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What is the Difference Between a Public school and a Christian School?

March 06, 2024
By Bayshore Christian School

The top differences between Public and Christian schools in Tampa FL

There are a lot of differences between public schools and Christian schools. One of the main things that all Christian schools have, including Tampa FL Christian schools, that public schools do not have is the freedom to incorporate God and Christianity into their lessons. Other differences include curriculum, class sizes and cost. 
 

Freedom to talk about God
 

The biggest difference between public schools and Christian schools is the ability for teachers to teach about God in their lessons. In public schools, teachers are not allowed to teach using their own religious beliefs. However, in private Christian schools, they are allowed and even encouraged to teach about God in the classroom. 
 

Freedom to choose a different curriculum
 

Public schools are required to teach using a curriculum mandated by the department of education. There are certain lesson objectives and topics that every public school has to cover, and teachers have little freedom to deviate from those topics or how to teach them. Each private Christian school, however, has the freedom and autonomy to choose what curriculum they teach. Not every Christian school in Tampa FL uses the same curriculum or uses the same teaching style. They are able to deviate from each other, as well as from the required public school lessons and topics.
 

Tuition and fees
 

Public schools do not require a tuition payment and only have small fees for things like extracurricular activities. This is because they are funded by the government and receive tax money. Christian schools are private, and therefore do not receive any support from the government. Because of this, students who enroll pay tuition and fees. 
 

Inclusion of character education
 

Throughout childhood and adolescence, children are learning not only about subjects like math and English, but they are also learning about who they are and what kind of person they want to be. Christian schools have the freedom to aid in that development. Many private school curriculums will incorporate character development into their lessons to help students learn about things like creating good habits and using manners.  
 

Smaller class sizes
 

The average public school in Florida has 25 students per class. This is usually per one teacher, and sometimes the schools are so overcrowded that they have to add more students. In contrast, Tampa FL Christian schools have an average class size of 19 students, and sometimes there is more than one teacher in the classroom.
 

A more personalized education
 

Christian schools are able to provide a more personalized education because of the smaller class size. Teachers are able to get to know students on a deeper level in order to aid students in areas that they need. Students are also able to get to know their peers better and create stronger connections in Christian schools compared to in public schools. 
 

Christian schools in Tampa FL
 

Are you looking to enroll your child in a private Christian school in Tampa FL? We might be the school for you! Bayshore Christian school has programs for grades pre-K to 12th grade. 
 

Contact us, today, if you have any more questions about the difference between public schools and Christian schools, or if you are interested in enrolling your student at Bayshore!

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