About Us
Bayshore Christian School is an accredited, independent, non-denominational Christian School in South Tampa, Florida near Bayshore Blvd.
At Bayshore, we serve students from 2 years old through 12th grade from all over the Tampa Bay area, and have been doing so since 1971. Our campus on South MacDill Avenue is conveniently located just off the Selmon Expressway.
But here’s what you really want to know…
When we surveyed our families recently, there were 3 things that they loved most about coming to Bayshore Christian School (BCS):
1. Christian Values
2. Small Class Sizes
3. Academic Excellence
Values and a Christian Education
Many of our students attend BCS because their parents recognize the impact of a Christian education. They seek out reinforcement of the values they’re taught at home and church—a worldview that matches their life in Christ surrounded by teachers and staff that support their faith.
As a Christian school in Tampa, FL, Those values are supported in study and in service opportunities and reflected in what we teach in every class.
Students thrive in an environment that reinforces their beliefs.
Small Class Sizes
Every teacher knows every student's name.
And more importantly, every teacher CARES about every student in their classroom.
That’s just as important for our high school students as it is for our 2 year olds.
Even the research arm of the US Department of Education admits that small class sizes work, but this isn’t something you find in many schools in Tampa, FL. Here are some highlights from their research that we also find to be true for BCS:
- Students who are assigned to smaller classes in the early grades do better in every way that can be measured: they score higher on tests, receive better grades, and exhibit improved attendance.
- Smaller classes enhance the development of “non-cognitive” skills not captured by tests, like persistence, motivation and self-esteem, which are also linked to success in school and in life.
- Students who experience smaller class sizes have significantly lower drop-out rates, higher grades, and receive better results on their college entrance exams.
- The only objective factor that correlated with higher test scores was class size, and the gains in the upper grades associated with smaller classes surpassed the gains from smaller classes in the lower grades
Academic Excellence
Of course, Bayshore Christian School is an accredited school with rigorous academic standards. Our faculty and staff stay current with educational practices while staying true to our mission – and the results are an outstanding record of academic achievement!
We are accredited through the following organizations:
• Florida Council of Independent Schools
• AdvancED through Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
That achievement includes our graduates being accepted in some of the best colleges and universities in the country. During our most recent College Signing Day, our students were accepted to schools like the University of South Florida, University of Tampa, William and Mary, and more.
While our college preparatory program and dual enrollment are extremely important to many of our families, it’s not the only reason we strive for academic excellence at BCS.
Successful students of any age simply FEEL better when they DO better.
Students that have struggled at public schools or other private schools in South Tampa and do better at Bayshore Christian School benefit from that momentum for the rest of their lives. They carry this success with them into the future.
Happening This Month
Tuesday, September 2
September 2, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 2, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Babe Zaharias
September 2, 2025 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
Thursday, September 4
September 4, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 4, 2025 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
Friday, September 5
September 5, 2025 | Keswick Christian School
September 5, 2025
Who: K2 and K3 students.
What: A fun spirit day where K2 and K3 students can come to school wearing a shirt in their favorite color.
Point of Contact: Homeroom Teachers
September 5, 2025 | 7:00 AM - 7:45 AM
Who: K5–8th grade students and their dads (or father figures)
What: All Pro Dad Meeting and Breakfast. This is a special time set aside for dads and their students to enjoy a morning of fellowship, a short devotion, and a small breakfast snack together.
Where: Bayshore Christian School Cafeteria
Saturday, September 6
September 6, 2025 | Keswick Christian School
September 6, 2025 | 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM | IMG
Monday, September 8
September 8, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 8, 2025 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Who: Parents who would like to learn more about the Jamaica mission trip
What: Live parent meeting (short and sweet, about 30 minutes)
Where: School Chapel
Point of Contact: Heather Conley
Hconley@bayshorechristianschool.org
Tuesday, September 9
September 9, 2025 | 5:00 PM | Lakeside Christian
GoFan Ticket Link: JV: https://gofan.co/event/3933939?schoolId=FL69135
Tickets are $5. They take cash at the gate as well.
September 9, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Lakeside Christian
GoFan Link for Tickets: Varsity: https://gofan.co/event/3933011?schoolId=FL69135
Tickets are $5. They take cash at the gate as well.
Wednesday, September 10
September 10, 2025
Who: All students
What: Students will take their formal school photos in Chapel uniform. These portraits will appear in the yearbook and school records. A make-up day will be offered later in the fall.
Where: School Media Center
Point of Contact: Sarah Lockhart
slockhart@bayshorechristianschool.org
Thursday, September 11
September 11, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 11, 2025 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 11, 2025 | 5:30 PM
September 11, 2025 | 6:30 PM
Friday, September 12
September 12, 2025
Who: All students who wish to participate
What: This is your student’s chance to show a little personality! Students may wear school-appropriate casual clothing for their photo. All students in casual attire must participate in pictures.
