If your child is coming from a public school or secular learning environment, you may be curious about the best ways to transition your child to faith-based learning. Certainly there are subtle differences, but none are so major that your child won’t adjust quickly. For many families, the choice to transition to a faith-based program comes after years of questioning or disapproving of elements of the public school curriculum. However, it is important to remember that faith-based learning still fosters critical thinking skills and helps your child to grow into a productive member of society.
In this brief article, experts from a Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL with Lakeside Christian School share a few tips to help transition your child to faith-based learning.
Building friendships with other students will help your child more seamlessly transition to the faith-based environment. This will help them understand the connection between fellowship and learning, while also helping them build meaningful friendships for life.
In many cases, the transition from public to faith-based learning comes with a shift in your child’s interests. If your child is showing new interests in their faith-based program, try to be supportive of these interests while giving them space to explore and grow.
Your child may have questions about faith-based education and how it differs from public school curriculums. For example, a public high school may have a more liberal sexual education program than a private Christian high school in Clearwater, FL. That might create questions about why the programs are different and what this means, or if they must share the same faith as their school. In some cases, faith-based learning might push students to investigate and fully understand scripture in a way that makes them have questions. This is all healthy, and having an open dialogue with your kids about these differences is important in transitioning from public to private schooling.
Your child, no matter their age, is looking to you to figure out how they should behave and interact, especially in a faith-based environment that is new to them. Keep a positive attitude — even when your teen is moody about the change — and be proactive in getting them involved in getting to know their new school.
A major element of faith-based learning is, well, faith. This seems obvious, but for some children, it comes as a surprise when they are expected to begin learning Bible lessons and parables. Preparing your child for the added curriculum elements can help them adjust more easily, as they will understand that school isn’t just for studying Math, Science, English, and History.
Just as your child will get the opportunity to be included in Bible lessons, your child will also be given the opportunity to participate in prayer on a daily basis. If your child is comfortable with prayer and it is a part of your home, you are one step closer to making the transition easier. If your family doesn’t often discuss prayer, before your child’s first day in a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, practice praying together. This can help ease some of the discomfort your son or daughter might feel when others are praying if it is not something they are used to.
Especially if they’re coming from an environment where they are in a classroom with 30-40 other students on a daily basis, the smaller class sizes of a private school can be a culture shock. It’s important to discuss with your teen the differences in class size and what that means on every level: social, educational, and emotional. Your teen might even admit that they feel vulnerable in a smaller class size, but that is totally normal. Without a large crowd to blend into, it’s easier to stand out — but for some kids this takes a bit of adjusting.
Above all else, in order to transition your child to faith-based learning you must choose the right school for your individual child. Lakeside Christian School is a private, faith-based school with skilled teachers who can help your child or teen transition into their new environment with little disruption to their lives.
Lakeside Christian School is among the best private high schools in Clearwater, FL, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.
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.
One of the biggest complaints from parents and students in a traditional public education setting is that kids are expected to meet standards based on test scores, and the result is an educational method that leaves some children behind. You may have even heard the comparison of too rigid an instruction method is like trying to measure how well a fish could ride a bicycle. With this in mind, many parents are looking for a more personalized, data-driven instructional method based on the actual needs of the students.
Data-driven does not mean just basing things on test scores. In this article, instructors from the best private school in Clearwater, FL with Lakeside Christian School dive into what data-driven instruction means and how it can change your child’s experience and prepare them for college and beyond.
Data-driven instruction is achieved by using information gathered while learning to determine what should be taught next. In the classroom, this data usually comes from formative and summative information and is assessed by the individual educators, rather than by the school board or administration who may not know your child well (or at all in a public school setting).
Formative data is information gathered by the teacher as instruction and learning are occurring. For example, paying attention to how the class does on a particular topic or individual lesson plan. Summative data is gathered at the end of a specified learning period — this can be either the end of a unit or a specific amount of time. Using both of these forms of data, teachers can evaluate if the class or individual is ready to move on to the next topic or if they would benefit from a different type of learning.
If you are thinking that test scores are part of the data that creates data-driven instruction, you are not wrong. However, there are a few major differences:
You can see that with data-driven instruction, the students are evaluated on a more individual basis, in the classroom with the instructors they see every day. Test-score led instruction usually will involve a high number of failures in order for the school board or even higher up the ladder, the state or federal government, to evaluate and decide if the curriculum should be changed. This can take years to make any real change, leaving teachers, students, and parents increasingly frustrated as the expectations stay the same year-in and year-out.
Now that we understand what data-driven is, it is important to touch on the how in regard to the impact on lesson plans.
As we mentioned above, data-driven instruction means your child receives a tailored educational plan that will work to either eliminate academic gaps, or propel them forward if they are already on track. Without assessment (and there are multiple kinds of assessment), it’s impossible to determine if a student is on track or not, and if this can’t be determined, students fall through the cracks and essential skills may be lost.
When this data is analyzed, teachers will be able to immediately see if their teaching is effective for each student. Based on the data collected, they may decide to change the lessons by creating smaller groups concentrated on the skills with which students are struggling, or change teaching methods entirely. This means the teachers aren’t teaching content to students. They are teaching students essential content. They might choose to change the delivery of the content until they find the right fit for each individual student.
Data-driven also changes lessons because it doesn’t matter what size the classroom is. Each student receives the education they need in order to close academic gaps and get on track for college preparedness.
This sounds like something you might see in the younger grades more than older, but it is important in high school as well. Finding the right private high school in Clearwater, FL that offers data-driven instruction can help your middle or high-schooler as well.
Public schools have many great qualities, but the fact is, they may not have the time or resources to provide data-driven instruction. Finding a Clearwater private school may give your child a more focused experience with personalized attention. It is important to note, not every private school offers data-led or data-driven instruction, and the concept is still growing in popularity. But the right school for your family should meet your educational goals, data-led or otherwise. This will give your child the upper hand when it is time to apply for college and will ensure that no child is left behind.
Lakeside Christian School has been practicing data-driven instruction in K-5 for several years and has noticed a marked improvement in scores. Academic gaps are closing and off-track students are quickly catching up.
Lakeside Christian School is among the best private schools in Clearwater FL, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Recently, the State of Florida announced the passage of HB 7045 through the Florida House of Representatives (79-36 vote) and Florida State Senate (25-14 vote) which makes changes to a few private school scholarship programs. It is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis for a final signature. These changes are one step closer to expanding the private school voucher program in a major way for parents, and giving greater opportunities for school choice to families.
If you are hoping to understand how these changes might affect your family, Lakeside Christian School, a Christian private school in Clearwater, FL, shares some of the biggest impacts in this brief article. These changes apply to both private high schools in Clearwater, FL as well as private middle and elementary schools.
In a nutshell, House Bill 7045 is all about expanding school choice. According to the Florida Senate, the bill includes:
“School Choice; Revises student eligibility requirements under Family Empowerment Scholarship program to include students with disabilities; revises provisions related to calculation of maximum amount of scholarship funds granted to a student with disabilities; revises provisions related to funding and payment of scholarships awarded under program; providing requirements for use of funds under program; revising program administration obligations; repeals Gardiner Scholarship Program; provides for future repeal of John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; providing certain students with disabilities are eligible for enrollment in transition-to-work programs; revising amount of eligible contributions used for administrative expenses by an eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization under Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.”
You can read House Bill 7045 in its entirety here. Let’s break down what these changes actually look like:
Many private schools offer discounted tuition for active-duty military members, however in some cases they may have qualified for tuition assistance. However, with the passage of HB 7045, more military members would have access to private school vouchers. With this bill, all active-duty military members will automatically be eligible for a state scholarship for private schools through either the Step Up for Students program or the Family Empowerment Program.
However, families must submit an application before June 4th for a 100% award.
Another major expansion to scholarships due to HB7045 comes for families who have adopted a child from the foster care system. These families will now automatically qualify for a scholarship voucher.
The deadline for families to apply for this scholarship voucher is also June 4.
The biggest change coming as a result of HB 7045 is the consolidation of the Gardiner and McKay scholarship programs, which serve students with family needs. These would be combined with the Step Up or Family Empowerment Scholarship program, which are currently in place to serve a broad population of low-to-middle-income families.
It should be noted that currently the McKay and Step Up scholarships do not cover 100% of tuition costs.
Currently, the McKay scholarship is available to all students currently in the Florida Public School system who have a qualified IEP or 504 plan for specific learning issues. The Step Up scholarship is available to all Florida residents with students in grades K-12 whose families meet specific income requirements.
However, with the combination of these scholarships, there will also be a change to the financial eligibility. HB 7045 will increase the maximum income eligibility to receive vouchers to 375% of the federal poverty level. For example, that would mean that a family for 4 making around $100,000 per year would qualify.
Further, all families who currently have a child with either the Gardiner or the McKay Scholarships will automatically receive a Step Up or Family Empowerment Scholarship for their other students, regardless of the family income. Meaning that if the family has one child in the school on a scholarship, that child’s siblings will qualify.
At this time, the bill does not appear to address any changes to the FACTS scholarship. The FACTS scholarship is available to all parents who desire that their student attend Lakeside Christian School. This is an income-based scholarship designed to help create more affordable tuition.
For many families, scholarship programs are the key to unlocking your child’s full potential at a private school in Clearwater, FL. These scholarships are just a few of the many options that families who want to provide their children with a private education can explore. Remember, the deadline to apply for some of these scholarships is June 4th.
While public schools offer a myriad of positive benefits, many families are taking time post-Covid to explore what is best for their individual child.
With over 40 years of experience and a diverse student body of children from families of all socioeconomic backgrounds and income levels, Lakeside Christian School is built on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others. This care is demonstrated through the warm, respectful relationships among staff and between staff and students, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a private school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
These days, parents considering sending their child to private school have an overwhelming number of excellent options. In fact, according to data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are approximately 34,576 private schools in the United States. In Florida alone, there are 2,631 private schools — each of which has its own unique history, curriculum, admissions process and requirements.
It’s only natural for parents to feel at least a little bit stressed about finding the right private school fit for their child before the new school year rolls around. That’s why, in this brief article, we’ll be reviewing just a few of the steps you can take in order to select a private school that’s right for your child and the needs of your family. For more information regarding the private school selection or application process, please get in touch with a member of our staff here at Lakeside Christian School — a private middle school in Clearwater, FL.
The first and most important step in finding the right private school fit for your child is to take a look at their unique educational needs. Generally speaking, this includes four main criteria: what you want your child to learn, how your child learns best, level of contact with their peers and instructors, and practical matters like scheduling or extracurricular activities.
Some schools will offer a much wider range of studies than others, so it’s important to narrow down which aspects of your child’s education are most important to you. Below, we’ve compiled a brief list of questions you can ask yourself to identify the academic, social, and emotional needs of your child.
Once you have considered your child’s needs and narrowed your search, scheduling a campus tour is the next step. Usually, school tours would take place in person. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel more comfortable scheduling a virtual tour.
During the tour, you can discuss the factors that are most important to you to get a feel for the school’s overall environment and how your child might fit in. You can also discuss any special considerations during the tour. For example, if your child excels in advanced courses, the tour is a great time to discuss what the options are to keep your child doing well. You may also want to discuss any physical needs, such as allergy protocols. Remember, this step is not part of the interview process, but it is a great time for you to interview to find the right Christian middle school in Clearwater FL.
The right school will also need to fit your budget. Your child is the single greatest investment in your life, so it is understandable that parents want only the best. Considering the long-term financial aspect is important in choosing the right school. When you are looking for private high schools in Clearwater FL, make sure to understand tuition cost, administrative fees, sports and extracurricular costs, etc.
If scholarship options are important to you, the campus tour is a great time to learn how your child might qualify. Private school does not have to be out of reach based on finances and scholarships can help.
The best way to learn about a school and how the day-to-day feels is to simply connect with the families of the students who already attend. If a faith based program is important, ask the families how they feel about that aspect of the curriculum. You will find that parents and current students will be able to give you a more holistic view of the programs offered. Below we have compiled a few questions you may want to ask other families and parents:
Once you have decided which school to apply to, it is important to talk to your child and get their input and feedback. Remember, this will be their home away from home for years to come. The relationships and friendships they will form at their school will impact them for the rest of their lives, so it is important to make sure they are included in the decision. Once they are comfortable with the choice, you can begin the application process. For more information regarding the private school selection or application process, talk to a member of the Lakeside Christian School team.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a private Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
It’s no secret that the private school admissions process can be an exciting but demanding process for parents and their children. From deciding on the best school for your child to making sure you’re following the application instructions to a T, it’s easy to see why many parents become frustrated with getting their child into private school. Fortunately, helping your child receive the high-quality education they deserve doesn’t have to be such a daunting experience.
In fact, it can actually be easy when you follow the tips laid out in this article. Below, we go over four of the most common mistakes made by parents when applying to private school. For more information regarding the admissions process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our staff at Lakeside Christian School — the best private school in Clearwater, FL.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Private School Admissions Process
By far, one of the most common mistakes made by parents when applying to private school is waiting until the last minute to get to work on their application. Ideally, the private school selection process should begin in the summer or fall of the year before your child will actually attend the school. That way, by the end of the summer, you’ll have identified the schools you’re interested in applying to and have the time necessary to begin arranging tours. Never assume that the school you’re applying to is going to follow the standardized timelines, as all schools have different admissions timelines. Some will be at the end of December or in early January, while others may be as late as April or March. It may be beneficial to create a calendar to help you organize your private school search process.
You wouldn’t buy a house sight unseen, so why would you let your child go to a school that you haven’t visited in person? Touring a private school prior to enrollment is an unparalleled opportunity for you and your student to get to know the staff, see what life in the classroom is like, check out the facilities, and learn about scholarship opportunities. For instance, you know that your child needs to be comfortable learning in the facilities provided by the private school you select. During a tour, you’ll be able to see first-hand what proactive measures are in place to create interactive learning spaces that catch your child’s interest and encourage them to embrace learning. To schedule a tour with a Clearwater private school, give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or submit our contact form.
Related: 3 Benefits Of Touring Private Schools Before Enrollment
Most parents acknowledge that it would be silly to only apply to one college if you are aiming at one of the most selective schools in the country, but they don’t carry that attitude over to the private school application process. It’s important to make sure that you’re being realistic at all times. Many of the top private schools in your area will have a competitive admission cycle and only accept a small percentage of the applicants who apply. As such, it’s always a good idea to have a top choice and at least one or two backup schools, just in case.
Last but certainly not least, one of the biggest mistakes a parent can make during the private school admissions process is failing to inquire about financial aid. Many parents assume that their financial situation or the price point of the school precludes them from getting financial aid. Fortunately, the exact opposite is usually the case.
Let’s take Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, for example. We offer a wide variety of funding options, including Step Up For Students, McKay scholarships, and the FACTS scholarship. In fact, each year, we provide over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families. For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jim Jensen, Administrator, at (727) 261-0937.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Lakeside Christian School, not unlike many private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, is offering a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning for any students who need to attend school remotely in either the short or long term. And while our virtual program is designed to continue to provide an outstanding educational experience with the flexibility for parents to assess their own needs for remote or in-person learning, we recognize that making and maintaining the transition to remote coursework is not always easy. That’s why, in today’s brief article, we’ll be going over three tips for your student to be successful at virtual learning.
Related: Starting On The Right Path By Selecting The Best Elementary School For Your Child
Your student may normally do their homework on the kitchen table or in their bedroom, but this space is often not a suitable environment for them to conduct all of their virtual learning. Instead, you’ll likely want to create a quiet, peaceful space that is exclusively dedicated to that purpose. Much like physically going to school helps your student know it’s time to focus, you’ll find that going to this designated area will help your student clear their headspace and get to work.
It doesn’t matter where the area is within your home, so long as there is enough space for your student to spread out all of their materials. It should be well-lit, free from clutter, and preferably close to an outlet so that any electronic devices needed for school can be charged. Overall, you just want a clean, dedicated area that helps your student relax and feel more prepared to study.
Without the structure of teachers and class changes, it can be easy to go to extremes. Some students may spend all day feverishly working, while others may spend five minutes on an assignment that was supposed to last half an hour. You’ll want to counteract this problem by creating and following a schedule that helps your student stay on track.
For older students, this could mean purchasing a planner or making use of an online resource like Google Calendar. For younger students who can’t tell time yet, it would be beneficial to try setting up a timer for the number of minutes they should spend on a specific activity. It may also be helpful to break the day into 15-20 minute time blocks and plan what needs to be completed in each block rather than simply working on one subject for most of the day.
Last but not least, if you ever feel like you or your student may need assistance with virtual learning, it’s important to reach out for help. This could mean contacting your student’s teachers with any questions, reaching out to your student’s counselor when they begin to feel overwhelmed, or speaking with other parents whose children are doing virtual learning about how they are coping. It’s important to ask for help as soon as possible so that your student does not risk falling behind or not fully understanding an important topic. For more information on how your student can succeed in a virtual learning program, get in touch with Lakeside Christian School — an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
When high schools across America went to virtual learning in early March of 2020, it was easy to think that the extra time at home was nothing more than a bonus Spring Break. Now, 2021 has rolled around, and the COVID-19 pandemic is still far from over. Each and every day, we are being forced to reevaluate the way we think, the way we work, the way we live, and the way we educate our children. For example, right now, your student could be getting their education through any number of formats, including in-person learning, e-learning, or a combination of the two.
However, even while many aspects of the world may still be on pause, your child’s education is something that just can’t wait. Admissions offices understand that parents are pressured to make the best informed decision they can for their child’s education and are finding new ways to connect with families and prospective students every day, providing more than enough opportunities for parents to learn about and engage with their schools. In this brief article, we’ll be going over just a few of the most important steps you can take to choose the best private school out of the Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, during the pandemic.
Related: Private Schools Catch Parents’ Eye As COVID-19 Surges
Typically, the easiest way to learn about a school is to attend an open house or schedule a tour. This gives you a chance to learn the basic facts about the school, the type of students who go there, and what their classes are like before delving into some of the more nuanced aspects of what makes the school unique. However, with the pandemic and other considerations in mind, you might not be able or willing to schedule a tour of a prospective private school.
In this case, it’s important to remember that there are a multitude of options available for you to connect virtually with your school of choice, such as attending a virtual open house, visiting their website, or tuning in to a virtual information session. If this is a return “visit” to find out more about a particular area of the school, such as extracurriculars, curriculum, or the specifics of a college prep program, then a private Zoom call may be more appropriate. No matter which method you choose, connecting virtually with a private school is an outstanding chance to get a glimpse into the school’s larger culture and values, the success they choose to showcase, and how they express its mission.
