Quality Education
From Kindergarten to twelfth grade in the context of a
Christian Worldview
Agape is a Greek word, which means unconditional love. John 13:34 says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” God shows us unconditional love every day and we in turn want to show this same kind of love to every person that enters the doors at Agape Christian School. We know that our students enter our doors with many needs (emotional, academic, and/or spiritual) and our desire is to show students that God loves them through our actions and words. We offer a safe and caring environment for each student to grow as a person in all areas of their life.
Agape Christian School (ACS) began its ministry in August 2005. We are a non-denominational Christian school, serving students in both Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Our desire is three-fold; the first is that each student will come to know Jesus as his or her Savior. Secondly, that each student will develop a close and personal relationship with Jesus. Thirdly, that each student is equipped to be successful as life long learners.
The curriculum we have chosen is the Accelerated Christian Education program. This is an individualized program and allows students to work at their ability level and to progress at their rate. We believe in a small student to teacher ratio, which allows for building relationships and assisting students on an individual basis.
ACS is about KIDS and building a better future for our community. We are blessed that you are entrusting to us your most precious gift, your child.
Our vision at ACS is to express the love of Christ in each student’s journey. The journey begins at the student’s ability level. With the combined support of family and staff, a path is defined and refined as the student meets the challenges of their journey/goals in the areas of academics, spirituality, and social growth.
ACS admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships, and other school administered programs. ACS is maintained for the purpose of education, spiritual instruction, and building of Christian character.
ACS is a kindergarten through twelfth grade school that:
Aids in the development of student character using a Christ-centered curriculum taught by dedicated Christian teachers.
Strives for academic excellence, beginning at the student’s ability level.
Strives to meet individual student needs.
Emphasizes community service.
We believe that each child is unique in his/her strengths and weaknesses. We promote a safe learning environment where children can face challenges without ridicule.
150 N Shade Ave
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 894-3053
M-F 8:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Mrs. Cindy Showalter is the principal of Agape Christian School. Mrs. Showalter received her Master of Education from St. Leo University. She has been with Agape since 2005. Mrs. Showalter is married to Dean and has two fur children, McIntosh and Kaitlyn. She is actively involved at First Brethren Church.
Mrs. Donna Bunch teaches grades 4-7. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky. She is married to her husband, Dee, and is a mother and a grandmother. Mrs. Bunch enjoys spending time creating art and has a zeal for photography. She is an active member of Full Gospel Tabernacle in Bradenton, where she teaches a Sunday School class on a regular basis.
Mrs. Sandy Cartner is a teacher for grades 1-6. She is very knowledgeable in the School of Tomorrow curriculum. She homeschooled her children using this curriculum. Mrs. Cartner has 8 children, 27 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. She is actively involved in her local church, Family Church at Christian Retreat. Mrs. Cartner received her BA in Christian Education with a minor in Pastoral Counseling. She also has an AS in Nursing, with training in CPR, First Aid and AED, and is an annual ACE training convention attendee. She has been with Agape since 2005.
Mrs. Heidi Platt is a teacher for Kindergarten to 3rd grade. She received her BS in Child and Family Studies from Ashland University. Mrs. Platt is married to Jason and has two step-children, Jeffery and Richelle. She has training in CPR and First Aid, and is an annual attendee of ACE training conventions. She joined the staff at Agape in 2008, and is actively involved in the children’s ministry at Suncoast Community Church.
Ms. Beth Schlabach has enjoyed teaching since 1981. She has taught primaily in Christian Schools including on in Honduras. Along with teaching, she is the caregiver of her 94 year old father. She enjoys reading, cooking, crafts, movies, and her cats. She has a masters in school counseling, and is also certified in CPR and attends First Brethren Church. Mrs. Schlabach has been with Agape since 2016.
Mrs. Rebekah Tow is a special education teacher at Agape. She has six children of her own and is active in her church, Family Church at Christian Retreat. Mrs. Tow has an AS in Medical Assistance and, through the Institute of Ministry, holds a pastoral counseling degree. She also has training in CPR, First Aid, AED, Bloodborne pathogens, OSHA, and HIPPA. Mrs. Tow is an annual attendee of the ACE training conventions. She has been with Agape since 2011.
Miss Emmy Wefelmeyer teaches grades 6-8. She has her Florida Teaching Certificate in Science and ESOL. She teaches Sunday School at First Brethren Church, where she is actively involved. Miss Wefelmeyer has taught in Honduras, Alabama, New Jersey, and Florida. She started teaching in 1994. She enjoys gardening in her spare time and is the proud mama of 1 cat named Max.
Mrs. Nikkie Battle-Farnum is working at Agape as a teacher aide. She is from Virginia and is married. She has two children, one in high school and the other in college. Mrs. Battle-Farnum also attends college and is close to earning her degree in Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education.
Mrs. Dawn Bowen is working at Agape as a teacher aide in the middle and high school class. She has three years’ experience with the ACE curriculum. She is married and has six children. Mrs. Bowen is actively involved in the children and youth ministry at her church, Family Church at Christian Retreat in Bradenton, Florida.
Miss Kim Falco has been a tutor at Agape since 2011. She has a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Education, Specific Learning Disabilities. She enjoys helping students with study skills and PACE work.
Mrs. Laura Vaccaro is a tutor at Agape. She is married and is new to Sarasota. She is currently taking online courses for her master’s in Special Education.
Annual tuition to Agape Christian School is $5,800 in total which includes books, registration and testing fees.
For financial assistance, we encourage students to apply for the following scholarships listed below: