Christ the King Catholic School

Absolutely phenomenal school. I could not be happier with my children's development. All of the children in our neighborhood go to private schools ranging from most expensive to those percieved to have the best academics. My children are more advanced and are working the same skill-sets as children in the other schools who are in one grade higher. Teachers are amazing and families incredibly supportive. I would not transfer my children even if offered free tuition at any other private school in South Tampa.
--Submitted by a parent

Where once there were nuggets of excellence, now there is a solid foundation of it at CKS. The response from 2007 noting poor leadership is no longer valid. The "ethos of continuous improvement" is not just talk.. We have a new Pastor who is vibrant, energetic & outstanding! We have now have a forward thinking administration, faculty is motivated, changes are great & the direction is fantastic. Children are encouraged to be all they can be, are recognized & applauded for behavior that comports with the school's mission statement, & are taught to the whole person. Coursework is integrated to some degree to help reinstill their lessons. Testing numbers are exceptional when compared to other schools within this Catholic Province. Children learn the academics & are challenged by the invaluable Enrichment program. CKS nurtures respect, responsibility & reason. The PTC helps make it so - involvement helps to steer change!!
--Submitted by a parent

I love Christ the King! There is no more perfect balance of academic enrichment and spiritual development in all of Tampa. I feel so blessed that my children love school and learning. The school s focus on both academic development and the Christian message of compassion and charity is so prominent across all 10 grade levels, it s no wonder that CKS grads go onto to excel in high school, college and beyond. I am also impressed by the faculty and Administration s commitment to continually improve, despite the challenges of a modest physical campus. The school and parish community has also been a safe haven for my family for the last 15 years. I can think of no better school in Tampa to which I can entrust the care of my children.
--Submitted by a parent

OK school. decent teachers
--Submitted by a parent

Christ the King School turns out well-prepared students ready to take on the challenges of demanding hig school curriculum and does a great job of reinforcing Catholic values.
--Submitted by a parent

CKS has really blown it. It could have been the 'jewel of South Tampa' and I believe we were heading there about seven years ago. However,the leadership that became involved led us down a path that has runied our reputation in S. TPA because they put most of the emphasis on the facilities and not academics. The faculty is largely unmotivated. The curriculum is non-exsistent, and there is absolutley no confidence that the junior high can prepare our children for high school (public or private). Even the religious aspect has suffered since the nuns left. Bullying is tolerated which is completely unacceptable. Parental involvement is high but that can be found in almost any S.Tampa School.
--Submitted by a parent

Christ the King provides a nurturing, Christian environment for our children to learn. The parents are partners in education and have so many opportunities to interact at school. The school is going through some growing pains right now, but we know it has what it takes to stay the course and be true to its history of excellence. We have been impressed with the quality of our children's instruction in three different grade levels. When we look at where CKS grads are going to high school and how exceptional they are doing there, it told us that CKS is setting the solid foundation that our kids need to succeed. Through its spiritual emphasis and opportunities for service, CKS also helps our kids take responsibility to care for others. Wouldn't want to be anywhere else!
--Submitted by a parent

Christ the King tries really hard and has a wonderful group of parents that support the school but it really falls woefully short on most fronts. Most parent's concerns are not addressed in any meaningful way.
--Submitted by a parent

CKS is upfront about academics not being their primary focus- because they 'need to meet the needs of the entire parish'. Okay for midlevel intellect but not challenging for gifted or supportive of special needs. This being said, those in charge of decision making profess to be forward-thinking when they are encouraging parents to donate money for the building fund- even though no new programs or classes are being added. The arts are weak in theory and even art projects tend to be too tedious to hold childrens' interest much less excitement. Musical programs including talent show have a few stars showcased, but too much practice for the participation of most. Religion is emphasized in younger grades and then again before confirmation, mostly similar to secular except Religion. Bullying is surprisingly tolerated unless physical, and even then 'forgiven'.
--Submitted by a parent

As a former student of Christ the King school, I believe that I should have received a better education for the amount of money my parents spent there. The academics in the elementary grades were not bad - actually I felt that I learned a great deal in grades K-5. However, when I began sixth grade, I felt that my academic studies were becoming more and more of a joke. I hardly did any work and received nothing below a high B on my report card. Luckily, most of the students that attended Christ the King were quite gifted and did not need a great deal of help. However, those that were not, got almost none. I've heard that things are improving around there, and I'm glad. Don't get me wrong, I had a great time at CKS. I just don't believe it was as beneficial as it should have been.
--Submitted by a former student