3 Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Child for College Now

Adjusting to life in college is difficult for many students and families. From a new campus to new classmates and professors, there are many changes that must be prepared for. The good news is, that there are many ways that parents can help their child prepare no matter their age. 

The team at Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, Fl, our team has over 40 years of experience in building on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others, as well as preparing students for life in college and beyond. 

To learn three steps parents can take to help their children prepare for college today from the team at Lakeside Christian School, read on. 

1. Visit College Campuses

It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s life in college. Whether they’re in high school or elementary school, getting a head start on planning for college can only help them feel more prepared and confident when the time comes. 

Before visiting college and university campuses in your area, be sure to talk to your child about their academic and career goals. While these goals will likely change before and during college, it can provide a general idea of what kind of schools to look into. For example, if your child is interested in math and science, their college options may look different from a child interested in performing arts. 

Once you have a basic idea of what your child is interested in pursuing, touring college campuses can provide valuable insight into programs, course offerings, and student life. Parents can often speak directly with college administrators and student leaders, and witness firsthand what college may look like for their child. Children can also find inspiration when touring college campuses and get a better understanding of how to achieve their goals.

2. Research Private Schools and Scholarships

When researching a Clearwater private school for children, many parents find it difficult to navigate the many options that may be available. But, it’s important to find a school that will not only provide your child with the highest quality education but also life skill development and financial assistance when needed. 

At Lakeside Christina School, our team is dedicated to improving measurable academic outcomes for all learners. This is done through consistent application and integration of research-based best practices into our educational product and learning environment.

As one of the Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, Fl, we also offer financial assistance in the form of four separate funds for lower to middle-income families, victims of bullying or violence, and students with special needs and unique abilities. This scholarship helps Lakes Christian School provide individualized attention to students that might be facing more hurdles than the typical public school student. 

A crucial step in preparing your child for college is conducting thorough research on private schools and scholarships in your area that may be able to aid in their growth.

3. Invest in Extracurricular Activities

An often overlooked component of preparing for college is extracurricular activities. When reviewing applications, colleges want to see more than just good grades. Admissions officers are looking for students who are well-rounded, passionate, and able to juggle multiple responsibilities. 

Athletics are some of the most popular extracurricular activities for students to participate in. Through sports like cross country, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, soccer, and more, students can learn skills like commitment, unity, responsibility, discipline, respect, and integrity. 

You may also consider investing in extracurricular activities like art classes, volunteering opportunities, and leadership clubs. These provide children with the necessary skills and experiences that will help them become the more balanced person that is prepared for college.

Contact Lakeside Christian School Today for a Tour

At Lakeside Christian School, we know how important college is for many students and parents. We also know that each child has unique goals and needs. By tailoring our approach for each student and providing scholarships like Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl, parents can feel confident in knowing that their children are prepared for college. 

To learn more about our unique programs, complete our contact request form or call us at (727) 239-7808 to schedule a tour today.