Exciting changes are underway in Florida’s education landscape, offering families greater flexibility and customization in their children’s learning experiences. With the recent passage of HB 1, the state has transformed its private school scholarship programs into education savings account (ESA) programs, opening doors for all of Florida’s 2.7 million school-aged children. This article provides an overview of the program’s key features and the opportunities it presents to families.
Starting from July 1, 2023, Florida’s existing Family Empowerment Scholarship Educational Opportunity Voucher Program and Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program will transition into education savings account programs. This transformation means that any child in the state can enroll in non-public school options, including private school in Clearwater, FL, and homeschooling.
Unlike before, there will be no financial eligibility requirement to apply, although the program will have funding limits. Participating families will receive approximately $8,000 for the 2023-2024 academic year, deposited into an account. Through an online portal, they can then utilize these funds for approved learning expenses, ranging from homeschool curricula to digital learning materials.
While all families are eligible to participate, priority will be given to low-income families and children in foster care. Afterward, middle-income families and others will be considered until the funding cap is met. Parents can apply through a single application that covers both the Florida Empowerment Scholarship Educational Opportunity Voucher Program and the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
Initially, students will receive education savings accounts through the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Once most of the funding from that program has been allocated, they will be awarded Family Empowerment Scholarships. Despite different funding mechanisms, both programs offer families the same scholarship amount and a flexible learning experience.
The bill also enhances the annual scholarship adjustment for Florida’s Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities Program, ensuring more scholarships are available to students with special learning needs. This program already employs an ESA format, enabling families to personalize their education to meet unique requirements. The expansion will help address the waitlist faced by students with unique abilities.
Additionally, the bill introduces a new method for obtaining an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), allowing students who have never attended public school to be eligible for the Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities. Evaluation reports from licensed professionals other than school districts can now be used to develop services needed by non-public school students without an IEP.
Florida’s expanded education savings account program covers various approved expenses, including Clearwater private school tuition, online learning costs, homeschool curriculum, part-time tutoring services, part-time college enrollment, fees for Advanced Placement tests or industry certification exams, textbooks, and even approved courses or services offered by public school districts. A purchasing guide detailing eligible expenses will be available online by December 2023. If using the program to pay for the Clearwater private school, tuition must be covered first, followed by other approved expenses, if funds remain.
With numerous options available, navigating the expanded program may feel overwhelming for families. To assist parents, a statewide online portal will be developed, providing details about participating schools and personalized recommendations. Additionally, Choice Navigators, accredited professionals who guide parents through their options, are available as an optional service. Fees for Choice Navigators are eligible expenses covered by education savings accounts.
Florida’s education savings account program marks a significant step forward in empowering families to tailor their children’s education to their specific needs. By providing funding and flexibility, the program opens doors to a wide range of learning options, including Clearwater private schools, homeschooling, and part-time enrollment in public schools. Families now have the opportunity to mix and match different educational approaches to enhance their children’s educational journey.
Lakeside Christian School, a renowned educational institution in Clearwater, FL, is proud to participate in the Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship (ESA) program. As an ESA-approved school, Lakeside Christian School offers students a safe and inclusive learning environment. The ESA program provides these students with a unique opportunity to receive financial assistance and transfer to Lakeside Christian School, which is known for its exceptional academic standards and emphasis on fostering a lasting relationship with God. Through the ESA program, families can access the financial support needed to ensure their children receive the best education possible at Lakeside Christian School, preparing them for a successful and fulfilling future.
To schedule a tour at Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL contact us!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Although it is anticipated that students between the ages of 5 and 12 will soon be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, schools are still coping with day-to-day challenges and changes, and navigating the best way to keep students safe. Add in the fact that many public schools are caught in a tug-of-war with the state for funding and mask mandates, and it creates a perfect storm of stress for educators and parents alike. With that in mind, many parents are still considering changes to their original education plan, looking for the best educational experience available during and after the pandemic.
In this brief article, the team at our Clearwater, FL Christian school has shared a few tips to help you understand your child’s educational options and explains why it’s never too late to change to a private school like Lakeside Christian School.
Virtual learning has been a staple at many schools navigating COVID outbreaks. Certainly during 2020, virtual learning proved it’s worth. Yet the public school system hasn’t prioritized keeping virtual learning as an option for medically vulnerable students or for those who prefer the independence of virtual learning.
