What is the #1 Step Up for Students Participating School in Clearwater, FL?

Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that prides itself on providing parents with the option to pursue the best academic fit for their children. By providing families with access to information and financial resources that would otherwise be unobtainable, Step Up For Students is helping foster educational equality for families all across the Sunshine State.

There are multiple Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, which makes selecting the ideal institution for your children a challenge. If you want to enroll your children in a school that helps them achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals, consider Lakeside Christian School. Not only does Lakeside Christian School offer Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL, but they also provide students with robust learning programs that prepare them for college and beyond. 

Helping Children Grow Academically, Socially, and Spiritually

Of the multiple Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School is one of only a handful that teach every class from a Christian worldview. This allows students to develop academically and spiritually. Here, students not only understand the value of science and math, but they also understand the value of loving God and loving others. Furthermore, with smaller class sizes and more opportunities for individualized education, students become more connected with their fellow students. Being able to learn alongside others who share their love of learning and God leads to deep, meaningful friendships that can last for years once students have matriculated. 

By accepting the scholarships provided by Step Up For Students, like the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), Lakeside Christian School opens the door for children to achieve academic excellence while developing the valuable social skills that will help them in the future. Of course, the spiritual teachings of the bible are tied into every lesson at Lakeside Christian School to ensure that students never lose sight of their love and respect for the Lord. 

Parents Agree, Opportunity Awaits at Lakeside Christian School

A simple Google search of “Lakeside Christian School” reveals the fondness that parents feel for one of the premier Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL. See for yourself:

One parent writes: “Lakeside Christian School provides exceptional education tailored to the needs of the individual students. The environment is fun, caring, and Christ centered. In addition to the classroom, there are many fun extracurricular activities. I recommended this outstanding school.”

Another states: “There is absolutely nothing bad I could say about Lakeside. We have great teachers who are devoted and genuinely care about the kids. I could have not asked for better teachers for my little one and the staff is extremely kind and attentive. We love Lakeside and so will you!”

Yet another claims: “My son has been in this school for 3 years now and I can only say that He loves this school. I have seen him the way he feels when he is around his teachers and all the children in the school. I have the most respect for every administrative people and the teachers too. This is the best school we have found so far. Keep up the good job!”

Serving Students Since 1975

Ever since opening their doors to students in 1975, Lakeside Christian School has carved out a legacy of exceptional academic standards that infuse biblical teachings to cultivate wholesome and successful learners. All their efforts are designed to usher students along the road to success from an early age. That means investing in early college preparation, a cohesive learning environment, and first-rate faculty and staff. 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School and Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

What to Look for When Choosing a Private School in Clearwater

While there are numerous academic options for new students, it’s ultimately up to the parents to decide which of the private schools in Clearwater, FL, will gain another bright, new learner. After all, when it comes to your child’s educational, social, and religious development, no one knows better than you. When choosing which private school will be the best fit for your child, there are many questions that parents should ask themselves. Some of these questions are: 

  • Which school will prepare my child for college?
  • Which school offers affordable tuition? 
  • Which school will instill academic and moral values in my child? 

When picking a private school, you are not only choosing who will educate your child. You are setting the trajectory for the rest of your child’s life. Here’s what you should look for in the best private schools in Clearwater, FL

Outstanding Academics

Any school worth your time will be prepared to set your child up for success. At Lakeside Christian School, we accomplish this by teaching our students foundational skills that will stay with them for years to come. Whether it be with a pen, calculator, or keyboard in hand, our students are prepared to not only face the world but also change it for the better. Our school is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Parents should expect no less when choosing from the private schools in Clearwater, FL

Affordable Tuition

The cost of a private education and academic excellence need not deter Clearwater families. Any private school you look at should be willing to work with you on finding a solution that allows your child to benefit from a private education. For example, our school bases tuition on the financial abilities of individual families to ensure that every child has the opportunity to attend our prestigious school. Additionally, we participate in both the Step Up For Students and McKay scholarship programs, as well as offering our own in-house scholarship through the FACTS program. 

Christian Morals

At Lakeside Christian School, our mission is to equip students with the tools they need to surmount any and all obstacles that may test them in life. For them to succeed in their professional, personal, and spiritual lives, they must be allowed to think as Christians in the classroom. If you wish for your child to learn and grow in an environment that values God’s determinate plan, look no further than to Lakeside Christian School. 

Choose Lakeside Christian School 

The choice you make for your child’s education may be the most important decision you make in your life. Your child will spend years absorbing the teachings that are presented to them within the walls of their school. Your school choice will set your child up for either success or failure. For this reason, it is imperative that you settle for nothing less than excellence when looking at private schools in Clearwater, FL. Set your child up for success by scheduling a new parent tour at Lakeside Christian School. 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Is a Private Education Really Out of Reach?

It’s unfortunate that many parents believe that a private education for their child is out of reach. The smaller class sizes, superb teachers, and first-rate education offered by private schools like Lakeside Christian School can benefit students everywhere. These distinctions are not “out of reach” for the families of Clearwater. 

Through our scholarship programs and willingness to work with families, we are capable of offering Clearwater students an affordable alternative to public education. Below, we will be discussing how a private education for your child is well within reach. Schedule a new parent tour if you are interested in enrolling your student at Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL. 

An Abundance of Scholarships

At Lakeside Christian School, we participate in a number of scholarships, including Step Up For Students, the McKay Scholarship, and our in-house FACTS scholarship. All told, we provide over $250,000 in scholarships a year to our students and their families. If you don’t believe your child qualifies for a scholarship, you may be surprised. There are several different types of scholarships that are awarded to students. These scholarships are based on reading level, special needs, and family income, among other factors. 

Happily Helping Families 

Our tuition is based on the financial ability of individual families. If you are interested in enrolling your child at Lakeside Christian School but are unsure of the tuition costs, we implore you to reach out to us. We love hearing from new families, and we want to know if there is a solution that we can provide for you and your child. 

An Investment in Your Child’s Future 

When you invest in a private Christian education, you save money in the long run by setting your child up for success. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), private school students are more likely to graduate, move on to a four-year college, and have a successful college career. With the growing cost of college, parents need to leverage every available opportunity to guarantee that their children have a smooth transition into college life. At Lakeside Christian School, we specialize in building leaders that are more than prepared for life on and beyond the college campus. 

A Private Education is Within Reach 

Lakeside Christian School is an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL. Through our scholarship programs and willingness to work with parents, we are uniquely capable of offering Clearwater families a gateway to a higher standard of education. A private Christian education is well within reach for your child. Schedule a new parent tour today and see why we’re one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Can Public School Students Adapt to a Clearwater, FL, Christian School?

There are many reasons why parents choose to transfer their child from a public school to a private school. From smaller class sizes to individualized attention and superior rapport with post-secondary institutions, the benefits of private school are bountiful and numerous. But what kind of effect does this have on the children making this transition?

Can public school students adapt to a Clearwater, FL, Christian school like Lakeside Christian School? The answer is yes, absolutely. And of all the Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School may be the best suited to ease these students during their transition from public to private academics. With a combination of compassionate teachers, open-minded and caring students, and attentive faculty, students are provided the time, space, and opportunity they need to adapt at their own pace. 

Getting Through the First Day at a New School

The first day at a new school can be polarizing for students, especially when migrating from one education system to another. Leaving behind friends, teachers, and an overall sense of familiarity can be jarring at first, but the teachers, faculty, and students at the Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, are more than capable of helping students acclimate at their own pace.

Once students realize that public and private schools serve the same central purpose and that they simply have a different approach for doing things, the transition becomes less scary. Doubt is replaced by a sense of exploration as they yearn to become integrated into this new and exciting community. The weeks of dread that preceded this switch suddenly evaporate. More importantly, once students are accustomed to the classroom and see the difference in attention they receive at a Clearwater, FL, Christian school, they may very well find that they prefer the private school setting. 

All the Support Your Children Need to Make the Switch

Research supports that smaller class sizes benefit students in more than one way. Not only do they have more opportunities for one-on-one instruction, but they also have the chance to display their strengths more prominently and cultivate stronger relationships with other students. This leads to increasingly confident students who aren’t afraid to raise their hand, stand in front of the class, or engage in interpersonal instruction. This is one of the clear advantages that private schools have over public schools, but the list doesn’t end there. Children who transfer from public school to a Clearwater, FL, Christian school will also experience other benefits, including:

  • The chance to learn in an environment that supports the development of the biblical principles of loving God and loving others. 
  • Diverse programs designed to suit each child’s specific needs.
  • Greater parent involvement. 
  • Increased accountability for quality of education.
  • Extracurricular activities, such as clubs, field trips, etc.

