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OUR MISSION
The mission of Lakeland Christian School is to educate students in the light of God’s Word to equip them for a lifetime
OUR VISION
To be a Christian school of influence, characterized by academic excellence and caring community.
OUR CORE VALUES
Wisdom through Learning
Spiritual Cultivation
Christ-Centered Community
The 2024-2025 school year represented the culmination of Lakeland Christian School’s drive to build a “firm foundation” for future generations of students. Enrollment stabilized at 1160 students with a 93% rate of re-enrollment; the faculty experienced growth in salary compensation; the Mike and Mary Sligh High School building completed its inaugural “ sea trials” with very few issues; and LCS finished the 2024-2025 school year debt free.
In addition, the Student and Spiritual Life Division, launched in 2023-2024, witnessed significant student engagement as measured by attendance at athletic contests, Homecoming, and Prom alongside a wellreceived Spiritual Emphasis Week. Senior morale remained high throughout the entire year with nearly 100% senior participation at the Senior Retreat, Senior Seminar, and the Senior Trip to New York City. Instead of 2nd semester being permeated by “senioritis” among our seniors, it was instead characterized by spiritual renewal. We concluded the year with our highest total giving to Financial Aid and engaged in both Strategic Planning and Master Campus Planning processes which culminated in robust plans to fulfill our mission to “educate students in the light of God’s Word to equip them for a lifetime of learning, leadership, service, and worship.”
The Annual Voyages and Victories Gala, along with financial aid designated gifts, totaled $671,495 a yearto-year increase of $31,720. Capital gifts totaled $1.94 million, and the RISE Program received a $120,000 grant to develop a robust 6-12th grade Entrepreneurship Program.
In summary, during the 2024-2025 school year, we received 1,424 gifts totaling approximately $3.1 million. This reflects remarkable generosity and financial support inspired by faithfulness to the Lord and the school He called into existence in 1954. We are grateful.
As Dr. Sligh stated in his final Annual Report letter, “The Annual Report reflects our desire for financial transparency as we endeavor to exercise faithful biblical stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. We recognize that all the funds available to us come from tuition, fees, and donations. We want to provide the information necessary to promote fiscal confidence among all our stakeholders and ministry partners.” To this end, an independent audit is conducted annually under the direction of the Board of Directors and is available for review in the LCS Business Office.
To each member of our community who continues to support our efforts to fulfill our mission, we say, “Thank you. ” We would not be here without your faithful partnership on behalf of the 1,160 students who make up the Viking Nation. We hope you are as encouraged as we are as we reflect on this past year and look to the future ahead. It is a wonderful time to be a member of this vibrant community.
For more information regarding the school’s financial outlook, please feel free to contact us, and we will follow up with you in a timely manner. We greatly appreciate your partnership and your prayers.
In His Grace,
Bryant Black Head of School
Polk County's oldest and largest K4-12
private school - established in 1954
Enrolls more than 1100 students in PK212 Grade th
Non-denominational
Biblical worldview
Extensive co-curricular program
School families represent more than 200 different local churches
Accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), and Cognia
Member of the following associations:
Florida Association of Academic NonPublic Schools (FAANS), Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), Florida Vocal Association (FVA), Florida School Music Association (FSMA)
Award-winning band and choir programs
Fall Musical and Spring Play each year
Private piano & voice lessons available
Courses in Songwriting, Music Production, Ceramics, Video Production and more
Teachers maintain professional certifications in their chosen fields
3 teachers hold doctorate degrees
46 teachers hold master's degrees
38 teachers have taught at LCS for 10 years or more
12 administrators, 32 lower school faculty members, 53 uper school faculty members
Engaging and challenging curriculum
94% of the 2025 graduates pursued college Test scores exceed local, state and national averages
28 Honors courses, 18 Advanced Placement courses and 15 Dual Enrollment courses offered
39 teams in 20 sports, grades 6-12
28 State titles, 26 State runners-up
More than 75% of students in grades 6-12 participate in athletics
Outstanding on-campus stadium, athletic center and gymnasium
Lakeland Christian School was blessed with another year of strong enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year as families continue to desire a Christian education for their children. As new families join the LCS community, more young people are being educated in the light of God’s Word.
2024-2025 TOTAL: 1158
Elementary: 506
Middle School: 275 High School: 377
2021-2022 TOTAL: 1124
Elementary: 490
Middle School: 272 High School: 362
2023-2024 TOTAL: 1136
Elementary: 493 Middle School: 274 High School: 369
2020-2021 TOTAL: 1066
Elementary: 447
Middle School: 264 High School: 355
2022-2023 TOTAL: 1121
Elementary: 486
Middle School: 255 High School: 380
2019-2020 TOTAL: 1091
Elementary: 443
Middle School: 272 High School: 376
The Class of 2025 was the 53rd graduating class of Lakeland Christian School. Comprised of 95 seniors, this group of students was part of State championship athletic teams, award-winning Fine Arts programs, the Mock Trial team and the Robotics team. They were leaders in the classroom, in their youth groups and in the community.
