Scholarship Options for Private Schools

Clearwater once held the record for most consecutive days of sunshine at 768 days. For this reason, it is evident that God’s creation continues to bless us all. However, when it comes to education, many people are still disadvantaged.

17,500 of every 115,000 people live below the poverty line in Clearwater, Florida. But, their lack of income should never deter their dreams of education. That is why at Lakeside Christian School, we offer many scholarships for private schools so that their children still receive the best education.

Here is the list of Scholarship Options that you can look into for private schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Step Up for Students Scholarships

The Step Up for Students Scholarship is one of the most sought-after scholarship funds in Clearwater, Florida. With this, you can enroll your children in participating private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, private high schools in Clearwater, FL, and private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.

This scholarship is in demand because it allows parents to get their children into institutions that can offer the best growth opportunities. Moreover, the family members of active military personnel can also take advantage of this scholarship, and get rewarded up to $7,000 for their educational needs.

FACTS Scholarship

If your family income is above the Step Up limits, and you still need access to more affordable tuition, the FACTS scholarship assessment has you covered.

With this option, you send your children to any participating elementary school, high school, or private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida. Under this scholarship, a targeted financial response can be offered to help bring the tuition cost in line with a parent’s ability to pay.

McKay (FES-UA) Scholarship

The McKay scholarship is meant for children with special circumstances. 30,000 students have access to this fund every year, giving them a chance to attend a suitable private school. However, this scholarship doesn’t only cover private schools, but also public schools. For instance, if you want your child to be enrolled in a school that can facilitate teaching for their special needs, you can do so.

While the term “special needs” tends to be ambiguous, let us give you some clarification in this regard. “Special needs” refers to:

  1. Students who have learning disabilities
  2. Students that have special mobility needs
  3. Students that require adaptive equipment to stay functional
  4. Students with several food allergies

That said, there are other requirements that a student must meet to become eligible for this scholarship.

  1. The student must have spent a year in a Florida Public school or
  2. The student must be enrolled and reported for funding by Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, or
  3. The student must have received services from the SIS program (Specialized Instructional Services).

Family Empowerment Scholarship

The Family Empowerment Scholarship Programs are for students with unique abilities. Families with special-needs children as young as three years old can benefit from this program. It offers two options to the parents of such students:

  1. Enroll their children in another public school
  2. Or receive a Personal Educational Savings Account (ESA).

The money from the Personal Educational Savings Account can then be used to pay tuition fees in private schools.

There Are Other Scholarship Options as Well

Whether your children will be attending private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, private high schools in Clearwater, FL, or private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL,  there are many scholarship options for you, including the AA, Florida Tax Credit, Opportunity, and more.

Learn more about Lakeside Christian Schools and contact us today to hear about the wide range of scholarships available here for your children.

Step Up for Students First Responders Program – What You Need to Know

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which started in 1998 with the aim of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school, eventually led to the creation of Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL scholarships.

Ever since it began by supporting 750 children in Florida, Step Up for Students has expanded to assist approximately 80,000 students across the entire state. The scholarship enables parents to send their children to participating private schools if they feel they are not getting a decent education at their neighborhood schools.

What Makes the Step Up for Students Program Different?

The Step Up for Students scholarship program is exceptional because it concentrates on students with the fewest alternatives for improving their educational quality. According to research, Step Up for Students scholarships primarily help low-performing students, and they give parents a chance to help their kids succeed.

With the help of Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL, schools offer high-quality education in preparation for a better future. This award has become more valuable every year and gives young, talented people a chance to pay for private education.

Is Step Up for Students Available for Private Middle Schools in Clearwater, Florida?

Yes, Lakeside Christian School accepts and rewards middle school children whose parents are eligible for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL.

Lakeside Christian is one of the few private high schools in Clearwater, Florida, to extend this scholarship to students of all age groups.

Through this program, the Lakeside Christian School is enabling students across economic and social backgrounds to access high-quality education that was previously only available to those with financial means.

All children are provided with the process, curriculum, and resources necessary by the K–12 private school to learn more quickly than they would in a regular classroom.

