Many Florida families think private Christian schools are too expensive, but recent changes to Step Up For Students are making that less true. Now, private school scholarships like the FTC and FES-EO are available regardless of household income if your child is eligible for a K-12 public school. For Clearwater families exploring options like Lakeside Christian School, this opens a whole new world of possibility.
This updated guide walks you through the current scholarship programs, what’s covered, how to apply, and how Lakeside supports families through it all.
Here’s what Step Up now states per its Private School Scholarship page:
The Florida Tax Credit (FTC) and Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) now are available to all Florida students eligible for K-12 public school, regardless of household income.
These scholarships provide on average $8,000 in assistance for private school tuition and related fees.
Applications for the 2025-26 school year are still open. (stepupforstudents.org)
Let’s go through the programs you should know about now that the rules have expanded.
Eligibility: Any Florida student eligible for K-12 public school. No income limits.
What it covers: On average about $8,000 toward tuition and related fees. May vary by grade and private school.
How to apply: Through Step Up For Students. The application for 2025-26 is open now.
Designed for students with diagnosed learning differences or special needs. Award amounts are determined by the student’s assessed matrix score and district. Covers tuition, approved services.
For students who have experienced qualifying incidents in a public school setting (bullying, safety concerns, etc.). Provides private school option.
Because the process can still feel confusing, Lakeside offers strong support:
Step-by-step application help: Admission staff guide parents through which scholarship works best, how to fill out forms, and gathering documents.
Assistance with renewals: For families already in a scholarship program, Lakeside reminds and helps with the renewal process.
Budgeting advice: Combining scholarship funding, in-school payment plans, and school fees explanation to reduce surprises.
Tour & info sessions: Our principal conducts personal 1:1 tours so you can ask specific questions (tuition, curriculum, student support, etc.).
Choosing the right school for your children is just as important as securing scholarship funding. At Lakeside Christian School, families find small class sizes and strong academics in a safe environment. Most importantly, they find a K-12 education that integrates faith, leadership, and purpose into every subject and activity.
K-12 Continuity: From the very first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, students grow within a consistent, nurturing community that knows them well.
Personalized Learning: Teachers are committed to meeting students where they are, whether that’s challenging advanced learners or providing extra support.
Faith and Academics: Families who value a Christ-centered education will find daily opportunities for spiritual growth, weekly chapel services, and daily Bible class alongside rigorous academics.
Close-knit Community: Parents, teachers, and students partner together to create a safe, encouraging atmosphere that feels like family.
And the best news? Enrollment for Fall 2025 is still open in elementary grades and 11–12. Your Step Up scholarship can make a Lakeside education possible today.
👉 Schedule a campus tour with our principal to learn more and see how Lakeside can be the right fit for your family.
Q: Does household income matter now for Step Up’s private school scholarships?
A: No. For the FTC & FES-EO under Step Up, all Florida students eligible for K-12 public school can apply—regardless of their income.
Q: What is the average scholarship award amount?
A: Around $8,000 toward tuition and related fees—this is the typical award for the private school scholarship (FTC & FES-EO). Actual amount may vary.
Q: Are Step Up scholarshi[ applications open for the 2025-26 school year?
A: Yes. Step Up has opened applications for 2025-26. Best to apply early before funds run out.
Q: Can students with learning needs get additional support?
A: Yes. FES-UA is designed for that purpose. Schools like Lakeside work with families to provide needed support services when they can.
If you’ve held back from applying before because of an income barrier, now is the time. Step Up’s updated rules mean that many more families in Clearwater are eligible than ever before.
👉 Schedule your personal tour with our principal to see Lakeside in person, talk through scholarship options, and determine what support your child will get. Reach out via our contact form or email us today at office@lakesidechristianschool.org to start the process.
We believe that a Christian education for all K-12 students is an eternal investment.
If you are seeking a private Christian school where your child will be nurtured, challenged, and prepared for life, we invite you to tour our campus to kick off your enrollment process.
Contact us to schedule a tour, learn more, or speak with our admissions team. You can reach us at 727-261-0937, email us at office@lakesidechristianschool.org, or fill out our online contact form.
Experience the Lakeside difference: where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.
Navigating the landscape of private school education in Florida can be both exciting and challenging for parents. One of the most significant considerations is affordability. Fortunately, the Step Up For Students program offers various private school scholarships in Florida to assist families in providing quality education for their children. This guide aims to provide an in-depth understanding of these scholarships, their application processes, and essential information for the 2025-26 academic year.
