The start to your child’s education can mean the difference between them developing helpful or harmful learning habits. Over time, the learning habits developed during elementary school will be carried through middle school, into high school, and eventually into college. Lakeside Christian School is an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, that focuses on your child’s individual learning needs.
Our small class sizes and supportive teaching staff are the foundation that ensures your child receives the utmost attention and encouragement they need to grow. The future academic success of your child can be directly attributed to their elementary school teachings. At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that a focus on reading and an active and supportive teaching style will give your child the guidance they need to have a successful learning experience from elementary school through high school and beyond.
Unfortunately, many children lack the necessary reading comprehension as they progress through school. As one of the top private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, we can provide the best education possible for your child by ensuring they have a solid foundation of reading skills to build on as they grow. Developing beneficial reading habits in elementary school stokes children’s love for reading as their ability to retain and comprehend information is reinforced for the future.
A summer reading log is one way we encourage our students to improve their reading skills outside of the classroom. We pride ourselves on helping our students develop exceptional reading comprehension levels to better enhance their learning retention and overall scholastic experience.
Related: 3 Important Ways to Foster Your Child’s Development
Elementary school should be about setting the framework for your child’s future academic success while also encouraging their creativity in the classroom. A supportive teacher and mentor can be all a child needs to become passionate about learning. Your child’s elementary school teacher will be their first experience with a formal education and can make the greatest influence on your child’s future education.
Our teachers also work to keep parents informed with a weekly newsletter including a weekly schedule, worksheets, and, most importantly, individual notes about your child. There are many options for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, but Lakeside Christian School ensures your child will receive the highest standard of teaching available and give your child the tools they need to grow academically and creatively.
Related: What I Learned on My Kindergarten Tour
Lakeside Christian School offers a number of scholarships for students. Through the Family Empowerment Scholarship, we empower countless children and their families by helping them gain access to a private education regardless of their financial background. We firmly believe that all children should have access to private education and, thanks to a number of scholarships, including Step Up for Students, the McKay Scholarship, and our own FACTS scholarship, we can make it possible. Through our devoted faculty at Lakeside Christian School, our students cultivate academic qualities at a young age that will last them their entire scholastic career and showcase why we are one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.
If you would like to learn more about an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
As our culture continues to shift around us, so should the way we prepare our children to enter it. While there may be a hot debate within the educational community as to how to prepare our children for success, the main purpose of elementary education is to foster the growth of crucial cognitive and social abilities that will be further developed later on in their educational careers. This not only includes shifting the traditional paradigm of the classroom but also embracing teaching methodologies that put a renewed focus on inclusion and problem-solving.
In this article, we discuss three current trends in education that can help boost student success. While there will always be differing viewpoints as to the best teaching methods, our affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, will continue to monitor the latest innovations in teaching to create the absolute best environment for your children to thrive in.
One of the issues at the forefront of elementary education is how to keep young minds interested and engaged in STEM education, which focuses on the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. According to the U.S. News and World Report,“by the time students reach fourth grade, a third of boys and girls have lost an interest in science. By eighth grade, almost 50 percent have lost interest or deemed it irrelevant to their education or future plans.”
Many believe that the way to combat this lack of interest is to promote inquiry-based learning from the beginning. As opposed to traditional methods, inquiry-based learning promotes active learning by posing questions or problems in which the student is given the tools to figure the answer out themselves, not just listening to the teacher tell them the answer and try to retain that information. This is the basis of how STEM knowledge is taught, so when the time comes for them to be introduced to it, they will be more ready.
Think back to your elementary school days — remember the discomfort of being broken into small groups for projects and being forced to work with classmates you didn’t know too well? At first, you may have been a little uncomfortable working in groups that didn’t always include your closest friends, but, over time, you discovered that these other students had lots of important lessons to teach you. The five key elements of cooperative learning are:
This method of education tries to steer away from the “in one ear, out the other” issue commonly found in education. Many young students believe that they will never need school-related lessons outside of the classroom, so why bother retaining the information? PBL addresses this issue by introducing a dynamic approach to learning in which students develop knowledge by exploring real-world problems or scenarios for an extended period of time, allowing for authentic discoveries that they arrive at by working through the issue. This method is different from simply assigning projects during the semester because the project is the semester, not simply an assignment meant to break up classwork.
