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.
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.
It’s back to school time, and you know what that means — crafting lunches, grabbing school supplies, and preparing your child for their new school year. A big part of your child’s success in this coming year is ensuring that they can attend an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL. Below, we discuss the scholarships that parents can still apply to for the 2019-20 school year. Whether you are considering enrolling your child at our beloved school or your child is already a Lakeside Christian Lion, it’s never too late to invest in their education.
Step Up For Students is a state-approved organization that has provided over 784,000 scholarships to lower-income Florida students in grades K-12 since the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship program’s inception in 2001. This scholarship is based on a student’s financial needs instead of their performance in school, ensuring that every child is allowed to benefit from a private education.
Like the FTC Scholarship, the Family Empowerment Scholarship affords low-income families with more opportunities when choosing a school. As the name implies, the Family Empowerment Scholarship empowers families by giving their children access to a private education. Unlike the FTC Scholarship, the Family Empowerment Scholarship is funded by the Florida Education Finance Program and can only be used towards private school tuition and fees.
Visit Step Up For Students to apply to either of these amazing scholarships.
At Lakeside Christian School, we are committed to providing the children of Clearwater with a gateway to a private education, which is why we offer assistance through our online financial aid assessment program, FACTS. Like the above scholarships, this in-house scholarship is designed to create more affordable tuition for low-income families. The FACTS Scholarship is available to new families that have decided that Lakeside Christian School is right for them.
Each of the above scholarships was created with the idea that a private education should not be out of reach to Florida children. All told, Lakeside Christian School provides over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families each year. We firmly believe that every child can benefit from the improved academic outcomes, small class sizes, and caring guidance provided by a private Christian education. For a private school that will give your child the outstanding education they deserve, consider Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private 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.
In addition to serving the Clearwater community for over 40 years, Lakeside Christian School is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). But what truly sets us apart from other private schools in Clearwater, FL, is our dedication to the development of our students. In order for a student to achieve their highest potential, we believe that they must be challenged academically and guided spiritually. This is exactly what our teachers strive to do each and every day.
Our teaching process centers around building a solid foundation on which children can learn the skills they need to succeed both in school and their future careers. It’s never too early to prepare your child for the challenges they will face in college, which is why we employ a forward-thinking approach that focuses on technology and college readiness. In addition to technology, math, science, and history, we will teach your child the interpersonal skills they need to succeed throughout their primary, secondary, and post-secondary education.
At Lakeside Christian School, our educational philosophy is permeated by the presupposition that the ability to understand all knowledge is generated from God. Integration of education and God’s determinate plan provides each and every student with meaning, assurance, and hope for the future. It is our desire that, upon graduation, our students are prepared to go through life without fear, having developed a personal relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our faculty is comprised of superb Christian educators that exercise our process and philosophy in every lesson and lecture. Working together as a comprehensive team, our teachers strive to minister to the unique needs of students by highlighting accomplishments and areas of needed improvement. Our education staff meets or exceeds the qualifications required by our accreditation agencies. Were it not for their dedication to our community, we would not be one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL.
Lakeside Christian School would not be one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, were it not for our forward-thinking process, educational philosophy, and outstanding teachers. It is with these three elements that we are able to provide students with the wisdom and guidance they need to flourish as learners, individuals, and children of God. When researching private schools in Clearwater, FL, only consider those that exhibit all of the above distinguishing marks of excellence. For a school unlike any other, schedule a tour and see for yourself why Lakeside Christian School stands out from other schools.
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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
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