Is Your Child Eligible for a Private School Scholarship?

The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program began in 1998 with the objective of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school. The Step Up for Students scholarship is one of the most beneficial scholarship programs for private school students.

Since its inception in Clearwater, Florida, Step Up for Students has grown to serve approximately 80,000 students across the state. The scholarship allows parents to send their children to participating private schools if they believe their children are not receiving proper education at their local public schools.

Learn more today about whether your child is eligible for a private school scholarship through Step Up for Students.

Who Is the Step up for Students Scholarship Program for?

Students who have the fewest alternatives for improving their educational quality are eligible for the Step Up for Students funding program. Step Up for Kids grants primarily aid low-performing pupils and allow parents to assist their children in reaching success.

The Step Up for Students grant allows private elementary schools in Clearwater, Fl to deliver a high-quality elementary education to their community in order to help them achieve a better future. The Step Up for Students scholarship is also available for private middle schools in Clearwater, Fl, and private high schools in Clearwater, Fl, providing young, bright minds with the opportunity to receive a high-quality, private education.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Step up for Students Scholarship?

A family of four with an annual income of up to $111,000 is one example of who would be eligible for the 2022-23 school year. The scholarship amount is determined by the student’s residence and grade level. Please click here to see the scholarship award amounts for 2022-23.

In terms of age,

  • Kindergarten students must be 5 years old by September 1st
  • Students entering first grade must be six years old by September 1st

Other families that are eligible for a scholarship include:

  • Siblings of Family Empowerment Scholarship participants, including siblings of children who are eligible due to a particular need
  • Regardless of home income, dependent children of a member of the United States Armed Forces may be eligible. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Space Force, as well as reservists, are included. To learn more, click here.
  • Children of law enforcement officers who are financially reliant on their parents, regardless of home income are included. To learn more, click here.

Is Step Up for Students Scholarship Available at the Lakeside Christian School?

Yes, Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private high schools in Clearwater, Fl, accepts students from the Clearwater area whose parents qualify for the Step Up for Students award.

Through the Step Up for Students scholarships and Lakeside Christian School, the same educational benefits that were previously solely available to those with financial means are now available to everyone. All students at our K-12 private school receive the top curriculum and resources they need to learn more quickly than they would in a regular classroom. Regardless of parental status, there is a large segment of children, both nationally and locally, who have significant gaps in prior grade-level skills, preventing them from succeeding in high school and college.

Do you have questions about the Lakeside Christian School application process? Contact us today and learn more from one of our trained staff members.

How to Apply for the Step Up for Students Scholarship

Step Up for Students scholarships are a key component of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which began in 1998 with the goal of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school. 

Since its inception, Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl has grown from helping 750 students to nearly 80,000 students across the state. If parents believe their children are not receiving quality education in their local schools, the scholarship permits them to send their children to participating private schools.

Why Apply for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Florida?

The Step Up for Students scholarship program is unique in that it focuses on students who have the fewest options for enhancing their education. Step Up for Students scholarships, according to research, primarily benefit low-performing students, and they give an opportunity for parents to assist their children in achieving success.

The Step Up for Students award enables schools to provide a high-quality education to their community for a better future. The Step Up for Students scholarship has increased in value each year and offers a chance for young, bright minds to secure private education. 

Is Step Up for Students Clearwater Florida Available at the Lakeside Christian School?

Lakeside Christian School, is the best private school in Clearwater, Fl, and welcomes students whose parents qualify for the Step Up for Students scholarship from the Clearwater area. 

The same benefits of educational quality that were previously only available to those with financial means are now open to everybody through the Step Up for Students scholarships and Lakeside Christian School. 

The K-12 private school gives all students the curriculum and tools they need to learn faster than they would in a traditional classroom. Regardless of parent income, there is a huge segment of children, both nationally and locally, who have significant gaps in preceding grade-level skills, which impede their achievement in high school and college.

How to Apply for the Step Up for Students Clearwater, Fl Program at Lakeside Christian?

To apply for the scholarship, interested students/parents must visit the Step Up for Students website and click on the “Learn More/Apply Now” button. Admissions are open for the 2022-23 school year. All you need to do is hit on the “Apply” button to enter the next stage of the application process. 

