The Best Private Middle School Options In Clearwater

Not only are private middle schools in Clearwater, FL some of the best local options for students, but they also rank among the top schools statewide. These institutions prioritize helping their students reach their full potential through accelerated programs, seasoned educators, and a diverse student population. With a commitment to excellence, private schools in the greater Clearwater area aim to provide a superior education for their students.

Benefits Of Private Schools

To determine what sets the best private schools apart, it’s important to first consider the unique benefits they offer to students.

One key advantage is the personalized attention that teachers are able to provide. Private schools typically have smaller class sizes than public schools, which allows educators to tailor their approach to each student’s needs. This creates a dynamic learning environment that fosters engagement and accelerates growth.

In addition, private schools encourage parental involvement through open lines of communication. Parents receive regular updates on their child’s progress and have a voice in shaping their educational experience. This collaborative approach ensures that students are supported both in and out of the classroom.

Finally, private schools prioritize safety and security. Statistics show that private schools are safer than their public counterparts, and experts believe this may be due to factors such as lower student-teacher ratio and increased adult supervision. By providing a secure learning environment, private schools create a foundation for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

3 Requirements The Top Private Schools Should Have

Academic Excellence

Academic excellence is a crucial aspect of any school, and achieving it requires a clear and comprehensive curriculum outline for all students. This includes establishing a standard educational philosophy for the teaching staff, as well as fostering an environment that encourages students to not only learn but to strive for excellence in their studies.

Student Development

Private schools offer an accelerated academic curriculum that is made possible by their smaller class sizes and the focused attention that teachers can provide to their students. In addition to this, private schools typically offer a wider range of extracurricular activities for students to engage in, allowing them to pursue their passions and develop a well-rounded skill set.

School Culture

The culture of a private school is perhaps the most critical aspect to consider when selecting a school. This encompasses the school’s beliefs and values, ranging from the level of safety and security provided to the values and opportunities offered to students.

Lakeside Christian School The Best Private Middle School In Clearwater FL

Lakeside Christian School stands out as the clear choice for the best middle school in the area when considering all the requirements necessary for a top-notch private school. With over 40 years of experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence, it’s no surprise that Lakeside Christian School has achieved this status.

Our school’s focus on individualized attention for each student is reflected in the classroom teaching and student curriculum. This allows teachers to cater to the unique needs of each student, resulting in a more in-depth teaching method that fosters growth and engagement.

In addition to academic excellence, we offer a diverse student population and a welcoming learning environment that promotes success. Students have the opportunity to excel in academics and extracurricular activities alike.

What sets Lakeside Christian School apart, however, is its Christian environment, which is woven into every aspect of school life. We are dedicated to instilling life-long values of loving God and loving others, creating a nurturing environment that goes beyond academic achievement.

Overall, Lakeside Christian School is the top choice for families seeking a private middle school in Clearwater, FL that offers exceptional education, individualized attention, a diverse and welcoming environment, and a commitment to Christian values.

Want to learn more about the best private middle schools in Clearwater, FL for your child? Click here and get started now!

Lakeside Christian School: The Best Private School for Hispanic Families

Choosing the right school for your child is a significant decision, particularly for Hispanic families who may face unique challenges regarding their education. Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater, FL, stands out as the best private middle school and private high school in Clearwater fl for Hispanic families, offering a nurturing and supportive environment that caters to their specific needs. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Lakeside Christian School is the top choice for Hispanic families seeking a quality education for their children.

Here are some of the reasons why Lakeside Christian School is the best private school for Hispanic families:

Experience

With over 40 years of experience in serving the Clearwater community, Lakeside Christian School has a long-standing reputation for excellence in education. Our experienced staff has helped numerous students overcome various obstacles and challenges, making Lakeside Christian School one of the top private middle and private high schools in Clearwater fl.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Lakeside Christian School prides itself on embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds. Hispanic families can feel assured that their cultural heritage and traditions will be respected and celebrated. Our commitment to creating a multicultural and inclusive atmosphere ensures that students feel valued and supported throughout their educational journey.

Bilingual Support

Understanding that English may not be the first language for many Hispanic students, Lakeside Christian School provides dedicated bilingual support to ensure their academic success. Lakeside Christian School’s experienced teachers are equipped to offer individualized assistance, ensuring that students comprehend the curriculum and thrive in their studies. By providing bilingual support, we eliminate language barriers and ensure equal access to education for all students.