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.
The time your child spends in elementary school, especially in grades K-2, is crucial for their growth. It’s during this time that children develop many of the habits that lead to either success or frustration in middle and high school. In this article, we explore three important ways that parents and teachers can foster a child’s development. These are just some considerations to keep in mind when searching for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL.
Your child is doing some serious growing in these early years, both mentally and physically. It’s your duty as a parent to make sure that your child is ready to face the challenges and lessons of school. Be sure that your child is going to bed early and getting plenty of sleep. Generally, your little one should be getting 10-12 hours of sleep each night. Have a nutritious breakfast and packed lunch ready for them in the morning to ensure they have enough energy to focus on their school work throughout the day.
By becoming a strong reader, your child can discover a healthy hobby and ignite a passion for learning that can last the rest of their life. It is perhaps the most important skill that your child can acquire, as evidenced by a study published by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The ability to read by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school, life-long earning potential and their ability to contribute to the nation’s economy and its security.” At Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, in addition to providing regular literature lessons, we help our students develop their reading ability and habits by giving extra credit to students who turn in a summer reading log.
Although a student’s surroundings, family, and upbringing all play critical roles in their development, teachers remain “the most important factor contributing to student achievement.” Elementary school teachers are among the first role models our children emulate. It’s from them that students learn some of their first and most important lessons in life, which is why all of our professional education staff members meet or exceed the qualifications required by our accreditation agencies. Our team of effective educators strives to give each student the attention and guidance they need — a goal they accomplish with data-driven instruction and small class sizes. If you are interested in how our teachers deliver on our mission to provide every child with a high-quality education, schedule a tour and see why Lakeside Christian School is one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Every child stands to benefit from a private Christian education, and none should be denied the opportunity. Only through a private education can parents guarantee that their children are prepared for the challenges they will soon face in life and instilled with the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. Such an education is not impossible to come by. An affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, can provide your child with the education they both need and deserve.
It’s no secret that a college education is a minimum requirement in many career fields. Despite this obvious fact, public school systems are failing to prepare their students for college, often waiting until the final years of high school before even attempting to teach foundational skills. College readiness must begin in elementary school, which is why our private Christian school prepares students for college all throughout the K-12 grades. It is never too early to build a solid foundation for your child, one where they are provided with the tools they need to prosper in life.
It’s all too easy for a child to be left behind in the crowds of students that pack public schools to the brim. When a child is denied the attention they need to develop and grow, they’ll be less likely to speak up in class, less likely to develop a distinct personality, and more likely to second-guess themselves. This is unacceptable. At a private Christian school, your child can benefit from smaller class sizes that spotlight their talents and elevate them to their full potential.
All children require steadfast guidance, which is why biblical instruction and weekly chapel services are built into our curriculum. As an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, our goal is to build leaders. This can only be accomplished by combining Christian values with improved academic values. Upon graduation, our students are self-directed leaders, capable of effective communication and critical and creative thinking. These are no longer lost students but spirit-led adults that are more than capable of succeeding in life, their future education, and their career.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that every child is entitled to the many benefits of a private education. If you are considering enrolling your child in a private school, we encourage you to schedule a new parent tour and see for yourself why we’re one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
Lakeside Christian School is a premier Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, that provides students with the opportunity to learn and grow under the guidance of caring teachers and dedicated faculty who challenge students to “achieve their academic, social and career-minded goals.” At Lakeside Christian, every class is taught from a Christian worldview to help students understand the value of loving God and loving others.
Parents and students alike can’t help but profess their love for Lakeside Christian. In fact, a quick Google search of “Lakeside Christian School” proves it. Lakeside Christian holds a 4.8/5 rating on Facebook as well as a 5/5 rating on Private School Review and GreatSchools.org. So, what’s the secret to their success? In this brief article, we’ll outline a couple reasons why Lakeside Christian is the best Clearwater, FL, Christian school.
