One of the most common reasons people don’t choose a private school for their children is because they don’t believe they can afford it. What many parents are surprised to learn is that there are several scholarships available that put private school within reach for nearly every family of every income level. Thanks to legislation expanding school choice, private schools across Florida accept millions of dollars in scholarships each year to ensure greater access to better education.
In this brief article, our team at Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, has shared a few of the scholarships available to help you remove the barrier of finances from providing your child the education they deserve.
At Lakeside Christian School, we want to remind you that YES! You can afford a private education at the best private school in Clearwater, FL. This is made possible through a combination of affordable tuition and the following scholarships to fill in any financial gaps or needs:
If you don’t qualify for the scholarships above, you may still be able to use the FACTS program. This in-house scholarship is designed to create more affordable tuition for low-income families and is available to new families who have decided that Lakeside Christian School is right for them. Financial aid is available to all qualifying families through a process called FACTS. FACTS is an online financial aid assessment program.
It should be noted that currently the McKay and Step Up scholarships do not cover 100% of tuition costs.
Once you’ve realized that private school is within reach, the next question we often get is how to apply for scholarships that are available as well as their deadlines to apply.
Many Christian elementary schools in Clearwater ask that parents apply for scholarships prior to admission, however, you may find it more beneficial to speak with the school you are considering directly. School advisors will help guide you through the process of both applying for admission and applying for financial assistance.
Each year, Lakeside Christian School provides over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families. Our team can help you navigate the ins and outs of applying for scholarships and financial aid and will discuss any deadlines so that you have plenty of time to apply and meet those deadlines. You’ll benefit from speaking with Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL.
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.
For more information and to schedule a tour, please call Jim Jensen, Administrator at (727) 477-8542.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
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.
With the recent policy changes due to COVID-19 and conflicting information about how best to keep children safe during the pandemic, more parents now than ever are now considering a private education for their families. In fact, a recent survey by Ed Choice found that around 41% of parents in the U.S. were more likely to prefer a private education for their children post-pandemic despite the potential difference in cost.
Families who used to consider private school out of reach for their budget are now considering their options as they look to keep their children safe and are finding that a private education is not out of reach regardless of their budget because of scholarship options. Over a quarter of all families receive financial aid, according to the National Association of Independent Schools, putting this option within reach for millions of families across the country.
To help families take advantage of scholarship options and financial aid, our team of advisors at Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, share some of the scholarships available and how to apply for them.
Florida recently passed House Bill 7045, which was signed into law in June in order to expand school choice options and provide greater scholarship availability to students. This bill stated:
“School Choice; Revises student eligibility requirements under Family Empowerment Scholarship program to include students with disabilities; revises provisions related to calculation of maximum amount of scholarship funds granted to a student with disabilities; revises provisions related to funding and payment of scholarships awarded under program; providing requirements for use of funds under program; revising program administration obligations; repeals Gardiner Scholarship Program; provides for future repeal of John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; providing certain students with disabilities are eligible for enrollment in transition-to-work programs; revising amount of eligible contributions used for administrative expenses by an eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization under Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.”
In layman’s terms, this bill expanded the availability of the Family Empowerment Scholarship to include a greater number of students with qualifying disabilities, children of active-duty military, and foster-to-adopt vouchers.
Lakeside Christian School is one of the private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL that offers the following scholarship opportunities:
It should be noted that currently the McKay and Step Up scholarships do not cover 100% of tuition costs.
If you’re considering starting your elementary school student in a private school, it can be confusing to know when and how to apply for these scholarship options. For example, should you apply for scholarships before applying to the school itself to know what you can realistically afford? Or apply to the school and then learn more when accepted?
Many Christian elementary schools in Clearwater ask that parents apply for scholarships prior to admission, however, you may find it more beneficial to speak with the school you are considering directly. School advisors will help guide you through the process of both applying for admission and applying for financial assistance.
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.