Culturally Relevant Curriculum

Lakeside Christian School recognizes the importance of a culturally relevant curriculum that acknowledges and integrates Hispanic heritage. The school incorporates diverse perspectives and experiences into its curriculum, allowing Hispanic students to see themselves reflected in their studies.

By connecting their education to their cultural identity, Lakeside Christian School instills a sense of pride and confidence in Hispanic students, further motivating them to excel academically.

Community and Parental Involvement

Lakeside Christian School values strong partnerships with parents and believes in the importance of involving families in their child’s education. Hispanic families are encouraged to actively participate in school events, parent-teacher conferences, and volunteer opportunities.

Lakeside Christian School ensures a supportive network that enhances the educational experience of Hispanic students by fostering open communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and the school.

Spiritual Growth and Christian Values

Lakeside Christian School is founded on Christian principles, providing a values-based education that aligns with the beliefs and values of many Hispanic families. The school’s emphasis on spiritual growth, character development, and moral values creates a nurturing environment that fosters a strong sense of community and instills in students a solid foundation for a purposeful life.

Extracurricular Activities

Lakeside Christian School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that allow Hispanic students to explore their interests and talents. Whether it’s participating in sports teams, joining music or art clubs, or engaging in community service projects, these activities provide opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social interaction. Hispanic students can fully engage in a well-rounded educational experience beyond the classroom.

The Clear Choice is LCS

Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater, FL, stands as the best private middle and private high school in Clearwater fl for Hispanic families seeking an exceptional education for their children. With its commitment to diversity, bilingual support, culturally relevant curriculum, community involvement, Christian values, and extensive extracurricular offerings, the school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for Hispanic students to thrive academically, spiritually, and personally.

Choosing Lakeside Christian School ensures that Hispanic families have access to an education that respects their cultural identity, prepares their children for future success, and nurtures their overall well-being.

Get in touch with Lakeside Christian School, the leading private middle and private high school in clearwater fl, and discover how we can assist you this academic year – Contact us!

How to Apply for Private School Scholarships

Every child deserves a high-quality education, regardless of income. As one of the leading private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School is committed to providing individualized education guided by God for all children. Through various scholarship opportunities, you can provide your child with the best education and opportunities possible without worrying about the cost of tuition.

Read on to learn more about applying for the various scholarship programs available at Lakeside Christian School.

Private School Scholarship Programs in Clearwater, Florida

There are multiple scholarship programs available under Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL.

The most popular among them are the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship. There are also scholarship options for students with unique abilities.

Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Established in 2001, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program offers an income tax credit for corporations that donate to SFOs or Scholarship Funding Organizations. This scholarship is aimed at expanding educational opportunities for children coming from low-income households so that they can achieve greater excellence in terms of education.

The eligibility criteria that must be met in order to benefit from the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship program are as follows:

  1. Student must be placed in the current or the previous fiscal year, or
  2. The student’s name is on the direct certification list, or
  3. The student’s family’s household income is not more than 185% of the federal poverty level
  4. A student may be considered eligible if their household income is not more than 260% of the federal poverty line

Family Empowerment Scholarship Program

The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program bill was expanded to include two branches in 2022. The eligibility of the students is based on family income.

This scholarship provides K-12 students with options to choose among the participating private schools. Families must apply through one of the approved SFOs.

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities

The Family Empowerment Scholarship Program offers students with unique abilities who are as young as three years old access to additional options for educational institutes. Families can choose a different public school or receive a personal education savings account for their children.

With ESA funds, families can access private school tuition fees, online learning programs, private tutoring, higher education costs, college expenses, and other approved learning materials.

Applying for a Private School Scholarship

Here are the steps to apply for a private school scholarship to benefit from the programs mentioned above.

  1. Visit the official website for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL
  2. Select the scholarship that you want to apply for
  3. Download the FTC handbook or FEC handbook to learn about the essential points associated with the scholarship
  4. Click on Apply Now
  5. Enter the user credentials
  6. Follow on-screen instructions and upload the required documents

Information about the documents and additional information about the eligibility criteria are detailed in the scholarship handbooks.

Lakeside Christian School – A Leading Private Middle School in Clearwater, FL

If you are looking for quality education for your children, consider Lakeside Christian School. As a leading private middle school in Clearwater, FL, we offer the best education for your child, regardless of your household income.

To learn more, give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour today.

Scholarship Options for Private Schools

Clearwater once held the record for most consecutive days of sunshine at 768 days. For this reason, it is evident that God’s creation continues to bless us all. However, when it comes to education, many people are still disadvantaged.

