Why It’s So Important to Apply for Income-Based Scholarships for the 2020-21 School Year

Every year, parents across the state of Florida apply for income-based scholarships so that their children can attend a private school. Income-based scholarships like the Family Empowerment Scholarship have helped thousands of students attend a private school that would have otherwise been out of their reach. This year is no different. Income-based scholarships remain a source of support for families across Florida. However, the current economic crisis makes applying for a scholarship all the more important. 

Below, we discuss how families can apply for income-based scholarships through Step Up For Students, a state-approved nonprofit scholarship organization. We will also discuss why families who have been heavily impacted by the economic crisis have the most to gain from applying. If you’re afraid that your current financial situation is keeping your child from attending the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, we encourage you to consider applying to these scholarships. 

You Can Apply Now 

Step Up For Students is now accepting applications for income-based scholarships for the 2020-21 school year. Families can apply for both the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship. Both scholarships are based on financial need, and both can be used towards tuition at a Clearwater private school.  

Related: 4 Ways to Give Your Child a Private Education While on a Budget

Eligibility

Your child may be eligible for one of the above income-based scholarships if a member of the household receives federal nutrition assistance or the household income qualifies for free or reduce-priced lunch or is at/or below the thresholds found in this eligibility chart. Please review the Step Up For Students website for additional information and eligibility requirements. Funding for these scholarship programs is limited, so be sure to apply as soon as you can

A Private Education Remains Affordable 

We understand that right now may be a difficult time for your family, which is why we recommend taking another look at the income-based scholarship eligibility requirements. Even if your child did not qualify last year, they may qualify this year if your family was negatively impacted by the current economic crisis. And even if your child doesn’t qualify for the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, they may still qualify for the Family Empowerment Scholarship.

Related: Why So Many Parents Choose Lakeside Christian School

At our Clearwater private school, we believe that children are entitled to a private education regardless of external circumstances. That’s why we provide over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families every year and proudly accept scholarships from Step Up For Students as well as the McKay Scholarship and FACTS Scholarship. If you would like to provide your child with a private education but are unsure how, we encourage you to reach out to us. We would love to work with you to find a solution that sees your child one day graduating from Lakeside Christian School. 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the top private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

What Sets Lakeside Christian School Apart

When selecting the right school for your son or daughter, you are choosing a school that you believe will help your child develop the necessary skills for future success. Deciding what school is right for your child is a challenging task, as the decision can impact their next chapter in life, including what college or university they attend. College admissions have never been more competitive, and applying can be a challenging time for any family due to the stressful nature of the process. 

When you invest in a private school education like the one provided by Lakeside Christian School, your child will experience a challenging curriculum that will prepare them for a college course load. Furthermore, colleges take careful notice of your child’s graduation requirements and their role outside of the classroom. At Lakeside Christian, we offer students the opportunity to explore a variety of engaging programs outside the classroom, including athletics, the arts, and education-based after school programs. 

Lakeside Christian School is an affordable private school that ranks as one of the top private high schools in Clearwater, FL. We are proud to provide our students with the individualized attention and academic tools they need to flourish. In this editorial, we will discuss how the right balance of schoolwork and extracurricular programs can prepare children of all ages for future success. To learn more about how we challenge students to achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals, please visit our website.

Related: Why So Many Parents Choose Lakeside Christian

School Programs That Place Your Child on the Right Path

The right school should provide your child with the best environment for success. The programs offered within our high school are here to ensure that our students are well prepared for their academic future while becoming well rounded young adults. Many college admission offices want to see diversity in applicants’ academic achievements and interests as they progress through school. 

As a top private high school in Clearwater, FL, we offer a full complement of scholastic and non-scholastic programs, including athletics and a variety of programs for the arts, including a music and drama department. Our students are always encouraged to discover what works best for them. With the help of our amazing teachers and faculty, they can find the right path for their future success.          

