When Is The Right Time To Enroll Your Child Into Private School

Deciding to enroll your child in a private school is not an easy choice to make. It’s normal to feel like your child might not fit in or be afraid that a private school is just not the right fit for you or your child. However, private schools have been proven to not just be more inclusive than traditional public schools, but the early jump start the students get in the private school puts them way ahead of their peers.

Some of the best private schools are in Clearwater Florida, but when deciding whether or not to enroll your child you should consider three things, the increased academic rigor, school safety, and options beyond academics.

Increase Academic Rigor

In general private schools have a much more demanding graduation requirement than public schools. This is due to the fact that they prepare their students more as such they are tested to a much higher standard.

If your child is already showing signs of not being challenged in school or you would like for them to have a much more in-depth curriculum, then a private school might just be the perfect place for your child.

It is also never a bad idea to give your child the best possible start, luckily some of the best private elementary schools are in Clearwater Florida.

School Safety

All you have to do nowadays is turn on the news and see just how unsafe traditional public schools have become. With bullying, behavioral issues, and much more public schools are almost always rated among the lowest when it comes to safety.

Yet when you look at private schools all these cases of bullying or fighting among the student body drop by a significant margin. This in part is due to the students feeling challenged and heard, and secondly due to the highly trained staff they hire. The staff is better equipped and experienced to help your child work their way through what is troubling them.

Options Beyond Academics

When funding gets harder to find the first thing that is always cut from schools are extracurricular activities, band, football, and clubs these are always the first thing that goes. This is not the case in private schools. Not only will your child always have the extracurricular activities available to them, but they will also have many more opportunities to join new and unique clubs that can spark a new passion in them.

The Top Private Elementary Schools In Clearwater Florida

If everything above interests you and your child then at this stage you must be considering possible private schools. There are plenty of options to pick and each one is a good option, but Lakeside Christian School is unlike any other private schools currently available. With over 40+ years of experience, highly qualified staff, and an abundance of extracurricular activities ranging from K-12 Lakeside Christian School will help your child prepare from the very beginning till they are ready to move on.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us, Lakeside Christian School is the best private school in Clearwater Florida.

How Long Does Step Up for Student Scholarship Last?

One of the best scholarship programs that the state of Florida has seen in recent years is Step Up for Students. It allows students to get up to $7,700 per year to study in K-12 private schools. It is a way of helping students with special needs, students who are bullied, and students from low-income backgrounds to pay the tuition fees of private schools.

This program was created by merging two of the biggest Scholarship organizations, Florida P.R.I.D.E. and Children First. It has raised over $700 million – making it one of the biggest non-profit organizations in the country.

However, there are several questions regarding the eligibility requirement for the Step Up for Students program, including how long does the program last. In this article, we will demystify the answers to all those questions.

What are the Eligibility Requirements to Get into the Step Up for Student Scholarship?

The Step Up for Students program’s eligibility requirements change yearly based on inflation and other socio-economic conditions. So, for 2022-23, only households with a family of four and income up to $111,000 annual income are eligible to become part of this program.

The other factors that decide how long the Step up for Student Scholarship last depends upon the grade level of the students.

Age Eligibility for Step-Up for Students

Here are the details about the age requirement of the Step Up for Students Eligibility Program. Meeting these eligibility criteria will allow your kids to enroll in the Step Up For Students participating Schools in Clearwater, Florida, and other participating areas:

1. Students entering K.G. (Kindergarten) must be five years old before September 1st, 2022.
2. Students entering the first grade must be six years old before September 1st, 2022.

Other Eligibility Requirements

1. Siblings of students who are participating in the Family Empowerment Scholarship program are eligible for this scholarship.
2. Siblings of students who are eligible based on their special needs.
3. Children dependent on the United States Armed Forces members may qualify for the Step-up for Students program. In this instance, their household income is of little significance. This program includes the children of the Marine Corps, Space Force, reservists, Navy, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps.
4. Children who depend upon law enforcement officers are also eligible for part of the program.

What are the different benefits of Step Up for Students Scholarships?