Users must first register on the website if they haven’t already done so. For this, they must share personal details including name, email address, contact information, and password. Upon logging in with your registered account, you will be asked to produce some more information supported by relevant documents, including:

  • Paycheck stubs (30 consecutive days closest to when you submit your application)
  • Proof of residency for all household members (e.g., health insurance, Medicaid, income paperwork, energy bills, court custody records, or a residential lease identifying all household members)
  • Any other sources of income (for example, unemployment payments, social security benefits, child support benefits, and so on)
  • Driver’s license or passport of primary and secondary parents
  • A copy of the Leave and Earning Statements may be requested from members of the US Armed Forces (LES)

Before completing the entire registration process, the first step is to determine whether or not your child is eligible for the program. The easiest way is to visit the Step up for Students scholarship details page and find all eligibility requirements listed. 

If you need information or help on the application process at Lakeside Christian, one of the best Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, Fl, please contact us today.

Do Private Schools in Clearwater, FL Accept Scholarships?

Private schools can often offer more individualized and tailored education for students. With smaller class sizes and more unique programs, many families seek out private school education for children. 

As one of the most beneficial scholarship programs in Florida, Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl is one of several scholarships accepted at Lakeside Christian School. To learn more about our top scholarship program option, read on.

What Is the Step Up for Students Scholarship?

Started in 1998, the Step Up for Students Scholarship serves over 80,000 students across Florida and is a product of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. The goal of this scholarship is to allow parents the opportunity to enroll their children in private schools without financial burden. 

This scholarship helps students with the most limited options for expanding their education, like those in low-middle income families, those that are victims of bullying or abuse, and those with special needs. It also allows educators to accelerate student learning beyond the normal pace of mainstream education. 

If you are a parent wondering how you can afford to send your child to the best private schools in Clearwater, Fl, the Step Up for Students scholarship may be a good fit for your family. 

Scholarships at Lakeside Christian School

Every year, Lakeside Christain School provides qualified students and families with more than $250,000 in financial assistance. And, Step Up for Students is not the only scholarship accepted. 

We also accept the McKay Scholarship, available to all current students in the public school system who have a qualified IEP or 504 plan for specific learning issues. Additionally, the FACTS Scholarship is an income-based program that covers 100 percent of tuition and is available for all parents who desire their children to attend Lakeside Christian School.

Depending on your child’s unique needs, they may be eligible for one of our scholarships. 

Schedule a Tour at Lakeside Christian School Today

At Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, Fl, our team is dedicated to serving all kinds of families and students, not just those with financial ability. If you’re searching for the top elementary and middle schools or the best private high schools in Clearwater, Fl, call us at (727) 239-7808 or complete our contact request form to schedule a tour today.

3 Things You Can Do to Prepare Your Child for College Now

Adjusting to life in college is difficult for many students and families. From a new campus to new classmates and professors, there are many changes that must be prepared for. The good news is, that there are many ways that parents can help their child prepare no matter their age. 

The team at Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, Fl, our team has over 40 years of experience in building on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others, as well as preparing students for life in college and beyond. 

To learn three steps parents can take to help their children prepare for college today from the team at Lakeside Christian School, read on. 

1. Visit College Campuses

It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s life in college. Whether they’re in high school or elementary school, getting a head start on planning for college can only help them feel more prepared and confident when the time comes. 

Before visiting college and university campuses in your area, be sure to talk to your child about their academic and career goals. While these goals will likely change before and during college, it can provide a general idea of what kind of schools to look into. For example, if your child is interested in math and science, their college options may look different from a child interested in performing arts. 

Once you have a basic idea of what your child is interested in pursuing, touring college campuses can provide valuable insight into programs, course offerings, and student life. Parents can often speak directly with college administrators and student leaders, and witness firsthand what college may look like for their child. Children can also find inspiration when touring college campuses and get a better understanding of how to achieve their goals.

2. Research Private Schools and Scholarships

When researching a Clearwater private school for children, many parents find it difficult to navigate the many options that may be available. But, it’s important to find a school that will not only provide your child with the highest quality education but also life skill development and financial assistance when needed. 

At Lakeside Christina School, our team is dedicated to improving measurable academic outcomes for all learners. This is done through consistent application and integration of research-based best practices into our educational product and learning environment.

As one of the Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, Fl, we also offer financial assistance in the form of four separate funds for lower to middle-income families, victims of bullying or violence, and students with special needs and unique abilities. This scholarship helps Lakes Christian School provide individualized attention to students that might be facing more hurdles than the typical public school student. 

A crucial step in preparing your child for college is conducting thorough research on private schools and scholarships in your area that may be able to aid in their growth.

3. Invest in Extracurricular Activities

An often overlooked component of preparing for college is extracurricular activities. When reviewing applications, colleges want to see more than just good grades. Admissions officers are looking for students who are well-rounded, passionate, and able to juggle multiple responsibilities. 

Athletics are some of the most popular extracurricular activities for students to participate in. Through sports like cross country, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, soccer, and more, students can learn skills like commitment, unity, responsibility, discipline, respect, and integrity. 

You may also consider investing in extracurricular activities like art classes, volunteering opportunities, and leadership clubs. These provide children with the necessary skills and experiences that will help them become the more balanced person that is prepared for college.

Contact Lakeside Christian School Today for a Tour

At Lakeside Christian School, we know how important college is for many students and parents. We also know that each child has unique goals and needs. By tailoring our approach for each student and providing scholarships like Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl, parents can feel confident in knowing that their children are prepared for college. 

To learn more about our unique programs, complete our contact request form or call us at (727) 239-7808 to schedule a tour today.

Choosing a Private School During the COVID-19 Pandemic

When high schools across America went to virtual learning in early March of 2020, it was easy to think that the extra time at home was nothing more than a bonus Spring Break. Now, 2021 has rolled around, and the COVID-19 pandemic is still far from over. Each and every day, we are being forced to reevaluate the way we think, the way we work, the way we live, and the way we educate our children. For example, right now, your student could be getting their education through any number of formats, including in-person learning, e-learning, or a combination of the two.

 

However, even while many aspects of the world may still be on pause, your child’s education is something that just can’t wait. Admissions offices understand that parents are pressured to make the best informed decision they can for their child’s education and are finding new ways to connect with families and prospective students every day, providing more than enough opportunities for parents to learn about and engage with their schools. In this brief article, we’ll be going over just a few of the most important steps you can take to choose the best private school out of the Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, during the pandemic.

 

Related: Private Schools Catch Parents’ Eye As COVID-19 Surges

 

Connect Virtually

 

Typically, the easiest way to learn about a school is to attend an open house or schedule a tour. This gives you a chance to learn the basic facts about the school, the type of students who go there, and what their classes are like before delving into some of the more nuanced aspects of what makes the school unique. However, with the pandemic and other considerations in mind, you might not be able or willing to schedule a tour of a prospective private school.

 

In this case, it’s important to remember that there are a multitude of options available for you to connect virtually with your school of choice, such as attending a virtual open house, visiting their website, or tuning in to a virtual information session. If this is a return “visit” to find out more about a particular area of the school, such as extracurriculars, curriculum, or the specifics of a college prep program, then a private Zoom call may be more appropriate. No matter which method you choose, connecting virtually with a private school is an outstanding chance to get a glimpse into the school’s larger culture and values, the success they choose to showcase, and how they express its mission.

 

Related: Narrowing Down Your Choice of Private Christian Schools in Clearwater

 

Speak With Other Parents

 

After visiting the website or taking a virtual visit to a prospective Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, your next step should be to reach out to any parents whose children currently attend the school you are considering. These conversations will help you get a better sense of what goes on inside the classroom and out, and ask questions about a wide variety of topics ranging from the school’s culture to its handling of remote learning during the lockdown. Below, we’ve outlined some basic questions you may want to consider asking other parents:

 

  • Is your child happy at this school? Why or why not?
  • What do you feel sets this school apart from others?
  • Is there a strong sense of community at this school?
  • Do you feel as if your child gets personalized attention from teachers, coaches, and other advisors?

 

Whether these parents rave about the school or give it less than stellar reviews, it’s important to remember that their opinion should not be the final say in your decision. Wait until you have conducted proper research and met with admissions officers before formulating an educated opinion. And, as always, be sure that you are taking the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of your child into consideration when selecting a school/

 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the top Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Take Control of Your Child’s Education with the Gardiner Scholarship

For the vast majority of children in the United States, a good education is largely contingent on the school they attend. In most states, this depends on where the child lives and limits school choice to those parents who can either afford to move to a better school district or pay private school tuition. However, in Florida, this underperformance in K-12 public schools has been counteracted with a variety of school choice programs, vouchers, scholarship tax credits, and online learning alternatives for parents to take control of their child’s education. One state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization, for example, awarded scholarships to approximately 99,113 economically disadvantaged students during the 2020-21 school year.

In today’s brief article, we’ll be reviewing how you can take advantage of just one of the five key scholarships available for Florida schoolchildren through Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL — the Gardiner Scholarship. This scholarship program, whose name honors Florida Senate President Andy Gardiner who led the legislative effort to create it, helps parents across Florida individualize the education plans for their children with certain special needs. This is accomplished by directing money toward a combination of programs and approved providers, including schools, therapists, curriculum, technology, and a college savings account.

 

Related: Are You Looking For School Options For Your Child? Consider Step Up For Students.

 

Determining Eligibility for the Gardiner Scholarship

Since the Gardiner Scholarship is intended for children with certain special needs, your student is only eligible if he or she has one of the following disabilities:

 

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Phelan McDermid syndrome
  • Prader-Willi syndrome
  • Spina bifida
  • Williams syndrome
  • Intellectual disability (severe cognitive impairment)
  • Rare diseases as defined by the National Organization for Rare Disorders
  • Anaphylaxis
  • Deaf
  • Visually impaired
  • Dual sensory impaired
  • Traumatic brain injured
  • Hospital or homebound as defined by State Board of Education
  • Deemed high-risk due to developmental delays (applies to 3-5 year-olds)

 

In order to prove that your student is eligible, you will need to provide validation of his or her diagnosis from a Florida physician, psychologist, or physician who holds an active license issued by another state or territory of the United States. To demonstrate that your student is dual sensory impaired or hospital or homebound, a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) is required. And while students can participate in the scholarship program as part of home education, they cannot be enrolled in a public school or receive any other state-sponsored scholarship, such as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship. Lastly, this scholarship is only available for students 3 years old through 12th grade or age 22, whichever comes first.

 

Related: Everything Parents Need To Know About The Gardiner Scholarship

 

Preparing for the 2021-22 Application Season

For those parents who are looking to take control of their child’s education and believe they may be eligible for the Gardiner Scholarship, now is the time to begin to prepare. The Gardiner Scholarship application for the 2021-22 school year will first be available to renewal students until April 30, 2021. Afterward, the application will then open to new students, including those on the 2020-21 waitlist. After the funding priority period has passed, applications will be processed in the following order: (1) students who were on the 2020-21 waitlist and (2) new and renewal students in the order they were deemed eligible.

As with most scholarships, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. If funding is not available at the time an award determination is placed, your student may be placed on the waitlist. For families applying for this scholarship for the first time, it’s important to begin collecting the following items as soon as possible:

 

  • Documentation of your student’s diagnosis for a physician or psychologist with an active license issued by a state or territory of the United States OR an IEP written in accordance with the rules of the State Board of Education
  • Documentation indicating proof of Florida residency
  • Birth certificate for students in the first grade and below

 

The Gardiner Scholarship amount varies according to grade and county of residence; however, the average amount of students in the 2019-20 school year was $10,400. This represents 90 percent of the 253 matrix level of funding unless your student has a matrix level of services on file with the Florida Department of Education due to public school enrollment. Most students with an IEP will not have a matrix level of services. For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lakeside Christian School — one of the Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL.

 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up For Students participating schools, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

3 Ways to Make Private School More Affordable

According to a national poll conducted by EdChoice, approximately 40 percent of current and former school parents say they would send their private school if it were their decision. Given the small class sizes, specialized instruction, and exceptional educators, it’s not hard to see why private education is becoming an increasingly attractive option. So, what’s holding these parents back from sending their children to private schools?

 

The short answer: tuition. According to data collected by the Private School Review, the national average of private school tuition is approximately $11,173 per year. Given that most families will someday have to contend with the cost of college as well, paying for higher and secondary education may seem increasingly difficult, if not impossible. However, there are methods of making private high schools in Clearwater, FL, more affordable. In this brief article, we’ll review 3 easy ways you can make sending your child to private school more affordable.

 

Related: Yes, You Can Afford A Private Education For Your Child

 

1. Consider a Coverdell ESA

If your adjusted gross income is $110,000 or less (or $220,000 if you file a joint tax return,) you may be eligible for a Coverdell education savings account (ESA). A Coverdell ESA is a trust or custodial account set up to pay education expenses for a designated beneficiary. The money can be used for any qualified K-12 school expenses as well as for college.

 

You can set up as many Coverdell accounts as you want for a particular beneficiary; the only catch is that the total contribution to all accounts can’t exceed $2,000 annually. Otherwise, the amount you deposit will grow tax-free, so long as the disbursements don’t exceed your child’s qualified education expenses.

Related: 4 Ways To Give Your Child A Private Education While On A Budget

 

2. Prioritize Your Expenses

While it may not be preferable, families will always have ways of reducing their cost of living so that they can put more income toward tuition. What this looks like will vary greatly depending on your family and the tuition of the school you want your child to attend. Sacrificing extras like yearly vacations, winter vacation homes, or dining out all the time could be just the thing you need to scrape up the few extra dollars.

 

The important thing to do during this time to keep a level head is to maintain a working document of all the reasons you want to send your child to private school. Whenever you find yourself questioning your decision to sacrifice things, you can immediately remind yourself of the end goal for your child.


Related: Practical Strategies For Saving Money For Tuition

 

3. Apply for a Scholarship

Scholarships aren’t just for students that excel academically; they’re also available for students with financial need or that meet other key criteria. As one of the participating Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, we highly recommend Step Up Students — a scholarship available to all Florida residents with students in grades K-12 whose families meet the income requirements. There are two main scholarships, in particular, that provide your student with greater school options: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship. The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship gives families a choice of assistance towards private school tuition and fees or transportation costs to a public school other than the one they’re assigned to. The Family Empowerment Scholarship, on the other hand, may only be used toward private school tuition and fees.

 

For more information on financial assistance to attend Lakeside Christian School, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We provide over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families each year and would be more than happy to help you send your child to private school.

 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private high schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

At What Age Should I Send My Child to Private School?

If you have been thinking about sending your child to private school, you may think a private education could be the key to getting your child into the university of their choice, or perhaps your child’s academic and emotional needs just aren’t being fulfilled by their current school. At what age is it appropriate to send your child to private school?

 

Do you wait until a natural break, like the end of fifth grade and the start of sixth, so that your child enjoys a seamless transition? Or do you opt to transfer your child from the public to the private school system at the start of high school to better focus on university preparation? Do you feel as if the “right” moment to make the transition may never come at the rate your child is progressing?

 

To help you make the best decision for you and your family, we’ve prepared a list of key factors that go into the question, “When’s the best time for my child to begin private school?” For one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, that values high-quality education, college preparation, and a caring Christian environment for your child, choose Lakeside Christian School.

 

Related: Should You Enroll Your Child In Private School? Consider These 3 Advantages

 

The Quality of Schools In Your Area

The first and arguably one of the most important factors to take into consideration when deciding whether it may be time to send your child to private school is the quality of public schools in your area. Public and private school administrators and educators all do their best to create an excellent learning environment for your child; however, some schools simply don’t live up to the challenge. There’s sure to be at least one reason why you may be considering a private school rather than your area’s public school offerings, so make a list of those reasons. Is it because of safety, your religion, or the quality of educators at your child’s school? What is lacking in your child’s current public school that you’re looking to obtain in a private school?

 

Once you have your list, you can make the decision as to whether or not making the transition to private school needs to come earlier rather than later. For example, if your child is struggling in their current educational environment, not receiving the help they need, or falling behind their peers, there’s no time to waste in getting him or her into a private school. If your child is excelling or the quality of education they’re currently receiving at their public school meets your expectations for the time being, it might make more sense to wait until a natural transition period.

 

The Stages of Child Development

Before you send your child off to school, whether it’s a public or a private school, you need to consider all of the ways that the staff, other students, and educational environment may impact your child. The way that educators interact with your child and encourage interactions between the children are bound to affect the development of your child in more than a few important ways. Below, we outline a few different areas of child development that your child’s school can have an impact upon:

 

  • Academic Potential: The role of your child’s school should always be to propel them to their maximum academic potential. This means helping them to develop problem-solving and solution-seeking skills that will come in handy time and time again in every aspect of their adult life.
  • Character Building: This is not an alternative to your child’s academic achievement, but an essential adjunct. Just as their school provides lessons on math and science, they should also help your child learn crucial values like compassion, respect, integrity, and empathy.
  • Social Skills: It’s vital that most if not all of the school’s curriculum is designed to help your child form solid social relationships, connect with their peers in a meaningful way, and develop emotionally.

 

Children have different educational needs at various points throughout their development; however, the most critical years for your child are almost always going to be in primary school. This is where they’re going to develop critical thinking and social skills, learn to interpret complex concepts, and nourish good learning habits. If you want to guide your child through this phase of development with ease and better prepare them for the road ahead of them, you’re going to want to send them to a Clearwater private school.

 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Why Middle School Is So Important For Your Child’s Development

Did you know that research indicates that students at risk of dropping out of school can be identified as early as sixth grade? In fact, research indicates that sixth-graders who display even one of the off-track indicators, such as a failing grade in mathematics or an unsatisfactory behavior mark in a core course, have only a 15 to 25 percent chance of graduating on time. This means, among other things, that middle school should be recognized as a critical transition period for your child from an academic and social-emotional standpoint.

 

In this brief article, we’ll review why middle school is so important for the development of your child in terms of academic achievement, emotional growth, and more. If you’re looking for a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, that will foster academic excellence, integrity, and empathy in your child, choose Lakeside Christian School.

 

Related: Choosing The Best Private Middle School

 

The Developmental Needs of Early Adolescence Can Be Very Complex

Early adolescence has long since been recognized as a critical stage for an individual’s development and learning, with positive effects lasting long into adulthood. However, recent research studies have identified adolescence as a second critical window for brain development as well. Changes in students’ bodies and brains during this period affect how they will learn for the rest of their lives.

 

What this means is that, during middle school, students must enjoy a wide variety of engaging and rigorous learning opportunities, or they may face restricted brain development down the line. The more students engage in these types of learning experiences, such as solving complex problems or connecting information learned in school with their own experiences, the more their brain cells will grow. These rich learning experiences should always connect academic learning to the student’s personal interests, prior knowledge, past experiences, and current events to capitalize on their increased ability to retain personally relevant information.

Related: Why Maintaining Your Child’s GPA in Middle School Is Vital to Their Development

 

Middle School Students Actively Seek Positive Role Models

Research findings consistently indicate that adolescents who can identify at least one positive role model in their lives have higher grades and self-esteem than those who cannot, particularly when the adolescent knows their role model on a personal level. In addition to these benefits, positive role models have also been shown to decrease adolescents’ risk for harmful behaviors, such as sexual intercourse, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and more. Unfortunately, only one-fourth of students report having a positive adult role model in their lives, either having no one to look up to or having to look up to someone making negative choices in their life.

 

As such, middle schools need to be places where students can be exposed to positive role models, whether it’s educators, administration, parent volunteers, or business and community leaders. At Lakeside Christian School, one of the private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, for example, each and every one of our educators is involved in teaching Bible studies and/or participating somewhere within the ministry in Christian education, and they are ACSI Certified. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate academic gaps, propel their students forward, and serve as a positive role model in the lives of their students.

 

Related: The Benefits of Mentorship in Middle School

 

Middle School Should Provide a Tailored Learning Environment

Last but not least, middle schoolers need learning environments that will ignite their curiosity and empower them to be active participants in their school and community. Rather than listening to lectures or just doing worksheets, they should be performing hands-on activities that ensure they stay excited and enthusiastic about learning. This means stepping away from the middle school classrooms that emulate high school classrooms, elementary classrooms, or some haphazard combination. What these students will benefit most from is a place that has been specifically designed for their unique physical, social, emotional, and academic needs. For more information on the only private middle school in Clearwater, FL, that can meet your child’s developmental needs, contact Lakeside Christian School.

 

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.

Everything You Need to Know About the Private School Admissions Process

With smaller class sizes, more opportunities for one-on-one learning, and distinctive learning philosophy, there’s plenty of reasons why a private school may be better suited to your student’s needs than the local public school. Unlike public schools, however, private schools always require an application. Between school tours, interviews, and entrance examinations, it’s no wonder that the admissions process can quickly become taxing on your family. Fortunately, there is a way to make this process a bit easier for you and your student.

 

In this article, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how the application process works, what the admissions committees will be expecting, and how you can position your child as a successful applicant. This will help you keep a clear and focused mind as you conduct research on the right school for your family and eventually submit your application. For a private high school in Clearwater, FL, that has been providing exceptional education to K-12 students since 1975, choose Lakeside Christian School.

 

Related: 3 Benefits of Touring Private Schools Before Enrollment

 

The Interview Serves As a Window Into Your Child’s Personality

The private school admissions process varies greatly from one school to another; however, the interview is one critical requirement that is truly universal. Any private school you wish to apply to will always require you to meet with the principal, admissions officer, or another member of the administration in a one-on-one or small group setting. For Lakeside Christian School, whom you’ll be required to meet with varies depending on the age of your child. For parents with students from grades 6 to 12, you’ll be required to meet with the school administration and express your child’s desire to be at LCS and abide by the LCS rules of behavior and conduct.

 

The role of this interview in the admissions process is to offer the admissions committee and members of the administration conducting the interview a window into your child’s personality — their passions, extracurricular interests, academic strengths, and skills. Perhaps your child is on the soccer team or maybe they’ve completed an outstanding project at their school’s science fair. Any example you have of your child skills, interests, or strengths is going to be a great aspect to bring up during the interview.

 

This is also an opportunity for you and your child to get to know the admissions committee, faculty, and members of the administration. How do they talk about the students and teachers at their school? What does the curriculum look and feel like? This will help you get a better understanding of whether or not your child will be a great fit for the environment.

 

Related: Can Public School Students Adapt to a Clearwater, FL, Christian School?

 

The Entrance Examinations Are Nothing to Fear

If you’ve been doing your private school research, you’ve likely heard of a number of entrance examinations, including the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), Secondary School Admissions Exam (SSAT), and the High School Placement Test (HSPT). A Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, may use a school-specific entrance exam or admissions test as well. The most important thing to remember about these examinations, no matter which one your child ends up having to take, is that these tests are designed for the correct placement of your child by grade or course level.

 

Successful performance on these types of tests is strictly tied to your student’s academic foundation in school rather than an intensive test prep course or weeks of private tutoring. The reading comprehension portion of such an exam, for example, is designed to assess the student’s reading fluency and comprehension skills, which are developed over years of education. The only way you can and should prepare for your child to excel in this examination is to have them take a full-length practice test as early as possible. This will give your student an idea of how they would score if taking the test today and provide a roadmap that pinpoints their strengths and weaknesses.

 

Related: Is A Private Education Really Out Of Reach?

 

The Support of the Student’s Parents Is a Major Factor

Finally, it’s important to recognize that the support of the student’s parents will always play a role in their child’s candidacy at a private school. Moreover, the admissions committee wants to know that you’re applying for the right reasons, share their educational philosophy, and are on the same team when it comes to your child’s education. Many private schools may choose to interview the parents as well as the student to ascertain the degree to which the parent is going to be involved with the child’s education and be supportive in terms of enforcing the school’s expectations.

 

Overall, a private high school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, are not seeking a perfect model of the ideal student. Instead, they’re seeking real students with a wealth of interests, passions, and perspectives who can enrich the school’s learning community.

 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus. 

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Parents of Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, Click Here.

 

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