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

As a society, we have a tendency to overlook the transition from elementary to middle school, which can be quite jarring in its own right. After all, the entire structure of middle school is vastly different from elementary schools’ “one teacher to a class” system. Middle school students are expected to have adapted to the school system by the time they enter sixth grade. During the next three years, students will be asked to absorb a vast amount of information as they bridge the gap from simple concepts to more complex teachings. It often seems like the ultimate goal of middle school is to survive until high school, but in actuality, middle school is a time when students can build the foundation for their high school experience. 

At Lakeside Christian School, a Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, we provide students with rigorous high school preparation programs that boost skills in algebra, writing, and more. During grades six, seven, and eight, students are molded into enlightened thinkers and problem solvers who yearn to be challenged, ensuring that they experience a smooth transition to the next level. Students that excel in high school start by maintaining a strong GPA throughout middle school. Here are the reasons why:  

Developing Proper Study Habits

Like math, science, language arts, and other subject areas, the ability to study properly must be learned through consistent instruction. Students who fail to adopt proper study habits can find themselves left behind once they enter high school. Studying is a foundational skill that can boost a student’s performance across multiple subject areas, and middle school is the perfect time to develop these skills. The amount of homework that children are tasked with completing spikes dramatically during this time, and the formation of reliable study habits is the only way to keep up. Needless to say, better study habits will lead to a higher GPA and a greater chance of success in high school.

Overcoming the Hump

According to Deborah Kasak from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform, “Many [students] make that decision to drop out–either consciously or unconsciously–during those middle grades years.” Paying close attention to our middle school students is important if we want them to succeed, but overcoming the hump isn’t always easy. Many children find middle school to be a significantly more daunting challenge than what they grew accustomed to in elementary school. Middle school distractions are another cause for concern. Bullying, puberty, and an evolving self-awareness can lead children down the wrong path without proper instruction. This is why, at our Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, we work hard to cultivate an environment of learning and acceptance that helps children sustain an interest in education and a desire to be their very best. 

Is Your Child’s GPA Suffering?

When the progress your child made in elementary school comes skidding to a halt in middle school, it’s time to make a change. As one of the top Christian middle schools in Clearwater, FL, our staff is dedicated to providing a guiding hand to children during this confusing time. With small class sizes and plenty of one-on-one instruction, children are afforded the freedom to overcome academic obstacles and become their best. We’d love to give you the opportunity to check out our school for yourself and your family, so you can see why Lakeside Christian School is the best Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL.

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

Should You Enroll Your Child in Private School? Consider These 3 Advantages

The struggles of the education system in recent years have fallen under a lot of scrutiny, and for good reason. Some alarming facts and statistics:

  • 30 years ago, America was the leader in quantity and quality of high school diplomas. Today, our nation is ranked 36th in the world.
  • Teacher quality is one of the most significant factors related to student achievement. In the United States, 14 percent of new teachers resign by the end of their first year, 33 percent leave within their first 3 years, and almost 50 percent leave by their 5th year.
  • A 3rd grade student who reads at the appropriate reading level compared to a 3rd grade student who does not is four times more likely to graduate by age 19.

There is an ocean of reasons why this is happening within the education system in America, and both public and private schools are affected. However, the private sector has historically fared better in times of uncertainty in the education system. Here in Clearwater especially, the Clearwater private school system is exceptionally effective at educating bright young minds. Below are three advantages of private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.

1. More Individual Attention

The United States population has grown by 17 million since the last major census in 2010 —a 5.3 percent increase. This increase has been supported by a steady annual rate of 0.7 to 0.8 percent; and according to history, this shows no signs of slowing down. Today’s children are glued to brightly lit LED monitors, and as a result, they require more individual attention than ever before to retain information and expand their knowledge. Private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, benefit from smaller class sizes, allowing teachers to impart knowledge on their students more efficiently and with fewer distractions.  When schools become overpopulated, everyone’s learning experience suffers.

2. Updated Teaching Methods

The children of today are nothing like the children of the 1990s, or even the 2000s. Elementary students of those times came into school only with information and knowledge their parents exposed them to. Nowadays, children before preschool are granted access to smartphones and iPads to aid parents in keeping their overzealous attention spans at bay. This translates to new-age students that have a wealth of information that previous generations did not; in other words, they are not starting with a clean slate. In a traditional classroom setting, children did not have access to a computer until fourth or fifth grade. Preschoolers are walking into their first day of school with the ability to open a computer and use the internet. They need to adjust teaching methods to address this issue and help young minds remediate information that they’ve been exposed to outside of the classroom; which private schools have. Public schools often have trouble offering new-age teaching methods to their students. 

