"Walking into a new school knowing absolutely nobody is a difficult thing to do. Walking into a school mid-year is even harder. That is what I decided to do as a junior this year. My goal of switching schools was to become a better Christian and to have the ability to manage my school work and grades without overwhelming myself. Sarasota Christian has enabled me to do that, and I am thankful that I took the risk.
Immediately upon beginning at Sarasota Christian, I noticed the difference of attention each teacher devoted towards each student and the difference in attitudes from students towards school. I have attended public school for over 11 years. Every day, negative peer pressure is a struggle, and teachers are often too busy to discuss things that may be harder to understand for students. This causes lower morale within the student body as well as a lower understanding of each lesson. I have always believed that this was just how high school was, and that I would need to endure it until
graduation. However, in less than one year, SCS has proved to me that this is false. Each classroom has at least half the number of students that an average public-school class would hold. This allows for attentive learning and a stress-free environment that makes it easier to ask questions and become closer to peers and teachers. Not only have my grades improved significantly since attending Sarasota Christian, but my relationship with God has as well.
Keeping a relationship with God and broadening my mind within Christianity has not been easy in a public school since I found it difficult to find good friends to surround myself with. This is not the case anymore. Everyone here has the same goal in mind: to become a better Christian. With these fellow students and teachers that act as role models, I am becoming more and more motivated to dwell in God's light and surround myself with great people.
The prayer within classes and during chapel is also a large contributor to this school's success. Students are constantly encouraged to engage their minds for God, leading to better motivation for all aspects of life. Through God, we can do anything, and this mindset helps us to proactively think into the future as well as prepare us for college.
Because of such small class sizes, teacher attentiveness, and college preparation courses, feeling ready for college seems much easier than I may have said only a year ago. There are multiple courses that are dedicated solely to success in finding and applying to colleges, as well as success within college as a student. College is a big step, but with the personal relationships between teachers and students, it is simple to ask about anything that might be causing stress or anxiety.
The decision to move to Sarasota Christian School was one I will never regret. Not only do I like attending school now, but I know that going here is an opportunity for great success in my life, spiritually and mentally. I am extremely grateful for the privilege to go here, and I thank God for it every day."
-Natalia P.
Class of 2019