17,500 of every 115,000 people live below the poverty line in Clearwater, Florida. But, their lack of income should never deter their dreams of education. That is why at Lakeside Christian School, we offer many scholarships for private schools so that their children still receive the best education.

Here is the list of Scholarship Options that you can look into for private schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Step Up for Students Scholarships

The Step Up for Students Scholarship is one of the most sought-after scholarship funds in Clearwater, Florida. With this, you can enroll your children in participating private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, private high schools in Clearwater, FL, and private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.

This scholarship is in demand because it allows parents to get their children into institutions that can offer the best growth opportunities. Moreover, the family members of active military personnel can also take advantage of this scholarship, and get rewarded up to $7,000 for their educational needs.

FACTS Scholarship

If your family income is above the Step Up limits, and you still need access to more affordable tuition, the FACTS scholarship assessment has you covered.

With this option, you send your children to any participating elementary school, high school, or private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida. Under this scholarship, a targeted financial response can be offered to help bring the tuition cost in line with a parent’s ability to pay.

McKay (FES-UA) Scholarship

The McKay scholarship is meant for children with special circumstances. 30,000 students have access to this fund every year, giving them a chance to attend a suitable private school. However, this scholarship doesn’t only cover private schools, but also public schools. For instance, if you want your child to be enrolled in a school that can facilitate teaching for their special needs, you can do so.

While the term “special needs” tends to be ambiguous, let us give you some clarification in this regard. “Special needs” refers to:

  1. Students who have learning disabilities
  2. Students that have special mobility needs
  3. Students that require adaptive equipment to stay functional
  4. Students with several food allergies

That said, there are other requirements that a student must meet to become eligible for this scholarship.

  1. The student must have spent a year in a Florida Public school or
  2. The student must be enrolled and reported for funding by Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind, or
  3. The student must have received services from the SIS program (Specialized Instructional Services).

Family Empowerment Scholarship

The Family Empowerment Scholarship Programs are for students with unique abilities. Families with special-needs children as young as three years old can benefit from this program. It offers two options to the parents of such students:

  1. Enroll their children in another public school
  2. Or receive a Personal Educational Savings Account (ESA).

The money from the Personal Educational Savings Account can then be used to pay tuition fees in private schools.

There Are Other Scholarship Options as Well

Whether your children will be attending private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, private high schools in Clearwater, FL, or private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL,  there are many scholarship options for you, including the AA, Florida Tax Credit, Opportunity, and more.

Learn more about Lakeside Christian Schools and contact us today to hear about the wide range of scholarships available here for your children.

Can’t Afford to Send Your Child to Private School? Think Again! New Income Limits for Step Up for Students

Worried that your child will miss out on improved educational quality because you do not have the resources to send them to a private school? Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL is here to change that!

New Income Limits for Step Up for Students Scholarship Program

Step Up for Students scholarships are a product of the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which was started in 1998 with the aim of giving low-income families a choice in where their children attended school.

The program has expanded since its founding in Clearwater, Florida, to now support almost 80,000 students throughout the state. If parents feel that their children are not receiving a quality education at their neighborhood public schools, the scholarship enables them to send their children to participating private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Private high schools in Clearwater, Florida are also able to provide their neighborhood with a high-quality elementary education as a means of assisting kids in building brighter futures, thanks to the Step Up for Students grant. The Step Up for Students program offers young, bright minds the chance to pursue a private education and is also accessible to private middle schools in Clearwater, Florida.

Who Can Apply to the Program?

A family of four with a yearly income of up to $111,000 is one example of who would be qualified for the 2022–23 academic year. The residence and grade level of the student are used to calculate the scholarship amount. Please click here to view the 2022–2023 scholarship award amounts.

In terms of age criteria:

  • Students entering kindergarten must be five years old by September 1.
  • First-graders must turn six years old by September 1.
  • Siblings of Family Empowerment Scholarship recipients, including siblings of children who qualify because of a specific need, are other families who may be eligible for a scholarship.
  • Dependent children of a member of the US armed forces may be qualified, regardless of household income. Included are reservists and members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Space Force. Click here to find out more.
  • Regardless of household income, children of a law enforcement officer who depend on their parents for financial support. Click here to find out more.

How to Apply for the Step Up for Students Scholarship at Lakeside Christian School?

The same educational advantages that were previously only available to those with financial means are now available to everyone, thanks to Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl at Lakeside Christian School.