Related: Why Private School Is the Right Choice For Your High Schooler

Many Students Begin Their Path in Elementary School

Preparing your child for college doesn’t happen overnight. Many of our successful high school students were originally enrolled in our elementary school program and steadily developed their academic skills over the years until the day they donned that cap and gown. At Lakeside Christian School, we provide students with a strong academic foundation in elementary school that steadily progresses: 

  • Our elementary school, or accelerated learning division, features mastery, accelerated, and robust learning programs that prepare students for higher education. 
  • Our middle school, or rigorous academic division, prepares students for high school by focusing on a challenging course load, including algebra preparation, study skills, and writing preparation.   
  • Our high school, or college preparatory division, is a true college preparation program that provides core academic preparation and small class sizes. 

When you invest in an education at an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, your child will develop the tools they need to succeed as they mature through our learning program. Because all students thrive at different things, our dedicated staff of teachers help students focus in the areas they need improvement while continuing to strengthen their skills in the areas they excel in. 

Preparing Students for the Future

Setting up our students for future success is what we strive to achieve. Our focus is on providing a conscious effort to make sure our students are prepared for the next step in their lives. Our rigorous curriculum and smaller class sizes allow your child to be challenged while they progress through school. When your child reaches an obstacle along the way, our supportive staff of teachers will help navigate them back on the road to success. The teachers and faculty at Lakeside Christian School are here to push your child academically, promote college and career readiness, and help your child accomplish their goals, both short term and long term. With opportunities for children of all ages, Lakeside Christian School is committed to helping students achieve their lifelong goals, including enrolling in the college of their dreams.    

If you would like to learn more about 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.

What Parents Should Look for in Private Christian Schools

With the upcoming academic year, parents across the United States will be preparing to send their children off to their first year of high school. You know how important it is to choose a school that will contribute to the academic, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of your child, and that’s why you’ve decided to invest in his or her future with a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL

Now, it’s your responsibility to closely examine your options and choose the school that will provide your child with the safe and compassionate learning environment they need in order to flourish during his or her formative years and beyond. Below, we’ll touch on the most important aspects parents should take into consideration when choosing a private Christian school.

Related: Narrowing Down Your Choice of Private Christian Schools in Clearwater

Character Development & Spirituality

A research study conducted by Barna Group in partnership with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) found that current and prospective parents of students in private Christian high schools assigned high priority to intentionally developing children’s character and spirituality when choosing a school. More than 82 percent of parents of current students considered spiritual formation essential when weighing a choice between different schools. 

Private Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, fulfill these expectations by establishing measurable academic and spiritual outcomes for all students. The classroom environment is founded on self-respect and respect for others, and the students are able to find positive role models in their teachers and members of their community. 

Related: Why Private School is the Right Choice for Your High Schooler

Academic Excellence

Yet another top priority for parents of both current and prospective private Christian school students is academic excellence. Nearly all, or 95 percent, of current Christian school parents found academic excellence to be essential, particularly as their children near the window for college admissions. The students at Lakeside Christian School, a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, benefit from small class sizes and student-teacher ratio, meaning that the students are allowed to interact with their teachers much more closely, gain an individualized education, and forge bonds that outlast the length of their high school experience.

Additionally, Lakeside Christian School utilizes aligned or coherent curriculum. Aligned curriculum is beneficial in preparing your high school student for college in that all assessments, lessons, instructions, and assignments are matched to meet the required standards and the knowledge builds on itself naturally rather than repeating. Any academic gaps or deficiencies are able to be resolved and student improvement can be measured against college and career readiness standards. 

Related: The Benefits of a Christian Education

Safety

Last but certainly not least, parents of both current and prospective parents rated a safe environment as one of the most essential features when choosing a school. The transition out of childhood and into adulthood can be a difficult one, but Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL like Lakeside Christian School can help your student reach their highest academic and spiritual potential by fostering an environment of respect and compassion. Each and every one of our teachers and members of administration actively demonstrates and models Christian principles.   