Each year, Lakeside, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, provides over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families. For more information and to schedule a tour, please call Jim Jensen, Administrator at (727) 477-8542. New inquiries only. For all other concerns, please use: (727) 461-3311.
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.
Preparing for the “real world” is the goal of every school, but for some parents the focus on college preparation is the most important consideration when choosing the right school path for their children. Although public school provides excellent opportunities for many students, a private school education may give students an advantage. In fact, in 2019 only 7 percent of high school students attended private high schools in the United States, but at some of the more selective colleges, a third to half of the freshman classes are composed of students who graduated from a private high school, according to Census Bureau data.
To give a few unique examples of how private school prepares students for college and beyond, the team at Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, weighs in.
Private schools often have fewer students, which means a greater focus on each individual student’s success. But this focus doesn’t end in the classroom. In a Clearwater, FL Christian school, students will be more closely guided by all of the staff including the principal, assistant principal, faculty, staff, and guidance counselors.
This close guidance from counselors, teachers, and staff can help direct students to the path that is the best fit for them. College is not one-size-fits-all, and having counselors who personally know each student and who are able to provide the best advice and guidance for each individual can help prepare kids early on for their futures.
One of the major challenges in preparing for college is getting students to understand how challenging college courses can be. For students who have become complacent in lesson plans provided by public schools, a private school may offer a new challenge in coursework and course load that will better prepare them for life after high school.
For example, in a private high school in Clearwater, FL, students can expect a variety of college level courses in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) along with higher level reading and writing courses. This will help them prepare for the challenging coursework of college while also helping them learn in a way that does not emphasize state-required repeated testing.
We previously touched on the challenging coursework that better prepares students for the level they will be expected to learn in college, but it is also important to mention the focused college and career prep courses in private school that are often not available in public school. For example, some public school students may need to hire a tutor for college prep courses, which takes place outside of school time. However, in Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, students will be able to take college prep and career prep courses during their school days. This is also combined with the faith-based learning that many students have found empowers them in many areas of their lives.
One of the biggest factors in choosing a school, especially a private school, is the difference in class size. On average, the class size in public schools is around 25 kids, compared to 19 kids per class in private schools according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Private schools reportedly also have a better student-to-teacher ratio of 12.2 students, compared to 16.1 students per teacher in public schools.
This comes back to the importance of individual attention. When a student is required to fight for attention or made to learn in a way that is not helpful to who they are as an individual, they may not grow to reach their full potential. But, when their instructors can spend the extra time helping them learn, tailor their teaching approach to how each student learns, and create an environment of community in the classroom, the benefits are numerous.
Furthermore, smaller peer groups, like the ones a student will build in college, will create an environment that fosters growth, support, and community that can last a lifetime. This will help your child learn important social skills that they can take with them for the rest of their lives, to college, career, and beyond.
When schools are privately funded, they are able to expand the curriculum beyond what publicly funded schools are able to do. Of course, private schools must meet the criteria set by the state as far as minimums for passing are concerned, but that is where the state’s involvement stops. Instead, private schools can offer flexible, expanded curriculums that go far beyond what you might learn in a public setting. This means incorporating the more challenging coursework mentioned above, as well as the college and career-prep mentioned above — but beyond that, it means that if a student is excelling in one particular area, or if a group of students are able to excel in that area, the curriculum can be more tailored to cover those areas.
If you are hoping to give your child an education that will take them beyond high school, Lakeside Christian School should be at the top of your list. Lakeside Christian School is Clearwater, FL’s best private school, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
With the increasing number of choices in public, private, and charter schools in Florida, it can be difficult to know which is the right choice for your family. Families choose different schools for different reasons, but a recent study found that a school’s environment is often the leading factor in choosing a private Christian elementary school. The environment is made up of several factors, including things like class size, parental involvement, safety, affordability, and more.
To break this down further, the team from Lakeside Christian School, a Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, shares the 5 reasons to choose a private school and why the school environment should be a deciding factor in your search.