The K–12 private school provides all children with the methods, materials, and curriculum they require to learn more quickly than they would in a traditional classroom. Parents and students who are interested in applying for the scholarship must go to stepupforstudents.org and select the “Learn More/Apply Now” tab. Enrollment is now open for the academic year 2022–2023. To move on to the next step of the application process, simply click the “Apply” button.

Sign up for an account on the website and provide personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, and password. You can provide the supporting documentation requested at registration, including identification documents, evidence of residency, income documentation from all sources, including pay stubs, and special documentation if you are a member of the armed forces.

Do you have questions or need assistance with the application process at Lakeside Christian, one of the top schools for Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Florida? Contact us today by submitting a contact request form or calling us at (727) 239-7809.

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.

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.

How the Step Up Scholarship in Florida Makes Private Education Accessible to Everyone

In the past, a private school education was out of reach for many because of the financial aspect. This put many parents of kids who were being bullied, or parents of those with a learning disability or special medical needs at the whim of the public school system with few options. Thankfully, the Step Up for Students scholarship was created in Florida to give greater school choice to those in special circumstances, creating more accessibility to a private education for all who need it. 

In this brief article, our team at Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, has more information on the Step Up for Schools collection of scholarships to help you make the best choice for your child, regardless of tuition price.

 

What Is Step Up for Students?

According to their website, “Step Up For Students empowers families to pursue and engage in the most appropriate learning options for their children, with an emphasis on families who lack the information and financial resources to access these options.” 

Step Up for Students was dreamed up by founder John Kirtley, who began the Children’s Scholarship Fund of Tampa Bay. After legislation supported the ability of parents to use these scholarships to place their children in better schools and once combined with the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program enacted in 1988, the Step Up Scholarship was created. 

The overall goal of the Step Up for Students scholarship is to allow parents the opportunity to take their children to participating private schools if they felt they were not being served well in their local public and/or charter schools. The Step Up for Students scholarship program targets students who tend to have the most limited options for improving the quality of their education.

Originally, the scholarship fund housed two smaller scholarships, but in recent years it has been expanded into four separate funds. These include: 

  • The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program (FTC) for lower to middle income families
  • The Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES) for lower to middle income families and students with unique abilities (formerly called the Gardiner scholarship) 
  • The Hope Scholarship for public school students who are bullied or victims of violence
  • The Reading Scholarship Accounts for public school students in third through fifth grade who struggle with reading

This is an incredible organization that gives to those who need it most. Step-Up For Students writes, “A state-commissioned researcher has determined that scholarship students “tend to be among the lowest-performing students in their prior school, regardless of the performance level of their public school.” 

Ultimately, these scholarship funds make private schools in Clearwater, FL more accessible to any income level, reading level, or level of ability – all of which are welcomed by Lakeside Christian School.

 

What Are the Requirements for the Step Up Scholarship?

Although the Step Up for Students scholarships are housed under the same umbrella, each scholarship within Step Up has differing requirements. 

A few of the requirements for this collection of scholarships include: 

The Income-Based Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship: A child may be eligible for an FTC scholarship for any of the following reasons:

  • A member of the household receives food stamps or federal assistance  
  • The household income qualifies the student for a free or reduced-price lunch
  • The household income is at or below the amounts indicated in the Step Up For Students eligibility chart
  • The child is homeless, in foster care, or in out-of-home care

Gardiner Scholarship: This scholarship is for children with special needs and unique abilities. Students between the ages of 3 and 22 who have yet to complete the 12th grade may qualify for the Gardiner scholarship. Your child may qualify for the Gardiner scholarship if they have:  

  • A qualifying disability or impairment  
  • A rare disease  
  • Developmental delays

Your child may also qualify if they are in a hospital or homebound.

 

How Does Step Up for Students Help Create Successful Outcomes?

The Step Up for Students scholarship fund is important because it gives access to children who might be facing more hurdles than others in public schools. Although public schools may individually have excellent test scores, or may have a positive curriculum, ultimately your child may not be able to receive the individual attention they need. 

Think of a child who struggles in reading. A public school may not be able to slow down the curriculum in place to help one struggling child, and if you find that your child also does not respond well to a private tutor, what can you do? You can switch to a school with smaller class sizes and more focused, data-driven learning methods that give your child the attention they need to succeed. 

You can also consider the positive impact on children with special needs. The need may not seem big to a public school – for example, if your child suffers life-threatening anaphylaxis due to food allergies – but in a private school setting there are more eyes on the child more consistently, creating a safer environment. This can decrease stress not only for the student, but for their caregivers as well. 

