Step Up for Students Scholarships in Florida: What Clearwater Families Need to Know for 2026–27

For many Tampa Bay Florida families, the biggest question about private school isn’t whether it’s the right fit, it’s how to afford it. The good news? Florida’s Step Up for Students scholarships are making private Christian education more accessible than ever.

If you’re exploring private or Christian schools in Clearwater for the 2026–27 school year, this guide will walk you through what Step Up for Students is, how it works, important enrollment dates, and how families use these scholarships at Lakeside Christian School.

What Is Step Up for Students?

Step Up for Students is a Florida nonprofit organization that administers state-funded scholarships designed to help families choose the educational setting that best fits their child.

For private school families, the two most relevant programs are:

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC)
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO)

Together, these are commonly referred to as Private School Scholarships through Step Up for Students.

Quick facts for families planning ahead:

Available to all Florida students eligible for K–12 public school, regardless of household income
Provides an average of $8,000 per year for private school tuition and related fees
Can be used at participating private and Christian schools, including Lakeside Christian School
Open registration and re-enrollment for the 2026–27 school year begins February 1

Who Is Eligible for Step Up for Students?

One of the biggest changes in recent years, and a common point of confusion, is eligibility.

Here’s the simplified answer:

If your child is eligible to attend a Florida public K–12 school, they are eligible to apply for a Step Up private school scholarship.

There are no income caps for eligibility, which means many families who previously assumed they “wouldn’t qualify” are now surprised to learn they do.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

Step Up for Students private school scholarships can be used for:

Private school tuition
Certain instructional fees
Required educational materials and services (as defined by the program)

At Lakeside Christian School, families apply their scholarship funds directly toward tuition, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs for a Christian K–12 education.

Important Dates: When Should Families Apply?

Timing matters, especially for popular private schools and growing grade levels.

February 1: Open registration and re-enrollment begins for the next school year
Applications are processed on a rolling basis
Scholarship funding is limited statewide

Families who apply early have more flexibility when choosing a school and securing placement.

How Clearwater Families Use Step Up at Lakeside Christian School

Lakeside Christian School partners with families throughout the admissions and scholarship process. While Step Up for Students manages the scholarship itself, our admissions team helps families understand how it works within the context of enrollment.

Families appreciate Lakeside because we offer:

Clear tuition communication alongside scholarship estimates
Admissions guidance during the application and enrollment process
A stable K–12 campus, so students can continue using their scholarship year after year
A Christ-centered academic environment that emphasizes both excellence and character

For many families, Step Up for Students turns the idea of private Christian education from a long-term dream into a realistic plan.

Why Families Choose a Christian School with Their Step Up Scholarship

Parents searching for Christian schools in Clearwater often share similar priorities:

Smaller class sizes
Academic accountability
Strong values and consistent expectations
A supportive, faith-based community

Using a Step Up scholarship at a Christian school allows families to align their educational choice with their values without sacrificing academic quality or financial stability.

At Lakeside, students are known, challenged, and encouraged to grow spiritually and academically, making it a strong choice for families investing their scholarship funds wisely.

Planning Ahead for 2026–27 Enrollment

January and February are peak months for:

Private school research
Scholarship planning
Campus tours
Enrollment decisions

Because Step Up scholarships and classroom availability move quickly, many families choose to tour early, ask questions, and begin both processes side by side.

Lakeside offers personal, one-on-one campus tours, often led by our Principal Jeremy Crane, so families can see firsthand how academics, faith, and community come together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Step Up for Students

When does Step Up for Students open for the next school year?

Open registration and re-enrollment for the 2026–27 school year begins February 1.

Do I need to be accepted to a school before applying?

You can begin the Step Up application process while also applying to schools. Many families do both simultaneously.

Can I use Step Up for elementary, middle, or high school?

Yes. Step Up private school scholarships can be used for all K–12 students.

Is the scholarship renewed each year?

Yes, but families must complete annual re-enrollment requirements through Step Up for Students. Re-enrollment for next year also begins Februaury 1st.

Can Step Up be used at Christian schools?

Absolutely. Step Up scholarships may be used at participating Christian and private schools, including Lakeside Christian School.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re considering private Christian education for your child, now is the time to explore your options.

Lakeside Christian School is currently planning for 2026–27 enrollment, and we invite Clearwater families to schedule a campus tour, ask questions about tuition and scholarships, and see if Lakeside is the right fit for your family.