Unaffected by parent poverty, a sizable portion of children both locally and nationally have severe deficiencies in prior grade-level skills, which hinders their success in high school and college.

How Can I Apply?

Parents and students who are interested in applying for the scholarship must go to stepupforstudents.org and select the “Learn More/Apply Now” tab. Enrollment is currently open for the academic year 2022–2023. Click the “Apply” button for the next step.

Users are first led to the registration page of the portal. Here, you must fill in the name, email address, and contact information, as well as set up a password. You will be required to provide further information supported by pertinent documents after logging in with your registered account, including:

  • Paycheck stubs (30 consecutive days closest to when you submit your application)
  • Residence documentation for every household member (e.g., health insurance, Medicaid, income paperwork, energy bills, court custody records, or a residential lease identifying all household members)
  • All potential sources of income (for example, unemployment payments, social security benefits, child support benefits, and so on)
  • Primary and secondary parents’ licenses, passports, etc.
  • Members of the US Armed Forces may be requested for a copy of the Leave and Earning Statements (LES)

The first step is to ascertain your eligibility for the program, and only then can you complete the entire registration process. The website has clearly listed all the eligibility criteria for this purpose.

Do you have questions regarding the Lakeside Christian Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL application procedure? Please call us today at (727) 239-7808 or visit our website.

Can’t Afford to Send Your Child to Private School? Think Again! New Income Limits for Step Up for Students

Worried that your child will miss out on improved educational quality because you do not have the resources to send them to a private school? Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL is here to change that!

New Income Limits for Step Up for Students Scholarship Program

Step Up for Students scholarships are a product of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which was started in 1998 with the aim of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school.

The program has expanded since its founding in Clearwater, Florida, to now support almost 80,000 students throughout the state. If parents feel that their children are not receiving a quality education at their neighborhood public schools, the scholarship enables them to send their children to participating private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Private high schools in Clearwater, Florida are also able to provide their neighborhood with a high-quality elementary education as a means of assisting kids in building brighter futures, thanks to the Step Up for Students grant. The Step Up for Students program offers young, bright minds the chance to pursue a private education and is also accessible to private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Who Can Apply to the Program?

A family of four with a yearly income of up to $111,000 is one example of who would be qualified for the 2022–23 academic year. The residence and grade level of the student are used to calculate the scholarship amount. Please click here to view the 2022–2023 scholarship award amounts.

In terms of age criteria:

  • Students entering kindergarten must be five years old by September 1.
  • First-graders must turn six years old by September 1.
  • Siblings of Family Empowerment Scholarship recipients, including siblings of children who qualify because of a specific need, are other families who may be eligible for a scholarship.
  • Dependent children of a member of the US armed forces may be qualified, regardless of household income. Included are reservists and members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Space Force. Click here to find out more.
  • Regardless of household income, children of a law enforcement officer who depend on their parents for financial support. Click here to find out more.

How to Apply for the Step Up for Students Scholarship at Lakeside Christian School?

The same educational advantages that were previously only available to those with financial means are now available to everyone, thanks to Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl at Lakeside Christian School.

The K–12 private school provides all children with the methods, materials, and curriculum they require to learn more quickly than they would in a traditional classroom. Parents and students who are interested in applying for the scholarship must go to stepupforstudents.org and select the “Learn More/Apply Now” tab. Enrollment is now open for the academic year 2022–2023. To move on to the next step of the application process, simply click the “Apply” button.

Sign up for an account on the website and provide personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, and password. You can provide the supporting documentation requested at registration, including identification documents, evidence of residency, income documentation from all sources, including pay stubs, and special documentation if you are a member of the armed forces.

Do you have questions or need assistance with the application process at Lakeside Christian, one of the top schools for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Florida? Contact us today by submitting a contact request form or calling us at (727) 239-7809.

Is Your Child Eligible for a Private School Scholarship?

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program began in 1998 with the objective of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school. The Step Up for Students scholarship is one of the most beneficial scholarship programs for private school students.

Since its inception in Clearwater, Florida, Step Up for Students has grown to serve approximately 80,000 students across the state. The scholarship allows parents to send their children to participating private schools if they believe their children are not receiving proper education at their local public schools.