Virtual learning has many of the same benefits as in-person learning, but it sometimes has a bad reputation because there is a stigma that, if given the opportunity for flexibility, students won’t actually commit to learning. However, that stigma is largely unfounded because your child will still be part of the class and as such will receive individualized attention and have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in group activities and discussions. Where virtual learning actually differs is in both the social aspects and the ability to take more personal responsibility regarding one’s own schedule.
During virtual learning at a Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, your child will still be expected to participate in classroom activities via live video sessions and message boards. They will also still receive assignments and homework just as though they have attended in-person. But, unlike classes that take place in-person, your child may have more of an opportunity to learn at their own pace at various times of the day when they feel they may be more motivated for particular subjects.
If you have a child who you believe will thrive in a virtual environment, you can connect with the school virtually as well to learn more and schedule a tour. You may find it helpful to attend a virtual open house, visit the school’s website, or tune 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.
If your child learns best in an in-person environment, that shouldn’t have to stop just because of COVID. The key here is choice. Being able to choose between in-person or virtual instruction and not being at the whim of a school district can make your COVID-19 plans less nerve-wracking.
If you are considering in-person learning for your child, here are some examples of the types of questions you may want to ask a potential school, as provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Of course, COVID precautions aren’t the only thing you should ask about. Extracurricular activities and learning opportunities outside of the classroom can be just as important to your student’s in-person learning and educational experience as lesson plans. You may want to ask a private middle school in Clearwater, FL what types of activities students can expect to participate in on a regular basis.
There seems to be the idea that you can’t, or shouldn’t change your child’s school once the academic year has begun. However, that’s not always the case. If your child is struggling in a traditional public school because of the impacts of COVID-19, you have the option to switch to one of the private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL.
With over 40 years of experience and a diverse student body of children who participate both in virtual learning and/or an in-person setting, Lakeside Christian School is built on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others. This care is demonstrated through the warm, respectful relationships among staff and between staff and students, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. We also have set forth clear guidelines that will take the guesswork out of the way that we handle COVID-19 outbreaks to mitigate future disruption. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Back-to-school season is in full swing. When it comes to preparing your high schooler for the new school year, you might find yourself facing a much different season than when your child was entering elementary or middle school grades. Supporting your high schooler takes a different level of patience and thoughtfulness.
As your teens work through their first-day jitters, consider these tips from our team of teachers and advisors here at Lakeside Christian School, a Clearwater, FL Christian school, to help prepare your family for a successful school year.
As you enter the new school year, it’s possible that your teen is already planning their extra-curricular activities. While they may be thinking about picking up where they left off the prior school year, you should also consider using back-to-school season to start the conversation about which volunteer opportunities they might be interested in participating in.
Volunteering has a number of benefits. To start, volunteering can help center your teen and teach them about life outside of school and family. It can help them learn about the needs of others and how they can help.
Beyond those benefits, volunteering can help your teen figure out what they enjoy doing in life, and can help them on their road to a future career. Plus, if your student is considering applying for college scholarships, volunteering can help them meet criteria and requirements for these types of financial aid. Volunteering can also boost your child’s college applications. But, you want to make sure you don’t wait too long to begin thinking about these volunteer opportunities, instead using back-to-school season to help your teen plot their course and budget their after school schedule.
Just as you can use the back-to-school season to encourage your teen to start volunteering, high school is an important time to start thinking about college, trade schools, or other educational or career paths. As a student of a private high school in Clearwater, FL, your teen will have access to guidance counselors who can discuss all of their options, starting during back-to-school season.
For parents of incoming freshman or sophomores, this might seem a little premature. After all, how can a student just entering high school plan their future? However, it is never too early to encourage your child to think forward, considering electives they may want to take and extra curriculars they may want to participate in during the coming school year to help them figure out what path to take, be it college, a trade school, or going straight into the workforce.
Entering high school can be stressful. Especially if your child is an incoming freshman, you might find back-to-school season to be an especially anxiety-inducing time. To help combat the rise in stress levels, teach your child how to practice mindfulness. You may find this helpful for yourself as well, as parenting a high schooler can become stressful.
To practice mindfulness, simply do your everyday activities but focus on the five senses. For example, encourage your child to practice mindfulness while brushing their teeth. To practice mindfulness while teeth brushing, focus on only the task at hand — as thoughts enter your mind, let them go. Think about the taste of the toothpaste, the feeling of the brush against each tooth, and even the smell of the toothpaste. The goal is to remain in the moment as much as possible. Of course, getting your teen to take your advice might be difficult, but it can help them prepare and focus on their day as they go back to school while minimizing their stress levels.