Following are the different benefits of opting for Step Up for students in Clearwater, FL:

• 1. Access to High-Quality Education: The scholarship program enables students to attend high-quality private schools that they may not have been able to afford otherwise.
  2. Financial Assistance: The scholarship covers tuition and fees for eligible students, providing financial assistance to families who need it.
  3. Flexibility: Step Up for Students Scholarships offer flexibility in terms of school choice, allowing parents to choose the best school for their child, whether it is a religious, secular, or specialized school.
  4. Educational Opportunities: The program offers several different scholarship options, including the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship, Gardiner Scholarship, Hope Scholarship, Reading Scholarship, and Family Empowerment Scholarship. Each scholarship provides different educational opportunities for eligible students.
  5. Student Support: Step Up for Students Scholarships provide support services for students, including tutoring, mentoring, and career counseling, to help students succeed in school and beyond.

How Long Does Step Up for Student Scholarship Last?

Now comes the most important question – how long does the program last? Naturally, it lasts once the students fall outside the eligibility criteria.

1. If the income of a family up to four goes more than $111,000, or
2. Once the students finish school.

In other words, the Step Up Program for Student Scholarship helps students till the end of their school term.

Are you looking for the right Step Up for a Student participating in school in Clearwater, FL? Lakeside Christian School is the right choice for you. We will help instill valuable lessons in your child that will stay with them to help them throughout their lives.

To learn more, give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour today.

How Can I Afford to Send My Child to Private School?

The foundation of any civilization is education, which is why parents strive to provide their children with the best education possible, regardless of their financial background. However, with the ever-changing socio-economic conditions of the world, many parents are left wondering how they can afford to send their children to private schools.

Fortunately, Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, has the solution. If you’re seeking affordable private school options, here are a few things to consider.

Explore Less Costly Private Schools

Not all private schools are expensive. Day schools are generally less expensive than boarding schools and religious schools can be less costly than secular ones. Lakeside Christian School is a religious school that welcomes students of all races, nationalities, and ethnic origins, without discrimination. We offer a comprehensive program for our students and accept McKay and S.U.F.S. scholarships.

Search for Affordable Schools in Your Area

If you’re searching for other private school options, research great schools in your area and read their reviews. While some schools may be affordable due to lower fees, ensure that they don’t compromise on the quality of education.

Apply for Private School Scholarships

There are numerous scholarships available to students, including those from organizations such as Florida P.R.I.D.E. and Children First, offering scholarships like Step Up for Students. These scholarships provide up to $7,700 annually to low-income families, students with special needs, students who have been bullied, and children of family members in the armed forces.

Get Financial Aid

Many private schools offer financial aid to families who cannot afford full tuition. Options include tuition payment plans, tuition loans, grants, merit scholarships, outside scholarships, and discounts.

Join Lakeside Christian School

Lakeside Christian School offers truly affordable education without compromising on quality teaching. We have been providing education for all since 1975 and offer various scholarship options. Take the first step towards your child’s better future and join us at Lakeside Christian School.

To learn more, give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour today.

How to Apply for Private School Scholarships

Every child deserves a high-quality education, regardless of income. As one of the leading private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School is committed to providing individualized education guided by God for all children. Through various scholarship opportunities, you can provide your child with the best education and opportunities possible without worrying about the cost of tuition.

Read on to learn more about applying for the various scholarship programs available at Lakeside Christian School.

Private School Scholarship Programs in Clearwater, Florida

There are multiple scholarship programs available under Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL.

The most popular among them are the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship. There are also scholarship options for students with unique abilities.

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Established in 2001, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program offers an income tax credit for corporations that donate to SFOs or Scholarship Funding Organizations. This scholarship is aimed at expanding educational opportunities for children coming from low-income households so that they can achieve greater excellence in terms of education.

The eligibility criteria that must be met in order to benefit from the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program are as follows:

1. Student must be placed in the current or the previous fiscal year, or
2. The student’s name is on the direct certification list, or
3. The student’s family’s household income is not more than 185% of the federal poverty level
4. A student may be considered eligible if their household income is not more than 260% of the federal poverty line

Family Empowerment Scholarship Program

The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program bill was expanded to include two branches in 2022. The eligibility of the students is based on family income.

This scholarship provides K-12 students with options to choose among the participating private schools. Families must apply through one of the approved SFOs.

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities

The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program offers students with unique abilities who are as young as three years old access to additional options for educational institutes. Families can choose a different public school or receive a personal education savings account for their children.

With ESA funds, families can access private school tuition fees, online learning programs, private tutoring, higher education costs, college expenses, and other approved learning materials.

Applying for a Private School Scholarship

Here are the steps to apply for a private school scholarship to benefit from the programs mentioned above.