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the premier Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Outside the Classroom at Lakeside Christian School

The activities students partake in outside the classroom is as equally important as what they do inside the classroom. School athletics and extracurricular programs help boost your child receive a perfectly balanced educational experience. Students participating in one of our school’s seasonal productions or taking the field for their respective athletic team learn how to be a part of something larger than themselves. 

Lakeside Christian School offers a variety of other extracurricular activities, including tutoring lessons and educational programs to ensure that your child is receiving an excellent education at one of the top private high schools in Clearwater, FL.       

Athletic Opportunities

The benefits of participating in high school athletics have been studied across the country. Athletic programs provide students with real-life problem solving skills, character building, and a great opportunity to bond with their peers. At Lakeside Christian, we offer a full complement of seasonal sports, including but not limited to: football, basketball (for boys and girls), baseball and softball, soccer, and track and field. 

High school students aren’t the only age group that can participate in athletics. Middle school and elementary level sports are also available for students to enjoy, including coed soccer, flag football, volleyball, and many more options. Our devoted staff of coaches build strong relationships with our students by teaching them the fundamentals of each sport and  encouraging them to strive for their very best. 

Lakeside Christian School is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) competing against other private high schools in Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. We want our students to take full advantage of all the opportunities they’re presented at our school.

Related: LCS Athletics Quick Facts

The Arts

Personal expression through art can be one of the most powerful and thoughtful exercises in the world. At Lakeside Christian, we encourage all of our students to unveil their creativity. Our private high school in Clearwater, FL, boasts a full theatre department that produces three outstanding productions each year. We also provide students with the opportunity to helm their own production with a set of student directed plays. In the past, our student led productions have included works from Shakespeare and a musical of the acclaimed novel “Bridge to Terabithia.”

Related: LCS Fine Arts Quick Facts

Along with our theatre program, we take great pride in our visual technology department, where students learn how to produce, film, and edit videos. Students in the past have crafted commercials, music videos, and various other video projects as part of this program. At Lakeside Christian, we offer a variety of creative and artistic after-school programs, including music lessons (guitar, piano, singing). Any of our students who sing or pursue a musical instrument are given the opportunity to play at our chapel service.

Other Extracurriculars at Lakeside

Daily tutoring sessions outside the classroom are strongly encouraged at Lakeside Christian, as we want to enhance your child’s success in their academic pursuits. Our afterschool homework program allows students to focus and work through coursework that may be particularly challenging. Extracurriculars at Lakeside Chrisrtian School provide our students with a constructive outlet to excel in. As a smaller private highschool in Clearwater, FL we are able to focus on our modest number of students to better understand your child’s interests so that they can excel in and out of school.   

If you would like to learn more about private high schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

 

Starting on the Right Path By Selecting the Best Elementary School for Your Child

The start to your child’s education can mean the difference between them developing helpful or harmful learning habits. Over time, the learning habits developed during elementary school will be carried through middle school, into high school, and eventually into college. Lakeside Christian School is an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, that focuses on your child’s individual learning needs. 

Our small class sizes and supportive teaching staff are the foundation that ensures your child receives the utmost attention and encouragement they need to grow. The future academic success of your child can be directly attributed to their elementary school teachings. At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that a focus on reading and an active and supportive teaching style will give your child the guidance they need to have a successful learning experience from elementary school through high school and beyond.       

Reading Oriented 

Unfortunately, many children lack the necessary reading comprehension as they progress through school. As one of the top private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, we can provide the best education possible for your child by ensuring they have a solid foundation of reading skills to build on as they grow. Developing beneficial reading habits in elementary school stokes children’s love for reading as their ability to retain and comprehend information is reinforced for the future. 

A summer reading log is one way we encourage our students to improve their reading skills outside of the classroom. We pride ourselves on helping our students develop exceptional reading comprehension levels to better enhance their learning retention and overall scholastic experience.     