Learn more today about whether your child is eligible for a private school scholarship through Step Up for Students.

Who Is the Step up for Students Scholarship Program for?

Students who have the fewest alternatives for improving their educational quality are eligible for the Step Up for Students funding program. Step Up for Kids grants primarily aid low-performing pupils and allow parents to assist their children in reaching success.

The Step Up for Students grant allows private elementary schools in Clearwater, Fl to deliver a high-quality elementary education to their community in order to help them achieve a better future. The Step Up for Students scholarship is also available for private middle schools in Clearwater, Fl, and private high schools in Clearwater, Fl, providing young, bright minds with the opportunity to receive a high-quality, private education.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Step up for Students Scholarship?

A family of four with an annual income of up to $111,000 is one example of who would be eligible for the 2022-23 school year. The scholarship amount is determined by the student’s residence and grade level. Please click here to see the scholarship award amounts for 2022-23.

In terms of age,

  • Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1st
  • Students entering first grade must be six years old by September 1st

Other families that are eligible for a scholarship include:

  • Siblings of Family Empowerment Scholarship participants, including siblings of children who are eligible due to a particular need
  • Regardless of home income, dependent children of a member of the United States Armed Forces may be eligible. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Space Force, as well as reservists, are included. To learn more, click here.
  • Children of law enforcement officers who are financially reliant on their parents, regardless of home income are included. To learn more, click here.

Is Step Up for Students Scholarship Available at the Lakeside Christian School?

Yes, Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private high schools in Clearwater, Fl, accepts students from the Clearwater area whose parents qualify for the Step Up for Students award.

Through the Step Up for Students scholarships and Lakeside Christian School, the same educational benefits that were previously solely available to those with financial means are now available to everyone. All students at our K-12 private school receive the top curriculum and resources they need to learn more quickly than they would in a regular classroom. Regardless of parental status, there is a large segment of children, both nationally and locally, who have significant gaps in prior grade-level skills, preventing them from succeeding in high school and college.

Do you have questions about the Lakeside Christian School application process? Contact us today and learn more from one of our trained staff members.

How to Apply for the Step Up for Students Scholarship

Step Up for Students scholarships are a key component of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which began in 1998 with the goal of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school. 

Since its inception, Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl has grown from helping 750 students to nearly 80,000 students across the state. If parents believe their children are not receiving quality education in their local schools, the scholarship permits them to send their children to participating private schools.

Why Apply for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Florida?

The Step Up for Students scholarship program is unique in that it focuses on students who have the fewest options for enhancing their education. Step Up for Students scholarships, according to research, primarily benefit low-performing students, and they give an opportunity for parents to assist their children in achieving success.

The Step Up for Students award enables schools to provide a high-quality education to their community for a better future. The Step Up for Students scholarship has increased in value each year and offers a chance for young, bright minds to secure private education. 

Is Step Up for Students Clearwater Florida Available at the Lakeside Christian School?

Lakeside Christian School, is the best private school in Clearwater, Fl, and welcomes students whose parents qualify for the Step Up for Students scholarship from the Clearwater area. 

The same benefits of educational quality that were previously only available to those with financial means are now open to everybody through the Step Up for Students scholarships and Lakeside Christian School. 

The K-12 private school gives all students the curriculum and tools they need to learn faster than they would in a traditional classroom. Regardless of parent income, there is a huge segment of children, both nationally and locally, who have significant gaps in preceding grade-level skills, which impede their achievement in high school and college.

How to Apply for the Step Up for Students Clearwater, Fl Program at Lakeside Christian?

To apply for the scholarship, interested students/parents must visit the Step Up for Students website and click on the “Learn More/Apply Now” button. Admissions are open for the 2022-23 school year. All you need to do is hit on the “Apply” button to enter the next stage of the application process. 