Since 1975, Lakeside Christian has infused their educational program with God’s Word to cultivate a learning environment that strengthens students both academically and spiritually. Early on, students are prepared for college to ensure that they have all the tools they need to succeed by the time they graduate. Teachers are dedicated to student success, putting their all into the mastery of their subject to help students reach the next level of their academic development. However, this passion for academic excellence never overshadows Lakeside Christian’s mission to tie in Biblical teachings that inspire a wholesome, worldly knowledge and everlasting curiosity.
Another reason why parents and students love Lakeside Christian is because they offer Step Up For Students Scholarships, like the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship, for families that may not be able to afford to enroll their child in a private school. Since 2001, more than 784,000 scholarships have been provided to families in need of financial assistance. Private education doesn’t have to be unattainable, by applying for the FTC Scholarship, you can give your child the education they need to succeed.
The hard work of teachers and faculty have allowed Lakeside Christian to build a veritable microcosm of respect and equality. On school grounds, every student is treated with respect by their classmates and teachers, which allows them to grow uninhibited by negativity or contempt. Many former students have returned to Lakeside Christian as teachers and faculty to help preserve this important tradition, and it’s truly one of the important differentiators that has helped the school earn its reputation as the premier Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, while maintaining a 90 percent or greater retention rate.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a top Clearwater, FL, Christian school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
When your children have officially reached the age to begin school, you will be forced to decide the best course for them moving forward. Certainly, you want the best possible education for your child, but you also want them to develop socially, emotionally, and physically, too.
Choosing between public and private school can be a difficult decision, but evidence suggests that many children will receive a superior education in a private school setting, especially in the elementary age bracket. In fact, many public school teachers enroll their children at private schools. If you are deciding between public and private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, consider these seven advantages of enrolling your children in a Clearwater private school.
Private schools typically have much smaller class sizes. This provides your children with more one-on-one time with their teacher(s), which allows these educators to identify every child’s strengths and weaknesses more accurately. They can then use this information to tailor their teaching methods to every child’s specific needs.
Art programs in public schools have been under attack by lawmakers for years. By comparison, private schools are allowed to institute art-related classes at will. Whether it’s acting in a play, performing in a musical, painting a picture for an art exhibit, or participating in a talent show, the arts are alive and well in private schools.
The comparatively larger technology budgets at private schools give students a significant advantage over their peers in public schools. In many private schools, students have access to laptops or tablets for personal use. Plus, private schools can invest in superior internet service and afford to employ technology experts to ensure that all devices receive proper maintenance throughout the year.
At many private schools, the tuition includes access to healthy foods. Public schools are notorious for providing students with lackluster foods with insufficient nutritional value. Conversely, private schools often account for vegan diets, food allergies, and other dietary sensitivities. Plus, private schools typically offer an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables to keep students healthy.
Private schools are especially notable for providing parents and their children with diverse options tailored to their specific learning and situational needs.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a Clearwater private school, please give us a call at 727-261-0937 or schedule a tour of our campus.
As a parent, nothing is more important to you than your child’s well being, and a large part of that includes their education. Both in their day-to-day lives and in regard to their future, your child’s school is one of the most important decisions you make for him or her. If you are looking for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, we invite you to learn more about LCS and our participation in the Step Up For Students scholarship funding program.
You are deeply invested in your child’s happiness and development. However, most American families cannot afford the financial investment associated with private school education. This is why we are proud to be a Step Up participating school!
Step Up is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to children. There are four different scholarships for which your child may qualify:
We believe partnering with the Step Up program is one of the most important things we do. Any child who would thrive in a small private school environment should be able to attend, regardless of whether they are in the small percentage of families who can afford private school in addition to all the other expenses that come with raising a child.
In order for a child to have a successful future, they must be prepared for college. According to a study by Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, bachelor’s degree holders earn 31 percent more than Associate’s degree holders, and 84 percent more than those with just a high school diploma.
Though career happiness is determined by far more than just one’s income, it is important to give your child the chance at getting into (and graduating from) a great college. This is one of the many reasons LCS can make such a powerful impact on your child’s life. Our personalized academics include small class sizes, the finest educational technology, and brand new textbooks. We are proud to say our amazing students have achieved a 100% graduation rate!
At Lakeside Christian School, we instill the principles of friendship, fellowship, hard work, kindness, and service. Our most heartfelt goal is that we prepare each student for his or her dream career and a stable, fulfilling future.