Related: 3 Important Ways to Foster Your Child’s Development

An Active Teaching Style

Elementary school should be about setting the framework for your child’s future academic success while also encouraging their creativity in the classroom. A supportive teacher and mentor can be all a child needs to become passionate about learning. Your child’s elementary school teacher will be their first experience with a formal education and can make the greatest influence on your child’s future education. 

Our teachers also work to keep parents informed with a weekly newsletter including a weekly schedule, worksheets, and, most importantly, individual notes about your child. There are many options for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, but Lakeside Christian School ensures your child will receive the highest standard of teaching available and give your child the tools they need to grow academically and creatively.        

Related: What I Learned on My Kindergarten Tour

Scholarship Options

Lakeside Christian School offers a number of scholarships for students. Through the Family Empowerment Scholarship, we empower countless children and their families by helping them gain access to a private education regardless of their financial background. We firmly believe that all children should have access to private education and, thanks to a number of scholarships, including Step Up for Students, the McKay Scholarship, and our own FACTS scholarship, we can make it possible. Through our devoted faculty at Lakeside Christian School, our students cultivate academic qualities at a young age that will last them their entire scholastic career and showcase why we are one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.   

If you would like to learn more about an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

The Benefits of Mentorship in Middle School

The transition between elementary and middle school is a complex process for all stakeholders involved, including students and parents alike. Young adolescents are propelled into a new environment while they are changing mentally and physically. Having a mentor for your middle school student helps provide support during this process and enhances their academic success. 

At Lakeside Christian School, a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, we believe in providing our students with mentors with whom they can form a relationship built on honesty and trust. Students deserve an advocate who they can turn to with any problems they may be facing academically or otherwise. Many of our teachers serve in either the Lakeside Community Chapel youth group or the church’s Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (AWANA) program, where students can attend and have the opportunity to be mentored by one of their teachers. Read below about how a mentoring relationship can benefit your middle school student. 

Related: Why Middle School Students Benefit From a Private Education

Accountability and Goal-Setting

Middle school students with mentors are more likely to engage in the process of self-reflection in which they can assess their current strengths and weaknesses and areas of their life they need to devote more time to. One of our students, Heather, expressed the following during Mentoring Month about her experience as a mentee:

“Meeting with Kayla on a regular basis has allowed for her help keeping me accountable on things that I need to work on in my life. Her mentoring has also provided a wonderful relationship between us where I know I can go to her with anything and she would be more than willing to provide godly advice.”

Accountability, as Heather discussed, is one of the most important aspects of mentoring as students meet with their mentors to set personalized short- and long-term goals and strategies to achieve these goals. The set of skills involved in assessing their progress and strategizing how they will achieve their goals are the same skills necessary for success later in their academic career in high school and college.

Related: Why Maintaining Your Child’s GPA in Middle School Is Vital to Their Development

Behavior In and Outside of School

On a broader scope of behavior benefits, middle school students are more likely to experience a myriad of social-emotional development benefits when they regularly meet with a mentor:

  • Enhanced confidence and self-esteem
  • Stronger interpersonal relationships with parents, teachers, and peers
  • Decreased likelihood of skipping class or initiating drug and alcohol use
  • Healthier lifestyle choices
  • More positive attitude about school

Educational Performance and Non-Cognitive Skills

In addition to higher rates of school attendance, research has found that mentored students are fifty-two percent more likely to stay in school and also complete more homework assignments than students without mentors. This is due to the fact that mentors help to combat many of the barriers to academic achievement, such as insufficient academic preparation and chronic absenteeism. Instead, mentors bolster the success of students’ development by providing access to a number of support systems located within the community as well as the skills necessary for the development of non-cognitive skills like perseverance and teamwork. 

If you are concerned about your child’s transition between elementary and middle school, it’s time to invest their future. As one of the best private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, we are committed to making the transition process as seamless as possible by providing resources such as mentorship and small class sizes. 