Keep reading to explore the Step Up For Students scholarships available in Florida for the upcoming school year. Learn about application processes, eligibility criteria, and how to secure tuition assistance for private school education.
Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization in Florida. Its mission is to empower families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children, emphasizing support for those lacking financial resources and information. By administering multiple scholarship programs, Step Up For Students plays a pivotal role in making private education accessible to a broader spectrum of students.
For the 2025-26 academic year, Step Up For Students offers several scholarships designed to cater to diverse student needs:
For the 2025-26 school year, applications for all scholarships are currently open. It’s crucial for families to apply as early as possible to ensure timely processing and secure the necessary funding. The application process involves creating an account on the Step Up For Students website, completing the required forms, and submitting necessary documentation. Processing times can vary, so early submission is advisable.
Selecting the right school for your child is just as important as securing tuition assistance. At Lakeside Christian School, we provide a well-rounded education that integrates academics, faith, and character development in a safe, nurturing environment. Here’s why families in Clearwater, FL, choose to use their Step Up For Students (FTC and FES-EO) scholarships at Lakeside:
With a low student-to-teacher ratio, your child will receive personalized support to help them thrive academically and socially.
Our Christ-centered curriculum challenges students while preparing them for future success in college, careers, and life.
We partner with families to instill biblical values, character, and integrity in every student.
Whether your child is interested in sports or creative arts, we offer opportunities to grow their talents beyond the classroom.
With Step Up scholarships, tuition at Lakeside Christian School becomes an affordable and accessible option for families seeking quality Christian education.
Using your FTC or FES-EO scholarship at Lakeside Christian School means investing in a school that prioritizes your child’s success—spiritually, academically, and personally. Let us help you make the most of this opportunity.
Navigating scholarship applications can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our admissions team at Lakeside Christian School is here to assist you every step of the way. We can provide guidance on eligibility, application processes, and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your child’s educational journey.
Providing quality education is a collaborative effort, and with the support of programs like Step Up For Students, we can make exceptional learning experiences accessible to all families.
Are you ready to discover why Lakeside Christian School is one of the best private schools in Clearwater FL? Contact us today to learn more about our programs, schedule a campus tour, or discuss enrollment opportunities. We look forward to partnering with your family on this exciting educational journey.
Contact us to schedule a tour or speak with our admissions team. You can reach us at 727-239-7808, email us at office@lakesidechristianschool.org, or fill out our online contact form.
Experience the Lakeside difference—where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, the best K-12 private school in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
At Lakeside Christian School, we’re dedicated to making a high-quality private Christian education accessible to as many families as possible. One of the ways we support this mission is by partnering with the Step Up for Students Scholarships program, which provides essential private school tuition assistance in Clearwater, Fl. This article will walk you through how the Step Up for Students Scholarships can help make Lakeside Christian School an affordable and accessible option for families seeking a private, faith-based education.
The Step Up for Students Scholarships Program is a Florida-based initiative designed to assist families in accessing quality educational options for their children. This program provides need-based scholarships to students attending private schools, helping to ease the financial burden for families who value the benefits of a private education. With various types of scholarships available, Step Up aims to give children from all backgrounds the chance to thrive.
Lakeside Christian School is proud to participate in the Step Up for Students program, and we’ve seen firsthand how this scholarship opens doors for families. By making private school tuition assistance in Clearwater, Fl accessible, Step Up for Students Scholarships help our students receive a Christ-centered education in a safe environment that builds both academic excellence and strong character. Our school community is enriched by the diverse students who join us through this program, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Families who receive this scholarship find that it makes an invaluable difference in their ability to choose a school that aligns with their educational and spiritual goals.
Applying for the Step Up for Students Scholarship is straightforward. Here’s a basic overview of the steps:
For more information about eligibility requirements, you can also reach out to Lakeside’s admissions team, who are ready to help guide you through each step of the process.
At Lakeside Christian School, we offer a unique combination of academic rigor and spiritual growth. Here’s what sets us apart:
With small class sizes, individualized attention, and a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire, our students are well-prepared for the future.
Our mission is to integrate Biblical values into every aspect of learning. At Lakeside, students grow in their faith and learn to apply Christian principles in their daily lives.
The supportive atmosphere at Lakeside fosters close relationships among students, families, and faculty, creating a nurturing environment that feels like family.
Lakeside emphasizes not only intellectual growth but also the importance of building strong character, resilience, and empathy.
Through Step Up scholarships, families can access all these advantages at a significantly reduced cost, making a private Christian education more attainable.