We are proud of our learning community and we don’t just want to tell you more; we want to show you more!
LCS offers 1-on-1 tours during school hours, so you can take a genuine, in-action peek at our school. To schedule a visit or ask us any questions, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or fill out this form.
At Lakeside Christian School, we believe in the power of faith-based learning to set a strong foundation for students. Our approach integrates academic excellence with spiritual growth, creating an environment where children shine both intellectually and spiritually. As one of the top private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded students who are prepared to face life’s challenges with confidence and grace.
Faith-based learning goes beyond traditional education by embedding spiritual values and principles into the curriculum. At our Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, students learn to view the world through the lens of the Bible, helping them develop a strong faith and a reliance on Jesus as their savior and Lord.
Our curriculum is designed to challenge students academically while fostering their spiritual growth. We offer a comprehensive education that includes core subjects such as mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies, all taught from a Christian perspective by Christian educators. This approach ensures that students receive an education that prepares them for future academic success and instills in them Biblical values and a heart for serving others.
Faith-based learning encourages students to think critically about the world around them. By integrating biblical principles into everyday learning, students are taught to question, analyze, and reflect on their beliefs and the information they encounter. This critical thinking skill is essential for academic success and faith development.
One of the key benefits of faith-based learning is the development of a strong moral foundation. At Lakeside Christian School, we emphasize the importance of character education, teaching students to live out their faith in practical ways. Through daily Bible classes, weekly chapel services, and prayer, students learn about the Creator and His purpose for their lives.
Our dedicated, Christian teachers are committed to building strong relationships with their students. By providing individualized attention and support, teachers can better understand each student’s unique needs and strengths. This personalized approach helps students feel valued and motivated to achieve their best.
Faith-based learning at Lakeside Christian School is not limited to the classroom. We integrate faith into all aspects of school life, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to grow spiritually.
Each class period begins with a time of prayer and sometimes short devotions, allowing students to start their day with a focus on their faith. This daily practice helps students develop a habit of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom in all areas of their lives.
Bible study is an integral part of our curriculum, providing students with a deep understanding of God’s Word. Through regular scripture memorization in their Bible classes, students learn to internalize biblical truths, helping them apply these principles to their daily lives.
The benefits of faith-based learning extend far beyond the elementary years. By setting a strong foundation through faith-based education, students are better prepared for the challenges of middle school, high school, and beyond.
Research conducted by professor of education William Jeynes at California State University at Long Beach shows that students who attend faith-based schools often perform better academically than their peers in non-religious schools, often “a full year ahead of students who attend public and charter schools.” The rigorous academic standards, combined with a supportive and nurturing faith-based environment, help students achieve their full potential.
Students who receive a faith-based education are also more likely to develop strong character and values. These students are often more resilient, compassionate, and ethical, making them well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern life.
The most significant benefit of faith-based learning, and the hoped for outcome for all students attending Lakeside Christian School, is the development of a lifelong faith. By integrating faith into all aspects of education, students learn to rely on their faith in all areas of their lives. This strong spiritual foundation provides them with hope for their future, a life purpose and direction, helping them lead fulfilling and meaningful lives that glorify the Lord.
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. At Lakeside Christian School, we are committed to providing a high-quality, faith-based education that sets students on a path to success. As one of the premier private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, we invite you to discover the difference a faith-based education can make.
If you are interested in learning more about our programs and how we can support your child’s academic and spiritual growth, we encourage you to schedule a tour of our campus. Come see firsthand the supportive and nurturing environment that makes Lakeside Christian School a place where students thrive. Contact us today to schedule your visit and take the first step in providing your child with a foundation of faith and academic excellence.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian elementary schools schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
Choosing the right elementary school is a pivotal decision for parents in Clearwater, FL, and Lakeside Christian School, a Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, offers a compelling option in the landscape of private elementary schools. More than an educational institution, Lakeside Christian School is a community rooted in Christian values, providing a unique and enriching experience for young learners. As one of the premier private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside Christian School thrives on fostering not just a student body but a closely-knit community where parent involvement is celebrated and cherished. In this exploration, we delve into the pivotal role of community and connection, unveiling the profound importance of parent involvement in the educational journey.