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.

Why So Many Parents Choose Lakeside Christian School

Lakeside Christian School is a small private school offering a comprehensive education program from kindergarten through 12th grade. Parents who choose to send their children to Lakeside Christian often describe our school as one big family that truly cares for each other. Our mission is to educate, mentor, and inspire children to be the best version of themselves. 

We know that there are many schools to choose from, including Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, but we separate ourselves from the pack by providing students with a scholastic experience that is second to none. Throughout this article we will provide a selection of parent testimonials to give you a better understanding of what life is like at Lakeside Christian School.

A Closer Connection

As a faith-based school, Lakeside Christian School prides itself on strengthening our students’ self belief and personal bond with their community. Some of the advantages offered by our school include a better student ecosystem, elevated teacher satisfaction, and more individualized attention for disadvantaged students. A modern approach in the classroom allows our teachers and faculty to build a rapport with our students and find the right tools to foster their academic and spiritual growth. 

Related: The Benefits of a Christian Education

Listed below are a few brief testimonials from parents and alumni explaining why Lakeside Christian School is one of the best Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL.

 On selecting the right environment for your child:

“Lakeside Christian School was the best decision that I made when choosing a school for my son! They are so loving and genuinely care for all of their students. My son loves being in school and is actually sad on the weekends that he isn’t at school!”

Submitted by a parent in December 2016

 

On administrative staff and teachers dedicated to their students:

“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 person and the teachers too. This is the best school we have found so far. Keep up the good job!”

Submitted by a parent on September 29, 2015

 

On the comprehensive school experience we provide our students:

“Lakeside Christian School has great academics, great class sizes that help with one-on-one attention to the students, a wonderful athletics program and excellent Biblical instructions and teaching. The school also offers a wonderful chapel meeting once a week for all the grade levels.” 

Submitted by a parent on September 28, 2015

 

On our classroom environment and extracurricular activities:

“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.”

Submitted by a parent on June 30, 2019

 

On graduating from our school:

“I am proud to say that I am a 2015 graduate of Lakeside. Being at Lakeside was the most influential time of my life. Lakeside is not only a school to me the close one on one interaction makes it like a family. They display a strong Christian atmosphere not only through words but through their actions. I would highly recommend Lakeside Christian school.”

Submitted by an alumni on July 17, 2015

 

At Lakeside Christian School, we believe strongly in providing students with a well-rounded education and the opportunity to thrive in extracurricular activities. If you are still unsure how your child will fit in at a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, be sure to give us a quick search online. We’re confident that our excellent reviews will prove to you why we’re the perfect fit for your child.

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

 

What Colleges Look for in Your Child’s School

Everyone knows that college application season is the most stressful time for parents and students. College admissions offices are always changing their criteria for what they look for in an applicant, but a few constants remain the same. At Lakeside Christian School, one of the best Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, we know what colleges are looking for in your child’s education. We work with students to properly prepare them well in advance of the college application process. This article will discuss what colleges will specifically look for in your child’s high school. 

1. Diversification and Rigor of Classes

Class selection is a crucial component for any high school student’s career. The rigor of your child’s classes will stand out when admission offices look over applications. Lakeside Christian School offers a comprehensive course load with small class sizes in order to better develop your child’s strengths. Diversification has never been more important when it comes to applications. Now more than ever, college admission boards are looking for someone who not only focuses on one subject but also challenges themselves by expanding their class selection. We strongly encourage our students to branch out and explore new curriculum so that they may expand their knowledge.  

Related: College Visit and Application Tips

2. Extra Curricular Activities

Activities outside of the classroom should be featured in your child’s application as much as their coursework. Participating in sports and other school activities showcases to colleges that your son or daughter is a go-getter who is eager to be involved with their school, community, and peers. Lakeside Christian School offers a full complement of competitive athletic teams for all grades ranging from elementary to highschool. As a preeminent Clearwater, FL, Christian school, we want our students to strive for greatness in all of their endeavors, whether it be on the courts or as a member of one of our school clubs. We enable our students to boast a plethora of experiences to call upon when it is time to apply to universities.