When your child is in a smaller class, they are less likely to be lost in the shuffle. But the benefits of small class sizes don’t stop there. Smaller class sizes lead to:
Kids can be rowdy, and even the most well-behaved kids get in trouble every now and then. What’s important is how the school handles discipline. When you choose Clearwater Christian elementary schools, you’ll be able to relax in the knowledge that your child will be disciplined without fear or humiliation, which can sometimes be a problem in other school settings. For example, your child might be redirected, explained the reasoning for the disciplinary action, and given the opportunity to correct their behaviors and apologize before jumping to things like automatic suspensions. If your child is facing the constant need for discipline, you’ll be notified long before the situation escalates to needing more severe punishment such as detention. You’ll also find that private schools may have more unique forms of punishments, like essay writing, to help students really grasp and understand the consequences of their actions.
Similar to the benefits of small class sizes, a smaller faith-based school has several social benefits. Kids will have the chance to grow up with their friends without being separated due to zoning changes, and parents will be able to connect with one -another as well as with teachers and staff to create a sense of community. Furthermore, this environment gives shy children the chance to grow and prosper in a way that might not be available to them in a public school setting.
When you choose a Clearwater, FL Christian elementary school, you will also see social benefits of connecting with others who share your faith. If faith-based learning is important to you, your child will benefit from the additional time spent learning scripture along with the ability to express their faith freely.
Similar to the findings of the survey mentioned above, many of the benefits of private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL boil down to the environment. In an environment where no child is left behind because the class sizes are more manageable, and students are able to make meaningful connections with each other and their teachers, there are statistically fewer instances of unsafe situations such as shootings. The extra attention to student mental health and relationships also may lead to a reduction in bullying. This all creates improved student safety, which is increasingly important as children enter their teen years.
Additionally, the smaller class sizes and more close-knit environment can be important for students with medical conditions to feel included. For example, if your child suffers from food allergies, you may find that a private school environment feels more safe than a public school where they may not be monitored as closely.
When you talk about private school, there is always the question of affordability. It is a common misconception that private school is unaffordable or out of reach for families. In fact, it is quite the contrary. Tuition assistance in the form of scholarships and grants are available for many families. Furthermore, when you factor in the costs of tutors, sports programs, and other fees associated with public school, you may find that it is a more affordable option. An affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL like Lakeside Christian School is an investment in your child’s future, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
All of the reasons above are all pieces of one larger overall puzzle: environment. The environment in which your child learns will mold and shape them for years to come. For many parents, the environment of a private school creates opportunities for children to grown and prosper from kindergarten all the way through high school.
Whether you are considering a private school only for elementary school or would like a consistent environment in which your child can grow and thrive, Lakeside Christian School should be at the top of your list. 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, a Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Recently, the State of Florida announced the passage of HB 7045 through the Florida House of Representatives (79-36 vote) and Florida State Senate (25-14 vote) which makes changes to a few private school scholarship programs. It is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis for a final signature. These changes are one step closer to expanding the private school voucher program in a major way for parents, and giving greater opportunities for school choice to families.
If you are hoping to understand how these changes might affect your family, Lakeside Christian School, a Christian private school in Clearwater, FL, shares some of the biggest impacts in this brief article. These changes apply to both private high schools in Clearwater, FL as well as private middle and elementary schools.
In a nutshell, House Bill 7045 is all about expanding school choice. According to the Florida Senate, the bill includes:
“School Choice; Revises student eligibility requirements under Family Empowerment Scholarship program to include students with disabilities; revises provisions related to calculation of maximum amount of scholarship funds granted to a student with disabilities; revises provisions related to funding and payment of scholarships awarded under program; providing requirements for use of funds under program; revising program administration obligations; repeals Gardiner Scholarship Program; provides for future repeal of John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; providing certain students with disabilities are eligible for enrollment in transition-to-work programs; revising amount of eligible contributions used for administrative expenses by an eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization under Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.”