Related: Narrowing Down Your Choice of Private Christian Schools in Clearwater
After visiting the website or taking a virtual visit to a prospective Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, your next step should be to reach out to any parents whose children currently attend the school you are considering. These conversations will help you get a better sense of what goes on inside the classroom and out, and ask questions about a wide variety of topics ranging from the school’s culture to its handling of remote learning during the lockdown. Below, we’ve outlined some basic questions you may want to consider asking other parents:
Whether these parents rave about the school or give it less than stellar reviews, it’s important to remember that their opinion should not be the final say in your decision. Wait until you have conducted proper research and met with admissions officers before formulating an educated opinion. And, as always, be sure that you are taking the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of your child into consideration when selecting a school/
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the top Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
For the vast majority of children in the United States, a good education is largely contingent on the school they attend. In most states, this depends on where the child lives and limits school choice to those parents who can either afford to move to a better school district or pay private school tuition. However, in Florida, this underperformance in K-12 public schools has been counteracted with a variety of school choice programs, vouchers, scholarship tax credits, and online learning alternatives for parents to take control of their child’s education. One state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization, for example, awarded scholarships to approximately 99,113 economically disadvantaged students during the 2020-21 school year.
In today’s brief article, we’ll be reviewing how you can take advantage of just one of the five key scholarships available for Florida schoolchildren through Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL — the Gardiner Scholarship. This scholarship program, whose name honors Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner who led the legislative effort to create it, helps parents across Florida individualize the education plans for their children with certain special needs. This is accomplished by directing money toward a combination of programs and approved providers, including schools, therapists, curriculum, technology, and a college savings account.
Related: Are You Looking For School Options For Your Child? Consider Step Up For Students.
Since the Gardiner Scholarship is intended for children with certain special needs, your student is only eligible if he or she has one of the following disabilities:
In order to prove that your student is eligible, you will need to provide validation of his or her diagnosis from a Florida physician, psychologist, or physician who holds an active license issued by another state or territory of the United States. To demonstrate that your student is dual sensory impaired or hospital or homebound, a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) is required. And while students can participate in the scholarship program as part of home education, they cannot be enrolled in a public school or receive any other state-sponsored scholarship, such as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship. Lastly, this scholarship is only available for students 3 years old through 12th grade or age 22, whichever comes first.
Related: Everything Parents Need To Know About The Gardiner Scholarship
For those parents who are looking to take control of their child’s education and believe they may be eligible for the Gardiner Scholarship, now is the time to begin to prepare. The Gardiner Scholarship application for the 2021-22 school year will first be available to renewal students until April 30, 2021. Afterward, the application will then open to new students, including those on the 2020-21 waitlist. After the funding priority period has passed, applications will be processed in the following order: (1) students who were on the 2020-21 waitlist and (2) new and renewal students in the order they were deemed eligible.
As with most scholarships, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If funding is not available at the time an award determination is placed, your student may be placed on the waitlist. For families applying for this scholarship for the first time, it’s important to begin collecting the following items as soon as possible:
The Gardiner Scholarship amount varies according to grade and county of residence; however, the average amount of students in the 2019-20 school year was $10,400. This represents 90 percent of the 253 matrix level of funding unless your student has a matrix level of services on file with the Florida Department of Education due to public school enrollment. Most students with an IEP will not have a matrix level of services. For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lakeside Christian School — one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up For Students participating schools, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
According to a national poll conducted by EdChoice, approximately 40 percent of current and former school parents say they would send their private school if it were their decision. Given the small class sizes, specialized instruction, and exceptional educators, it’s not hard to see why private education is becoming an increasingly attractive option. So, what’s holding these parents back from sending their children to private schools?
The short answer: tuition. According to data collected by the Private School Review, the national average of private school tuition is approximately $11,173 per year. Given that most families will someday have to contend with the cost of college as well, paying for higher and secondary education may seem increasingly difficult, if not impossible. However, there are methods of making private high schools in Clearwater, FL, more affordable. In this brief article, we’ll review 3 easy ways you can make sending your child to private school more affordable.
Related: Yes, You Can Afford A Private Education For Your Child
If your adjusted gross income is $110,000 or less (or $220,000 if you file a joint tax return,) you may be eligible for a Coverdell education savings account (ESA). A Coverdell ESA is a trust or custodial account set up to pay education expenses for a designated beneficiary. The money can be used for any qualified K-12 school expenses as well as for college.
