senior year
- Conveniently serves families from Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, and communities throughout greater Pinellas County
- Enrollmentis open; families are encouraged to contact admissions for current grade-level availability
Lakeside Christian School is a private K12 Christian school located in Clearwater, Florida, serving students and families throughout Clearwater and greater Pinellas County. Founded in 1975, Lakeside has spent more than five decades partnering with families to provide an education grounded in Biblical truth, strong academics, and intentional character development. As a unified K12 school, Lakeside offers students the opportunity to grow within a consistent, faith-filled community from their first years of school through high school graduation.
At the heart of the Lakeside experience is the belief that education should develop the whole student: academically, spiritually, socially, and personally. Students are known by their teachers, challenged to grow, and supported as they develop their individual strengths and God-given gifts. Small class sizes allow teachers to build meaningful relationships with students while providing individualized attention, encouragement, accountability, and academic support.
Academically, Lakeside emphasizes measurable student growth through research-based instructional practices, standards-aligned curriculum, critical thinking, and purposeful use of technology. Students build strong academic foundations in the elementary years and continue into increasingly challenging coursework through middle and high school. Honors and accelerated opportunities, dual enrollment for qualifying high school students, and college and career readiness experiences help prepare graduates for a variety of paths after Lakeside. The goal is not simply to prepare students to earn a diploma, but to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, work ethic, and critical-thinking skills needed for lifelong learning and future success.
Faith is integrated into every part of the Lakeside experience. Students participate in daily Bible classes and weekly chapel, while Biblical truth and a Christian worldview are intentionally woven throughout academics and campus life. Lakeside seeks to help students know, love, and honor the Lord Jesus Christ while developing character rooted in integrity, responsibility, courage, service, and faith. Through classroom instruction, relationships with Christian teachers and coaches, leadership opportunities, and service, students are encouraged to understand how their faith shapes the way they learn, lead, compete, create, and live.
Beyond the classroom, Lakeside provides students with opportunities to discover new interests and develop their talents through athletics, fine and digital arts, leadership, and extracurricular programs with several after school clubs available. Lion Athletics includes competitive middle school, junior varsity, and varsity programs as well as elementary sports opportunities, allowing students to build teamwork, discipline, confidence, and character through competition. Fine and digital arts experiences encourage creativity and provide additional opportunities for students to explore and develop their gifts. Across these programs, Lakeside's focus remains on helping students grow in both skill and character.
Safety and community are also important parts of the Lakeside experience. The school maintains a dedicated on-campus School Safety Officer and works intentionally to provide a secure, caring environment where students feel known, valued, and supported. Because Lakeside serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade on one campus, families become part of a connected Lion community in which relationships can grow over many years.
Lakeside Christian School is accredited by both Cognia and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), reflecting its commitment to academic quality, continuous improvement, and Christian education. Lakeside also participates in Florida's Step Up For Students scholarship program and offers tiered tuition options designed to make private Christian education more accessible to families throughout Pinellas County.
Families choose Lakeside for its combination of small classes, strong academics, lasting faith, competitive opportunities, caring teachers, and Christ-centered community. Enrollment is currently open, and prospective families are encouraged to schedule a campus tour to visit classrooms, meet Lakeside faculty and staff, learn about scholarship and tuition options, and experience the Lion community firsthand.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Lakeside Christian School cost?
Lakeside Christian School's tuition is approximately $14,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Lakeside Christian School?
The acceptance rate of Lakeside Christian School is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
What sports does Lakeside Christian School offer?
Lakeside Christian School offers 12 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Flag Football, Football, Lacrosse, Marksmanship, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field and Volleyball. Lakeside Christian School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Florida for most sports offered.
What is Lakeside Christian School's ranking?
Lakeside Christian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for Lakeside Christian School?
The application deadline for Lakeside Christian School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 5/23/2026
As a member of the Class of 1988, I truly believe that Lakeside Christian School provided me with the spiritual foundation to live a deeper, richer, and more meaningful life with God as the guiding force in my journey. I have been blessed to live a full and rewarding life, yet I feel my journey is only just beginning. Several years ago, I received a calling into ministry, and after five years of study and preparation, I will be ordained as a minister next month. Looking back, I can clearly see where it all began - at 12 years old, when I accepted Christ into my life right there at Lakeside Christian School. I carry such fond memories of my time at Lakeside, along with lifelong friendships and lessons that have stayed with me throughout the years. My prayer is that God continues to guide and light your path toward Him, just as He has done for me.
