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Scholarships for Private Schools in Florida: A Guide for Clearwater Families

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updated: March 2026

Many Florida families think private Christian schools are too expensive, but recent changes to Step Up For Students are making that less true. Now, private school scholarships like the FTC and FES-EO are available regardless of household income if your child is eligible for a K-12 public school. For Clearwater families exploring options like Lakeside Christian School, this opens a whole new world of possibility.

This updated guide walks you through the current scholarship programs, what’s covered, how to apply, and how Lakeside supports families through it all.

What’s New: Step Up for Students Made More Accessible

Here’s what Step Up now states per its Private School Scholarship page:

  • The Florida Tax Credit (FTC) and Family Empowerment Scholarship for Educational Options (FES-EO) now are available to all Florida students eligible for K-12 public school, regardless of household income.
  • These scholarships provide on average $8,000 in assistance for private school tuition and related fees.
  • Applications for the 2026-2027school year are now open.

Scholarship Breakdown: What’s Available & Who Qualifies

Let’s go through the programs you should know about now that the rules have expanded.

Private School Scholarship (FTC & FES-EO)

  • Eligibility: Any Florida student eligible for K-12 public school. No income limits.
  • What it covers: On average about $8,000 toward tuition and related fees. May vary by grade and private school.
  • How to apply: Through Step Up For Students. The application for 2026-2027 is open now.

Family Empowerment Scholarship – Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

Designed for students with diagnosed learning differences or special needs. Award amounts are determined by the student’s assessed matrix score and district. Covers tuition, approved services.

Hope Scholarship

For students who have experienced qualifying incidents in a public school setting (bullying, safety concerns, etc.). Provides private school option.

How Lakeside Christian School Supports Clearwater Families

Because the process can still feel confusing, Lakeside offers strong support:

  • Step-by-step application help: Admission staff guide parents through which scholarship works best, how to fill out forms, and gathering documents.
  • Assistance with renewals: For families already in a scholarship program, Lakeside reminds and helps with the renewal process.
  • Budgeting advice: Combining scholarship funding, in-school payment plans, and school fees explanation to reduce surprises.
  • Tour & info sessions: Our principal conducts personal 1:1 tours so you can ask specific questions (tuition, curriculum, student support, etc.).

Why Use Your Step Up Scholarship at Lakeside Christian School?

Choosing the right school for your children is just as important as securing scholarship funding. At Lakeside Christian School, families find small class sizes and strong academics in a safe environment. Most importantly, they find a K-12 education that integrates faith, leadership, and purpose into every subject and activity.

  • K-12 Continuity: From the very first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, students grow within a consistent, nurturing community that knows them well.
  • Personalized Learning: Teachers are committed to meeting students where they are, whether that’s challenging advanced learners or providing extra support.
  • Faith and Academics: Families who value a Christ-centered education will find daily opportunities for spiritual growth, weekly chapel services, and daily Bible class alongside rigorous academics.
  • Close-knit Community: Parents, teachers, and students partner together to create a safe, encouraging atmosphere that feels like family.
  • And the best news? Enrollment for Spring 2026 is still open in elementary grades and 11–12. Your Step Up scholarship can make a Lakeside education possible today.

Schedule a campus tour with our principal to learn more and see how Lakeside can be the right fit for your family.

Private School Scholarship FAQs

Q: Does household income matter now for Step Up’s private school scholarships?

A: No. For the FTC & FES-EO under Step Up, all Florida students eligible for K-12 public school can apply—regardless of their income.

Q: What is the average scholarship award amount?

A: Around $8,000 toward tuition and related fees—this is the typical award for the private school scholarship (FTC & FES-EO). Actual amount may vary.

Q: Are Step Up scholarshi[ applications open for the 2025-26 school year?

A: Yes. Step Up has opened applications for 2025-26. Best to apply early before funds run out.

Q: Can students with learning needs get additional support?

A: Yes. FES-UA is designed for that purpose. Schools like Lakeside work with families to provide needed support services when they can.

Get Started with Step Up & Lakeside

If you’ve held back from applying before because of an income barrier, now is the time. Step Up’s updated rules mean that many more families in Clearwater are eligible than ever before. Schedule your personal tour with our principal to see Lakeside in person, talk through scholarship options, and determine what support your child will get. Reach out via our contact form or email us today at chelms@lakesidechristianschool.org to start the process.

Enroll Today and See the Difference

We believe that a Christian education for all K-12 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. Experience the Lakeside difference: where growth, leadership, and faith come together to prepare students for a bright future.