Citrus Park Christian School

Posted: May 10, 2020

I went here for one year and faced intense bullying, with an administration that wouldn’t take us seriously. I was ostracized by my classmates and felt like an outcast, and went to a public school after the year was over and had a much better experience. I should’ve left much earlier, however. Many are very close-minded, prejudiced against anyone who is of a minority ethnic background and even other religious beliefs. The academics are not even worth the price. Facilities are run down and the school didn’t even have a proper library. The school also makes it mandatory for parents to assist with cleaning and working in the cafeteria. For high schoolers, it’s all to raise money for a senior trip to Europe when the money could be used for updating facilities and departments. Absolutely horrible. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Hearing of the school’s permanent closure overjoyed me, for it meant the beginning of something better of the rest of the students. I wish there was a “no stars” option.

Posted: August 25, 2018

The faculty/staff quickly resolve issues with bullying

Posted: August 25, 2018

Homework is use well to enforce concepts that have been taught

Posted: August 25, 2018

The teachers work well to teach the students as well as have classroom control

Posted: August 25, 2018

Biblical character is taught within every subject

Posted: August 25, 2018

The leadership get to know the students & be involved in their lives

Posted: August 25, 2018

There are programs available to work with children who work at a different pace within the class

Posted: August 25, 2018

CPCS is a great school that teaches Biblical values along with excellent curriculum for all grade levels. The faculty & staff care deeply about the children & take care to train them well. We have 3 children at CPCS & have been there for 11 years. We are excited about the classes available to the upper level students (including Dual Enrollment & AP) and also the quality of education for the elementary children. Another big plus is the sports program that offers many different sports opportunities, starting as early as 5th grade. Also, there are fine arts available with choir, art, and musical theater. We even have a 3 year culinary program. By attending CPCS our children have the opportunity to be very well rounded. What a blessing the school is to our family & community!

Posted: August 13, 2018

Homework is given to reinforce what is taught during the day.

Posted: August 13, 2018

The school has brought in some great teachers at the MS and HS level. School good at retaining qualified teachers as well.

Posted: August 13, 2018

Truly care about the students and want to make a difference in their lives.

Posted: August 13, 2018

Posted: August 13, 2018

Students feel they can approach the MS teachers with any issues.

Posted: August 13, 2018

My children have been at this school for many years and are excelling academically and socially as well as with their walk with Christ.

Posted: August 3, 2018

Posted: August 3, 2018

Posted: August 3, 2018

Posted: August 3, 2018

Posted: August 3, 2018

I absolutely hated my time there. I made a previous comment where I explained all of it but it immediately got deleted. I only put 3 stars here so it wouldn’t get deleted

Posted: August 3, 2018

Posted: August 3, 2018

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

Posted: November 6, 2017

This school has been a blessing to our family. They have a lot of different programs for the kids to be a part of. They have a great staff and good ways to communicate with the parents through email or calling you if need Bean.. we only had one small incident where a kid try to bully my son but it was handled immediately and the problem was resolved and there are actually good friends now.. my son now is some third grade and has been there since kindergarten.. overall I am very happy with this scool and it is truly a blessing for our son to be a part of this organization and look forward for a long-term relationship through High School..

Posted: March 22, 2017

Good value and great Christian education. Fine Arts competitions, spelling bees, and educational field trips.

Posted: February 10, 2017

Anytime issues arise administration will pray with student and counsel. The majority of the time the parent is not even called and teachers have to deal with problems over and over again.

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Posted: February 10, 2017

Elementary and most of high school teachers are excellent.

Posted: February 10, 2016

I have 2 children in Citrus Park Christian School. We had tried several other Christian schools in the area and in Clearwater, but they were not a good fit. We love Citrus Park because Mr. Yellets, the Principal is very involved and very accessible to parents and the children. We also love the school because the teachers are excellent and very caring. They also have many extra curricular activities like honor choir, cheerleading, sports, spelling bee competition, musicals and much more.