You can read House Bill 7045 in its entirety here. Let’s break down what these changes actually look like:
Many private schools offer discounted tuition for active-duty military members, however in some cases they may have qualified for tuition assistance. However, with the passage of HB 7045, more military members would have access to private school vouchers. With this bill, all active-duty military members will automatically be eligible for a state scholarship for private schools through either the Step Up for Students program or the Family Empowerment Program.
However, families must submit an application before June 4th for a 100% award.
Another major expansion to scholarships due to HB7045 comes for families who have adopted a child from the foster care system. These families will now automatically qualify for a scholarship voucher.
The deadline for families to apply for this scholarship voucher is also June 4.
The biggest change coming as a result of HB 7045 is the consolidation of the Gardiner and McKay scholarship programs, which serve students with family needs. These would be combined with the Step Up or Family Empowerment Scholarship program, which are currently in place to serve a broad population of low-to-middle-income families.
It should be noted that currently the McKay and Step Up scholarships do not cover 100% of tuition costs.
Currently, the McKay scholarship is available to all students currently in the Florida Public School system who have a qualified IEP or 504 plan for specific learning issues. The Step Up scholarship is available to all Florida residents with students in grades K-12 whose families meet specific income requirements.
However, with the combination of these scholarships, there will also be a change to the financial eligibility. HB 7045 will increase the maximum income eligibility to receive vouchers to 375% of the federal poverty level. For example, that would mean that a family for 4 making around $100,000 per year would qualify.
Further, all families who currently have a child with either the Gardiner or the McKay Scholarships will automatically receive a Step Up or Family Empowerment Scholarship for their other students, regardless of the family income. Meaning that if the family has one child in the school on a scholarship, that child’s siblings will qualify.
At this time, the bill does not appear to address any changes to the FACTS scholarship. The FACTS scholarship is available to all parents who desire that their student attend Lakeside Christian School. This is an income-based scholarship designed to help create more affordable tuition.
For many families, scholarship programs are the key to unlocking your child’s full potential at a private school in Clearwater, FL. These scholarships are just a few of the many options that families who want to provide their children with a private education can explore. Remember, the deadline to apply for some of these scholarships is June 4th.
While public schools offer a myriad of positive benefits, many families are taking time post-Covid to explore what is best for their individual child.
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, a private school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
These days, parents considering sending their child to private school have an overwhelming number of excellent options. In fact, according to data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), there are approximately 34,576 private schools in the United States. In Florida alone, there are 2,631 private schools — each of which has its own unique history, curriculum, admissions process and requirements.
It’s only natural for parents to feel at least a little bit stressed about finding the right private school fit for their child before the new school year rolls around. That’s why, in this brief article, we’ll be reviewing just a few of the steps you can take in order to select a private school that’s right for your child and the needs of your family. For more information regarding the private school selection or application process, please get in touch with a member of our staff here at Lakeside Christian School — a private middle school in Clearwater, FL.
The first and most important step in finding the right private school fit for your child is to take a look at their unique educational needs. Generally speaking, this includes four main criteria: what you want your child to learn, how your child learns best, level of contact with their peers and instructors, and practical matters like scheduling or extracurricular activities.
Some schools will offer a much wider range of studies than others, so it’s important to narrow down which aspects of your child’s education are most important to you. Below, we’ve compiled a brief list of questions you can ask yourself to identify the academic, social, and emotional needs of your child.
Once you have considered your child’s needs and narrowed your search, scheduling a campus tour is the next step. Usually, school tours would take place in person. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, you may feel more comfortable scheduling a virtual tour.
During the tour, you can discuss the factors that are most important to you to get a feel for the school’s overall environment and how your child might fit in. You can also discuss any special considerations during the tour. For example, if your child excels in advanced courses, the tour is a great time to discuss what the options are to keep your child doing well. You may also want to discuss any physical needs, such as allergy protocols. Remember, this step is not part of the interview process, but it is a great time for you to interview to find the right Christian middle school in Clearwater FL.
