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About Us
About Sunshine Christian Academy
The Sunshine Christian Academy is a Christian school focusing on the Performing Arts and Academic Excellence. Formerly known as Sunshine Academy, Sunshine Christian Academy has been an established member of Manatee County for over 20 years. We take pride in our mission: “To assist students in finding their God given talents and empowering them to use those talents for His glorification.”
Positive learning environment
Learning program after school
Our Testimonials
Bailey Family
My name is Tiffani Bailey. I am the Seventh Grade teacher at Sunshine, but first and foremost, I am a mom. Sunshine has been the blessing we never knew we needed. I was homeschooling, but dealing with family health issues. My younger kids suffered in their schoolwork because my attention was divided. I struggled with being home. When I was hired at Sunshine, my children were apprehensive, but excited. It was a rough start, but they soon started to love the community and their classes.
Our oldest had a rough start to seventh grade when we first started at Sunshine. She was unsure of herself, both spiritually and academically. Her teacher was patient, understanding, and helped her overcome her fears. She gained honor roll by the end of the year and exceeded all of her expectations. She even gained confidence in praying in front of people!
Our second born daughter has always been a social butterfly, but really struggled in math. Her teacher was kind and patient, but firm in making her learn the multiplication facts that she refused to learn. She is now a pro when it comes to math facts and has made honor roll this year! She prays in front of our school often after pledges and it warms my heart to hear her!
Our son, who was in Second Grade at the time, struggled with reading. Through patience, extra help, and a structured environment, he is now a GREAT reader. This has only aided him in his Bible reading and other schoolwork. They are required to memorize Bible verses every week and I am so grateful for as they grow and will have God’s Word in their hearts.
Our youngest daughter did not have the best basis for her kindergarten year and was behind when entering first grade. Through the attention of her teacher, extra help with Title 1 tutoring, and the curriculum at Sunshine, she has grown leaps and bounds. She is an avid reader, leader in her class, and has excelled in second grade this year.
From a school of misery to a safe haven
It is year 2016. Nathan is a sweet boy, but a shy 5-year-old who just started 1st grade at a public elementary school in Manatee. What was supposed to be a thriving learning experience, became a traumatic experience for my son and the whole family.
For about a month, I got called from work to come and pick up my son because he would not come out from hiding under his desk. Soon after, Nathan stopped eating and every time we would drive past or come near the school he would scream. As a mom, I could not let this go any further.
One of my colleagues referred me to Sunshine Christian Academy. The switch has been a miracle for Nathan. The dedication, compassion, and engagement of the entire staff from the Pastors, the teachers, to the interactions in the cafeteria and aftercare staff is nothing Nathan had ever experienced before.
Nathan has since grown into a confident, happy young man who insists on going to school even if he is sick. He reports that he feels safe in Sunshine Christian Academy and would not trade this school for anything else. Our family is very grateful to have found Sunshine.
Testimony of Growth, Faith, and Transformation
From the very beginning, we knew that God’s angels had a hand in bringing our daughter Janelle to
this school.
God opened a door that transformed her life—and ours—forever.
Before coming here, our daughter was placed in a special education classroom. She struggled deeply
with anxiety and often doubted herself. Social situations were overwhelming, and the idea of speaking
up or connecting with others seemed far out of reach. But through the loving, Christ-centered
environment of this school, everything began to change.
Because of this school, we as parents have discovered who our daughter truly is. Surrounded by
teachers who see her potential and classmates who encourage her, she has blossomed
academically, socially, and spiritually. What once seemed impossible has become her testimony: she
went from a child filled with anxiety to a confident young woman who now approaches people with
joy, curiosity, and ease—ready to talk about any topic that interests her.
Academically, the transformation has been just as remarkable. From being placed in special
education, she has grown into a straight-A student with a 4.0 GPA. The school didn’t just teach her
lessons — it helped her believe she could learn, achieve, and thrive. The individualized support, faith-
based guidance, and emphasis on her unique strengths have allowed her God-given gifts to shine
brightly.
Most importantly, Christ has been at the center of her journey. She has learned that her worth comes
from God, not comparison. Her confidence is now rooted in faith, and her compassion for others
reflects the love she’s experienced here. Every day, we see glimpses of God’s purpose unfolding in
her life, and we are filled with gratitude for the teachers, staff, and donors who make this kind of
transformation possible.
Because of this school, our daughter is thriving—not just as a student, but as a young woman of faith,
character, and joy. She is living proof that when a child is nurtured in an environment that celebrates
their strengths and honors God’s vision, they don’t just grow—they flourish.
LaRue, Doug, and Dayanara
Charlee & Nova
Sunshine Christian Academy and daycare has been pivotal for my granddaughters Charlee and Nova. Through the short years they have attended, they have met and exceeded any and every need either girl had.
November 3rd, 2024 was an extremely hard day for our family as Charlee and Nova’s mom was tragically taken from us by a drunk driver. My first concern was to keep the day-to-day routine as normal as possible. I emailed Ms. Abronski and Ms. Hamstra explaining what happened to their mom. What we were met with that Monday morning was nothing short of pure, unconditional love, not only for the girls, but for the entire family.
Sunshine Christian Academy has continued to meet every need of both Charlee and Nova not only academically, but personally too.
We are so fortunate to have a daycare and school for our children where they are lovingly taught and cared for on a personal level.
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National Awards
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Psalm 127:3
Our school has been present for over 20 years
Each family that enters becomes a part of our family and it is our staff’s mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus in each child’s life. That means loving them, teaching them and helping them grow to love others in the same way.
Do you want to prepare your future with us?
Guiding young hearts and minds to honor God through Performing Arts and Academic Excellence since 2003.
Our Testimonials
At Sunshine Christian Academy, we are proud to witness the transformative impact of our mission on students and families.
Sarah J
Professor
Sunshine Christian Academy has been a blessing to our family. The teachers genuinely care about the students' academic and spiritual growth. My child discovered their passion for music here and now leads worship at our church. We are forever grateful!
Emily R
Parent
I was shy and unsure of myself before joining Sunshine Christian Academy. Through the drama program, I found my voice and learned to express myself confidently. The staff encouraged me every step of the way, and now I feel ready to take on any challenge
David K
Parent
As a parent, I wanted a school that would provide excellent academics while fostering Christian values. Sunshine Christian Academy exceeded my expectations. My son not only excels in math and science but has also deepened his faith and character.