Approximately 94% of the graduates from the Class of 2025 have pursued post-secondary education in schools across America including the University of Florida, Florida State University, Auburn University, University of Pittsburg, University of Tennessee, Samford University, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Texas Christian University and more. In the Class of 2025, 77% of students matriculated to four-year universities and 14% to two-year colleges.
$5,431,237 EARNED IN SCHOLARSHIPS
13,944 COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS EARNED BY THE CLASS
94 PERCENT PURSUED POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
43 PERCENT QUALIFIED FOR FLORIDA BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP
TOTAL OPERATING INCOME: $20,898,093 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES: $20,890,305
These numbers represent the operations of the school Non-operating activity (investment returns, campaign activity, permanently restricted donations, etc.) is not reflected above. A complete copy of the auditors' report and corresponding financials are available for review in the school office.
Operating a thriving Christian school like LCS is expensive. Our needs will always exceed revenue from tuition and fees. That means LCS counts on the giving of a community of ministry partners those who provide faithful support to the school year after year. The following information reflects heartfelt generosity to keep LCS on the forefront of educational distinction:
GIVEN / PLEDGED
By Constituency
Employees: 833 gifts | $97,684
School Parents: 267 gifts | $182,587
Grandparents: 74 gifts | $315,308
Alumni: 20 gifts | $4,726
Alumni Parents: 20 gifts | $22,903
Other: 210 gifts | $2,432,432
GIVEN / PLEDGED By Fund
Financial Aid: 297 gifts | $671,495
Viking Fund: 873 gifts | $196,700
Capital Gifts: 71 gifts | $1,944,920
RISE Program: 5 gifts | $132,700
General Endowment: 5 gifts | $13,550
Other: 173 gifts | $96,275
2024-2025
TOTAL NUMBER OF GIFTS
1,424
2024-2025 TOTAL GIVING
$3,055,640
The Voyages & Victories Gala is Lakeland Christian School’s signature fundraising event, dedicated to supporting the LCS Financial Aid Fund. The theme for this year ’ s annual gala, "Light the Way," reflected the school's commitment to nurturing students in faith and learning.
In honor of our 1`0 gala, the evening was held on campus and featured powerful testimonies, a delightful dinner, live musical entertainment, and an exciting auction. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and attendees, proceeds from the event provided vital tuition assistance to families with demonstrated financial need ensuring that more children d l experience all that LCS has to offer. th
During the 2024 Voyages & Victories Gala raised $555,422 for student f
The Viking Fund is Lakeland Christian School’s annual giving initiative. Each year, we are blessed by the generosity of a multi-generational community of supporters. This includes current parents, alumni and their families, grandparents, community friends, and both past and present faculty, staff, and administrators. Their faithful contributions play a vital role in ensuring that our students receive a dynamic and enriching educational experience. We are deeply grateful for their continued support.
During the 2024-2025 school year, total giving to the Viking Fund was $196,700.
In addition to general Viking Fund giving, the proceeds from the following two events contributed towards the overall total:
The 3rd Annual Lakeland Christian School Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament was held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, to support the school's Viking Fund, specifically for campus security enhancements. The fun-filled competition features Male, Female, Mixed Doubles, and Elementary divisions.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, this fun, community event raised $26,492.
The inaugural Lakeland Christian School Day of Giving was held on April 29, 2025, and the response from our community was extraordinary. With a goal of raising $50,000 in just 24 hours, we were humbled and grateful to exceed that goal, raising a total of $56,314.
We extend special thanks to members of the LCS Board of Directors, whose generous matching gift helped inspire participation and significantly multiplied the impact of every contribution.
Funds raised through the Day of Giving are being directed toward enhanced campus security, including start-up costs for a second School Resource Officer. These investments are vital to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty, and staff, and we are deeply thankful for the partnership and generosity that made this important initiative possible.
Good financial planning honors God. It may also help you to avoid unnecessary taxes and allow you to make a larger gift.
Cash gifts and pledges may be made as a single gift or a pledge. Online giving is available at www.lcsonline.org/support/
Gifts in kind possibilities are limitless. LCS uses and needs many goods and services.
Appreciated stock or real estate you have owned for more than one year will generate a tax deduction based upon fair market value.
Tangible personal property giving will enjoy certain tax advantages.
Matching gifts for current or retired employees are offered by many corporations.
Planned gifts allow you to maximize your giving and/or minimize the impact of your estate. For more information, contact Kelly Brenneman, Assistant Director of Advancement, at 863-688-2771 or kbrenneman@lcsonline.org.