1. Visit the official website for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL
2. Select the scholarship that you want to apply for
3. Download the FTC handbook or FEC handbook to learn about the essential points associated with the scholarship
4. Click on Apply Now
5. Enter the user credentials
6. Follow on-screen instructions and upload the required documents

Information about the documents and additional information about the eligibility criteria are detailed in the scholarship handbooks.

Lakeside Christian School – A Leading Private Middle School in Clearwater, FL

If you are looking for quality education for your children, consider Lakeside Christian School. As a leading private middle school in Clearwater, FL, we offer the best education for your child, regardless of your household income.

To learn more, give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour today.

School Choice for Hispanic Families

The achievement gap among Hispanic students is an issue that Lakeside Christian School works hard to eliminate. According to the Washington Examiner, the Latino dropout rate is 65% higher than white students, and 40% higher than black students. Contributing to this statistic is the fact that public school options provided to students often do not deliver education that can create transformation in their lives and future.

Read on to learn more about how Lakeside Christian School, a leading Christian high school in Clearwater, FL focuses on the importance of school choice for Hispanic families.

What Is School Choice?

The term “School Choice” refers to parents and guardians having an increased opportunity to select schools their children can attend from elementary to secondary education. Typically, children are assigned to a public school based on where the parents or guardians live, significantly limiting their pool to choose from.

The absence of school choice can lead to racial, ethnic, and economic isolation, which can deter a child from growing.

The Need for School Choice for Hispanic Families

The “one-size-fits-all” approach leaves room for many students to be left behind, a fact that may be contributing to the Hispanic student achievement gap.

Studies show that in a class with 100 students, out of which 30 would be Latino, eight will drop out before graduating high school. It is crucial that your child’s school knows the gap that Hispanic students face, and works to tailor their approach and properly address it. At Lakeside Christian School, one of the top Christian middle schools in Clearwater, FL, we know how important it is to treat each child like the unique individual they are.

What Are the Benefits of School Choice?

School choice provides families with many benefits, some of which are as follows.

Add Student Safety

School choice options protect students from schools where bullying and gang-related violence are common. Research has noted that school choice participants are 50% less likely to commit felonies than those who went to local public schools.

Higher Family Involvement

When parents and guardians are actively involved in deciding where their child attends school, they are more likely to remain involved throughout the school year. This involvement and attention from parents and guardians is crucial to guiding children throughout their academic career and beyond.

At Lakeside Christian School, we are committed to involving the family as much as possible to enrich the lives of our students.

Thorough Religious Education

Religion is a prominent factor in many Hispanic families. While religion is not traditionally taught in public school systems, school choice allows families the option to place their child in an environment guided by God.

Lakeside Christian Schools offers a leading option for Christian middle schools in Clearwater, FL and Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL that help students learn while embracing their faith. We are built on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others, and this care is demonstrated through the relationships between all members of the Lakeside Christian School family.

Scholarships for Low-Income Families

Over 19% of Latino households in Florida live below the federal poverty line, which often deters families from providing a high-quality education to their children. With school choice, these families can apply for scholarships, such as Mckay Scholarships, Step Up For Students Scholarships, and FACTS Scholarships, and find the best possible schooling for their children without the worry of finances. To learn more about our variety of scholarships, click here. 

Enroll Your Child in Lakeside Christian School

At Lakeside Christian School, we are dedicated to providing an environment where all students can embrace their spirituality and reach their full potential, despite financial status.

To learn more about what makes us a leading Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, call us at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour today.

October 2022 – School Newsletter

Scholarships for Children of First Responders

Our nation’s first responders deserve our appreciation. With no thought of their own lives, they push forward to be the first in line to help with any emergency. That is why the scholarship Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL exists.

A Florida Tax Credit program that began in 1998, Step Up for Students was originally conceived as a program to help children of lower-income families have a say when it comes to choosing the school that they go to. Since its inception, it has grown to serve up to 80,000 students all across Florida.

How is the Step Up for Students Program Different from the Rest

Many initiatives in this country aim to improve children’s lives. But Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL is different in one major way – The Department of Education Manages it.

Being one of the two major non-profit School Funding Organizations in the region, it issues scholarships after analyzing whether the students are suitable for one of the following scholarships:

1. The Reading Scholarship
2. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship
3. The Gardiner Scholarship
4. The Family Empowerment Scholarship
5. The Hope Scholarship

What are the Advantages of Step Up for Students Scholarships

Parents Can Have a Say in Where Their Child Can Study

Every parent wants what is best for their children, regardless of income, however, Clearwater, Florida, currently has a 15.4% poverty rate. Through the Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, the parents living there can provide their children with a high-quality education.