You can set up as many Coverdell accounts as you want for a particular beneficiary; the only catch is that the total contribution to all accounts can’t exceed $2,000 annually. Otherwise, the amount you deposit will grow tax-free, so long as the disbursements don’t exceed your child’s qualified education expenses.
Related: 4 Ways To Give Your Child A Private Education While On A Budget
While it may not be preferable, families will always have ways of reducing their cost of living so that they can put more income toward tuition. What this looks like will vary greatly depending on your family and the tuition of the school you want your child to attend. Sacrificing extras like yearly vacations, winter vacation homes, or dining out all the time could be just the thing you need to scrape up the few extra dollars.
The important thing to do during this time to keep a level head is to maintain a working document of all the reasons you want to send your child to private school. Whenever you find yourself questioning your decision to sacrifice things, you can immediately remind yourself of the end goal for your child.
Related: Practical Strategies For Saving Money For Tuition
Scholarships aren’t just for students that excel academically; they’re also available for students with financial need or that meet other key criteria. As one of the participating Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, we highly recommend Step Up Students — a scholarship available to all Florida residents with students in grades K-12 whose families meet the income requirements. There are two main scholarships, in particular, that provide your student with greater school options: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship gives families a choice of assistance towards private school tuition and fees or transportation costs to a public school other than the one they’re assigned to. The Family Empowerment Scholarship, on the other hand, may only be used toward private school tuition and fees.
For more information on financial assistance to attend Lakeside Christian School, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We provide over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families each year and would be more than happy to help you send your child to private school.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private high schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
If you have been thinking about sending your child to private school, you may think a private education could be the key to getting your child into the university of their choice, or perhaps your child’s academic and emotional needs just aren’t being fulfilled by their current school. At what age is it appropriate to send your child to private school?
Do you wait until a natural break, like the end of fifth grade and the start of sixth, so that your child enjoys a seamless transition? Or do you opt to transfer your child from the public to the private school system at the start of high school to better focus on university preparation? Do you feel as if the “right” moment to make the transition may never come at the rate your child is progressing?
To help you make the best decision for you and your family, we’ve prepared a list of key factors that go into the question, “When’s the best time for my child to begin private school?” For one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, that values high-quality education, college preparation, and a caring Christian environment for your child, choose Lakeside Christian School.
Related: Should You Enroll Your Child In Private School? Consider These 3 Advantages
The first and arguably one of the most important factors to take into consideration when deciding whether it may be time to send your child to private school is the quality of public schools in your area. Public and private school administrators and educators all do their best to create an excellent learning environment for your child; however, some schools simply don’t live up to the challenge. There’s sure to be at least one reason why you may be considering a private school rather than your area’s public school offerings, so make a list of those reasons. Is it because of safety, your religion, or the quality of educators at your child’s school? What is lacking in your child’s current public school that you’re looking to obtain in a private school?
Once you have your list, you can make the decision as to whether or not making the transition to private school needs to come earlier rather than later. For example, if your child is struggling in their current educational environment, not receiving the help they need, or falling behind their peers, there’s no time to waste in getting him or her into a private school. If your child is excelling or the quality of education they’re currently receiving at their public school meets your expectations for the time being, it might make more sense to wait until a natural transition period.
Before you send your child off to school, whether it’s a public or a private school, you need to consider all of the ways that the staff, other students, and educational environment may impact your child. The way that educators interact with your child and encourage interactions between the children are bound to affect the development of your child in more than a few important ways. Below, we outline a few different areas of child development that your child’s school can have an impact upon:
Children have different educational needs at various points throughout their development; however, the most critical years for your child are almost always going to be in primary school. This is where they’re going to develop critical thinking and social skills, learn to interpret complex concepts, and nourish good learning habits. If you want to guide your child through this phase of development with ease and better prepare them for the road ahead of them, you’re going to want to send them to a Clearwater private school.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary 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.
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