If you’re thinking about transferring your child from a public school to one of the Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School offers students the opportunity to achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals. 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Superb Teachers Showcase These 3 Qualities

In order for your child to get the most out of their time in school, it’s imperative that you provide them with access to an education that is tailored to enhance their strengths and address their weaknesses. Students respond positively to high-quality teachers, but not every school is equipped with the personnel to give your child a top-tier learning experience.

At Lakeside Christian School, one of the top Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, our teachers are dedicated to providing students with an education that prepares them for college while simultaneously growing their devotion to the Lord. Biblical principles are built into the fabric of our curriculum to help children grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Our carefully selected staff demonstrate the qualities that parents want to see in a teacher, including:

  • The ability to cultivate teacher-student relationships
  • Positive personality characteristics
  • Extensive knowledge of distinct learning types

1. Build Real Relationships

Good teachers help their students move on to the next grade level. Great teachers build relationships with students that extend far beyond the school year. Think about your favorite teachers growing up. These are likely the teachers who spent extra time working with you to help you become successful. Furthermore, these are the teachers you trusted; the teachers who created a safe and positive learning environment that was both productive and fun. As a parent, you should do everything in your power to ensure that your child is being taught by teachers who care about more than passing their performance review.

2. Compassionate Above All

Teachers’ personalities are as diverse as their students, but all good teachers have one thing in common: positive personality traits. Superb teachers are cognizant of student sensitivities, actively display kindness, and prove that they care by going the extra mile. When students find a teacher’s personality off-putting, it can restrict their ability to learn and grow.

3. Willing to Engage with Students

Every student will develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally at a different rate. The best teachers understand this before stepping foot in the classroom, and they’re prepared to engage learners using a variety of techniques to get the most out of each and every student. The progression of learning isn’t a straight line, it twists and turns like a roadway. High-quality teachers have the tools and knowledge to traverse this winding road to reach the best possible outcome for your child. Have your child’s former teachers tailored instruction to their abilities? If not, it may be time to consider a Clearwater, FL, Christian school like Lakeside Christian School.

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a Clearwater, FL, Christian school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Everything Parents Need to Know About the Gardiner Scholarship

All children are entitled to the attention and care that comes with private education, including and especially children with special needs. But these children are all too often barred from a proper education by the costs of private schools in Clearwater, FL. For this reason, Step Up For Students, a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization, was created to empower and provide families with learning options that would otherwise be unobtainable. The Gardiner Scholarship, in particular, was created to help children with special needs and bring genuine, positive change to their lives. 

Special Needs Scholarship

The Gardiner Scholarship program is designed to better allow parents to individualize their child’s education. Unlike other state scholarships, the Gardiner Scholarship allows funds to be directed to the programs and approved providers that would benefit a child the most. Awarded funds may be directed to the following: 

  • Schools 
  • Therapists
  • Specialists
  • Curriculum
  • Technology
  • A College Savings Account 

On average, the scholarship amount for most students is $10,000. This scholarship could allow your child to receive the physical, speech, or occupational therapy that they may desperately require. 

Eligibility and Requirements 

In order to be eligible, a student must be between the ages of 3 and 22 and have yet to complete the 12th grade. Additionally, a child must have a qualifying disability or impairment, a rare disease, developmental delays, or be hospital or homebound to qualify for the scholarship. Click here for a full list of qualifying disabilities and requirements.

Applying for the 2019-20 School Year 

If you did not receive funding for a Gardiner Scholarship during the 2018-19 school year, you and your child are considered a new family. In order to give returning families a priority, new families were placed on a waiting list until June 30, 2019. Now that the deadline has passed, students who were on the 2018-19 waitlist will be seen to first, followed by new students. Renewing families that apply after the June 30th deadline may be placed on a waitlist. 

Apply Now! 