In the ever-inflating market, schools that encourage Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL can keep your child in the right school no matter what is happening in public schools or the economy.

 

Contact the Best Clearwater Private School

Lakeside Christian School wants to help create a positive foundation for the rest of your child’s life for all students, and welcomes recipients of the Step Up for Students Scholarship. With over 40 years of experience and a diverse student body, 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 Clearwater private school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Private vs. Public vs. Charter: Choosing the Right School System for Your Child

If your child is starting kindergarten soon, you may be facing a difficult and confusing choice of whether they should enroll in a public or private school. However, those two aren’t always the only two options, as charter schools may also be a factor in your search. Choosing the right school system and school for your child is crucial in setting them up for long term success, and with so many options you might be feeling a bit confused about where to start and what the differences are between each type of school.  

In this brief article, the team at our Clearwater, FL Christian school, Lakeside Christian School, has shared some insights into the differences between public, private, and charter schools and how to know which is right for your unique child. 

 

What is a Charter School?

A charter school is defined by the state of Florida as: 

“…public schools that operate under a performance contract, or a “charter” which frees them from many regulations created for traditional public schools while holding them accountable for academic and financial results. The charter contract between the charter school governing board and the sponsor details the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment and ways to measure success.”

In other words, a charter school is a public school that is operating under the oversight of a governing board rather than the local school board. This sounds similar to private schools because of the oversight of a more localized board of directors, but there are still many of the same standards as a regular public school. 

Charter schools were created to give greater school choice to parents in the state of Florida, and there are certainly good aspects of a charter school. For example, a charter school may have slightly smaller class sizes because students must apply for admission and because charter schools have the ability to target specific age levels. Furthermore, parents may be invited to have a greater level of involvement at a charter school. However, because charter schools operate under different rules than regular public schools, there is a greater lack of regulation and the promise of being in a highly graded school may not be a reality. 

Also of note: Charter schools may have a specific focus. For example, the charter school may serve at-risk students, or offer a specialized curriculum or core academic program, provide early intervention programs, or serve exceptional education students. This is different from private schools in Clearwater, FL that take a more holistic approach to learning. 

Another important thing to note is that charter schools are not the same as magnet schools. Magnet schools are public schools with a particular theme or academic focus, such as mathematics, science, technology, business, or performing arts.

 

What is a Private School in Florida?

Private schools differ from public schools and charter schools because they are not publicly funded and can therefore govern themselves for the most part. For example, Christian schools in Clearwater, FL can control their class sizes and are exempt from the laws separating church and education. 

For a more technical definition, the state of Florida’s Department of Education states:

“A private school is defined in Section 1002.01(2), Florida Statutes, as “an individual, association, co-partnership, or corporation or department, division, or section of such organizations, that designates itself as an educational center that includes kindergarten or a higher grade” and is below the college level.”

Private schools can focus on a specific area, for example they may be limited to elementary, middle, or high school. However, in many cases, private schools are able to accommodate all grade levels, giving students the opportunity to learn in the same environment for their whole education. This can be beneficial for establishing close relationships with friends and teachers while also fostering growth.

 

What’s the Difference Between Public, Private, and Charter Schools in Florida?

Now that we’ve discussed the definitions of private and charter schools, we can dive into what makes these options so different. Of course, all schools have the needs of students at their core and as the anchor for their values, but there are some major differences. 

For example, public schools often run into major problems with budget cuts and running short-staffed. They may rely on a revolving door of teachers and substitutes who don’t know the school very well. Additionally, public schools often fall victim to large class sizes which can hold students back from the individual attention they need to learn. 

Additionally, charter schools may face the same budgetary restrictions. However, unlike public schools, they are less likely to run into issues dealing with rules passed down by the superintendent. 

Private schools stand out because they are not subject to the whims of politics and are able to dedicate themselves to the education of their students. Class sizes can be significantly smaller and the pool of substitute teachers comes from well known and fully vetted staff.

 

Should My Child Go to Public, Charter, or Private School?

Now is the big question: should my child go to public, charter, or private school? It all depends on the student and their individual needs. 

In many cases, parents do not believe private school is a choice due to the cost of tuition, however, there are several scholarships made available through the state of Florida to help empower parents with more choices. A Clearwater private school does not have to be out of reach just because of finances. 

