As children get older, they start to experience some important self-realizations that will, at least partially, solidify their path into the future. Your child may aspire to be any number of things — a doctor, a scientist, an author. To ensure that these goals are in reach post-graduation, your child needs a strong finish to their formal education. For many students, a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, is the ideal setting to complete their education, as it provides them with several distinct advantages. In this article, we will discuss these advantages and cover several reasons why private high school is the right choice for your teen.
If you want your high schooler’s education to magnify their strengths and help them reach their peak potential, private school may be the more suitable option. Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. The distinct differences between the various types of private schools ensure that students are receiving an education that sets them apart. Individualized education is strengthened by smaller class sizes that allow students to interact with teachers more closely, build relationships that fortify the academic experience, and forge bonds that exist long after matriculation. There are many Christian high schools in Clearwater, and each one boasts unique strengths. One of the best aspects of private education is the ability to select the school that aligns with your high schooler’s educational aspirations. Of course, we recommend Lakeside Christian School to any family searching for a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL.
Related: Benefits of a Small School Setting
For a long time, criticism of private schools centered around affordability; however, this is no longer an issue thanks in part to gracious, state-funded scholarship opportunities courtesy of Step Up For Students in Florida. Today, schools that support Step Up For Students, such as Lakeside Christian School, are helping more and more families gain access to top-tier educational services. Since 2002, more than 784,000 Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarships have been awarded to low-income families, and that is only one of several scholarships offered in the State of Florida.
Related: Who Can Benefit From Step Up For Students?
In How Private Schools Improve College Readiness, we noted that some studies indicate that “private school students are more likely to obtain a high school diploma, attend a four-year college, and earn a bachelor’s degree.” The statistics don’t lie. More private school graduates reach college because they are given the tools to succeed from the beginning. At Lakeside Christian School, college readiness is woven into the fabric of every child’s educational journey, ensuring that, if they so choose, they can pursue a wholesome life of academia. Are you looking to provide your child with the opportunity of a lifetime? Consider enrolling your child at a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, to take advantage of the numerous benefits of an individualized private education.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the top Christian high schools in Clearwater, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
According EdChoice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, “School choice allows public education funds to follow students to the schools or services that best fit their needs—whether that’s to a public school, private school, charter school, home school or any other learning environment parents choose for their kids.”
Today, school choice is a hot button issue for parents all across the country. Parents want what is best for their children, and they don’t want to be told where their children must attend school. They want to be able to choose the best option that will help their children find their footing on the path to success. Is your child struggling in their current educational setting? Depending on your income level and the needs of your child, you may qualify for Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL.
Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that not only gives parents the freedom to choose the best school for their children but also provides financial support by administering five scholarships, including:
Want to learn more about how school choice can help you provide your child with the best fit for their educational needs? As one of the premier Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, the caring staff at Lakeside Christian School is happy to answer all of your questions related to scholarship opportunities and school choice.
If you’re interested in Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, you’ll be elated to learn that these programs not only provide financial relief but also choice for parents seeking the best educational setting for their children. Four out of five of these scholarships are designed to match students with their ideal school (the Reading Scholarship Accounts works in a slightly different way). In addition to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (FTC), the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), the Gardiner Scholarship, and the Hope Scholarship, the John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program also supports school choice.
Parents have more freedom to control their child’s educational destiny than ever before, but with great power comes great responsibility, and parents need to be certain that they are making the right choice on behalf of their children. The Pinellas County school district is the eighth largest school district in Florida (27th largest nationwide) and serves over 100,000 students. That means parents need to do their homework before finalizing their decision. Enroll your child at a school with a history of academic excellence, a school dedicated to student success above all else. Enroll your child at Lakeside Christian School.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the top 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.
Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship was launched in 2019 to help relieve pressure on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program waitlist while simultaneously expanding school choice options for low- and middle-income families looking to put their children on the path to academic success. It may be the fifth school choice program enacted in Florida (and the second operating voucher program), but it will undoubtedly be the first choice for families that qualify. In this article, we’ll tell you all about the Family Empowerment Scholarship, including eligibility, funding, regulations, and more. The Family Empowerment Scholarship may be just what your family needs to enroll in a Clearwater, FL, Christian school.
Before we break into the particulars of the Family Empowerment Scholarship, let’s cover a few “fast facts” to help you understand the scope of this program. As we mentioned above, it is Florida’s second operating voucher program. It’s estimated that 54 percent of families are income-eligible across the Sunshine State. The maximum value for one of these vouchers is $7,122, which equals 95 percent of the value of public school per-student spending or the cost of private school tuition and fees (whichever is less). Payments are transferred from the state’s general revenue fund to parents every quarter.
