Choosing the right private school for your child is an important decision that should be handled with the utmost discretion. When you visit a prospective private school and take a school tour, you don’t want to let your guide do all the talking. Let your voice be heard and ask these four important questions to ensure that you’re making the right choice for your child’s education.
Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization with an important goal: help parents “pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children.” When touring a school, be sure to ask if the school is one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL. Participating schools, like Lakeside Christian School, allow parents to take advantage of beneficial scholarships, including the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship and Gardiner Scholarship.
According to the Florida Department of Education, “There is no state law requiring private schools to be accredited, and there is no state regulation of private school accrediting agencies. Some private schools choose to become accredited.” Although being accredited isn’t mandatory, the majority of postsecondary training programs, colleges, and prospective employers will require an applicant’s diploma and transcript to come from an accredited school. In other words, you want to enroll your child in a school that has gone the extra mile to validate your child’s education. Lakeside Christian School is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Every private school is unique, building their curriculum around the lessons and values they deem most important. Parents should inquire about a prospective school’s purpose and philosophy to see if these values align with their own. Some private schools are vocational, focusing on particular skills to help students succeed after high school. Others incorporate biblical lessons to help students develop spiritually as they grow cognitively. Before you enroll your child in a private school, you should be absolutely certain that the school’s direction is the right direction for your child.
Private school academic programs aren’t defined by Florida’s public education statutes, so parents must be willing to probe schools to figure out whether or not their academic program is sufficient for their children. Some specific questions parents should ask include:
There are over 2,500 private schools in the State of Florida, each one different from the others. Determining the best option for your child is no easy task, but asking the right questions can help you simplify your choice. Do you need a school that offers Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL? Would you prefer a school that is accredited? Take your time when making your selection and you’ll never second-guess the outcome.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.