Many parents choose a private school for the aspect of stability, community, and a more personalized and individualized education. Although your child may thrive in public schools or charter schools, they’ll have access to faith-based learning and top-notch college prep in a private school. 

Lakeside Christian School wants to help you make the right decision for your family. 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. 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 Clearwater, FL Christian school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

How a Private Elementary School Builds the Foundation for Success

One of the biggest debates when considering public or private school is whether a private education will build a foundation for success in the same way that people view the success of public school students. Certainly cost is a factor for many choosing private vs. public, but in most cases the question ultimately boils down to whether your elementary school child will become more prepared for middle and high school, and later, college.

 

To help you understand a few ways that private elementary schools can build a foundation for success, Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, shares a few basics.

 

Starting with the Basics

 

Before we can talk about the fundamentals for success and how private schools excel at giving children these tools, it’s first important to understand a few of the studies that support these elements.

 

  • A recent study found that graduates of private high schools scored 4 points higher on the ACT test. What does that have to do with elementary school, you ask? The foundation to learn all of the higher skills needed for the ACT test are built early.
  • The same study found a similar difference between elementary and middle schools. For example, a comparison of mathematics tests showed private schools scored 18 points higher for eighth-graders and 8 points higher for fourth graders.
  • Math was not the only area where private school students excelled. Private school students also outscored their public counterparts in reading tests by 18 points in eighth grade and 15 points in fourth grade.
  • In the UK, children educated in a private school setting can score up to two grades higher than children in a public education setting. Although this is taking into account a different school system, many of the UK’s private schools follow the same teaching and curriculum style as those in North America, including Montessori learning techniques and faith-based learning.
  • Another study found that compared to public schools, private schools have a smaller average class size of 18.8 students. Additionally, the same study noted that private schools have a lower student-to-teacher ratio of 12 students to one teacher.

 

Another study found that compared to public schools, private schools have a smaller average class size of 18.8 students. Additionally, the same study noted that private schools have a lower student-to-teacher ratio of 12 students to one teacher.

 

These numbers put a few important things into perspective. First, it proves that building the foundation for success in high school and college starts in elementary school. Second, it demonstrates that seemingly minor details, like a smaller class size, can translate into big results later on.

 

Building on the Fundamentals for Success

 

Now that we have discussed the studied results of a private elementary school education, let’s dive into the how. Understanding how private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, create the foundation for success is just as important as understanding the “why”.

 

  • To start, private education focuses on a few key factors:
  • Each individual child’s learning style and needs;
  • Data-driven instruction;
  • and an expanded curriculum

 

These key factors are all intertwined, with one giving way to the next. Let’s break this down further. In a private school setting, class sizes are smaller which means that teachers have the opportunity to understand the way that each child thinks and learns best, and can modify their approach. Additionally, because instructors are not “teaching to test” — in other words, teaching and testing in an endless loop — teachers are given more freedom to modify lesson plans and give each child more individualized attention.

 

Teachers are also able to focus on data-driven instruction and methods, and because they are privately funded they are able to expand the curriculum beyond what publicly funded schools are able to do. When building the foundation for elementary school students, teachers are not tied to just covering the minimums mandated by the state, they are able to incorporate intellectual, philosophical and religious aspects that will instill more confidence in young learners and equip them with everything they need to build a strong education.

 

Increasing the Focus on Areas Where Kids Need the Most Help

 

Previously, we touched on the key factor of individualizing curriculums to meet the needs of each individual child. But, this goes beyond just paying special attention to children with different learning abilities or needs. This means increasing areas of focus for the whole class where kids need the most help — which is a luxury that private school education is able to utilize.

 

In a public school setting, when the majority of the class fails to understand a specific subject or topic, the students are penalized. This might mean they are penalized with lower test scores, or even being held back a grade, because the curriculum must march on. But in elementary school especially, this can mean you are “building your house upon the sand” so to speak. As the saying says, a wise man builds his house upon the rock, and the goal of private school is to build your child’s educational house upon a rock. So when the entire class struggles to grasp a specific subject, more time is taken to help everyone as a whole understand. And if the class still struggles, there is a closer look taken at the approach and a more collaborative method of teaching for instructors that allows them to strike a solid balance with their class. Christian elementary schools in Clearwater can offer this while public schools simply do not have the time to consistently pivot when the older methods of learning are no longer working.

 

If you are hoping to build your child’s elementary education for a foundation of success, Lakeside Christian School should be at the top of your list. Lakeside Christian School is an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, which gives students all of the tools they need to succeed. 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 elementary school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

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