If you’re interested in exploring whether the Step Up for Students Scholarship could be the right fit for your family, we invite you to reach out to Lakeside Christian School’s admissions team today. For more information or personalized guidance:
Our team is here to help make the process as smooth as possible and to ensure you have all the information needed to decide on the best educational path for your child.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that every child deserves access to an education that nurtures both mind and spirit. Thanks to the Step Up for Students Scholarships helping fFlorida amilies with private school tuition assistance in Clearwater, Fl, more families can experience the benefits of a private Christian education without financial strain. We invite you to consider how this program can help open doors for your family and make Lakeside the next step in your child’s academic and spiritual journey.
Reach out to us today to schedule a tour or learn more about what makes Lakeside Christian School a place where every child can thrive. Our dedicated teachers and strong support system ensure that every student is “fully equipped” to succeed, both in their studies and their faith journey.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that education should be as unique as the students we serve. As a participating school in the Step Up for Students program in Clearwater, Florida, we are committed to empowering families to tailor their children’s educational journey, ensuring that each student receives the necessary support and resources to excel academically, socially, and spiritually. With Step Up for Students Scholarship vouchers now available, families have the opportunity to unlock new possibilities for their children’s education, and applications and renewals for the 2024-25 school year are currently open to Florida residents.
Step Up for Students is dedicated to “empowering Florida students with personalized PreK3-12 education scholarships.” By partnering with schools like Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater, FL, Step Up for Students facilitates access to private education, enabling families to choose a school that aligns with their children’s academic and personal development goals. Through Step Up For Students Scholarships, students gain access to private schools that would otherwise be financially out of reach for their families. This includes students who have experienced bullying finding a fresh start in a supportive environment, struggling readers receiving additional support to excel academically, and students with unique abilities accessing specialized programs and materials tailored to their needs.
These opportunities are made possible through the generosity of Florida residents, who continually “step up” for Florida students. Through various initiatives such as tax programs, individual donations, workplace giving, and planned giving, they enable students to thrive from preschool through high school and beyond. Step Up For Students is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve academic success.
Families interested in accessing Step Up for Students scholarships at Lakeside Christian School can find support and guidance through our school office by calling 727-461-3311 or emailing office@lakesidechristianschool.org.
Step Up for Students offers a range of scholarship programs, including the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO). These scholarships provide K-12 students, regardless of household income, with the means to attend private schools like Lakeside Christian School. Scholarship amounts vary and cover not only tuition but also other related expenses such as registration, books, testing, and fees. While scholarship amounts for the 2024-25 school year are pending finalization, families can anticipate an average scholarship of $7,800, making private education accessible and affordable.
Priority is given to families whose household income falls within 400% of the poverty level or below, as outlined in the income priority guidelines. Additionally, certain criteria such as being a renewing student of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and/or Family Empowerment Scholarship, being a child in foster care or out-of-home care, or being homeless may also make students eligible for priority consideration. Families interested in applying for Step Up for Students scholarships can do so through the scholarship program’s website.
Choosing Lakeside Christian School as the recipient of your Step Up for Students scholarship offers numerous benefits for students and families alike. As one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside provides a comprehensive and Christ-centered education that prepares students for success in academics, character development, and spiritual growth. Through our partnership with Step Up for Students, families can access Lakeside’s academic programs, Christian educators, and safe environment without the financial burden often associated with private education. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond academics to encompass character development, leadership skills, and athletic performance.
Lakeside Christian School proudly partners with Step Up For Students to provide students with personalized educational opportunities that cater to their individual needs. By joining forces with Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, we contribute to a larger effort aimed at improving student achievement, strengthening instruction, and expanding school enrollment. Step Up For Students scholarships offer families the chance to afford private school tuition or other learning options that best suit their children’s educational needs.
Step Up For Students scholarships offer families the chance to afford private school tuition or other learning options that best suit their children’s educational needs. Through programs like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Opportunities, students can access income-based financial aid for tuition and related expenses, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic success.
Additionally, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities provides aid for students with certain diagnoses, delivered in the form of an education savings account (ESA) that families can use for educational services and products. Furthermore, the Hope Scholarship offers financial assistance to students who have experienced bullying or violence at public schools, enabling them to attend a private school where they can feel safe and supported.
Private schools like Lakeside Christian School, which provide a robust learning environment and uphold high standards regarding personnel and facilities, are invited to participate in Step Up For Students scholarship programs at any time of the year. By meeting these standards and complying with scholarship statutes, Lakeside Christian School ensures that students receive the quality education they deserve, regardless of their financial circumstances.
