Step Up for Students Scholarships at Lakeside Christian School
Lakeside Christian School partners exclusively with the Step Up For Students Scholarship to make K–12 private education more accessible for families in Clearwater and Pinellas County, FL. We are proud to accept Step Up scholarships, helping families pursue a strong academic and faith-centered education without placing an undue financial burden on their household.
Step Up Scholarships at a Glance
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Scholarships typically average around $8,000 per year for tuition and eligible costs.
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Applications are open annually for the upcoming school year.
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Eligible Florida residents may apply regardless of household income, with priority given to families with lower incomes
Helping Students Find Success Through Affordability
Step Up for Students is Florida’s largest scholarship organization, administering private school scholarships through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program and related education choice options. These scholarships help qualified Florida students attend participating private schools by providing financial assistance that may be used for tuition, fees, and other approved educational expenses. Award amounts vary by grade level and county, and funds are typically deposited into an education savings account that families can use to support their child’s education at Lakeside.
Faith in Action
According to Lakeside Christian School administrator, Jim Jensen:
“The Step Up for Students scholarship allows our school to meet the intent of its mission and purpose statements: to reach out to all, in their surrounding neighborhoods, with an education quality that prospers the future of our community both spiritually and economically. Though the amount of the Step Up for Students scholarship has grown year by year, it still remains below the cost of providing private education delivered with a high degree of quality. We would be outside the boundary of what I believe Scripture mandates of us a followers of Jesus Christ if we served only those with the financial ability to cover the true cost of private education.”
Affordable Christian Education Through Step Up For Students
Families in Clearwater and Tampa Bay, Florida can use the Step Up For Students Scholarship to access Lakeside’s strong K-12 academics, competitive athletic programs, and biblical worldview education.
Step Up for Student Scholarship FAQs
Florida students who are eligible to attend a public K–12 school may apply through Step Up For Students. Eligibility requirements, award amounts, and priority categories are determined by the state of Florida and the scholarship organization. Families must apply directly through Step Up’s online portal each year.
Yes. Lakeside Christian School proudly participates in the Step Up For Students scholarship program and accepts eligible scholarship funds toward tuition and approved educational expenses.
Scholarship award amounts vary by grade level and county of residence, though the average amount per student is $8000. Funds are awarded by Step Up For Students and can be applied toward tuition and certain qualifying expenses at participating private schools like Lakeside Christian School.
Families must apply directly through the Step Up For Students website. Applications for the 2026-2027 school just opened on February 1.
Applications typically open for the upcoming school year several months in advance. We encourage families to apply early, as funding and deadlines are determined by the scholarship organization.
No. Students must complete Lakeside Christian School’s admissions process separately. Admission decisions are made by the school, and scholarship approval is handled independently through Step Up For Students.
Yes. Both new and returning Florida students may apply each year through Step Up For Students, subject to eligibility guidelines and renewal requirements.
Our admissions team is happy to guide you through the application steps and help you understand how the scholarship works alongside Lakeside’s enrollment process.
- email: chelms@lakesidechristianschool.org
- phone: 727-461-3311