At Lakeside Christian School, a Christian elementary school in Clearwater FL, the importance of community transcends the conventional boundaries of an educational institution. It is a dynamic ecosystem where parents, educators, and students collaborate to create an environment beyond academics—a place where a sense of belonging is instilled in every family. The school’s commitment to fostering a sense of community is reflected in various initiatives designed to bring parents into the educational fold. From open-house events that welcome parents into the classrooms to mom prayer groups and Saturday elementary athletics, Lakeside Christian School actively works to create an inclusive atmosphere where every parent feels valued and connected.
Furthermore, as a private elementary school in Clearwater Florida, Lakeside understands the significance of forging strong teacher-parent partnerships. Regular communication channels, such as newsletters, emails, and a dedicated online parent portal, ensure that parents are well-informed about their child’s academic progress, upcoming events, and school initiatives. This deliberate effort to keep parents in the loop establishes a foundation of trust and transparency, fostering a collaborative relationship that extends far beyond the classroom. Lakeside Christian School sets the stage for meaningful parent involvement that goes beyond traditional boundaries by creating an environment where parents feel a genuine sense of belonging.
Research consistently underscores the positive impact of parent involvement on a child’s academic performance and overall well-being. Lakeside Christian School recognizes this correlation and actively promotes avenues for parents to participate meaningfully in their child’s educational journey. The benefits are manifold, ranging from improved academic outcomes and enhanced social skills to increased motivation and a more positive attitude toward learning. According to a 2023 article by Libby Stanford from Education Week, countless studies conducted globally over the years consistently reinforce the notion that parents’ active involvement in their child’s education yields significant benefits. From participating in parent-teacher conferences to joining parent-teacher organizations and engaging in at-home discussions about school, the research underscores the positive correlation between parent involvement and heightened student achievement. This extends beyond the academic realm, with better social-emotional outcomes being another notable outcome. As we explore the integral role of parent involvement at Lakeside Christian School, a Christian elementary school in Clearwater Florida, we align with a wealth of research affirming the far-reaching impact that engaged parents can have on their child’s educational journey.
Active involvement in a child’s education is not confined to the classroom; it extends to various facets of school life. Lakeside encourages parents to attend school events, from sports competitions to art exhibitions, creating opportunities for shared experiences and creating lasting memories. These events serve as platforms for parents to actively engage with their child’s school life, strengthening the bond between home and school. The impact of this involvement is profound, as students witness firsthand the collaborative effort invested by both their parents and educators in shaping their educational experience. The positive ripple effect of parent involvement is evident not only in academic achievements but also in the development of essential life skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Parental involvement at home “to create an environment of learning and supporting learning” as well as visiting the library and reading with young learners has an even larger positive impact on a child’s academic success, according to a 2019 American Psychological Association study cited in Education Week.
Parents at Lakeside Christian School are not passive spectators; they are active partners in the educational process. Parents play a vital role in shaping the educational experience. This active involvement creates a bridge between home and school, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where the child’s growth is nurtured holistically.
Beyond the academic realm, Lakeside Christian School, a premier private school in Clearwater Fl, places a premium on building lasting connections within its community. The school becomes a platform where parents forge meaningful relationships with each other, creating a support network that extends beyond the school gates. These connections enhance the overall experience for both parents and students, creating a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Lakeside Christian School’s commitment to community and connection is what sets it apart as one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL. The school doesn’t just focus on individual academic achievements; it emphasizes the collective growth of the Lakeside family. Parent involvement is not a mere checkbox; it is a vibrant thread that weaves together the rich tapestry of Lakeside’s educational journey.
Parent involvement becomes a cornerstone in nurturing a child’s holistic development. Lakeside Christian School’s approach goes beyond the conventional parent-teacher dynamic; it emphasizes the importance of a collective effort in shaping future leaders within its walls. In creating an environment where parents actively contribute to the educational journey, Lakeside fosters a sense of shared responsibility and pride in the school community.
