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Finding the right school for your child is important. It is helpful to know what you should look for and ask when looking for a private school, especially when searching for a Christian education for your student. Here are some things that we recommend you look for and consider when you are searching for private Christian schools in Tampa FL.

True Christian Education

Christian schools come in many different forms. Just because they are a Christian school does not mean they are going to line up with your specific views and beliefs. Therefore, it is important to consider:

1. If they are a specific denomination
2. How they implement Christianity into the curriculum and the classroom
3. If the teachers and staff are Christians

It is also wise to determine if they are actually a Christian school. Some private schools may claim to provide a “Christian education” but are just loosely affiliated with Christianity.

Tuition 

We cannot specify the exact amount or range of what you should look for in terms of tuition costs. What we recommend is that you find a school that has a tuition structure that works for your family. Every situation is different. Some families are able to pay more upfront or more overall. There is no “wrong” answer if it works with your family’s financial situation. Additionally, it is good to inquire about scholarships and financial aid to see if your child or family may qualify for additional funding or assistance.

Curriculum and Academic Rigor

When looking for private Christian schools in Tampa FL, it is also helpful to be informed on the curriculum the school uses. It’s also important to understand how rigorous the classes are that the school has to offer, especially at a high school level. These are some questions that you can ask:

1. Are students of all grades succeeding in the classroom?
2. Are there classes available for high school students that will prepare them for college?
3. What is the graduation and college acceptance rate?

Class size

The size of a class can also be a deciding factor when choosing a school that is right for your student. Most private schools have smaller classes that allow for students to receive a more personalized education. Assess whether the class sizes are manageable and appropriate for the age group. Also consider what your preferences are for your child. You may want a smaller or larger class size than what some schools provide.

Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities are a large part of a student’s experience in school. Look to see if they have activities or clubs available for all ages. Some programs that may be offered include:

1. Honors societies (these can help prepare students for further education and look great on college resumes)
2. Art and theater programs
3. Chorus and band
4. Sports
    

How important the inclusion of these activities is largely depends on what your child’s interests are. It may also depend on whether or not they want to go to college. 

Service hours

As Christians, we should be encouraging our children to serve. Many schools require students to complete a certain number of service hours. If a school does not require this, it might do a disservice to your child and their development in their faith.

Diversity

It’s important to be exposed to other people who are different from you. Choosing a school with a diverse student body and staff helps teach children to be kind and loving towards others, even if they look or act differently than you do. This includes ethnic, cultural, racial, and political differences.

Working and interacting with diverse peers is a life skill. Your child will experience diversity in college, the workplace and life in general, so learning in school how to respectfully interact with people who are different is helpful for success later in life. 

Campus Safety

In the world we live in today, it is important to make sure your child attends a safe and secure school. Make sure the school has plans in place for emergencies, and that students and teachers are required to regularly practice drills so that they can be prepared if real danger occurs on campus.

What is Expected of Parents

Most private schools require volunteer hours and fundraising from student parents. Be sure that you as a parent are able to commit to these requirements. If not, that school may not be the right fit for your family.

Accreditation 

There are accredited Christian schools and non accredited Christian schools. Accreditation shows that a school is committed to looking at its processes and making them better. It shows that they are committed to improvement.

Tampa FL Christian Schools

Bayshore Christian School is an accredited Tampa FL Christian school that offers education for grades pre-K through 12th grade. We are accredited by The Florida Council of Independent Schools and are also seeking accreditation from the Association for Christian Schools International (ACSI).

Contact us, today, if you have any additional questions about what to look for in a private Christian school, or if you would like to inquire about enrollment at Bayshore Christian School.