Agape Christian School
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.
Vision
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.
Nondiscrimination Statement
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.
Statement of Working Beliefs and Philosophy
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.
LOCATION
150 N Shade Ave
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone
(941) 894-3053
Hours
M-F 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Agape Times Newsletter
Contact Us
Location
150 N Shade Ave
Sarasota, FL 34237
PHONE
(941) 894-3053
HOURS
M-F 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Meet Our Staff
Cindy Showalter - Principal
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.
Rebekah Tow - Teacher
Mrs. Rebekah Tow is a special education teacher at Agape. She has four children of her own and is active in her church, 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, HIPPA. Tow is also a Step Up for Parents liaison and an annual attendee of the ACE training conventions. She has been with Agape since 2011.
Beth Schlabach - Teacher
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 parents. 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.
Sandy Cartner - Teacher
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, 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.
Heidi Platt - Teacher
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.
Tuition
Annual tuition to Agape Christian School is $5,700 in total. For financial assistance, we encourage students to apply for the following scholarships listed below.
Scholarships
Step Up for Students Parent Liaison Scholarship
We accept scholarships from the Step Up for Student program for low-income families. Visit their site for more information: www.stepupforstudents.org
McKay Scholarship
We accept the McKay scholarships for students with a 504 plan or an individualized educational plan (IEP). For more information: www.floridaschoolchoice.org