Posted: February 10, 2016

The teachers have been great. They communicate well with the parents and are very kind and caring with the children. The teachers always make sure you can communicate with them easily.

Posted: February 10, 2016

Posted: February 10, 2016

Posted: January 16, 2016

Posted: January 16, 2016

Posted: January 16, 2016

Posted: January 16, 2016

On top of paying tuition you have to clean the school on weekends. School is average.

Posted: September 18, 2015

Posted: September 18, 2015

Posted: September 18, 2015

Posted: September 18, 2015

Overall, we have been very happy at CPCS. Academically my children are doing great and love the school. My biggest concern is with the Athletic Director and Athletic program. There have been several ADs while my children have attended both middle and HS. The current AD is the worst I have experienced. He does not communicate or keep parents informed of athletic events. We often do not know what is going on with athletics. It seems the ball has been dropped on numerous occasions. I have heard many parents with the same complaints. It would be nice to see a strong athletic program to compliment this great school.

Posted: August 6, 2015

My son has been at Citrus Park since the 6th grade. He's had an amazing group of teachers who have us coming back this year to start the 8th. However, despite teachers who care and a wonderful Christian curriculum... I finally see what many of the older reviews say... a solid Christian school, but an administration that does not care about the lower school...evidenced by the fact that my son and many in his class endured terrible bullying that was tolerated for far too long. After a year of teachers and parents complaining the administration admits that there should have been an earlier intervention, but that doesn't negate the effects on my sons self esteem or the fact that he could have gone to public school for free to endure what he has been through. If it were not for the excellence of teachers who genuinely care we would not be returning. Luckily the bully was expelled, but sadly the later part of the 6th grade and the first 2 semesters of the 7th radically effected the entire class and nearly half of the small class will not be returning this year.

Like the previous student wrote...I also do not agree with mandating each family to 20 annual service hours of cleaning OR be forced to pay an additional $200 a year above the tuition. I sincerely think its in poor taste because forcing the policy diminishes charitable giving. I am sure that people would participate if it wasn't mandated. I want to be able to donate my time because it reflects good stewardship...not because its a forced policy. That does not speak to my Christian heart.

We are hoping for a better year.

Posted: August 6, 2015

Posted: August 6, 2015

Posted: August 6, 2015

Posted: May 28, 2015

Through my elementary years at Citrus Park, I learned to love the Lord and do the best that I can for the glory of God. I learned that loving others is how we show God's love for them. In middle school, I learned that there are kids out there that aren't living for God, and at my small Christian school, we were incredibly sheltered from the world outside of the campus. From watching my sister graduate and experiencing it firsthand for a year, I realized the secondary levels of our school were lacking. Many teachers care for their students and put in extra time for them. Many teachers love their students so much and genuinely care for their spiritual being. Other teachers could care less. Others teach to get paid and do not teach because they love what they do. I also became aware that it is very true what other parents have been saying. Many decisions made by those put in authority are biased and unfair. Parents who have all the time in the world can afford to help the school, but children who having two working parents that are barely home can't do that. I feel as if the administration doesn't fully respect that and expects every parent to contribute several hours of volunteer hours and many donataions on top of the so many thousands that they have to pay for tuition along with the fees they have to pay for textbooks. Through my years at Citrus Park, I have come to see that there are staff members who love the students, and there are staff members who love the students' money. I pray that our school changes somehow and they remember the love of money is the root of all evil.

Posted: April 6, 2014

I love CPCS. I have 3 children and for 11 years we've been part of this school. The teachers are qualified and love the children. We are very happy here!!!

Posted: April 2, 2014

I love this school and my child does as well. There are so many activities, opportunities for parent involvement, and overall a wonderful quality Christian education. This is a very familial atmosphere, the teachers are great and genuinely care for the students. The pastor of the church is very involved with the school as well, and the school has AWANA programs, boosterthons, lots of fun holiday activities, field trips and festivals. They also do a great job of keeping the school looking nice by decorating, replacing out of date equipment, etc. Classes include Spanish, library, art, music, gym, etc. Also tuition is affordable.

Posted: February 10, 2014

Excellent Christian school. Affordable and family focused. Next open house is April 15th. Come by and check out the school!!!!!!

Posted: February 10, 2014

Teachers who qualified in field and who care so much about their students. A great family atmosphere. This school is truly a blessing!

Posted: November 3, 2013

CPCS is a great school for pre K and elementary. The middle school teachers are excellent and do what they can with the lack of leadership and direction given to them by their Middle/High School Principal. The elementary principal is fair and it seems like he really loves the students under his care. Mrs. Jeffers the other principal does not follow through on her conversations with parents, communication is lacking, and no guidance to new teachers or staff. Their is good parent involvement at the school but if you are not one that is volunteering all the time your child and your concerns seem to not carry any weight with the upper school principal. Her daughter seems to be at the school she graduated from years ago as a hang out with high school students and doesn't have a job at the school or friendly.

Posted: September 16, 2013

Citrus park Christian school has been a big part of the success of our children. Our oldest daughter graduated two years ago. She is now attending a major state university and is doing extremely well. She was very well prepared for college by the education she received at CPCS. Our younger daughter is still in high school at CPCS. She is very involved in athletics and fine arts at the school. She is taking advantage of the AP courses that are available. Both girls have been at CPCS since kindergarten. I am so thankful for the guidance and instruction that the faculty and administration have provided to our children. They are both very strong in their faith and I give the school a lot of credit for this. They are confident and well rounded. I know that the strong foundation they have received at CPCS will allow them to impact our world for Christ. I am so thankful for this school and know that God has a wonderful plan for the future of CPCS.

Posted: August 31, 2013

My children have attend Citrus Park Christian for 4 years now. Fabulous school and even better staff.

Posted: August 6, 2013

I so agree don't leave a truthful review as it will get deleted. If you are sending kids here for a good Christian education, move on!

Posted: May 15, 2013

I too find it a bit strange that some of these comments could be so negative, yet so empty. There's no real critique in many of the 1 star comments. It seems the previous comment, concerning disgruntled faculty and staff, is obviously right. These statements about poor academics are bogus! Having served in education, on the college level, I can personally attest to the fact that Citrus Park's academics are of a high standard - something which many parents would not know about. Citrus Park is an academically challenging school with great standards. Their SAT scoring average is above the norm; and the math and writing education has proven to be adequate preparation for college - you would be surprised how many schools do not teach proper grammar and format. I have heard many of the previous students have been accepted into prestigious universities (Harvard, Vanderbilt, University of Florida, etc.). Many graduates have become teachers, lawyers, engineers, chemists, and medical doctors. The academics are great, and the word of God is taught and lived out by the teachers. As a parent, I highly recommend Citrus Park Christian School to any one who serious about education.

Posted: May 12, 2013

THIS IS NOT "COLLEGE PREP ACADEMICS"!!! I agree with previous posts- these children are behind and need extensive academic tutoring to catch up if they leave this school. I have straight A students and both needed private tutoring when leaving. We have witnessed this in multiple families, with children from all grades, when leaving this school. Also agree with comments on bullying- have seen it personally. Use your money wisely... elsewhere.

Posted: May 9, 2013

We have had children in this school for a number of years and have watched a steady decline. The leadership is very lacking and they are not preparing the children academically. When compared to public schools and other private schools in the area, the curriculum repeatedly chosen at this school is severely lacking, especially in topic driven essay/ report writing, science, and some aspects of mathematics . This school is NOT on track with core competencies on a number of levels in various subjects. If a child is on either end of the academic spectrum (gifted/excellerated learner or struggling), the staff are hard pressed to intervene- even with in depth parental involvement and pleas for assistance. Though the staff and teachers are kind, they will allow behavioral issues to go unmanaged in an effort to retain tuition for the schools survival. They have plans to improve the grounds, but not the means to do so. I hope this school makes a positive turn given enough time, but we will seek more rigorous academics elsewhere for upcoming school years and continue Biblical teachings at home. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this school to friends or family any longer.