Contact our admissions team or schedule a personal tour today.

Enroll Today and See the Difference

We believe that a Christian education for all students is an eternal investment.

If you are seeking a private Christian school where your child will be nurtured, challenged, and prepared for life, we invite you to tour our campus to kick off your enrollment process.

Find out more about our fall enrollment 2026-2027 tuition and scholarship opportunities here.

Contact us to schedule a tour, learn more, or speak with our admissions team. You can reach us at 727-261-0937, email us at office@lakesidechristianschool.org, or fill out our online contact form.

Reach out to our Enrollment Director directly at chelms@lakesidechristianschool.org or jump directly onto our campus tour schedule: here

Experience the Lakeside difference: where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.

What to Look for When Touring a Private Christian School in Clearwater

Searching for a “private school near me” in Clearwater, FL?

One of the best ways to find the right fit for your child is to visit schools in person. Touring a campus gives you an authentic glimpse into the environment, culture, and educational approach of a private Christian school in Clearwater, Fl.

Here’s how to make the most of your campus visit and why families often choose to tour Lakeside Christian School.

Why Touring Matters More Than Brochures and Websites

Brochures and websites are helpful, but they can’t replace the insights you gain from stepping on campus. During a typical tour at a private school, you’ll:

✅ See classrooms in action
✅ Meet teachers and staff
✅ Observe student interactions
✅ Experience the campus atmosphere firsthand

When families look for a private school in Clearwater, these in-person impressions often make the difference between “maybe” and “this is the one!”

Questions to Ask on Your Campus Tour

To make the most of your campus visit, consider asking these important questions:

Class Size: How many students per class?
Faith Integration: How is Christian faith woven into daily learning?
Individual Support: Are there resources for students who need extra help or extra have challenges?
Extracurriculars: What sports, arts, and clubs are offered?
Parent Involvement: How do parents stay connected with the school community?

Touring Lakeside Christian School: What You’ll Experience

When you tour Lakeside Christian School, you’ll discover an environment where faith, learning, and community thrive together.

Small Class Sizes for Big Opportunities

Committed to maintain small class sizes, Lakeside teachers provide personalized instruction that helps each child succeed. Parents frequently comment on the warmth and attention students receive.

K-12 Continuity for Stability

Lakeside offers the rare advantage of being a K-12 school. Students enjoy a consistent, safe environment from kindergarten through graduation. This helps kids form deep friendships and creates a true sense of belonging: a significant benefit parents often overlook when touring schools.

Athletics and Arts Beyond the Classroom

At Lakeside, students can participate in:

Competitive sports (football, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, baseball and more)
Creative programs in visual arts and graphic design
National Honor Society and service opportunities

Families looking for a well-rounded experience love seeing these programs firsthand on a tour.

Faith in Action

Lakeside’s mission goes beyond academics. Every class, activity, and event is infused with Christian faith and Biblical teaching. For parents seeking a Christian private school in Clearwater, this focus on biblical truth is often the deciding factor.

Is Private School Affordable?

Many parents assume that a Christian private school in Clearwater is financially out of reach. But at Lakeside, we work hard to make Christ-centered education accessible to every family.

We accept Step Up for Students scholarships, including:

Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship
Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES-EO)
Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

These programs can cover a significant portion, if not all, of your tuition costs. We also offer flexible payment plans and walk families through every step of the scholarship application process. Don’t let cost be the barrier that keeps your child from experiencing all that Lakeside has to offer.

Practical Touring Tips

Book in advance. Schools like Lakeside get busy during enrollment season. Contact us to get your tour scheduled now.
Visit during school hours. You’ll see teachers teaching and students learning.
Bring your child. Their comfort and reactions are key. Many private schools can also set up a day for your child to shadow and try out a full class day. Learn more about Lakeside’s tour, shadow, and admissions process here.
Take notes and ask clarifying questions. It’s easy to forget details after visiting several schools.

Your Next Step: Schedule a Tour at Lakeside

If you’re searching for a private school near you in Clearwater, touring Lakeside Christian School is the perfect place to start.

Come see for yourself how our faith-filled community and exceptional academics can help your child thrive.

→ Schedule Your Campus Tour Here

Enroll Today and See the Difference

We believe that a Christian education is an eternal investment.

If you are seeking a Clearwater Christian school where your child will be nurtured, challenged, and prepared for life, we invite you to tour our campus to kick off your enrollment process.

Experience the Lakeside difference—where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.

The Best Time to Enroll at a Private Christian School Is Now

If you’ve been searching for private schools in Clearwater that offer strong academics, a Christ-centered environment, and a close-knit community, you’ll want to act now because spots are filling quickly at Lakeside Christian School.

As a K–12 Christian school in Clearwater, Lakeside offers something rare: a seamless educational journey where your child can grow academically, spiritually, and socially from kindergarten through high school graduation. Families love our consistent mission, safe environment, and small class sizes, and with increased demand in the Clearwater area, now is the time to secure your spot.

Don’t wait, contact us today to schedule your campus tour and find out for yourself why Lakeside Christian School is the perfect place for your fmaily.

Why Parents Are Choosing Lakeside Christian School

Families in the Tampa Bay and Clearwater region are looking for more than just academic excellence; they want a school that reinforces their values and supports the whole child. That’s exactly what Lakeside offers:

Christ-Centered Curriculum: Our foundation is built on the truth of God’s Word. Every subject, every classroom, and every activity points students toward faith in Christ.
Dedicated, Caring Teachers: Our experienced educators view teaching as a ministry as well as a professional calling. They know their students personally, support their unique learning styles, and go the extra mile to encourage spiritual growth.
Safe, Supportive Community: Lakeside offers a loving, family-like environment where students are known and cared for. Parents feel confident sending their children here.

Smiling Lakeside Christian School elementary students holding plant science projects at a private Christian school in Clearwater

Lakeside students thrive in a hands-on learning environment where academic growth and joyful discovery go hand in hand. Contact us to enroll today to give your child a Christ-centered education they’ll love.

Strong Academics with Support to Succeed

At Lakeside, academic growth is tailored to the student. Our students regularly outperform state averages in standardized testing, and we offer:

Small Class Sizes that allow for individual attention
Specialized Reading Help in Early Grades, including dedicated K5 reading helpers
Dual Enrollment Opportunities at SPC and PTEC that prepare high school students for success beyond graduation

Whether your child is just starting school or preparing for college and career readiness, Lakeside offers academic excellence with Biblical integration every step of the way.

K–12 Continuity: A Rare Advantage

One of the biggest advantages of enrolling now is the opportunity for your child to benefit from a consistent K–12 private school education in a Christian environment. Our families love that their students don’t have to switch schools and adapt to a new culture every few years.

This continuity helps students:

Form deeper friendships and mentorships
Receive long-term spiritual guidance
Avoid disruptions in learning due to school changes

From their first day in kindergarten to their final day as a graduating senior, Lakeside students thrive in a unified learning community. In fact, Lakeside even gives out the “Lion for Life” award to graduating seniors who have been with us since kindergarten.

Limited Spots, Growing Demand

The word is out: more families are choosing Christian and private school education in Floorida for their families. Enrollment at Lakeside continues to grow, and to maintain our small class sizes and personalized attention, we limit the number of new students each year.

For the upcoming fall 2025 school year:

We are expanding to two K5 classes to meet demand, but spots are already filling fast
Middle school and high school enrollment is projected to fill early
Families applying in late summer may be waitlisted, especially in popular grades

Summer: The Ideal Time to Enroll

While some may wait until late July to finalize school plans, private schools in Clearwater Fl often have limited availability by then. Enrolling now ensures:

Your family has time to attend a summer campus tour and back to school events
You have full access to admissions support and financial aid consultations
A smooth start to the year without last-minute stress

Active Student Life and Summer Sports

Even in the summer months, our school community stays active. Students in middle and high school have opportunities to build friendships and stay active through volleyball and football summer workouts and practices for middle school and varsity athletes.

A Christian Education That’s Within Reach

Affording private school tuition may be more possible than you think. Lakeside Christian School proudly partners with Step Up for Students and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship to make high-quality Christian education accessible to more families.

Our admissions staff is happy to walk you through your options and help you apply for scholarships and financial aid.

Don’t Wait—Schedule a Tour Today

Now is the time to take the next step. The best way to experience the heart of Lakeside is to visit our Clearwater campus, meet our staff, and see students thriving firsthand.

We invite you to learn more about scheduling your private tour. We look forward to welcoming your family!

👉 Schedule Your Private Tour Today

Experience the Lakeside difference—where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.