In essence, Lakeside Christian School recognizes that parent involvement is a multifaceted endeavor that goes beyond occasional participation. It is a continuous and dynamic partnership that contributes significantly to a child’s growth. By recognizing and celebrating the impact of parents in the educational equation, Lakeside Christian School sets a powerful precedent for private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that defines its educational philosophy.
To schedule a tour of our campus or to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
In an era where safety and security are paramount concerns, Lakeside Christian School stands committed to providing a secure learning environment for students at every stage of their educational journey—whether in Christian elementary, middle, or high school. The evolving landscape of education necessitates a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the well-being of students, faculty, and staff, and Lakeside recognizes this imperative. In response to the dynamic challenges of the times, the school has taken a proactive stance by incorporating its first dedicated School Safety Officer (SSO), certified through the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Guardian Program.
This strategic move not only underscores Lakeside’s dedication to safety but also aligns with the broader educational community’s collective responsibility to ensure that each private Christian institution becomes a sanctuary of learning, shielded by robust safety and security measures. The infusion of the Guardian Program into Lakeside’s safety protocols marks a transformative step in fortifying the heart of Christian education. As the school continues to prioritize safety and security, this initiative exemplifies Lakeside’s commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially, free from concerns about their well-being.
The Guardian Program, initiated in 2018 through the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, emerged as a direct response to the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14th, 2018. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Commission underscored the critical need for highly trained personnel in schools to respond immediately in the event of a school shooting.
As subsequent legislative sessions unfolded, the Guardian Program underwent expansions, encompassing Class D and G licensed security guards and school district or charter school employees volunteering to participate. State funds were allocated to participating Sheriff’s offices, covering screening and training costs for each school district or charter school guardian. Additionally, district and charter school employees received a one-time stipend of $500 for their service in the program.
In a legislative shift in 2023, House Bill 543 extended the Guardian Program’s reach, allowing private Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, including Lakeside Christian School, to participate. While these schools are responsible for covering all training costs, the extension emphasizes the universal recognition of the importance of security measures in all educational institutions.
The commitment to safety now extends beyond public schools, embracing private Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, and reflecting Lakeside’s dedication to providing a secure environment for Christian elementary, middle, and high school students in Clearwater, FL. Lakeside Christian School has taken a proactive approach, training and employing a dedicated School Safety Officer through the Guardian Program.
The Guardian Training provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is a linchpin of the Guardian Program, ensuring that those entrusted with the safety of Christian elementary, middle, and high school campuses undergo comprehensive and rigorous preparation. This program instigated in response to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act involves the hiring of armed guardians who complete a minimum of 132 hours of comprehensive firearm safety and proficiency training.
The training spans a wide array of critical skills, including psychological evaluations, drug tests, and certified diversity training. The Pinellas County School Board’s decision to participate in the Guardian Program led to the hiring of nearly 90 guardians who underwent an extensive five-week, 176-hour training program developed by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) Training Division.
While guardians share the overarching goal of keeping students, teachers, and faculty safe with law-enforcement-certified school resource officers, there are distinctive roles and limitations. Armed with a handgun, body armor, and a flashlight, guardians do not possess arrest powers or the authority to detain, interrogate, or question subjects. Furthermore, they lack patrol vehicles, handcuffs, police radios, or secondary weaponry.
Nontheless, for Christian elementary, middle, and high schools, guardians play a crucial role in enhancing the overall security infrastructure. They provide an additional layer of protection that complements existing safety measures. At Lakeside Christian School, the presence of a dedicated School Safety Officer through the Guardian Program underscores the commitment to safeguarding the entire school community.
The extension of the Guardian Program to private Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL signifies a momentous step toward creating safer educational environments for all K-12 students. Lakeside Christian School, through its active participation in this program, exemplifies a commitment to the safety and well-being of Christian elementary, middle, and high school students in Clearwater, FL. As the Guardian Program evolves and includes private Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL institutions, Lakeside contributes to a collective effort ensuring that every Christian educational institution remains a secure haven for learning, growth, and spiritual development.
For more information on the Guardian Program and its impact on school safety, visit the Florida Department of Education website. To learn about Lakeside Christian School’s commitment to safety and its various programs, please visit its official website. For details on the Guardian Program’s implementation in Pinellas County and additional safety resources, explore the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office website.
To learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
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