3. Plenty of Funding

A lack of funding is a detriment to any government system, so why would the school system be any different? In Florida, a lack of public funding affects every corner of the educational experience.  This underfunding hits lower-income public schools especially hard. However, affordable private schools in Clearwater, FL, rarely have funding issues. 

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

3 Qualities College Admissions Offices Look for in Applicants

Whether your child’s in high school or preschool, chances are you’ve thought about what your son or daughter’s experience will be like when the time comes for them to apply to college. Will they have the grades and test scores to be enrolled in the school of their dreams? Will the admissions office be able to clearly see the qualities that sets your child apart from other applicants? 

In this brief article, we will discuss three of the main qualities colleges look for in applicants. At Lakeside Christian School, a Clearwater private school, it’s our goal to challenge students to achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals. We are also proud to offer core academic preparation that increases their college readiness. To learn more about one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please visit our website

1) Is Your Child Achieving Academic Success? 

It should come as no surprise that your child’s grades and overall grade point average (GPA) will impact whether or not they are selected for enrollment at the college of their dreams. Along with their grades, colleges assess:

  • Class rank
  • Level of success in specific classes
  • Honors and AP classes
  • Overall course load
  • SAT and ACT test scores

Clearly, any of the above items can be impacted by the core academic preparation your child receives in high school. At Lakeside Christian School, we are committed to helping high school students reach their full potential by offering small class sizes, daily tutoring programs and homework assistance, and the academic preparation they need to enjoy success in college and beyond. 

2) Is Your Child Involved Outside the Classroom? 

Although success in the classroom is a crucial element of the college admissions process, high school students should also focus on events and activities outside of the classroom. Extracurricular activities are one way that a prospective applicant can stand out from the competition. Moreover, your child’s participation in extracurricular activities provides college enrollment offices with a chance to see their personality and appreciate their commitment to this activity. 

For example, if your child participates in an athletic program, it shows that they honor commitment, unity, and respect. Whether your child is committed to athletics, an after school academic group, or volunteer work, they are showcasing their leadership and dedication to projects.   

3) Does Your Child Have Unique Intangibles?

Similar to extracurricular activities, there are many other ways outside of the classroom that your child can impress college admissions offices. Does your child have a unique artistic talent? Are they passionate about a topic that could resonate with the university of their choice? At Lakeside Christian School, one of our main areas of focus is on providing students with accelerated writing skills in order to prepare them for their college studies. An impressive essay can highlight your child’s achievements, personalize their experience, and showcase why they are a great fit for university life.  

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.

Narrowing Down Your Choice of Private Christian Schools in Clearwater

The decision to send your child to a private school will have an incredible and long-lasting impact on their education and future. All that’s left is to pick a school. Should be easy, right? Not exactly. 

There are 101 private schools in Pinellas County, each offering their own unique take on education and many of which are in the City of Clearwater. Narrowing this down to a single choice will be no easy task for parents. In this brief article, we’re going to help you narrow down your options until you’re left with only the private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, that are right for your child. 

The Right Approach 

Narrowing down your school choices will be easy once you decide what type of school you want your child to attend. As stated in an article published by the Tampa Bay Times, “The choices include religious schools, independent and secular schools, and schools for students with disabilities or special needs in every grade level. Some are a combination of all of the above.” You will need to carefully consider your child’s needs and decide which program is right for them. We encourage you to research all available options and to visit schools when possible. At Lakeside Christian School, we love hearing from new families and are always happy to give a tour of our private middle school in Clearwater, FL

The Right Grade Level 

You’ll also need to take into account your child’s age and grade level when looking at private schools in the greater Clearwater region. A number of outstanding schools, such as the many private high schools in the area, only serve certain grades. At Lakeside Christian School, we teach kindergarten classes all the way up to 12th-grade courses. If you are struggling to find a school that will welcome your middle schooler and guide them through the remainder of their school years, consider a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, that teaches grades K-12. 

The Right Choice 

We might be a little bit biased here, but we think that Lakeside Christian School is the best private middle school in Clearwater, FL. But don’t take our word for it. We encourage you to peruse through the list of top Clearwater private schools put together by Private School Review. You’ll find that we have a sterling five-star rating and place among the top 20 percent of private schools in all of Florida. We are accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), and we welcome families to compare our school to others until they find the choice that’s right for them. If you are looking to narrow down your choices of private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, look no further than Lakeside Christian School. 