Where: School Media Center
Point of Contact: Sarah Lockhart
slockhart@bayshorechristianschool.org
September 12, 2025
Who: Bayshore Christian School students
What: College Fair at Cambridge Christian School, featuring representatives from about 36 different Christian colleges. Students will have the opportunity to explore options, ask questions, and begin considering future paths.
When: Students will spend the morning at the fair, followed by lunch. Please send lunch money with your child.
Where: Cambridge Christian School (traveling by bus from Bayshore)
Additional Note: This day also coincides with Casual Picture Day. Students should wear their picture clothes, then change into their school uniform for the trip. They may change back into picture clothes once we return to Bayshore.
Point of Contact: Ryan Travers
rtravers@bayshorechristianschool.org
September 12, 2025 | 4:20 PM - 5:30 PM | Bell Shoals Baptist Academy
September 12, 2025 | 5:00 PM
September 12, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Monday, September 15
September 15, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 15, 2025 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 15, 2025 | 5:00 PM | Oasis Christian
September 15, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Oasis Christian
Tuesday, September 16
September 16, 2025 | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Who: Parents of Senior students
What: Senior parents are invited to a helpful workshop covering everything you need to know about the final year of high school. Our guidance counselor will walk through college applications, timelines, and financial aid planning.
When: 8:30 AM
Where: A Zoom link will be emailed before the event.
September 16, 2025 | 11:20 AM - 12:45 PM
Who: Eligible 8th-grade students.
What: Monthly off-campus lunch for 8th-grade students. All 8th graders who are in good standing with behavior, academics, and attendance are able to participate. Students must bring their own money to purchase lunch.
Where: Local restaurants selected for each month.
Point of Contact: Pam Sander
September 16, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: Bayshore Christian School families and friends
What: Spirit Night at Chipotle — 25% of all sales goes back to BCS (must mention Spirit Night at checkout or use promo code 797NZNE when ordering online)
Where: 3696 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611
Point of Contact: PTFW
ptfw@bayshorechristianschool.org
September 16, 2025 | 5:00 PM
September 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Wednesday, September 17
September 17, 2025
September 17, 2025
Who: Bayshore Christian School middle division students
What: In honor of Constitution Day, students may wear patriotic or red, white, and blue tops.
Point of Contact: Pam Sander
psander@bayshorechristianschool.org
Thursday, September 18
September 18, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 18, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Babe Zaharias
September 18, 2025 | 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 18, 2025 | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
Friday, September 19
September 19, 2025 | 5:00 PM | Classical Prep
September 19, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Classical Prep
Monday, September 22
September 22, 2025
Who: Bayshore Christian School families and friends
What: Spirit Day at Bull Market- All Day! Mention Bayshore Christian School for credit on takeout and dine-in orders.
When: Monday, September 22, 2025 — All Day
Where: 4807 S. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL 33611
Point of Contact: PTFW
ptfw@bayshorechristianschool.org
September 22, 2025 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, September 23
September 23, 2025 | 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 23, 2025 | 4:20 PM - 5:30 PM | Bell Shoals Baptist Academy
September 23, 2025 | 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Bayshore Christian School
September 23, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Cambridge Christian
September 23, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Cambridge Christian
Thursday, September 25
September 25, 2025 | 5:00 PM | Academy at the Lakes
September 25, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Academy at the Lakes
Friday, September 26
September 26, 2025
Who: Senior students
What: Monthly off-campus lunch. Students choose the destination. Details sent to parents.
Where: Off Campus (Location TBD)
Point of Contact: Antoinette Kolben
akolbe@bayshorechristianschool.org
September 26, 2025
Who: K4 students
What: Dress in your favorite sports attire to celebrate Sports Week.
Point of Contact: Homeroom Teachers
September 26, 2025
September 26, 2025 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Who: Selected K5–5th grade students and their families
What: Students showcase their creativity and teamwork as they compete in science, technology, engineering, art, and math challenges. Participants are selected based on their performance as winners of their class’s homeroom competitions. Families of participants will be notified by Sept. 19.
Where: School Gymnasium
Point of Contact: Joseph Joyner
jjoyner@bayshorechristianschool.org
September 26, 2025 | 5:00 PM | Universal Academy
September 26, 2025 | 6:00 PM | Universal Academy
Monday, September 29
September 29, 2025
September 29, 2025 | 5:30 PM
What: PTFW Monthly Meeting — PTFW will host a virtual meeting on Zoom.
Who: PTFW members
Where: Zoom
Point of Contact: Amanda Perez-Pippin