The right school will also need to fit your budget. Your child is the single greatest investment in your life, so it is understandable that parents want only the best. Considering the long-term financial aspect is important in choosing the right school. When you are looking for private high schools in Clearwater FL, make sure to understand tuition cost, administrative fees, sports and extracurricular costs, etc.
If scholarship options are important to you, the campus tour is a great time to learn how your child might qualify. Private school does not have to be out of reach based on finances and scholarships can help.
The best way to learn about a school and how the day-to-day feels is to simply connect with the families of the students who already attend. If a faith based program is important, ask the families how they feel about that aspect of the curriculum. You will find that parents and current students will be able to give you a more holistic view of the programs offered. Below we have compiled a few questions you may want to ask other families and parents:
Once you have decided which school to apply to, it is important to talk to your child and get their input and feedback. Remember, this will be their home away from home for years to come. The relationships and friendships they will form at their school will impact them for the rest of their lives, so it is important to make sure they are included in the decision. Once they are comfortable with the choice, you can begin the application process. For more information regarding the private school selection or application process, talk to a member of the Lakeside Christian School team.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a private Christian high school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
It’s no secret that the private school admissions process can be an exciting but demanding process for parents and their children. From deciding on the best school for your child to making sure you’re following the application instructions to a T, it’s easy to see why many parents become frustrated with getting their child into private school. Fortunately, helping your child receive the high-quality education they deserve doesn’t have to be such a daunting experience.
In fact, it can actually be easy when you follow the tips laid out in this article. Below, we go over four of the most common mistakes made by parents when applying to private school. For more information regarding the admissions process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our staff at Lakeside Christian School — the best private school in Clearwater, FL.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Private School Admissions Process
By far, one of the most common mistakes made by parents when applying to private school is waiting until the last minute to get to work on their application. Ideally, the private school selection process should begin in the summer or fall of the year before your child will actually attend the school. That way, by the end of the summer, you’ll have identified the schools you’re interested in applying to and have the time necessary to begin arranging tours. Never assume that the school you’re applying to is going to follow the standardized timelines, as all schools have different admissions timelines. Some will be at the end of December or in early January, while others may be as late as April or March. It may be beneficial to create a calendar to help you organize your private school search process.
You wouldn’t buy a house sight unseen, so why would you let your child go to a school that you haven’t visited in person? Touring a private school prior to enrollment is an unparalleled opportunity for you and your student to get to know the staff, see what life in the classroom is like, check out the facilities, and learn about scholarship opportunities. For instance, you know that your child needs to be comfortable learning in the facilities provided by the private school you select. During a tour, you’ll be able to see first-hand what proactive measures are in place to create interactive learning spaces that catch your child’s interest and encourage them to embrace learning. To schedule a tour with a Clearwater private school, give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or submit our contact form.
Related: 3 Benefits Of Touring Private Schools Before Enrollment
Most parents acknowledge that it would be silly to only apply to one college if you are aiming at one of the most selective schools in the country, but they don’t carry that attitude over to the private school application process. It’s important to make sure that you’re being realistic at all times. Many of the top private schools in your area will have a competitive admission cycle and only accept a small percentage of the applicants who apply. As such, it’s always a good idea to have a top choice and at least one or two backup schools, just in case.
Last but certainly not least, one of the biggest mistakes a parent can make during the private school admissions process is failing to inquire about financial aid. Many parents assume that their financial situation or the price point of the school precludes them from getting financial aid. Fortunately, the exact opposite is usually the case.
Let’s take Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, for example. We offer a wide variety of funding options, including Step Up For Students, McKay scholarships, and the FACTS scholarship. In fact, each year, we provide over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families. For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jim Jensen, Administrator, at (727) 261-0937.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, 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.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
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