How Private Schools Improve College Readiness Part 2

In this two-part article, we are discussing data compiled by national education organizations regarding the high rate of success of private schools at preparing students for college criteria. Although a high school education is extremely important, college readiness actually begins well before high school. The most critical years for learning development are from Kindergarten through 8th Grade.

At Lakeside Christian School, we provide educational programs for elementary school, middle school, and high school. If you are interested in learning more about how your children can achieve academic excellence at a Christian elementary school in Clearwater, FL, please contact a school representative today.   

Take Advantage of the Benefits a Private School Has to Offer

As we discussed in the first part of this article, there are several benefits to enrolling your children in a private school setting including:

• Along with having the option to choose your child’s school, parents prefer the academic standards, dedicated teaching staff, and excellent resources of a private institution.
• A private school can provide students with an excellent learning environment including an improved student/teacher ratio. The students are also more likely to achieve their academic goals in both high school and at a four-year college.

There’s also statistical evidence that showcases that a private school curriculum can help students prepare and excel at standardized testing.

Private School Students Surpass Standardized Testing Benchmarks

There are a number of recent studies that support that private school students either meet or exceed the benchmark scores for several important standardized tests. In a 2016 study of the College Board’s SAT assessment, private school students greatly surpassed the national mean score for the most common collegiate standardized test. Similarly, according to data compiled by American College Testing (ACT), private school students performed exceptionally well in their 2012 assessment. If you are interested in learning more about these studies or reviewing other studies related to private school success rates, please visit the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) website.  

Whether it’s a better academic learning environment, improved student/teacher ratio, more challenging curriculum, daily tutoring opportunities, or other excellent resources to cultivate your child’s academic preparation, Lakeside Christian School is committed to providing students with the opportunity to achieve academic excellence.

If you would like to learn more about a prestigious Clearwater, FL, Christian school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Keeping the Faith: Summer Strategies for Spiritual and Academic Growth

Integrating Faith and Learning: The Role of Scripture in our Curriculum

As a cornerstone of academic and spiritual growth, Lakeside Christian School, a Christian high school and middle school in Clearwater, FL, goes beyond traditional education by integrating faith and learning. Lakeside’s commitment extends beyond academics; it is built on the foundational biblical principles of loving God and loving others. This commitment is not just an educational philosophy; it’s a lived experience for every student. At the heart of this commitment lies the role of Scripture in our curriculum. In this blog post, we delve into the unique approach Lakeside Christian School takes in infusing the teachings of the Bible into every facet of education, creating a learning environment where faith is not a separate entity but an integral part of the educational journey.

Comprehensive Scriptural Integration Across Subjects

Lakeside Christian School, serving as both a Christian high school and middle school in Clearwater, FL, weaves the teachings of the Bible into every facet of education. From mathematics to literature, students experience a curriculum where the Bible is not merely an accessory but an integral part of their academic journey. This comprehensive integration provides students with more than just knowledge; it offers a deep understanding of their subjects in the context of biblical principles, fostering a holistic education that extends beyond textbooks.

Lakeside’s commitment to a biblical worldview extends beyond traditional subjects to critical areas like theology, hamartiology, and Christology. Students gain not only knowledge but the ability to differentiate between secular and biblical worldviews. The curriculum explores distinctions between evolutionary and biblical views of creation, ensuring students develop a solid foundation grounded in faith, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate their beliefs confidently. Lakeside Christian School uniquely integrates faith and academics, shaping a transformative educational experience for students in Clearwater, FL.

Spiritual Formation: A Guiding Mission

The transformative role of Scripture at Lakeside Christian School is deeply ingrained in its guiding mission. The school’s expected student outcomes reflect a profound journey towards spiritual maturity, where students not only comprehend the tenets of their faith but articulate them with conviction. Lakeside’s spiritual mission is clear — that all students would come to know, love, and honor the Lord Jesus Christ. This mission permeates every aspect of the educational experience, creating an environment where faith is not just a subject but a transformative force.

