Private School Facts & Information

Private Christian schools offers many advantages to traditional public and non-religious private schools, but according to research done by the Barna Group Inc. in an article entitled, "What Parents Look for in Christian Schools" this process is often difficult to navigate and is a very personal decision for parents.

Faith based education has frequently suffered from the stigma of being out of touch with social norms, not adequate academically or not affordable. These preconceived notions are frequently the result of inaccurate information or even worse, past negative experiences. This all makes the decision more difficult in choosing the right private school.

Barna states, "Their process of choosing a school was most likely informed by the educational objectives they most value for their children. But what are the priorities of parents when it comes to choosing a school? And what role does faith play in such important decisions?"

The Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) states, "The choice you make for your children's education shapes them academically, spiritually, and in their world-view and skills. At Christian schools, the faculty and staff are equipped to address each of these developing areas of a child's life. These schools take seriously the responsibility to develop children's minds, but they don't distance God from academics." CCA takes this responsibility seriously and works with parents throughout the entire academic process.

The reason to choose a Christian private school differs from family to family, but when Barna asked the families of both current and prospective ACSI students about the goal or purpose of the school the most selected goal of education was, "To instill strong principles and values. (Current: 69%, Prospective: 53%)" We believe there is no greater responsibility than that of training up a child in the way they should go, so when they are old they don't depart from it.

In the article Barna then asked what parents want in schools, their results fell in-line with other data and research. "Most parents are looking for a school that aligns with their general ideas about education — what a school should do. However, parents’ specific priorities when it comes to choosing a school seem to reveal another side to what they value in an education — what a school should be like. Safety’s first. Next came quality teachers, academic excellence and character development."

In regards to safety — the primary concern to parents according to Barna, CCA takes student and school safety very seriously. School administration and faculty have worked closely with local law enforcement agencies to develop a comprehensive set of standards and procedures that help ensure student and campus safety. These standards and procedures are continuously reviewed for improvement, and CCA is proud to be a "Police Friendly" campus offering law enforcement a place to park, refresh and even train during non-school hours.

Countryside believes that it is our privilege to walk beside parents in building your child's mind and spiritual character. In the video below, ACSI has created a video called, "Planting Seeds of Excellence" which highlights the current social climate our children are being exposed to, as well as the benefits of Christian education in a private school setting. We hope you'll consider Countryside Christian Academy in Clearwater, Florida when choosing which private school is right for your family.