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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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:
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
If you fear that your child is falling behind, schedule a tour at our private middle school in Clearwater, FL.
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.
The time your child spends in elementary school, especially in grades K-2, is crucial for their growth. It’s during this time that children develop many of the habits that lead to either success or frustration in middle and high school. In this article, we explore three important ways that parents and teachers can foster a child’s development. These are just some considerations to keep in mind when searching for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL.
Your child is doing some serious growing in these early years, both mentally and physically. It’s your duty as a parent to make sure that your child is ready to face the challenges and lessons of school. Be sure that your child is going to bed early and getting plenty of sleep. Generally, your little one should be getting 10-12 hours of sleep each night. Have a nutritious breakfast and packed lunch ready for them in the morning to ensure they have enough energy to focus on their school work throughout the day.
By becoming a strong reader, your child can discover a healthy hobby and ignite a passion for learning that can last the rest of their life. It is perhaps the most important skill that your child can acquire, as evidenced by a study published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The ability to read by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school, life-long earning potential and their ability to contribute to the nation’s economy and its security.” At Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, in addition to providing regular literature lessons, we help our students develop their reading ability and habits by giving extra credit to students who turn in a summer reading log.
Although a student’s surroundings, family, and upbringing all play critical roles in their development, teachers remain “the most important factor contributing to student achievement.” Elementary school teachers are among the first role models our children emulate. It’s from them that students learn some of their first and most important lessons in life, which is why all of our professional education staff members meet or exceed the qualifications required by our accreditation agencies. Our team of effective educators strives to give each student the attention and guidance they need — a goal they accomplish with data-driven instruction and small class sizes. If you are interested in how our teachers deliver on our mission to provide every child with a high-quality education, schedule a 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.
There are several Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, including Lakeside Christian School. As you probably know, Step Up For Students is a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization dedicated to helping students gain access to better opportunities for academic success. This unique program supports multiple scholarships designed to balance the scales for low-income families as well as students with disabilities or those facing other challenges.
If you are interested in enrolling your child in Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, you will have to select the right school to support your child’s journey for knowledge. In this article, we will discuss some of the additional benefits to enrolling your child at Lakeside Christian School, which not only offers Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, but also provides students with the opportunity to “achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals.”
Step Up For Students scholarships give parents more control over where their child attends school, but it’s still important to ensure that this scholarship is being used to give your child the best opportunity available. One benefit of attending one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, is that your student will be prepared for the future. For instance, Lakeside Christian School divides elementary, middle, and high school into three distinct, laser-focused divisions.
Another benefit of enrolling in a Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, is the fact that your child can benefit not only academically but also spiritually. In a caring Chrisitan environment, your child will always feel welcomed and loved. They will experience God’s teachings through lessons that incorporate biblical principles and encourage them to love God and others. The tight-knit community at Lakeside Christian School helps bolster success for all students by encouraging students to embrace their strengths and overcome weaknesses with the support of their friends and teachers.
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.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
Parents of Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, Click Here.