As the school year begins, take time to review your child’s class schedule with them. This is an important step, especially if your child is an incoming freshman, as the course load may be slightly different and more challenging.
You’ll notice a major difference in this step when attending a private school vs. a public school. Your child will not need to change schools between elementary and middle, or middle and high school, as they would in a public school setting. Therefore their stress level may be lower and their course load more tailored to their needs and the way that they learn.
If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s class schedule, make sure to speak with an advisor as soon as possible to make sure that you can make necessary adjustments or changes.
Preparing for back-to-school season requires thinking beyond the back-to-school season. This means that you should take some time to think beyond the clothes and backpack needed, or even the school schedule, volunteer activities, extra curriculars, and college plans. Instead, think about how you, as a parent, can get involved during the school year and help your child’s year go well. For example, you can join parents’ committees and give your input to the school.
If your high schooler is preparing for back-o-school season or you’re considering switching to Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, the most important way to support your child is to give them a voice in the process. Help them understand the best way they learn and whether a private education will be a more supportive environment for them.
With over 40 years of experience and a diverse student body of children from families of all socioeconomic backgrounds and income levels, Lakeside Christian School is built on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others. This care is demonstrated through the warm, respectful relationships among staff and between staff and students, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
If your child is coming from a public school or secular learning environment, you may be curious about the best ways to transition your child to faith-based learning. Certainly there are subtle differences, but none are so major that your child won’t adjust quickly. For many families, the choice to transition to a faith-based program comes after years of questioning or disapproving of elements of the public school curriculum. However, it is important to remember that faith-based learning still fosters critical thinking skills and helps your child to grow into a productive member of society.
In this brief article, experts from a Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL with Lakeside Christian School share a few tips to help transition your child to faith-based learning.
Building friendships with other students will help your child more seamlessly transition to the faith-based environment. This will help them understand the connection between fellowship and learning, while also helping them build meaningful friendships for life.
In many cases, the transition from public to faith-based learning comes with a shift in your child’s interests. If your child is showing new interests in their faith-based program, try to be supportive of these interests while giving them space to explore and grow.
Your child may have questions about faith-based education and how it differs from public school curriculums. For example, a public high school may have a more liberal sexual education program than a private Christian high school in Clearwater, FL. That might create questions about why the programs are different and what this means, or if they must share the same faith as their school. In some cases, faith-based learning might push students to investigate and fully understand scripture in a way that makes them have questions. This is all healthy, and having an open dialogue with your kids about these differences is important in transitioning from public to private schooling.
Your child, no matter their age, is looking to you to figure out how they should behave and interact, especially in a faith-based environment that is new to them. Keep a positive attitude — even when your teen is moody about the change — and be proactive in getting them involved in getting to know their new school.
A major element of faith-based learning is, well, faith. This seems obvious, but for some children, it comes as a surprise when they are expected to begin learning Bible lessons and parables. Preparing your child for the added curriculum elements can help them adjust more easily, as they will understand that school isn’t just for studying Math, Science, English, and History.
Just as your child will get the opportunity to be included in Bible lessons, your child will also be given the opportunity to participate in prayer on a daily basis. If your child is comfortable with prayer and it is a part of your home, you are one step closer to making the transition easier. If your family doesn’t often discuss prayer, before your child’s first day in a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, practice praying together. This can help ease some of the discomfort your son or daughter might feel when others are praying if it is not something they are used to.
Especially if they’re coming from an environment where they are in a classroom with 30-40 other students on a daily basis, the smaller class sizes of a private school can be a culture shock. It’s important to discuss with your teen the differences in class size and what that means on every level: social, educational, and emotional. Your teen might even admit that they feel vulnerable in a smaller class size, but that is totally normal. Without a large crowd to blend into, it’s easier to stand out — but for some kids this takes a bit of adjusting.
Above all else, in order to transition your child to faith-based learning you must choose the right school for your individual child. Lakeside Christian School is a private, faith-based school with skilled teachers who can help your child or teen transition into their new environment with little disruption to their lives.
