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.
In order for your child to get the most out of their time in school, it’s imperative that you provide them with access to an education that is tailored to enhance their strengths and address their weaknesses. Students respond positively to high-quality teachers, but not every school is equipped with the personnel to give your child a top-tier learning experience.
At Lakeside Christian School, one of the top Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, our teachers are dedicated to providing students with an education that prepares them for college while simultaneously growing their devotion to the Lord. Biblical principles are built into the fabric of our curriculum to help children grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Our carefully selected staff demonstrate the qualities that parents want to see in a teacher, including:
Good teachers help their students move on to the next grade level. Great teachers build relationships with students that extend far beyond the school year. Think about your favorite teachers growing up. These are likely the teachers who spent extra time working with you to help you become successful. Furthermore, these are the teachers you trusted; the teachers who created a safe and positive learning environment that was both productive and fun. As a parent, you should do everything in your power to ensure that your child is being taught by teachers who care about more than passing their performance review.
Teachers’ personalities are as diverse as their students, but all good teachers have one thing in common: positive personality traits. Superb teachers are cognizant of student sensitivities, actively display kindness, and prove that they care by going the extra mile. When students find a teacher’s personality off-putting, it can restrict their ability to learn and grow.
Every student will develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally at a different rate. The best teachers understand this before stepping foot in the classroom, and they’re prepared to engage learners using a variety of techniques to get the most out of each and every student. The progression of learning isn’t a straight line, it twists and turns like a roadway. High-quality teachers have the tools and knowledge to traverse this winding road to reach the best possible outcome for your child. Have your child’s former teachers tailored instruction to their abilities? If not, it may be time to consider a Clearwater, FL, Christian school like Lakeside Christian School.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a Clearwater, FL, Christian school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
All children are entitled to the attention and care that comes with private education, including and especially children with special needs. But these children are all too often barred from a proper education by the costs of private schools in Clearwater, FL. For this reason, Step Up For Students, a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization, was created to empower and provide families with learning options that would otherwise be unobtainable. The Gardiner Scholarship, in particular, was created to help children with special needs and bring genuine, positive change to their lives.
The Gardiner Scholarship program is designed to better allow parents to individualize their child’s education. Unlike other state scholarships, the Gardiner Scholarship allows funds to be directed to the programs and approved providers that would benefit a child the most. Awarded funds may be directed to the following:
On average, the scholarship amount for most students is $10,000. This scholarship could allow your child to receive the physical, speech, or occupational therapy that they may desperately require.
In order to be eligible, a student must be between the ages of 3 and 22 and have yet to complete the 12th grade. Additionally, a child must have a qualifying disability or impairment, a rare disease, developmental delays, or be hospital or homebound to qualify for the scholarship. Click here for a full list of qualifying disabilities and requirements.
If you did not receive funding for a Gardiner Scholarship during the 2018-19 school year, you and your child are considered a new family. In order to give returning families a priority, new families were placed on a waiting list until June 30, 2019. Now that the deadline has passed, students who were on the 2018-19 waitlist will be seen to first, followed by new students. Renewing families that apply after the June 30th deadline may be placed on a waitlist.
Click here to apply. There is no application fee for applying to the Gardiner Scholarship. However, scholarships are first come, first served, and the state has only provided enough funding to support about 11,500 students. Don’t miss out on providing your child with the outstanding education that they deserve. Enroll them at Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL. At Lakeside Christian School, we provide over $250,000 in scholarships annually, including opportunities for students with special needs.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Every child stands to benefit from a private Christian education, and none should be denied the opportunity. Only through a private education can parents guarantee that their children are prepared for the challenges they will soon face in life and instilled with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Such an education is not impossible to come by. An affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, can provide your child with the education they both need and deserve.
It’s no secret that a college education is a minimum requirement in many career fields. Despite this obvious fact, public school systems are failing to prepare their students for college, often waiting until the final years of high school before even attempting to teach foundational skills. College readiness must begin in elementary school, which is why our private Christian school prepares students for college all throughout the K-12 grades. It is never too early to build a solid foundation for your child, one where they are provided with the tools they need to prosper in life.
It’s all too easy for a child to be left behind in the crowds of students that pack public schools to the brim. When a child is denied the attention they need to develop and grow, they’ll be less likely to speak up in class, less likely to develop a distinct personality, and more likely to second-guess themselves. This is unacceptable. At a private Christian school, your child can benefit from smaller class sizes that spotlight their talents and elevate them to their full potential.
All children require steadfast guidance, which is why biblical instruction and weekly chapel services are built into our curriculum. As an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, our goal is to build leaders. This can only be accomplished by combining Christian values with improved academic values. Upon graduation, our students are self-directed leaders, capable of effective communication and critical and creative thinking. These are no longer lost students but spirit-led adults that are more than capable of succeeding in life, their future education, and their career.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that every child is entitled to the many benefits of a private education. If you are considering enrolling your child in a private school, we encourage you to schedule a new parent tour and see for yourself why we’re one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Choosing the right private school for your child is an important decision that should be handled with the utmost discretion. When you visit a prospective private school and take a school tour, you don’t want to let your guide do all the talking. Let your voice be heard and ask these four important questions to ensure that you’re making the right choice for your child’s education.
Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization with an important goal: help parents “pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.” When touring a school, be sure to ask if the school is one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL. Participating schools, like Lakeside Christian School, allow parents to take advantage of beneficial scholarships, including the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship and Gardiner Scholarship.
According to the Florida Department of Education, “There is no state law requiring private schools to be accredited, and there is no state regulation of private school accrediting agencies. Some private schools choose to become accredited.” Although being accredited isn’t mandatory, the majority of postsecondary training programs, colleges, and prospective employers will require an applicant’s diploma and transcript to come from an accredited school. In other words, you want to enroll your child in a school that has gone the extra mile to validate your child’s education. Lakeside Christian School is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Every private school is unique, building their curriculum around the lessons and values they deem most important. Parents should inquire about a prospective school’s purpose and philosophy to see if these values align with their own. Some private schools are vocational, focusing on particular skills to help students succeed after high school. Others incorporate biblical lessons to help students develop spiritually as they grow cognitively. Before you enroll your child in a private school, you should be absolutely certain that the school’s direction is the right direction for your child.
Private school academic programs aren’t defined by Florida’s public education statutes, so parents must be willing to probe schools to figure out whether or not their academic program is sufficient for their children. Some specific questions parents should ask include:
There are over 2,500 private schools in the State of Florida, each one different from the others. Determining the best option for your child is no easy task, but asking the right questions can help you simplify your choice. Do you need a school that offers Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL? Would you prefer a school that is accredited? Take your time when making your selection and you’ll never second-guess the outcome.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
In this two-part article, we are discussing data compiled by national education organizations regarding the high rate of success of private schools at preparing students for college criteria. Although a high school education is extremely important, college readiness actually begins well before high school. The most critical years for learning development are from Kindergarten through 8th Grade.
At Lakeside Christian School, we provide educational programs for elementary school, middle school, and high school. If you are interested in learning more about how your children can achieve academic excellence at a Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, please contact a school representative today.
As we discussed in the first part of this article, there are several benefits to enrolling your children in a private school setting including:
There’s also statistical evidence that showcases that a private school curriculum can help students prepare and excel at standardized testing.
There are a number of recent studies that support that private school students either meet or exceed the benchmark scores for several important standardized tests. In a 2016 study of the College Board’s SAT assessment, private school students greatly surpassed the national mean score for the most common collegiate standardized test. Similarly, according to data compiled by American College Testing (ACT), private school students performed exceptionally well in their 2012 assessment. If you are interested in learning more about these studies or reviewing other studies related to private school success rates, please visit the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) website.
Whether it’s a better academic learning environment, improved student/teacher ratio, more challenging curriculum, daily tutoring opportunities, or other excellent resources to cultivate your child’s academic preparation, Lakeside Christian School is committed to providing students with the opportunity to achieve academic excellence.
If you would like to learn more about a prestigious Clearwater, FL, Christian school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Lakeside Christian School is a premier Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, that provides students with the opportunity to learn and grow under the guidance of caring teachers and dedicated faculty who challenge students to “achieve their academic, social and career-minded goals.” At Lakeside Christian, every class is taught from a Christian worldview to help students understand the value of loving God and loving others.
Parents and students alike can’t help but profess their love for Lakeside Christian. In fact, a quick Google search of “Lakeside Christian School” proves it. Lakeside Christian holds a 4.8/5 rating on Facebook as well as a 5/5 rating on Private School Review and GreatSchools.org. So, what’s the secret to their success? In this brief article, we’ll outline a couple reasons why Lakeside Christian is the best Clearwater, FL, Christian school.
Since 1975, Lakeside Christian has infused their educational program with God’s Word to cultivate a learning environment that strengthens students both academically and spiritually. Early on, students are prepared for college to ensure that they have all the tools they need to succeed by the time they graduate. Teachers are dedicated to student success, putting their all into the mastery of their subject to help students reach the next level of their academic development. However, this passion for academic excellence never overshadows Lakeside Christian’s mission to tie in Biblical teachings that inspire a wholesome, worldly knowledge and everlasting curiosity.
Another reason why parents and students love Lakeside Christian is because they offer Step Up For Students Scholarships, like the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship, for families that may not be able to afford to enroll their child in a private school. Since 2001, more than 784,000 scholarships have been provided to families in need of financial assistance. Private education doesn’t have to be unattainable, by applying for the FTC Scholarship, you can give your child the education they need to succeed.
The hard work of teachers and faculty have allowed Lakeside Christian to build a veritable microcosm of respect and equality. On school grounds, every student is treated with respect by their classmates and teachers, which allows them to grow uninhibited by negativity or contempt. Many former students have returned to Lakeside Christian as teachers and faculty to help preserve this important tradition, and it’s truly one of the important differentiators that has helped the school earn its reputation as the premier Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, while maintaining a 90 percent or greater retention rate.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a top Clearwater, FL, Christian school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
As we discussed in part one of this two-part series, Florida’s new Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which was officially signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis at William A. Kirlew Junior Academy in Miami Gardens in May, will give thousands of families the ability to select the school that is the best fit for their children’s needs. If you aren’t satisfied with the education your children are currently receiving, take charge and make a change. Apply for the FES today so you can enroll your children in a top-tier Clearwater private school like Lakeside Christian School.