Click here to apply. There is no application fee for applying to the Gardiner Scholarship. However, scholarships are first come, first served, and the state has only provided enough funding to support about 11,500 students. Don’t miss out on providing your child with the outstanding education that they deserve. Enroll them at Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL. At Lakeside Christian School, we provide over $250,000 in scholarships annually, including opportunities for students with special needs. 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Building Leaders: The Benefits of a Private Christian Education

Every child stands to benefit from a private Christian education, and none should be denied the opportunity. Only through a private education can parents guarantee that their children are prepared for the challenges they will soon face in life and instilled with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Such an education is not impossible to come by. An affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, can provide your child with the education they both need and deserve. 

Preparing for Post-Secondary Academics and Life After 

It’s no secret that a college education is a minimum requirement in many career fields. Despite this obvious fact, public school systems are failing to prepare their students for college, often waiting until the final years of high school before even attempting to teach foundational skills. College readiness must begin in elementary school, which is why our private Christian school prepares students for college all throughout the K-12 grades. It is never too early to build a solid foundation for your child, one where they are provided with the tools they need to prosper in life. 

Deserving of Attention 

It’s all too easy for a child to be left behind in the crowds of students that pack public schools to the brim. When a child is denied the attention they need to develop and grow, they’ll be less likely to speak up in class, less likely to develop a distinct personality, and more likely to second-guess themselves. This is unacceptable. At a private Christian school, your child can benefit from smaller class sizes that spotlight their talents and elevate them to their full potential. 

Our Values 

All children require steadfast guidance, which is why biblical instruction and weekly chapel services are built into our curriculum. As an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, our goal is to build leaders. This can only be accomplished by combining Christian values with improved academic values. Upon graduation, our students are self-directed leaders, capable of effective communication and critical and creative thinking. These are no longer lost students but spirit-led adults that are more than capable of succeeding in life, their future education, and their career. 

At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that every child is entitled to the many benefits of a private education. If you are considering enrolling your child in a private school, we encourage you to schedule a new parent tour and see for yourself why we’re one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

4 Important Questions to Ask During a Private School Tour

Choosing the right private school for your child is an important decision that should be handled with the utmost discretion. When you visit a prospective private school and take a school tour, you don’t want to let your guide do all the talking. Let your voice be heard and ask these four important questions to ensure that you’re making the right choice for your child’s education.

1. Do You Offer Scholarships?

Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization with an important goal: help parents “pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.” When touring a school, be sure to ask if the school is one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL. Participating schools, like Lakeside Christian School, allow parents to take advantage of beneficial scholarships, including the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship and Gardiner Scholarship.

2. Is Your School Accredited?

According to the Florida Department of Education, “There is no state law requiring private schools to be accredited, and there is no state regulation of private school accrediting agencies. Some private schools choose to become accredited.” Although being accredited isn’t mandatory, the majority of postsecondary training programs, colleges, and prospective employers will require an applicant’s diploma and transcript to come from an accredited school. In other words, you want to enroll your child in a school that has gone the extra mile to validate your child’s education. Lakeside Christian School is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

3. What Is Your School’s Philosophy?

Every private school is unique, building their curriculum around the lessons and values they deem most important. Parents should inquire about a prospective school’s purpose and philosophy to see if these values align with their own. Some private schools are vocational, focusing on particular skills to help students succeed after high school. Others incorporate biblical lessons to help students develop spiritually as they grow cognitively. Before you enroll your child in a private school, you should be absolutely certain that the school’s direction is the right direction for your child. 

4. Can You Prove That Your Academic Program is Successful?

Private school academic programs aren’t defined by Florida’s public education statutes, so parents must be willing to probe schools to figure out whether or not their academic program is sufficient for their children. Some specific questions parents should ask include:

  • Are you authorized to issue report cards, diplomas, and transcripts?
  • Do you have evidence of successful graduate placement?
  • What testing programs does your school utilize?
  • How do your school’s test scores compare to national and statewide averages?

There are over 2,500 private schools in the State of Florida, each one different from the others. Determining the best option for your child is no easy task, but asking the right questions can help you simplify your choice. Do you need a school that offers Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL? Would you prefer a school that is accredited? Take your time when making your selection and you’ll never second-guess the outcome.

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

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Parents of Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, Click Here.

 

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