Providing Better Opportunities Regardless of Learning Disadvantages

It is not only the economic disadvantage from which this scholarship program uplifts; it is also students who struggle academically.

For instance, one in every ten people suffers from dyslexia. It is a debilitating factor that many have ignored. But in Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, specialists can teach these kids with special needs, making learning easier and more streamlined.

Special Benefits for Children of First Responders and Children from Military Families

Children of first responders deserve special attention. The fear of losing their parents in the line of duty can cause stress and hurt their self-esteem – filling them with fear.

Thankfully, Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL, also has special benefits for these children. This scholarship helps first responder parents afford the best education for their kids.

Why Scholarships for Children of First Responders

We salute the fact that first responders put their lives on the line to preserve the lives of others. At Lakeside Christian School, we also realize that the number of first responders lost to suicide is on the rise. Therefore, bringing the children of first responders into our scholarship programs is a way to secure the future of the first responders’ families.

Our aim is not just to enhance lives, but to help save them.

You can know more about Step Up for Students scholarship programs at their official website, or by contacting us at Lakeside Christian School today.

Scholarship Options for Private Schools

Clearwater once held the record for most consecutive days of sunshine at 768 days. For this reason, it is evident that God’s creation continues to bless us all. However, when it comes to education, many people are still disadvantaged.

17,500 of every 115,000 people live below the poverty line in Clearwater, Florida. But, their lack of income should never deter their dreams of education. That is why at Lakeside Christian School, we offer many scholarships for private schools so that their children still receive the best education.

Here is the list of Scholarship Options that you can look into for private schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Step Up for Students Scholarships

The Step Up for Students Scholarship is one of the most sought-after scholarship funds in Clearwater, Florida. With this, you can enroll your children in participating private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, private high schools in Clearwater, FL, and private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.

This scholarship is in demand because it allows parents to get their children into institutions that can offer the best growth opportunities. Moreover, the family members of active military personnel can also take advantage of this scholarship, and get rewarded up to $7,000 for their educational needs.

FACTS Scholarship

If your family income is above the Step Up limits, and you still need access to more affordable tuition, the FACTS scholarship assessment has you covered.

With this option, you send your children to any participating elementary school, high school, or private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida. Under this scholarship, a targeted financial response can be offered to help bring the tuition cost in line with a parent’s ability to pay.

McKay (FES-UA) Scholarship

The McKay scholarship is meant for children with special circumstances. 30,000 students have access to this fund every year, giving them a chance to attend a suitable private school. However, this scholarship doesn’t only cover private schools, but also public schools. For instance, if you want your child to be enrolled in a school that can facilitate teaching for their special needs, you can do so.

While the term “special needs” tends to be ambiguous, let us give you some clarification in this regard. “Special needs” refers to:

1. Students who have learning disabilities
2. Students that have special mobility needs
3. Students that require adaptive equipment to stay functional
4. Students with several food allergies

That said, there are other requirements that a student must meet to become eligible for this scholarship.

1. The student must have spent a year in a Florida Public school or
2. The student must be enrolled and reported for funding by Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, or
3. The student must have received services from the SIS program (Specialized Instructional Services).

Family Empowerment Scholarship

The Family Empowerment Scholarship Programs are for students with unique abilities. Families with special-needs children as young as three years old can benefit from this program. It offers two options to the parents of such students:

1. Enroll their children in another public school
2. Or receive a Personal Educational Savings Account (ESA).

The money from the Personal Educational Savings Account can then be used to pay tuition fees in private schools.

There Are Other Scholarship Options as Well

Whether your children will be attending private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, private high schools in Clearwater, FL, or private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL,  there are many scholarship options for you, including the AA, Florida Tax Credit, Opportunity, and more.

Learn more about Lakeside Christian Schools and contact us today to hear about the wide range of scholarships available here for your children.

Step Up for Students First Responders Program – What You Need to Know

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which started in 1998 with the aim of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school, eventually led to the creation of Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL scholarships.

Ever since it began by supporting 750 children in Florida, Step Up for Students has expanded to assist approximately 80,000 students across the entire state. The scholarship enables parents to send their children to participating private schools if they feel they are not getting a decent education at their neighborhood schools.

What Makes the Step Up for Students Program Different?

The Step Up for Students scholarship program is exceptional because it concentrates on students with the fewest alternatives for improving their educational quality. According to research, Step Up for Students scholarships primarily help low-performing students, and they give parents a chance to help their kids succeed.