Users must first register on the website if they haven’t already done so. For this, they must share personal details including name, email address, contact information, and password. Upon logging in with your registered account, you will be asked to produce some more information supported by relevant documents, including:

  • Paycheck stubs (30 consecutive days closest to when you submit your application)
  • Proof of residency for all household members (e.g., health insurance, Medicaid, income paperwork, energy bills, court custody records, or a residential lease identifying all household members)
  • Any other sources of income (for example, unemployment payments, social security benefits, child support benefits, and so on)
  • Driver’s license or passport of primary and secondary parents
  • A copy of the Leave and Earning Statements may be requested from members of the US Armed Forces (LES)

Before completing the entire registration process, the first step is to determine whether or not your child is eligible for the program. The easiest way is to visit the Step up for Students scholarship details page and find all eligibility requirements listed. 

If you need information or help on the application process at Lakeside Christian, one of the best Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, Fl, please contact us today.

Do Private Schools in Clearwater, FL Accept Scholarships?

Private schools can often offer more individualized and tailored education for students. With smaller class sizes and more unique programs, many families seek out private school education for children. 

As one of the most beneficial scholarship programs in Florida, Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl is one of several scholarships accepted at Lakeside Christian School. To learn more about our top scholarship program option, read on.

What Is the Step Up for Students Scholarship?

Started in 1998, the Step Up for Students Scholarship serves over 80,000 students across Florida and is a product of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. The goal of this scholarship is to allow parents the opportunity to enroll their children in private schools without financial burden. 

This scholarship helps students with the most limited options for expanding their education, like those in low-middle income families, those that are victims of bullying or abuse, and those with special needs. It also allows educators to accelerate student learning beyond the normal pace of mainstream education. 

If you are a parent wondering how you can afford to send your child to the best private schools in Clearwater, Fl, the Step Up for Students scholarship may be a good fit for your family. 

Scholarships at Lakeside Christian School

Every year, Lakeside Christain School provides qualified students and families with more than $250,000 in financial assistance. And, Step Up for Students is not the only scholarship accepted. 

We also accept the McKay Scholarship, available to all current students in the public school system who have a qualified IEP or 504 plan for specific learning issues. Additionally, the FACTS Scholarship is an income-based program that covers 100 percent of tuition and is available for all parents who desire their children to attend Lakeside Christian School.

Depending on your child’s unique needs, they may be eligible for one of our scholarships. 

Schedule a Tour at Lakeside Christian School Today

At Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, Fl, our team is dedicated to serving all kinds of families and students, not just those with financial ability. If you’re searching for the top elementary and middle schools or the best private high schools in Clearwater, Fl, call us at (727) 239-7808 or complete our contact request form to schedule a tour today.

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

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

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

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

1. Visit College Campuses

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

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

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

2. Research Private Schools and Scholarships

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

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

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

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

3. Invest in Extracurricular Activities

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

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

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

Contact Lakeside Christian School Today for a Tour

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

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

3 Tips for Successful Virtual Learning

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

 

1. Establish a Comfortable “Learning Space”

 

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.

 

2. Follow a Schedule

 

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.

 

3. Ask For Help

 

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.

Choosing a Private School During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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

 

Connect Virtually

 

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

 

Speak With Other Parents

 

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:

 

  • Is your child happy at this school? Why or why not?
  • What do you feel sets this school apart from others?
  • Is there a strong sense of community at this school?
  • Do you feel as if your child gets personalized attention from teachers, coaches, and other advisors?

 

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.

Take Control of Your Child’s Education with the Gardiner Scholarship

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.

 

Determining Eligibility for the Gardiner Scholarship

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:

 

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Phelan McDermid syndrome
  • Prader-Willi syndrome
  • Spina bifida
  • Williams syndrome
  • Intellectual disability (severe cognitive impairment)
  • Rare diseases as defined by the National Organization for Rare Disorders
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Deaf
  • Visually impaired
  • Dual sensory impaired
  • Traumatic brain injured
  • Hospital or homebound as defined by State Board of Education
  • Deemed high-risk due to developmental delays (applies to 3-5 year-olds)

 

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

 

Preparing for the 2021-22 Application Season

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:

 

  • Documentation of your student’s diagnosis for a physician or psychologist with an active license issued by a state or territory of the United States OR an IEP written in accordance with the rules of the State Board of Education
  • Documentation indicating proof of Florida residency
  • Birth certificate for students in the first grade and below

 

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.

Take the

Next Step

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.

 

Schedule a Tour
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.