Lakeside Christian School is among the best private high schools in Clearwater, FL, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
One of the biggest complaints from parents and students in a traditional public education setting is that kids are expected to meet standards based on test scores, and the result is an educational method that leaves some children behind. You may have even heard the comparison of too rigid an instruction method is like trying to measure how well a fish could ride a bicycle. With this in mind, many parents are looking for a more personalized, data-driven instructional method based on the actual needs of the students.
Data-driven does not mean just basing things on test scores. In this article, instructors from the best private school in Clearwater, FL with Lakeside Christian School dive into what data-driven instruction means and how it can change your child’s experience and prepare them for college and beyond.
Data-driven instruction is achieved by using information gathered while learning to determine what should be taught next. In the classroom, this data usually comes from formative and summative information and is assessed by the individual educators, rather than by the school board or administration who may not know your child well (or at all in a public school setting).
Formative data is information gathered by the teacher as instruction and learning are occurring. For example, paying attention to how the class does on a particular topic or individual lesson plan. Summative data is gathered at the end of a specified learning period — this can be either the end of a unit or a specific amount of time. Using both of these forms of data, teachers can evaluate if the class or individual is ready to move on to the next topic or if they would benefit from a different type of learning.
If you are thinking that test scores are part of the data that creates data-driven instruction, you are not wrong. However, there are a few major differences:
You can see that with data-driven instruction, the students are evaluated on a more individual basis, in the classroom with the instructors they see every day. Test-score led instruction usually will involve a high number of failures in order for the school board or even higher up the ladder, the state or federal government, to evaluate and decide if the curriculum should be changed. This can take years to make any real change, leaving teachers, students, and parents increasingly frustrated as the expectations stay the same year-in and year-out.
Now that we understand what data-driven is, it is important to touch on the how in regard to the impact on lesson plans.
As we mentioned above, data-driven instruction means your child receives a tailored educational plan that will work to either eliminate academic gaps, or propel them forward if they are already on track. Without assessment (and there are multiple kinds of assessment), it’s impossible to determine if a student is on track or not, and if this can’t be determined, students fall through the cracks and essential skills may be lost.
When this data is analyzed, teachers will be able to immediately see if their teaching is effective for each student. Based on the data collected, they may decide to change the lessons by creating smaller groups concentrated on the skills with which students are struggling, or change teaching methods entirely. This means the teachers aren’t teaching content to students. They are teaching students essential content. They might choose to change the delivery of the content until they find the right fit for each individual student.
Data-driven also changes lessons because it doesn’t matter what size the classroom is. Each student receives the education they need in order to close academic gaps and get on track for college preparedness.
This sounds like something you might see in the younger grades more than older, but it is important in high school as well. Finding the right private high school in Clearwater, FL that offers data-driven instruction can help your middle or high-schooler as well.
Public schools have many great qualities, but the fact is, they may not have the time or resources to provide data-driven instruction. Finding a Clearwater private school may give your child a more focused experience with personalized attention. It is important to note, not every private school offers data-led or data-driven instruction, and the concept is still growing in popularity. But the right school for your family should meet your educational goals, data-led or otherwise. This will give your child the upper hand when it is time to apply for college and will ensure that no child is left behind.
Lakeside Christian School has been practicing data-driven instruction in K-5 for several years and has noticed a marked improvement in scores. Academic gaps are closing and off-track students are quickly catching up.
Lakeside Christian School is among the best private schools in Clearwater FL, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
School is an environment designed to help your child learn, grow, and thrive. If your child is struggling academically, socially, or mentally in their current school, it may be time to consider switching to a school that can better accommodate their learning needs. Common reasons why many parents decide to pull their child out of their current school include everything from class size to inflexible curriculum that doesn’t match their child’s learning style.
These examples, however, only scratch the surface of the possible reasons why you’d want to change your child’s school. No matter what your reasons are, we’ve compiled several factors to weigh in before deciding which private middle school in Clearwater, FL is best for your child.
The ultimate dream of any parent is to provide their child with a high-quality education. It’s important to be mindful of the quality of education your child will be receiving when switching schools because different schools have varying levels of rigor related to academic curriculum and extracurricular activities. If your child is currently experiencing a tremendous amount of stress related to their workload, it may be worth looking into a school with a more relaxed curriculum. On the other hand, if your child is growing bored or soaring above their classmates, it may be time to switch to a school with a more rigorous approach.
Some great questions you should be asking both the administration and faculty of your prospective Clearwater private school are:
Each of these questions is directly linked to creating an environment where a high-quality education can be cultivated and nourished.
