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.