Initial eligibility is predicated on whether or not a student is already certified to receive food assistance, Florida Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, or qualifies for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Families with a combined income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $77,250 for a family of four, also qualify. Children in foster care are also eligible for this scholarship.
In addition to the above requirements, students must be enrolled in a Florida public school the year before they can become eligible, unless their parents are members of the Armed Forces who have recently relocated to Florida due to orders from the military. Keep in mind that charter schools and state-funded virtual schools do not meet this requirement.
Although 54 percent of families qualify, priority is afforded to students coming from families with a household income not exceeding 185 percent of FPL (currently calculated at $47,638). Once a student becomes a recipient of a Family Empowerment Scholarship, their eligibility is locked in until they graduate or hit the age of 21 years old. Even if the family’s income level has improved, they will retain eligibility. This eligibility also extends to siblings of the recipient. For now, the program will provide scholarships to 18,000 students, but this number is expected to increase by approximately 7,000 each year, allowing more and more students to experience the benefits of attending a Clearwater, FL, Christian school.
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.
Students entering middle school will experience an assortment of social, spiritual, and academic challenges at a time when they are still figuring out who they are and whom they are going to be. Whether public or private, the school your child attends will be crucial for determining how well they navigate these situations. In this article, we discuss why private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, are the clear choice for parents who want the best for their teen and preteen children.
To say that middle school is socially challenging for students would be an understatement. As Psychology Today puts it: “At least during the first year or two of middle school, most students go through times of feeling socially insecure and emotionally vulnerable.” They may experience a whirlwind of emotions, including self-doubt, embarrassment, loneliness, jealousy, and anger.
It is during this delicate time that your child will become more independent as they distance themselves from childhood. At Lakeside Christian School, a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, we take these challenges seriously and strive to provide students with the tools they need to successfully navigate situations like these and come into their own as strong, capable leaders.
Middle schools lay the groundwork for whom children will become. Academics must focus on college-readiness during this time. Remember, it’s never too early to prepare students for the coursework and subjects they will be studying in high school and beyond. By the time other schools address preparation gaps in high school, it’s already too late. Students who fall behind are far less likely to be prepared later in life, which is why we use the following college and career readiness checklist to eliminate preparation gaps:
If you fear that your child is falling behind, schedule a tour at our private middle school in Clearwater, FL.
Smaller class sizes are one of the most well-known advantages that private schools have over public schools. It’s true; public schools can’t compete when it comes to the individualized attention that our private school teachers can give. As mentioned above, your child will be facing an assortment of social challenges. A private school can provide them with the guidance they need to develop into a fully functioning adult.
At Lakeside Christian School, our team of effective educators can instill in your growing child the lessons they need to thrive. Small class sizes allow them to address students as individuals, not as a crowd, and data-driven instruction allows teachers to highlight problem areas and spotlight accomplishments that would have gone unnoticed in a public school setting. Feel free to contact us and discover how your middle schooler can become a Lakeside Christian School Lion.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
The time your child spends in elementary school, especially in grades K-2, is crucial for their growth. It’s during this time that children develop many of the habits that lead to either success or frustration in middle and high school. In this article, we explore three important ways that parents and teachers can foster a child’s development. These are just some considerations to keep in mind when searching for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL.
Your child is doing some serious growing in these early years, both mentally and physically. It’s your duty as a parent to make sure that your child is ready to face the challenges and lessons of school. Be sure that your child is going to bed early and getting plenty of sleep. Generally, your little one should be getting 10-12 hours of sleep each night. Have a nutritious breakfast and packed lunch ready for them in the morning to ensure they have enough energy to focus on their school work throughout the day.
By becoming a strong reader, your child can discover a healthy hobby and ignite a passion for learning that can last the rest of their life. It is perhaps the most important skill that your child can acquire, as evidenced by a study published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The ability to read by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school, life-long earning potential and their ability to contribute to the nation’s economy and its security.” At Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, in addition to providing regular literature lessons, we help our students develop their reading ability and habits by giving extra credit to students who turn in a summer reading log.
Although a student’s surroundings, family, and upbringing all play critical roles in their development, teachers remain “the most important factor contributing to student achievement.” Elementary school teachers are among the first role models our children emulate. It’s from them that students learn some of their first and most important lessons in life, which is why all of our professional education staff members meet or exceed the qualifications required by our accreditation agencies. Our team of effective educators strives to give each student the attention and guidance they need — a goal they accomplish with data-driven instruction and small class sizes. If you are interested in how our teachers deliver on our mission to provide every child with a high-quality education, schedule a tour and see why Lakeside Christian School is one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Every parent wants to give their child the best education that money can buy, but for many parents, a private education seems outside the realm of possibility. A private education is too expensive, they think. But parents that send their children to our affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, know this isn’t true.
The cost of a private education may seem unaffordable, but we’re here to assure you that it isn’t. Below, we discuss four ways that parents on a budget can afford to send their children to a private school. We know that money can be tight when raising a child, but by following these tips, you can surely afford to send your child to one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.
Your family budget should involve your entire family. After all, everyone in your family is invested in your child’s success. Don’t be afraid to reach out to close-knit family members, like grandparents, who would be eager to contribute to your child’s success and future.
Of course, budgeting also involves making sacrifices. You and your spouse should look over your expenses to determine if there are any areas where money can be saved. This is a common-sense approach, but you’d be surprised by how much you can save by watching a movie on Netflix instead of paying for movie tickets or by cooking at home instead of ordering in.
The early bird gets the worm. It’s never too early to begin saving for your child’s education, especially if you want them to attend a stellar private school. As of January 1, 2018, you can set up a 529 savings plan and take advantage of federal tax benefits to pay up to $10,000 towards primary, secondary, and post-secondary schooling. Even if you just set aside a few dollars a week, you are contributing to a better future for your child.
We highly recommend Step Up For Students. This state-approved organization offers The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship, both of which are based on financial needs and afford parents an all-important choice in deciding where their children attend school. Lakeside Christian School provides over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families each and every year, including our very own in-house FACTS Scholarship.
While we whole-heartedly believe that our school is the best in Clearwater, we encourage you to shop around, compare prices, and find the school that’s right for your child. Remember, not all private schools are created equally. Many can run you tens of thousands of dollars a year while providing your child with a subpar education. At Lakeside Christian School, we’re proud to offer enrollment fees on a sliding scale. Tuition at our school is based on the financial capabilities of the families we serve. Schedule a visit to discuss tuition and having your child join our Lakeside Christian School Lions.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
When deciding which school setting is right for their child, parents have a difficult choice to make: should my child attend a private or public school? Many parents struggle to decide which setting would foster the most growth within their child. They think, a private school has many benefits, but will MY child benefit from them? Below, we discuss which students do well at private schools in Clearwater, FL, to help parents make the right choice for their child’s future.
It’s no secret that students are getting lost in the shuffle of public school. Large class sizes, overburdened teachers, and an overwhelming population cannot possibly facilitate the growth of each and every student. Private schools consider your child as more than a single test score to be administered at the end of the course. For example, At Lakeside Christian Elementary School, we use individual student data to inform daily instruction, eliminate academic gaps, and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Students in public schools are at risk of falling behind socially as well as academically. Public school students aren’t developing the social skills needed to succeed in college and beyond. How can they when the average city’s public school size is well over 500 students? If your child is quiet or shy, there’s nothing wrong with them; they just need the attention that only a private education can afford. Our dedicated team of professional educators can ensure that your child finds their voice and confidence in a world that increasingly demands both from graduating students.
If you think that private schools in Clearwater, FL, can’t compete with public school students when it comes to athletics, think again. Athletics are an important opportunity to teach life lessons and instill values that will stay with students for the rest of their lives. At Lakeside Christian School, we offer a variety of sports for all grade ranges. We also hold athletic membership with the Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) and the Sunshine Athletic Conference. As one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, we offer the following sports:
Fall
Football
Cross Country
Coed Soccer
Cheerleading
Winter
Basketball
Soccer
Coed Baseball
Cheerleading
Spring
Baseball
Softball
Track
Coed Flag Football
Coed Volleyball
Coed Basketball
With small class sizes, a focus on research-based best practices, and a slew of athletic offerings, private schools in Clearwater, FL, can help bring out the bright young learner that is within every child. Let it be known that all students can succeed in a private school setting.
At Lakeside Christian School, we serve grades K-12 and welcome students from all backgrounds. If you have a student that you believe would thrive in a private school setting, schedule a tour and see why Lakeside Christian School is 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.