Posted: March 11, 2013

In response to one teacher's review, I have to agree. Administration is truly lacking leadership at CPCS. Hopefully it will get better but since my time here, it has continued to get worse. The decisions that are made on a daily basis places the question in parents minds of what really matters at Citrus Park. Moving forward does not have to mean leaving behind those that have helped to better CPCS. Recently was made aware that 2 of the longstanding football coaches were "let go" without notice as we are moving to an 11 man football team and apparently are not needed. This is truly sad when the work of these two coaches is completely erased and thrown out of the door. It is just a shame that the administration uses faculty and staff until they don't need them anymore. I pray that this school gets better.

Posted: February 25, 2013

Citrus Park has experienced a lot of change in the last couple of years. Unhappily, Many of those changes have involved faculty and staff who needed to move on. Several of them have become embittered and are writing reviews on this site to trash the school. Please take these reviews with a grain of salt! :) Feel free to come by the school for a tour. Many of our parents lead the tours and are extremely enthusiastic about our program. We are moving forward with a highly academic program. We are also starting an eleven-man football program in the fall. We are the best-kept secret in Tampa! Our competition either isn't accredited, or more than twice the price!

Posted: February 21, 2013

What an amazing school, we can not say enough about the christ centered educaton our children are receiving. The teachers and adminstration are truly amaizing and deeply care for each and every child. This school is honestly a hidden treasure and I woudn't have my children anywhere else.

Posted: February 17, 2013

We have two children at Citrus Park Christian School. In our opinion they are getting an excellent education. Every grade is running an honors level curriculum - it takes a lot of work to keep up but they are, without a doubt, well ahead of their public school peers. And that s part of the reason we send them there we want a challenging environment. Obviously, the other component (and more important I might add) is that their education constantly reinforces Christian values. To us that is priceless. Yes, teaching values starts at home but when the school reinforces them it s great harmony. I would have no reservations whatsoever about recommending CPCS.

Posted: February 5, 2013

We LOVE Citrus Park Christian School!! The school has been one of the biggest blessings to me and my family. If you are looking for a loving, spiritual atmosphere with the highest standards of education, this is the school for you! My husband and I love the principles and administrators, they put God first in all their guidance and decisions. If someone is complaining, they probably need to look inside their own home first. Usually, those are the parents that unforunately do not put God 1st or ever!! Those parents really need to grow up and start setting a good example for their children. My children have attended this school over 10 years now and we could not be happier!! Both of our children have won numerous awards for their christian character and we owe alot of that to C.P.C.S. As for the Pastor of the school, you could not ask for a more Godly man. He always puts the needs of the children first. Gods love is so present at this school and you see it in all the childrens faces. I know my children are getting the best education that Tampa and God have to offer!!

Posted: December 17, 2012

The greatest importance to our family is a good quality education and we generally know that anything worth having is worth paying for. Also we wanted a Christ centered education and thought we found both at this school. In the elementary years our one child needed a little extra help with reading - not given. Had to hire a tutoring school to help on top of private school education just about made us broke. The Jr. High school years I noticed a huge decline in teacher quality and education but stuck with it thinking it would get better. High school was worse. I found the adminstration & high school principal and dean to be unprofessional and uncommincative with my questions and concerns. I found my children pulling away from their Christian roots due to the experiences they have received in this highly hypocritial (in my opinion) school. I cannot recommend this school even if the tuition was free. My family is grieved over the fact that we invested so much time, money and hope into this school which has let us completed down. Hindsight is 20/20....wish we knew what we know now before hand.

Posted: October 11, 2012

In an environment where we are drawn to believe that administration and teachers would take the time to know their students, i am grossly disappointed. The current administration is far too self absorbed to even be aware that there is a student body supporting her. If i were considering this school from sixth grade on, i would encourage you, for the sake of your child, to run for their life.