Related: Lakeside Christian School Athletics 

3. Leadership Roles in the Community

Community is the foundational piece that Lakeside Christian School was built on. In order to be accepted into most colleges today, your child must be involved in some form of service for their community. As a faith-based school, we strongly encourage our students to love and care for those around them. College admission offices search for well-rounded students who have a solid grasp on what it takes to be an exemplary student. From their first day of elementary school up through their graduation day, we mold all of our students into leaders and work to prepare them for the next stage of their lives.        

If you would like to learn more about Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

 

Social Benefits of a Small School Environment

Helping a child properly mature throughout their primary and secondary schooling careers is essential for their overall success. This includes not only their academic capability but their social development as well. While education takes priority, for someone to be truly happy, they need to be able to interact and make friends with classmates, not just flourish in their studies. 

As a parent, the challenge here is the fact that you can’t force your child to socialize. While you can monitor their study habits, ensure that they do their homework every night, and maintain a level of academic expectations, you can’t go into the classroom and guide social development. One of the best steps you can take is enrolling your child into a Clearwater private school. Below, we highlight two social benefits that come with smaller classroom sizes like those found here at Lakeside Christian School.

More Visibility 

This is arguably the biggest social benefit of smaller private schools. Students have more opportunities to socialize with the same individuals day after day, resulting in a close-knit community. Teachers have the ability to give more individualized attention, which allows them to better identify if a student is struggling. A Review of Educational Research analysis of 46 studies found that strong teacher-student relationships were associated in both the short- and long-term with improvements on practically every essential measure: higher student academic engagement, attendance, grades, fewer disruptive behaviors, and lower school dropout rates. Those effects remained even after setting controls for differences in demographic backgrounds. This goes to show that it’s truly important to foster every aspect of your child’s development for their overall success. 

Related: How Does a Small School Setting Help My Child Succeed? 

Allows Shy Students to Prosper 

One of the more difficult challenges as a parent is figuring out how to get a child to come out of their shell. Not only can shyness inhibit their social life, but it can affect their academics as well, with research showing that shy students receive lower grade-point averages in college. A shy child may choose not to speak up when they have questions or avoid classroom engagement. Small school sizes allow shy children to be more comfortable with engaging in the classroom, where they are familiar with everyone in it. 

Related: How Private Schools Improve College Readiness

A private school with smaller classroom sizes benefit student’s social development which will ultimately lead to improved academic performance. Not only do the small classroom sizes allow a more one-on-one style of education, but also a more engaging social atmosphere where no one feels left out. Here at Lakeside Christian Schools, we pride ourselves in helping young minds reach their full potential by utilizing an authentic individualized experience. The needs of our students are at the core of our teaching philosophy, and it may prove difficult to find a more suitable Clearwater private school for your child. 

If you would like to learn more about private schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

4 Contests for Middle School Students in Florida

Contrary to popular belief, people from all income levels can enjoy the benefits of private school. In fact, there are thousands of young students in private schools that come from middle-to-low income households. You might be wondering how these students and their families can afford the cost of private school, which, according to Private School Review, costs “approximately $8,878 per year.” The answer is simple. There is plenty of help out there for those who take the time to explore options for funding assistance.

One of the best routes to getting into the private school system is through scholarships. For example, Lakeside Christian School accepts several Step Up For Students scholarships, like the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship. However, this is far from the only way to support your child’s education. There are an abundance of privately sponsored contests to help children get additional funding for tuition, supplies, and other essentials. Below, we have listed four different contests for your gifted youth to apply to. If you want to transition your child to a Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, contact Lakeside Christian School to schedule a tour. 