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

Saying “Thank You” to the Donors Who Make the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program a Success

Since 2002, the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program has funded more than 784,000 scholarships thanks to approximately $3.9 billion in donations from the corporate community. This landmark achievement is responsible for strengthening school choice in the State of Florida while simultaneously making private education significantly more affordable for low-income families. Remarkably, the FTC Scholarship is only one of several scholarships offered by Step Up For Students, a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that helps administer scholarships for students in Florida; however, we will be focusing solely on the FTC Scholarship in this article — more specifically, the amazing donors that make this program such a resounding success year in and year out.

Related: Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL

Empowering Parents

When the Florida Legislature established the FTC Scholarship Program in 2001, it signaled a new era of school choice for parents looking to provide their children with the best education possible. According to Step Up For Students, “the Florida Department of Revenue gives dollar-for-dollar tax credits to companies that contribute their eligible tax dollars to fund the K-12, income-based education scholarships.” This provides a significant incentive for donors to continue contributing to Florida’s economically disadvantaged children on an annual basis, as indicated by year-over-year growth in the number of scholarships provided. The FTC Scholarship Program is the largest of those offered by Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL. Recipients of the FTC Scholarship have two financing options:

  1. Financial assistance for private school tuition and fees.
  2. Financial assistance for transportation costs required to attend public school in a different district.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis; however, priority is given to renewal families, followed by families with the greatest financial need. Acknowledging that the homestead may be required to relocate for any number of reasons, the FTC Scholarship is transferable to any eligible school in the Sunshine State.

Related: Qualifications and Eligibility for the Family Empowerment Scholarship

Corporate Contributions

Without the gracious corporate sponsors that support the FTC Scholarship Program, none of this would be possible. Dollar-for-dollar credits are offered for numerous financial liabilities, including:

  • Alcoholic Beverage Excise Tax
  • Business Rent / Commercial Lease Sales Tax
  • Corporate Income Tax
  • Direct Pay Sales & Use Tax
  • Insurance Premium Tax
  • Oil and/or Gas Severance Tax

Those who have chosen to involve their businesses have made life-changing contributions to countless children while furthering the ultimate goal of Step Up For Students: choice of learning environment for the betterment of every child’s education. As one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School would like to give a heartfelt thanks to all of those who have contributed to this program. Your generosity has aided our mission to provide top-flight education services for children who wouldn’t otherwise have access to a private education.

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.

Why More and More Florida Parents Are Sending Their Kids to Private Schools

Private school enrollment is on the rise in Florida and has been for some time. In an annual report published by the Florida Department of Education, it’s shown that 380,295 students were enrolled in private schools across the state during the 2018-19 school year. This is an incredible increase from a decade ago when enrollment was hovering just above 300,000 students. Parents are clearly choosing to send their children to private schools at an increasing rate. But what’s behind this increase, and why are parents willing to trust their child’s education to a private institution? In this brief article, we answer these questions and more as we discuss the many benefits of having kids attend an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL.

Unparalleled Learning 

Educators should be celebrated no matter what institution they’re a part of. But that’s not going to stop us from touting the benefits of our academic process. At Lakeside Christian School, we believe in challenging students to achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals. We employ data-driven instruction to assess student needs and make necessary adjustments throughout the school year. Too often, talented students who just need a little help and attention are left behind. Parents know that a private school will do everything possible to ensure that doesn’t happen to their child. 

The Experience of a Lifetime

A major concern for parents who are considering private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, is the possibility that their child will somehow miss out on important life experiences, experiences that they believe can only happen in a public school setting. But that’s just not the case. For example, we just sent our students home with their school portraits, and K-12 yearbooks are available so that students can look back on the memories made here at Lakeside Christian School. Our athletics program offers a variety of sports, including football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, and cheerleading, to students of all ages. And our drama department produces a number of musicals and plays throughout the school year for our talented students to perform in. Just because we’re a private school doesn’t mean we can’t offer students the experience of a lifetime! 