5 11/24/2022
This is my daughter's second year attending Lakeside and we love it. The teachers are great. We love that she is getting a great education and learning Biblical values.
5 11/24/2022
Our two adopted sons have gotten so much out of Lakeside Christian School! They have some of the best technology when it comes to education and their teachers love and care for these children while still holding them accountable. It truly is a perfect balance! This school is diverse, challenges our children academically, and has grown their faith exponentially - we couldn`t have asked for a better environment.
5 11/21/2022
I have two children currently attending Lakeside Christian School after being homeschooled and both are thriving and loving their experiences at school. Lakeside has made the transition smooth and exciting for them. I appreciate that they offer a variety of sports and the elementary school kids can participate and experience through the school Instead of having to search out county leagues so they can play.
5 11/21/2022
Lovely school, I have had all 5 of my children here, and the love and care from the staff are tremendous. We love having our kids on campus and knowing that they have Christian teachers guiding them through their education. I would highly recommend Lakeside Christian School for all parents looking for a wonderful Christian education.
5 11/10/2022
Great school for all backgrounds, teachers care and it shows! Great sports programs as well!!!
5 11/10/2022
What stands out to me is the kindness and grace shown to every student especially those that typically struggle with focus and attention in the classroom. My son is one of those students, it has been such a blessing to see the way so many of the faculty have welcomed him and loved on him, never showing any animosity towards him even when his lack of attention can make him a challenge at times. They love him for who he is and challenge him, correct and discipline him in a loving manner, while also fostering his growth educationally. Very happy with all this school has provided and done for my family.
5 9/22/2022
Wonderful school, wonderful staff, and administration. I am so thankful that my children have so many positive influences on their lives at LCS! I know when I send them to school, that the teachers, the support staff, and the administrators all love and care for them on an individual level, and will do everything in their power to help them succeed.
5 9/12/2022
I feel so thrilled that my two daughters have the privilege of attending Lakeside as first-time students this year. All of the teachers and faculty are so in tune with the students and seem to understand what's needed at all times. So far we love it and have high hopes for the years ahead for our children!
5 9/12/2022
LCS staff is wonderful, I`m very excited to see how this year goes for my boys !!
5 9/12/2022
New to this school. My son looks more focused. The faculty is excellent, loving, kind, and accessible.
5 9/12/2022
It may sound cliche, but Lakeside Christian School has truly been a gift from God for our son, Alec! He has truly excelled both as a person and student since he started at LCS. As a student of private schools myself, LCS reminds me of the "family feel" that I had early on in my school, which is so reassuring in these times. Our son has attended since 3rd grade and is now in 9th grade and going strong, thanks to ALL of the wonderful teachers and most especially to the heart and soul of LCS, Jim Jensen. His dedication to this school is so amazing and we appreciate all he does!
5 9/9/2022
Great school.
5 11/17/2021
best Christian school around! not so strict and pushy like most Christian schools- they run it more like an outreach/ mission for the kids, as it should be. kids are happy there! academics are great, teachers are the best (i love them!), and many opportunities for students with sports and events. I only wish I had my kids go there sooner. (my nephew has been there since 6th grade & my son just started as a freshman...my daughter is transferring over next quarter)
5 11/2/2018
I think that LCS is on of the best schools you can go to. They teach the word and treat it higher than all other subjects taught. They are very God fearing and loving. LETS GO HELMS!!!!!
5 5/12/2016
I've had three kids at Lakeside for the past 7 yrs. Wouldn't have them anywhere else. Biblical application to classes. Small school setting so more like family. If you have a question or concern, teachers and administrators readily available. Mr. Jensen is the family favorite ?'?. Never seen him be anything other than kind. Go Lions!
5 10/8/2015
I have had a student in Lakeside Christian School for the last 25 years. My 4 children went there and now my granddaughter is attending. When I think of schools for my children there has been no other school I would consider then Lakeside Christian. The staff, teachers and administration has never been anything different then loving, kind and accessible. They really want the best for our kids no matter what. If you are looking for a school that shows the Love of Christ in everything they do this is the place for you.
5 7/17/2015
I am proud to say that I am a 2015 graduate of Lakeside. Being at Lakeside was the most influential times of my life. Lakeside is not only a school to me the close one on one interaction makes it like a family. They display a strong Christian atmosphere not only through words but through their actions. I would highly recommend Lakeside Christian school.
-De'Andre Dodson
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