Related: Why Middle School Students Benefit From A Private Education
The term “quality” in regards to educators encompasses the qualification of your child’s teachers, their experience, their professional training, and their capacity to communicate with both the students and the parents. A quality educator, in simplest terms, is someone who is properly trained, certified, experienced in their subject matter, and accessible to both students and parents when either or both is in need of assistance. They are patient and creative in their teaching style, meaning that all students in the classroom are able to learn rather than just those who respond to a traditional learning style.
Once again, setting up a meeting with your child’s future teacher and administration is a great first step in deciding whether your prospective school employs the quality educators you’re searching for. Some possible questions to ask include:
Related: Superb Teachers Showcase These 3 Qualities
Last but certainly not least, you’ll want to consider the class size of your child’s prospective school. When classes are larger (20+ students), it’s much easier for your child to be left behind, especially if the majority of the class understands a new concept.
Smaller class sizes, on the other hand, like those offered by a private middle school in Clearwater, FL are typically more attractive to parents because they offer specialized attention and feedback for their child. Better yet, your child has a greater chance of enjoying closer relationships with their teacher and peers, deeper class discussions, and an enriched learning experience. For a Clearwater private school that values quality education, quality educators, and small class sizes, choose Lakeside Christian School.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
When selecting the right school for your son or daughter, you are choosing a school that you believe will help your child develop the necessary skills for future success. Deciding what school is right for your child is a challenging task, as the decision can impact their next chapter in life, including what college or university they attend. College admissions have never been more competitive, and applying can be a challenging time for any family due to the stressful nature of the process.
When you invest in a private school education like the one provided by Lakeside Christian School, your child will experience a challenging curriculum that will prepare them for a college course load. Furthermore, colleges take careful notice of your child’s graduation requirements and their role outside of the classroom. At Lakeside Christian, we offer students the opportunity to explore a variety of engaging programs outside the classroom, including athletics, the arts, and education-based after school programs.
Lakeside Christian School is an affordable private school that ranks as one of the top private high schools in Clearwater, FL. We are proud to provide our students with the individualized attention and academic tools they need to flourish. In this editorial, we will discuss how the right balance of schoolwork and extracurricular programs can prepare children of all ages for future success. To learn more about how we challenge students to achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals, please visit our website.
Related: Why So Many Parents Choose Lakeside Christian
The right school should provide your child with the best environment for success. The programs offered within our high school are here to ensure that our students are well prepared for their academic future while becoming well rounded young adults. Many college admission offices want to see diversity in applicants’ academic achievements and interests as they progress through school.
As a top private high school in Clearwater, FL, we offer a full complement of scholastic and non-scholastic programs, including athletics and a variety of programs for the arts, including a music and drama department. Our students are always encouraged to discover what works best for them. With the help of our amazing teachers and faculty, they can find the right path for their future success.
Related: Why Private School Is the Right Choice For Your High Schooler
Preparing your child for college doesn’t happen overnight. Many of our successful high school students were originally enrolled in our elementary school program and steadily developed their academic skills over the years until the day they donned that cap and gown. At Lakeside Christian School, we provide students with a strong academic foundation in elementary school that steadily progresses:
When you invest in an education at an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, your child will develop the tools they need to succeed as they mature through our learning program. Because all students thrive at different things, our dedicated staff of teachers help students focus in the areas they need improvement while continuing to strengthen their skills in the areas they excel in.
Setting up our students for future success is what we strive to achieve. Our focus is on providing a conscious effort to make sure our students are prepared for the next step in their lives. Our rigorous curriculum and smaller class sizes allow your child to be challenged while they progress through school. When your child reaches an obstacle along the way, our supportive staff of teachers will help navigate them back on the road to success. The teachers and faculty at Lakeside Christian School are here to push your child academically, promote college and career readiness, and help your child accomplish their goals, both short term and long term. With opportunities for children of all ages, Lakeside Christian School is committed to helping students achieve their lifelong goals, including enrolling in the college of their dreams.
If you would like to learn more about 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.
When you hear the words “college and career readiness,” you likely don’t think of an elementary or even a middle school student. For most parents, elementary and middle school is a time for their student to develop a foundation of fundamental academic skills, basic knowledge, and socialization strategies they’ll need to succeed in their high school education. However, one private school in Clearwater is revolutionizing the way we look at college preparation.
