Citrus Park Christian School

Dont bother posting serious review, after a few days it will be removed. I have left three and all have been removed.
—Submitted by a parent

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.
—Submitted by a parent

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.
—Submitted by a parent

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.
—Submitted by a parent

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.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at CPCS since 2007. We are so pleased with the quality education & love the teachers have for the students. There are so many extras, like fine arts & sports, available also. CPCS is a great school. Come visit soon!
—Submitted by a parent

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!
—Submitted by a teacher

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.
—Submitted by a parent

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.
—Submitted by a parent

Heart of CPCS are the teachers, their love for God and for the students! The Christ centered education and foundations that students receive are excellent. There are many volunteer opportunities like Homeroom Mom Ministry, All Pro Dads Breakfast, reading with students, fundraising, commitees for improvements, and lunchroom aids. As a parent I am proud to send my children to CPCS and encourage you to schedule a tour to see the school and its love for the Lord and children for yourself. A few negative reviews should not detour you. Next year CPCS will be celebrating its 30th anniversary - yes the building is 30 years old but the love inside is what matters!!! Praying God will lead you to our great school.
—Submitted by a parent

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!!
—Submitted by a parent

We love CPCS. I have 3 children all at the Elementary level. They have the best Elementary level principal and the kids love him and can approach him with any problems. He loves the children! My children are all reading at a high level and their math skills are excellent. This is our 4th year at the school and I can see us staying through high school. The teachers we have had have all been great and my kids enjoy going to school. They are getting a great academic education all while learning more about God!
—Submitted by a parent

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.
—Submitted by a parent

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.

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
—Submitted by a parent

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.

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!
—Submitted by a parent

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.
—Submitted by a parent

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!
—Submitted by a parent

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!
—Submitted by a parent