At Lakeside Christian School, we are dedicated to unlocking opportunities and empowering students to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. With a Step Up for Students scholarship, families are investing in their children’s future, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. Our supportive community, dedicated educators, and Christ-centered approach to education ensure that every student receives the personalized support and guidance they need to unlock their full potential and pursue their dreams.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about how to use Step Up for Student scholarships at Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that education should be as unique as the students we serve. As a participating school in the Step Up for Students program in Clearwater, Florida, we are committed to empowering families to tailor their children’s educational journey, ensuring that each student receives the necessary support and resources to excel academically, socially, and spiritually. With Step Up for Students Scholarship vouchers now available, families have the opportunity to unlock new possibilities for their children’s education, and applications and renewals for the 2024-25 school year are currently open to Florida residents.
Step Up for Students is dedicated to “empowering Florida students with personalized PreK3-12 education scholarships.” By partnering with schools like Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater, FL, Step Up for Students facilitates access to private education, enabling families to choose a school that aligns with their children’s academic and personal development goals. Through Step Up For Students Scholarships, students gain access to private schools that would otherwise be financially out of reach for their families. This includes students who have experienced bullying finding a fresh start in a supportive environment, struggling readers receiving additional support to excel academically, and students with unique abilities accessing specialized programs and materials tailored to their needs.
These opportunities are made possible through the generosity of Florida residents, who continually “step up” for Florida students. Through various initiatives such as tax programs, individual donations, workplace giving, and planned giving, they enable students to thrive from preschool through high school and beyond. Step Up For Students is dedicated to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential and achieve academic success.
Families interested in accessing Step Up for Students scholarships at Lakeside Christian School can find support and guidance through our school office by calling 727-461-3311 or emailing office@lakesidechristianschool.org.
Step Up for Students offers a range of scholarship programs, including the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO). These scholarships provide K-12 students, regardless of household income, with the means to attend private schools like Lakeside Christian School. Scholarship amounts vary and cover not only tuition but also other related expenses such as registration, books, testing, and fees. While scholarship amounts for the 2024-25 school year are pending finalization, families can anticipate an average scholarship of $7,800, making private education accessible and affordable.
Priority is given to families whose household income falls within 400% of the poverty level or below, as outlined in the income priority guidelines. Additionally, certain criteria such as being a renewing student of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and/or Family Empowerment Scholarship, being a child in foster care or out-of-home care, or being homeless may also make students eligible for priority consideration. Families interested in applying for Step Up for Students scholarships can do so through the scholarship program’s website.
Choosing Lakeside Christian School as the recipient of your Step Up for Students scholarship offers numerous benefits for students and families alike. As one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside provides a comprehensive and Christ-centered education that prepares students for success in academics, character development, and spiritual growth. Through our partnership with Step Up for Students, families can access Lakeside’s academic programs, Christian educators, and safe environment without the financial burden often associated with private education. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond academics to encompass character development, leadership skills, and athletic performance.
Lakeside Christian School proudly partners with Step Up For Students to provide students with personalized educational opportunities that cater to their individual needs. By joining forces with Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, we contribute to a larger effort aimed at improving student achievement, strengthening instruction, and expanding school enrollment. Step Up For Students scholarships offer families the chance to afford private school tuition or other learning options that best suit their children’s educational needs.
Step Up For Students scholarships offer families the chance to afford private school tuition or other learning options that best suit their children’s educational needs. Through programs like the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Opportunities, students can access income-based financial aid for tuition and related expenses, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their academic success.
Additionally, the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities provides aid for students with certain diagnoses, delivered in the form of an education savings account (ESA) that families can use for educational services and products. Furthermore, the Hope Scholarship offers financial assistance to students who have experienced bullying or violence at public schools, enabling them to attend a private school where they can feel safe and supported.
Private schools like Lakeside Christian School, which provide a robust learning environment and uphold high standards regarding personnel and facilities, are invited to participate in Step Up For Students scholarship programs at any time of the year. By meeting these standards and complying with scholarship statutes, Lakeside Christian School ensures that students receive the quality education they deserve, regardless of their financial circumstances.
At Lakeside Christian School, we are dedicated to unlocking opportunities and empowering students to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually. With a Step Up for Students scholarship, families are investing in their children’s future, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. Our supportive community, dedicated educators, and Christ-centered approach to education ensure that every student receives the personalized support and guidance they need to unlock their full potential and pursue their dreams.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about how to use Step Up for Student scholarships at Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.