An Affordable Alternative 

Why are parents sending their kids to private schools? Because it’s more affordable than ever! Florida has six K-12 scholarship programs that “allow parents unprecedented choice among public and private schools.” These scholarships are designed to help children and their families who may be in need, such as low-income families. All told, Lakeside Christian School provides over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families each year. We’re proud to be a part of why parents time and again choose to send their kids to private schools. If you’d like to join the thousands of parents who trust their child’s education to a private school, schedule a new parent tour and see why Lakeside Christian School is one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL

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

Why Private School Is the Right Choice for Your High Schooler

As children get older, they start to experience some important self-realizations that will, at least partially, solidify their path into the future. Your child may aspire to be any number of things — a doctor, a scientist, an author. To ensure that these goals are in reach post-graduation, your child needs a strong finish to their formal education. For many students, a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, is the ideal setting to complete their education, as it provides them with several distinct advantages. In this article, we will discuss these advantages and cover several reasons why private high school is the right choice for your teen.

Individualized Education

If you want your high schooler’s education to magnify their strengths and help them reach their peak potential, private school may be the more suitable option. Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. The distinct differences between the various types of private schools ensure that students are receiving an education that sets them apart. Individualized education is strengthened by smaller class sizes that allow students to interact with teachers more closely, build relationships that fortify the academic experience, and forge bonds that exist long after matriculation. There are many Christian high schools in Clearwater, and each one boasts unique strengths. One of the best aspects of private education is the ability to select the school that aligns with your high schooler’s educational aspirations. Of course, we recommend Lakeside Christian School to any family searching for a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL.

Related: Benefits of a Small School Setting

The Financial Factor

For a long time, criticism of private schools centered around affordability; however, this is no longer an issue thanks in part to gracious, state-funded scholarship opportunities courtesy of Step Up For Students in Florida. Today, schools that support Step Up For Students, such as Lakeside Christian School, are helping more and more families gain access to top-tier educational services. Since 2002, more than 784,000 Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarships have been awarded to low-income families, and that is only one of several scholarships offered in the State of Florida. 

Related: Who Can Benefit From Step Up For Students?

Seizing the Opportunity

In How Private Schools Improve College Readiness, we noted that some studies indicate that “private school students are more likely to obtain a high school diploma, attend a four-year college, and earn a bachelor’s degree.” The statistics don’t lie. More private school graduates reach college because they are given the tools to succeed from the beginning. At Lakeside Christian School, college readiness is woven into the fabric of every child’s educational journey, ensuring that, if they so choose, they can pursue a wholesome life of academia. Are you looking to provide your child with the opportunity of a lifetime? Consider enrolling your child at a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, to take advantage of the numerous benefits of an individualized private education.

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

What Is School Choice?

According EdChoice, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, “School choice allows public education funds to follow students to the schools or services that best fit their needs—whether that’s to a public school, private school, charter school, home school or any other learning environment parents choose for their kids.”

Today, school choice is a hot button issue for parents all across the country. Parents want what is best for their children, and they don’t want to be told where their children must attend school. They want to be able to choose the best option that will help their children find their footing on the path to success. Is your child struggling in their current educational setting? Depending on your income level and the needs of your child, you may qualify for Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL

Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that not only gives parents the freedom to choose the best school for their children but also provides financial support by administering five scholarships, including:

 

  • The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (FTC) 
  • The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) 
  • The Gardiner Scholarship
  • The Hope Scholarship
  • The Reading Scholarship Accounts 

 

Want to learn more about how school choice can help you provide your child with the best fit for their educational needs? As one of the premier Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, the caring staff at Lakeside Christian School is happy to answer all of your questions related to scholarship opportunities and school choice.

 

Educational Choice Programs in Florida

If you’re interested in Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, you’ll be elated to learn that these programs not only provide financial relief but also choice for parents seeking the best educational setting for their children. Four out of five of these scholarships are designed to match students with their ideal school (the Reading Scholarship Accounts works in a slightly different way). In addition to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (FTC), the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), the Gardiner Scholarship, and the Hope Scholarship, the John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program also supports school choice. 

Choose Wisely

Parents have more freedom to control their child’s educational destiny than ever before, but with great power comes great responsibility, and parents need to be certain that they are making the right choice on behalf of their children. The Pinellas County school district is the eighth largest school district in Florida (27th largest nationwide) and serves over 100,000 students. That means parents need to do their homework before finalizing their decision. Enroll your child at a school with a history of academic excellence, a school dedicated to student success above all else. Enroll your child at Lakeside Christian School.

 

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

What Are the Qualifications and Eligibility Requirements for the Family Empowerment Scholarship?

Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship was launched in 2019 to help relieve pressure on the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program waitlist while simultaneously expanding school choice options for low- and middle-income families looking to put their children on the path to academic success. It may be the fifth school choice program enacted in Florida (and the second operating voucher program), but it will undoubtedly be the first choice for families that qualify. In this article, we’ll tell you all about the Family Empowerment Scholarship, including eligibility, funding, regulations, and more. The Family Empowerment Scholarship may be just what your family needs to enroll in a Clearwater, FL, Christian school.

 

Funding

Before we break into the particulars of the Family Empowerment Scholarship, let’s cover a few “fast facts” to help you understand the scope of this program. As we mentioned above, it is Florida’s second operating voucher program. It’s estimated that 54 percent of families are income-eligible across the Sunshine State. The maximum value for one of these vouchers is $7,122, which equals 95 percent of the value of public school per-student spending or the cost of private school tuition and fees (whichever is less). Payments are transferred from the state’s general revenue fund to parents every quarter.

 

Student Eligibility

Initial eligibility is predicated on whether or not a student is already certified to receive food assistance, Florida Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, or qualifies for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Families with a combined income not exceeding 300 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $77,250 for a family of four, also qualify. Children in foster care are also eligible for this scholarship. 

In addition to the above requirements, students must be enrolled in a Florida public school the year before they can become eligible, unless their parents are members of the Armed Forces who have recently relocated to Florida due to orders from the military. Keep in mind that charter schools and state-funded virtual schools do not meet this requirement.

Although 54 percent of families qualify, priority is afforded to students coming from families with a household income not exceeding 185 percent of FPL (currently calculated at $47,638). Once a student becomes a recipient of a Family Empowerment Scholarship, their eligibility is locked in until they graduate or hit the age of 21 years old. Even if the family’s income level has improved, they will retain eligibility. This eligibility also extends to siblings of the recipient. For now, the program will provide scholarships to 18,000 students, but this number is expected to increase by approximately 7,000 each year, allowing more and more students to experience the benefits of attending a Clearwater, FL, Christian school.

 

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

Why Middle School Students Benefit From a Private Education

Students entering middle school will experience an assortment of social, spiritual, and academic challenges at a time when they are still figuring out who they are and whom they are going to be. Whether public or private, the school your child attends will be crucial for determining how well they navigate these situations. In this article, we discuss why private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, are the clear choice for parents who want the best for their teen and preteen children. 

 

Overcoming Social Challenges

To say that middle school is socially challenging for students would be an understatement. As Psychology Today puts it: “At least during the first year or two of middle school, most students go through times of feeling socially insecure and emotionally vulnerable.” They may experience a whirlwind of emotions, including self-doubt, embarrassment, loneliness, jealousy, and anger. 

It is during this delicate time that your child will become more independent as they distance themselves from childhood. At Lakeside Christian School, a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, we take these challenges seriously and strive to provide students with the tools they need to successfully navigate situations like these and come into their own as strong, capable leaders. 

 

Taking the Next Step

Middle schools lay the groundwork for whom children will become. Academics must focus on college-readiness during this time. Remember, it’s never too early to prepare students for the coursework and subjects they will be studying in high school and beyond. By the time other schools address preparation gaps in high school, it’s already too late. Students who fall behind are far less likely to be prepared later in life, which is why we use the following college and career readiness checklist to eliminate preparation gaps:

 

  • Data-Driven Instruction
  • Aligned Curriculum
  • Best-Practice Instruction
  • Effective Educators
  • Complementary Technology
  • Biblical Worldview
  • Safe and Secure Learning Environment 

If you fear that your child is falling behind, schedule a tour at our private middle school in Clearwater, FL

 

Receiving Individualized Attention

Smaller class sizes are one of the most well-known advantages that private schools have over public schools. It’s true; public schools can’t compete when it comes to the individualized attention that our private school teachers can give. As mentioned above, your child will be facing an assortment of social challenges. A private school can provide them with the guidance they need to develop into a fully functioning adult. 

At Lakeside Christian School, our team of effective educators can instill in your growing child the lessons they need to thrive. Small class sizes allow them to address students as individuals, not as a crowd, and data-driven instruction allows teachers to highlight problem areas and spotlight accomplishments that would have gone unnoticed in a public school setting. Feel free to contact us and discover how your middle schooler can become a Lakeside Christian School Lion. 

 

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

Take the

Next Step

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Parents of Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, Click Here.

 

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