Lakeside Christian School believes that college preparation begins long before high school or even middle school — in elementary school. The skills and knowledge they acquire in elementary school serve as the seeds for college preparation. In this brief article, we’ll provide an overview of this philosophy as well as the steps Lakeside Christian School has implemented to ensure their students are college-ready and equipped for success.
Related: How Private Schools Improve College Readiness
The philosophy of implementing college and career readiness in elementary school is not, in any means, an attempt to contribute to the latest college admissions frenzy. In no way do we endorse lining up your child’s achievements to consider how they might play on a college application. Instead, our philosophy involves ensuring your child is learning more than simply how to pass a test or get an “A.”
Even as early as elementary school, we believe that students should be encouraged to think about the future and link their interests to potential careers. This goes for parents as well. If you notice your child falling behind, it’s important to act quickly to get them caught up. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will become to get your child back on track. This is a large part of why we believe in starting this process so early.
Related: 3 Important Ways to Foster Your Child’s Development in Elementary School
So how does Lakeside Christian School, a private school in Clearwater, act on this philosophy? First, our Mastering Learning Division supports all our students in grades K-5 with a solid academic foundation in language arts and mathematics, including accelerated learning solutions and robust early reading intervention. We’ve seen firsthand how difficult it is for young students who never developed reading and writing skills, which is why we place such a strong focus on producing competent readers and early reading achievement.
The results are already clear. At Lakeside Christian School, we are consistently and frequently seeing our students improve by two or more grade levels and even go beyond their grade level in math and reading. Thanks to an effective blend of curriculum, technology, and talented educators, your child will be on a secure path towards college and career readiness. Classes fill quickly. If you are considered attending, we invite you to contact us to find out what we have already done to prepare so many children for a bright future of educational opportunity.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the top private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
The activities students partake in outside the classroom is as equally important as what they do inside the classroom. School athletics and extracurricular programs help boost your child receive a perfectly balanced educational experience. Students participating in one of our school’s seasonal productions or taking the field for their respective athletic team learn how to be a part of something larger than themselves.
Lakeside Christian School offers a variety of other extracurricular activities, including tutoring lessons and educational programs to ensure that your child is receiving an excellent education at one of the top private high schools in Clearwater, FL.
The benefits of participating in high school athletics have been studied across the country. Athletic programs provide students with real-life problem solving skills, character building, and a great opportunity to bond with their peers. At Lakeside Christian, we offer a full complement of seasonal sports, including but not limited to: football, basketball (for boys and girls), baseball and softball, soccer, and track and field.
High school students aren’t the only age group that can participate in athletics. Middle school and elementary level sports are also available for students to enjoy, including coed soccer, flag football, volleyball, and many more options. Our devoted staff of coaches build strong relationships with our students by teaching them the fundamentals of each sport and encouraging them to strive for their very best.
Lakeside Christian School is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and the Florida Christian Association of Private and Parochial Schools (FCAPPS) competing against other private high schools in Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding Tampa Bay area. We want our students to take full advantage of all the opportunities they’re presented at our school.
Related: LCS Athletics Quick Facts
Personal expression through art can be one of the most powerful and thoughtful exercises in the world. At Lakeside Christian, we encourage all of our students to unveil their creativity. Our private high school in Clearwater, FL, boasts a full theatre department that produces three outstanding productions each year. We also provide students with the opportunity to helm their own production with a set of student directed plays. In the past, our student led productions have included works from Shakespeare and a musical of the acclaimed novel “Bridge to Terabithia.”
Related: LCS Fine Arts Quick Facts
Along with our theatre program, we take great pride in our visual technology department, where students learn how to produce, film, and edit videos. Students in the past have crafted commercials, music videos, and various other video projects as part of this program. At Lakeside Christian, we offer a variety of creative and artistic after-school programs, including music lessons (guitar, piano, singing). Any of our students who sing or pursue a musical instrument are given the opportunity to play at our chapel service.
Daily tutoring sessions outside the classroom are strongly encouraged at Lakeside Christian, as we want to enhance your child’s success in their academic pursuits. Our afterschool homework program allows students to focus and work through coursework that may be particularly challenging. Extracurriculars at Lakeside Chrisrtian School provide our students with a constructive outlet to excel in. As a smaller private highschool in Clearwater, FL we are able to focus on our modest number of students to better understand your child’s interests so that they can excel in and out of school.
If you would like to learn more about private high schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
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