1. Apprentice Ecologist Initiative

Held by the Nicodemus Wilderness Project, this project is officially recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They have been holding this competition for over two decades, inspiring young children to be more involved in cleaning and maintaining the purity of the world around them. Find more information about the initiative here.

2. Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Card Contest

Open to all ages, this competition held by Blue Mountain Arts is a great way for your child to express themselves creatively for a chance to win a prize. There is no age restriction, and contestants can enter as often as they want to try to win the $350 first prize (or the $200 second prize or $100 third prize). Contests are encouraged to submit an original poem about real emotions and feelings.

3. Young Filmmakers Contest 2020

One Earth Film Festival holds this annual competition, which features separate categories for elementary and middle school students.. They pick one of the preselected themes and make a short video about them in order to win up to 400 dollars in prize money and grants and to be featured in the festival

4. National WW2 Museum Essay Contest 

Like the earlier contest held by Blue Mountain, this contest’s name is indicative of its rules. Children from middle schools are asked to carefully ponder a quote from Judge Jackson during the infamous trial of defeated Nazi leaders at Nuremberg and ask a series of philisophical questions. There can only be one 500 word (or less) essay per entrant. Winners can receive up to 250 dollars. 

As you can see, every child can enter a contest best suited to their skills and knowledge, from the aspiring poetto to the young filmmaker or historian and everywhere in between. Here at Lakeside Christian School, we pride ourselves in supporting all students, no matter what their passions are. If you’re looking for the best quality education in Clearwater, look no further! 

If you would like to learn more about Christian middle schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Take the

Next Step

Contrary to popular belief, people from all income levels can enjoy the benefits of private school. In fact, there are thousands of young students in private schools that come from middle-to-low income households. You might be wondering how these students and their families can afford the cost of private school, which, according to Private School Review, costs “approximately $8,878 per year.” The answer is simple. There is plenty of help out there for those who take the time to explore options for funding assistance.

One of the best routes to getting into the private school system is through scholarships. For example, Lakeside Christian School accepts several Step Up For Students scholarships, like the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship. However, this is far from the only way to support your child’s education. There are an abundance of privately sponsored contests to help children get additional funding for tuition, supplies, and other essentials. Below, we have listed four different contests for your gifted youth to apply to. If you want to transition your child to a Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, contact Lakeside Christian School to schedule a tour. 

1. Apprentice Ecologist Initiative

Held by the Nicodemus Wilderness Project, this project is officially recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They have been holding this competition for over two decades, inspiring young children to be more involved in cleaning and maintaining the purity of the world around them. Find more information about the initiative here.

2. Blue Mountain Arts Poetry Card Contest

Open to all ages, this competition held by Blue Mountain Arts is a great way for your child to express themselves creatively for a chance to win a prize. There is no age restriction, and contestants can enter as often as they want to try to win the $350 first prize (or the $200 second prize or $100 third prize). Contests are encouraged to submit an original poem about real emotions and feelings.

3. Young Filmmakers Contest 2020

One Earth Film Festival holds this annual competition, which features separate categories for elementary and middle school students.. They pick one of the preselected themes and make a short video about them in order to win up to 400 dollars in prize money and grants and to be featured in the festival

4. National WW2 Museum Essay Contest 

Like the earlier contest held by Blue Mountain, this contest’s name is indicative of its rules. Children from middle schools are asked to carefully ponder a quote from Judge Jackson during the infamous trial of defeated Nazi leaders at Nuremberg and ask a series of philisophical questions. There can only be one 500 word (or less) essay per entrant. Winners can receive up to 250 dollars. 

As you can see, every child can enter a contest best suited to their skills and knowledge, from the aspiring poetto to the young filmmaker or historian and everywhere in between. Here at Lakeside Christian School, we pride ourselves in supporting all students, no matter what their passions are. If you’re looking for the best quality education in Clearwater, look no further! 

If you would like to learn more about Christian middle schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

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