Lakeland Christian School is the oldest and largest non-public K4-12 school in West Central Florida.
Founded in 1954, the recently expanded 27-acre campus is located in the heart of Lakeland.
The more than 1,000 students enjoy $23 Million of sparkling new facilities, along with the latest technology.
The hallmarks of the school are strong academics, championship athletics, award-winning fine arts, and a close-knit school-family partnership.
However, the primary distinctive of LCS is that classes are taught from a Biblical perspective, emphasizing God's truth as it applies to every aspect of a student's life.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked FL School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 1,129 students
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Lakeland Christian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Learning Disabilities, Autism
Year Founded
1954
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
1,129 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
141 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
19%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
10 courses
Advanced Courses
AP Art, AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Economics, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Music Theory, AP Spanish, AP United States History
Average SAT score
1140
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
23
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniform shirt, Varies by Level
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies by level
Admissions Director
Julie Rice
Admissions Associate
Mary Fairchild
Sports
Total Sports Offered
13 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Academic Team, Band, Choir, Drama, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, High School Newspaper, High School Student Council, Junior High Council, Junior National Honor Society, Key Club, Middle School Newspaper, National Honor Society, Odyssey of the Mind, Private Piano Lessons, Private Voice Lessons, Student Leadership University, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Yearbook
School Notes
- Since it's founding in 1954, Lakeland Christian School has been
dedicated to providing "Education in the Light of God's Word."
From its humble beginning in three small classrooms
to its current status as Polk County’s oldest, largest and most
comprehensive non-public school, Lakeland Christian School has
remained committed to God’s truth and academic excellence. This
tradition of excellence permeates every facet of school life at
Lakeland Christian School – in the classroom, in athletics, and in
the arts.
At Lakeland Christian School, we take a seamless
approach to education by preparing students not only in the
classroom, but on the playing field, on the stage, through
leadership opportunities, through chapel time, through
extracurricular activities and with friends through social
interaction. Every experience at LCS is intended to raise the bar
in the student’s own life as it relates to excellence.
While many Christian schools provide an excellent
spiritual environment for their students, academics are secondary
and second rate. At LCS, our students first and foremost receive a
first-rate education. They also learn that excellence goes beyond
academic ability; excellence is demonstrated in the students’
commitment to people, in their depth of integrity, in their
willingness to work hard, and in their leadership abilities.
What can you expect at Lakeland Christian School
- Academic Excellence
- Family Atmosphere
- Spiritual Development
- Competitive Athletics
- Emphasis on the Arts
- Extracurricular Opportunities for Everyone
- A balanced approach to education that develops the whole student
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does Lakeland Christian School offer?
Lakeland Christian School offers 13 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Diving, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Lakeland Christian School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Florida for most sports offered.
What is Lakeland Christian School's ranking?
Lakeland Christian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Lakeland Christian School?
The application deadline for Lakeland Christian School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Lakeland Christian School located?
Lakeland Christian School is located in the Camphor neighborhood of Lakeland, FL.
School Reviews
5 5/17/2016
This is our 8th year as an LCS family and Lakeland Christian has been a blessing on so many levels. The academic and spiritual growth we have seen in our children has surpassed all expectations. Each of our children has their own personality and there are classes, clubs, athletics, performing arts and activities offered for each one of them. We are encouraged by the prayer, love and nurture given by all of their teachers. Yes, the campus is beautiful, but we started at LCS before any renovations were done and before the stadium and elementary/middle school building was built. What remains the same before and after construction is a school committed to Education in the Light of God's Word.
5 5/17/2016
As an alum of Lakeland Christian, I am so thankful for the teachers that invested in my life as a high school student. I was an average student who would have been lost in a public school. I knew the teachers cared about me! The teachers at LCS were willing to put in the time to reteach material and encourage me! I am thankful my children now have the opportunity to attend LCS. LCS has always remained true to their mission and continue to offer a Christ-centered education. It is so nice to know that the teachers at LCS can take time for "the heart". They can take time to explain biblical truths and pray with/for my child. The teachers are not teaching to a test; they have the flexibility to teach to each child's needs, engage students in topics of interest and apply lessons to real-life experiences. I know that my children will be loved for who they are and have the opportunity to grow in so many ways. My children are working well above grade level and now have opportunities to complete advanced / accelerated work in elementary and middle school. I am so glad they both started attending LCS in kindergarten. (The four-year old program was not in existence at the time they were four or they would have started at LCS then.) My children have grown academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally! I am so thankful for LCS. I encourage you to take time to visit the campus and ask to spend time in the classrooms; I encourage you to come experience LCS!! You will see a difference and understand why this is an investment you will want to make for your child!
5 3/16/2012
I LOVE this school! Our children are in middle school and elementary and have attended for 7 years. We've had great teachers and the school feels like a family. We are very pleased with the academic programs which are both, creative and challenging. Outside the classroom, my children also enjoy the musical and sports programs. I know there are no perfect schools, but we've seen Lakeland Christian strive at every turn to apply mercy, grace and Biblical truth to the lessons and experiences inside and outside the classroom.
Endorse Lakeland Christian School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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