As a parent, putting your child on the path to success starts with their enrollment in a private school that supports Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL. Step Up For Students empowers parents to choose the best education setting for their child. Participating schools are required to be in good standing with the state Department of Education. They must also maintain full compliance with the scholarship statute and all state regulations.
In part one of this two-part series, we discussed the state regulations that all private schools must abide by. Now, we will cover additional considerations pertaining to recordkeeping, reports, and health and safety requirements. As one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, that adheres to all state regulations, we believe that all parents should be cognizant of this information so that they can play the role of compliance officer to ensure their child is in a professionally regulated educational setting that gives their child the opportunity to maximize their potential.
All private schools are required to maintain a record of student enrollment and daily attendance. This record should be available for inspection by the local superintendent or attendance assistant at all times. Before a child is admitted to a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten program, the private school must first collect evidence of the child’s age, such as the child’s birth record or certification of baptism.
Furthermore, private schools must submit an Immunization Annual Report of Compliance (Department of Health Form 684) if they enroll either kindergarten or 7th grade students. Private schools must also submit a database survey form with the Florida Department of Education. This form includes the name of the private school, address, phone number, type, administrative officers, enrollment by grade or special group, number of graduates, number of instructional and administrative personnel, number of school days, and other various data points.
Your child will spend approximately 6.5 hours at school every day. When you factor in extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports, this number can grow. You want to be certain that your child is safe whenever they are on school grounds. One way to do this is by ensuring that your child’s private school is compliant with all health and safety requirements, including:
Do you feel that your child could benefit from a new learning environment? Lakeside Christian School is one of the top Step Up For Students participating schools Clearwater, FL. Our small class sizes, individualized approach to education, and close-knit educational community helps our students succeed throughout their time here and beyond.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private school that accepts Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Before you enroll your child in a Clearwater, FL, Christian school, it’s important to review the comprehensive state regulations pertaining to Florida private schools. You want to make sure that your child is receiving the best education possible, especially if your child is the recipient of a state-approved nonprofit scholarship from Step Up For Students.
Verifying that you’ve selected a high-quality and compliant school can provide reassurance that your child is benefiting from their private education. In this two-part article, we will discuss several important facts about private school regulation in Florida.
In the State of Florida, there is no accreditation requirement for private schools. Accreditation is optional, but schools that opt to pursue accreditation anyway, like Lakeside Christian School, are openly showcasing their commitment to their students during and after their enrollment. Additionally, there are no licensing or approval requirements. On the other hand, registration with the Department of Education is mandatory for private schools to legally operate in Florida.
While there are no state certification requirements for private school teachers in Florida, instructors must meet one of the following requirements to teach:
In addition, the private school must perform a criminal background screening if the potential hire is not a Florida certified educator. They must also review the information provided to them via BEC PASS and the database of disciplinary action and perform a comprehensive employment history check. It’s also worth noting that private schools may require employees to provide a record of their fingerprints to the Department of Law Enforcement.
Private school attendance must satisfy the mandatory school attendance law, meaning all students are required to attend 180 school days, or 170 school days with an “hourly equivalent” of 180 actual school days. This breaks down to approximately 540 net instructional hours for kindergarten, 720 net instructional hours for grades 1 through 3, and 900 net instruction hours for grades 4 through 12.
To learn more about the state regulations for Florida private schools, including Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, read part two.
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.
There are several Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, including Lakeside Christian School. As you probably know, Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization dedicated to helping students gain access to better opportunities for academic success. This unique program supports multiple scholarships designed to balance the scales for low-income families as well as students with disabilities or those facing other challenges.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, you will have to select the right school to support your child’s journey for knowledge. In this article, we will discuss some of the additional benefits to enrolling your child at Lakeside Christian School, which not only offers Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, but also provides students with the opportunity to “achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals.”
Step Up For Students scholarships give parents more control over where their child attends school, but it’s still important to ensure that this scholarship is being used to give your child the best opportunity available. One benefit of attending one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, is that your student will be prepared for the future. For instance, Lakeside Christian School divides elementary, middle, and high school into three distinct, laser-focused divisions.
Another benefit of enrolling in a Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, is the fact that your child can benefit not only academically but also spiritually. In a caring Chrisitan environment, your child will always feel welcomed and loved. They will experience God’s teachings through lessons that incorporate biblical principles and encourage them to love God and others. The tight-knit community at Lakeside Christian School helps bolster success for all students by encouraging students to embrace their strengths and overcome weaknesses with the support of their friends and teachers.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the top 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.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
Parents of Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, Click Here.