Community leaders in Miami, where the signing of the law took place, such as Pastor Mark Coats of Grace of God Baptist Church and director of Grace Christian Preparatory School, are already praising the effect that the FES will have on low-income and minority communities. He noted that the FES is “a historic expansion of school choice in Florida.”
At Grace Christian Preparatory School, where nearly half of the student body is awaiting financial assistance and, therefore, being educated for free, financial pressure is starting to mount, so the FES couldn’t come at a better time.
Pastor Coats remarked, “It’s important to give kids from underprivileged areas the same opportunities to receive a good education as kids in privileged areas do. The Family Empowerment Scholarship expands those opportunities.”
Parents want what is best for their children, but when it comes to education, it can feel like your power is being usurped by strict zoning laws and existing legislation. However, this will soon be changing thanks to this new law. When it comes to academics, there are many reasons why choice is important, including:
State Rep. James Bush, who voted in support of DeSantis’ scholarship initiative, has 288 families within his district that are patiently waiting for financial assistance through the FTC Scholarship.
Bush, who is a retired school teacher, commended the bill, stating, ”I stand here today because this is the right stand to take for our children. This bill is not about public vs. private education. This is about a team effort to make sure that every child in the state of Florida, no matter what ZIP code they are from, will have the same choice of getting a quality education.”
If you would like to learn more about scholarship opportunities at 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.
On May 9th, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a bill into law that will afford parents more freedom in school selection through an all-new, state-funded voucher program. This legislation creates an exciting opportunity for parents who want greater autonomy over their children’s academic future.
The official signing took place at William A. Kirlew Junior Academy in Miami Gardens. Before an exuberant crowd, DeSantis spoke about the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which will help terminate a Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship waiting list that currently contains 13,000 families.
“I personally believe as a matter of principle and philosophy that parents know what’s best for their kids, they know the right environment, and that if you empower parents regardless of income that the parents ultimately can make the best decision,” DeSantis said.
For parents, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of Florida’s increasingly choice-friendly education system. Whether you’re looking for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, with a proven track record of student success, or you have an older child who wants to finish high school in a new setting, Lakeside Christian School provides students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.
The FES will help facilitate a broader school choice initiative serving 18,000 students in year one, followed by another 7,000 students in the coming years. Unlike the FTC Scholarship, which relies on corporate contributions, the FES will gain funding from the Florida Education Finance Program.
In the Tampa Bay area, this will allow more parents to enroll their children in one of the private schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School. Many families want the option to provide their children with an education that helps them grow academically, socially, and spiritually, and the FES is designed to support this endeavor.
One recent study conducted by the Urban Institute indicated that low-income FTC students had a 43 percent greater probability of enrolling in four-year colleges than their public school peers. In addition, the study showed that they were 20 percent more likely to actually earn bachelor’s degrees. Figures like this help justify the existence of the FTC Scholarship’s extensive waiting list, but the FES will do away with this list altogether.
According to DeSantis, the primary goal of the FES is to offer “more opportunity for thousands and thousands of low-income families here in the state of Florida,” which is why this new scholarship initiative is viewed as a “big, big deal” in the eyes of parents, students, and legislators.
In part two of this two-part series, we’ll cover some additional perspectives on this new law and explain why choice matters for your children’s education.
If you would like to learn more about scholarship opportunities at Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
An exciting development involving the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship will make it possible for even more students to benefit from Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL. The state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization (SFO) recently announced that “more income-based scholarships [are] available for the 2019-20 school year.” This means that families who want to give their children the gift of a bright academic future but can’t afford to do so can still apply for the FTC Scholarship for financial assistance.
If you are interested in enrolling your child at one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, don’t hesitate to apply for the FTC Scholarship here. This first-come, first-served program fills up quickly, and once they’re full, they’re full. If this is the opportunity you or someone you know has been waiting for, there’s no better time to apply than right now.
Even if your child is already attending one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, you can still spread the gift of learning by sharing this information with families who are looking to take a new approach to their child’s education. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce your friends and family to the benefits of an affordable private education. Flyers are available in both English and Spanish. Click here to view the flyer in English, or click here to view it in Spanish. Step Up For Students has even provided a “suggested post” for schools that want to share this news on social media platforms like Facebook. With a minor tweak to the copy, parents can share this information with their friends and followers as well:
Want to send your child to Lakeside Christian School, but can’t afford it? Help is here. Step Up For Students has more income-based scholarships available for the 2019-20 school year. Don’t delay, apply now. As always, they’re first-come, first-served. Learn more at the Step Up For Students website.
In addition to this exciting news, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis just signed a bill creating the Family Empowerment Scholarship. While the details are slim at this time, Step Up For Students is keeping an eye on any developments to share with schools and families as they are made public by the Florida Department of Education. However, according to the Florida Department of Education website, “Students who have already applied for the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship program may be determined to meet the income eligibility without resubmitting household income documentation to the SFO.” Current information can be found here.
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.
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.