Posted: August 14, 2012

The staff at the school from the Principal on down do not seem to care if you stay or go. Subpar teachers who lack the credentials needed to succeed for our children. The Principal and Vice Principal do not return all calls and emails. Nobody cares. We are not returning to this school, like others as well. BUYER BEWARE

Posted: May 22, 2012

This is an outstanding school! As a recent high school graduate I can honestly say that Citrus Park has prepared me well. I have attended citrus Park for 13 years and I could not have been anywhere better. The teachers actually care about the students grades and their faith. Citrus Park isn't just a school, its a family. I have made so many close friends that I know I will have for life. As far as academics go, I feel well prepared. Although they don't have a wide range of classes, the ones they do have are phenomenal. I'm heading to Florida Southern with scholarships for $15,000 which means citrus Park has prepared me well. Some kids fit in well with the small environment and others do not. It depends on the person and even sometimes their attitude. But remember, you can't get this kind of education at public school. You get to spend time talking about God in every subject. That's something Im truly blessed to have been part of.

Posted: May 4, 2012

Great school this is not! The elementary program is ok however the middle school and high school leave something to be desired. He academics are far behind public schools. Children are picked on and bullied and principal is never available to talk or address the matter. I would never recommend this school. Save your money and just enroll in public school!

Posted: March 26, 2012

After having children enrolled in over 20 schools this has by far been the best. A great Christian school that applies their beliefs to their education and their principles/standards.

Posted: November 2, 2011

My child has been a student at CPCS since preschool and we could not be happier. She has recieved an excellent education, and is ahead of the current public school grade equivilent. The opportunities to participate in sports have been rewarding, as well...we love the new after school program!

Posted: October 27, 2011

We really wanted this school to work, we tried everything and it is absolutely horrible. My children went for a couple years and did extremely well by "their standards" . We started public school this year and they are in special programs to bring them up with the rest of the class, they learned absolutely NOTHING here. Not to mention one of mine was constantly bullied and no one did anything about it. There are a bunch of parents that "run the school" and dictate everything that goes on there. If your child and one of the "big contributors" children have a problem you mine as well just pack up and leave because you will be fighting an uphill battle. None of the rules apply to them. Most of the teachers are parents of students and poorly qualified to teach. Multiple children left the same year we did, three in my sons class. The school is out of hand! I would recommend avoiding this drama at all costs!

Posted: July 13, 2011

My son has attended CPCS during his four years of high school. He received an excellent education , evident by his grades, SAT scores and full scholarship. His instructors were qualified (Master's Degree ) and they genuinely took an interest in my son. But, if you are not a devote practicing Christian, then be prepared for your child to feel ostracized and treated as an outcast.

Posted: May 23, 2011

I am sorry to state that I wish I had never enrolled my children in Citrus Park. This has been the worse possible decision in my life and am so happy that the school year is almost over. The curriculum is good, but any curriculum is only as good as those teaching it. For the price of the tuition, you would think they would hire qualified teachers. There are a few good teachers; for example the science and English teachers are excellent, but the math teacher does not teach the students; Those who are good have to teach themselves in a group, and the others just cover the material with the teacher but are not really taught.

Posted: April 14, 2011

The hypocrisy, as is true with many Christian schools lately, is rampant and quite literally, out of control. Although there are some good teachers employed by the private school, many of the staff are not qualified for the specific subject that they teach (for instance, a staff member with a Bible major teaches high school mathematics). This is unacceptable, especially when you are paying good money for a quality education. As for the Bob Jones University curriculum, there is a reason that nobody recognizes it as legitimate curriculi outside of the Christian circles...

Posted: March 11, 2011

This is the worst school i have ever seen They hire parents to be teachers and by that i mean bad teachers there school doors and any material they have is very cheap Including that the teachers are liars and side in with other students the academics are terrible