With the help of Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL, schools offer high-quality education in preparation for a better future. This award has become more valuable every year and gives young, talented people a chance to pay for private education.

Is Step Up for Students Available for Private Middle Schools in Clearwater, Florida?

Yes, Lakeside Christian School accepts and rewards middle school children whose parents are eligible for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL.

Lakeside Christian is one of the few private high schools in Clearwater, Florida, to extend this scholarship to students of all age groups.

Through this program, the Lakeside Christian School is enabling students across economic and social backgrounds to access high-quality education that was previously only available to those with financial means.

All children are provided with the process, curriculum, and resources necessary by the K–12 private school to learn more quickly than they would in a regular classroom.

Unaffected by parent poverty, a sizable portion of children both locally and nationally have severe deficiencies in prior grade-level skills, which hinders their success in high school and college.

How Can I Apply?

Parents and students who are interested in applying for the scholarship must go to stepupforstudents.org and select the “Learn More/Apply Now” tab. Enrollment is currently open for the academic year 2022–2023. Click the “Apply” button for the next step.

Users are first led to the registration page of the portal. Here, you must fill in the name, email address, and contact information, as well as set up a password. You will be required to provide further information supported by pertinent documents after logging in with your registered account, including:

• Paycheck stubs (30 consecutive days closest to when you submit your application)
• Residence documentation for every household member (e.g., health insurance, Medicaid, income paperwork, energy bills, court custody records, or a residential lease identifying all household members)
• All potential sources of income (for example, unemployment payments, social security benefits, child support benefits, and so on)
• Primary and secondary parents’ licenses, passports, etc.
• Members of the US Armed Forces may be requested for a copy of the Leave and Earning Statements (LES)

The first step is to ascertain your eligibility for the program, and only then can you complete the entire registration process. The website has clearly listed all the eligibility criteria for this purpose.

Do you have questions regarding the Lakeside Christian Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL application procedure? Please call us today at (727) 239-7808 or visit our website.

Can’t Afford to Send Your Child to Private School? Think Again! New Income Limits for Step Up for Students

Worried that your child will miss out on improved educational quality because you do not have the resources to send them to a private school? Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL is here to change that!

New Income Limits for Step Up for Students Scholarship Program

Step Up for Students scholarships are a product of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which was started in 1998 with the aim of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school.

The program has expanded since its founding in Clearwater, Florida, to now support almost 80,000 students throughout the state. If parents feel that their children are not receiving a quality education at their neighborhood public schools, the scholarship enables them to send their children to participating private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Private high schools in Clearwater, Florida are also able to provide their neighborhood with a high-quality elementary education as a means of assisting kids in building brighter futures, thanks to the Step Up for Students grant. The Step Up for Students program offers young, bright minds the chance to pursue a private education and is also accessible to private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Who Can Apply to the Program?

A family of four with a yearly income of up to $111,000 is one example of who would be qualified for the 2022–23 academic year. The residence and grade level of the student are used to calculate the scholarship amount. Please click here to view the 2022–2023 scholarship award amounts.

In terms of age criteria:

• Students entering kindergarten must be five years old by September 1.
• First-graders must turn six years old by September 1.
• Siblings of Family Empowerment Scholarship recipients, including siblings of children who qualify because of a specific need, are other families who may be eligible for a scholarship.
• Dependent children of a member of the US armed forces may be qualified, regardless of household income. Included are reservists and members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Space Force. Click here to find out more.
• Regardless of household income, children of a law enforcement officer who depend on their parents for financial support. Click here to find out more.

How to Apply for the Step Up for Students Scholarship at Lakeside Christian School?

The same educational advantages that were previously only available to those with financial means are now available to everyone, thanks to Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl at Lakeside Christian School.

The K–12 private school provides all children with the methods, materials, and curriculum they require to learn more quickly than they would in a traditional classroom. Parents and students who are interested in applying for the scholarship must go to stepupforstudents.org and select the “Learn More/Apply Now” tab. Enrollment is now open for the academic year 2022–2023. To move on to the next step of the application process, simply click the “Apply” button.

Sign up for an account on the website and provide personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, and password. You can provide the supporting documentation requested at registration, including identification documents, evidence of residency, income documentation from all sources, including pay stubs, and special documentation if you are a member of the armed forces.

Do you have questions or need assistance with the application process at Lakeside Christian, one of the top schools for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Florida? Contact us today by submitting a contact request form or calling us at (727) 239-7809.