Spiritual formation at Lakeside is more than theoretical; it’s a daily reality. All elementary, middle school, and high school students engage in daily Bible classes, weekly chapel services, and experience their teachers’ commitment to teaching the Bible as the authoritative guide. Lakeside Christian School in Clearwater, Florida ensures that spiritual formation is not just about what students know but about how they engage with and apply biblical teachings in their lives.

Faith-Led Leadership and Service: Beyond the Classroom

The influence of Scripture at Lakeside Christian School goes beyond classrooms, shaping leaders and fostering a heart for service throughout this Christian high school in Clearwater, FL. The school’s expected student outcomes emphasize the development of leadership skills guided by biblical principles. Lakeside encourages students to explore their unique gifts and talents through leadership opportunities that exemplify servant leadership, grounded in humility, empathy, and a commitment to serving others.

Service to the community is not a checkbox on Lakeside’s agenda; it’s a fundamental expression of faith, reflecting the school’s commitment to making a positive impact in the world. The integration of Scripture into leadership development and service initiatives ensures that Lakeside graduates emerge not only as academically accomplished individuals but also as compassionate and servant-hearted leaders, ready to make a difference for the gospel in their communities.

Bible Classes: A Requirement for Middle and High School

In addition to the comprehensive integration of Scripture across subjects, Lakeside Christian School, a Christian middle school in Clearwater, Fl, takes a deliberate step in shaping spiritual growth. For students in middle school and high school, Bible classes are a requirement each year. These dedicated classes delve into deeper explorations of biblical teachings, providing a space for students to engage in meaningful discussions, reflections, and applications of their faith. This intentional structure ensures that as students progress through their middle and high school years, they continue to build upon their spiritual foundation, taking classes that cover both the Old and New Testaments.

Interactive Bible Time for Elementary Students

Recognizing the formative years of K-6 students, Lakeside takes a unique approach to Bible education using customized Bible lessons created by one of its staff members. Bible class time is integrated into their daily schedule, including interactive lessons that incorporate songs, small group activities, and hands-on experiences. The classroom environment is enhanced by Promethean ActivPanels, providing a dynamic platform for interactive and engaging learning. This approach ensures that even the youngest learners actively participate in the exploration of biblical principles, laying the groundwork for a Jesus-focused journey.

In conclusion, Lakeside Christian School’s commitment to integrating faith and learning is not an abstract philosophy but a dynamic reality that shapes every student’s educational journey. As a Christian high school and Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, Lakeside provides more than an academic curriculum; it offers an environment where faith and knowledge coexist, creating a transformative experience. The role of Scripture, whether seamlessly integrated into daily activities or explored in dedicated classes, ensures that Lakeside graduates emerge not only academically prepared but also spiritually grounded, ready to navigate the complexities of the world with faith, compassion, and a commitment to following Jesus as Lord of their lives.

To learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best Clearwater FL Christian high schools and best Christian middle schools in Clearwater, FL, contact us now.

Parent’s Corner

When Is The Right Time To Enroll Your Child Into Private School

Deciding to enroll your child in a private school is not an easy choice to make. It’s normal to feel like your child might not fit in or be afraid that a private school is just not the right fit for you or your child. However, private schools have been proven to not just be more inclusive than traditional public schools, but the early jump start the students get in the private school puts them way ahead of their peers.

Some of the best private schools are in Clearwater Florida, but when deciding whether or not to enroll your child you should consider three things, the increased academic rigor, school safety, and options beyond academics.

Increase Academic Rigor

In general private schools have a much more demanding graduation requirement than public schools. This is due to the fact that they prepare their students more as such they are tested to a much higher standard.

If your child is already showing signs of not being challenged in school or you would like for them to have a much more in-depth curriculum, then a private school might just be the perfect place for your child.

It is also never a bad idea to give your child the best possible start, luckily some of the best private elementary schools are in Clearwater Florida.

School Safety

All you have to do nowadays is turn on the news and see just how unsafe traditional public schools have become. With bullying, behavioral issues, and much more public schools are almost always rated among the lowest when it comes to safety.

Yet when you look at private schools all these cases of bullying or fighting among the student body drop by a significant margin. This in part is due to the students feeling challenged and heard, and secondly due to the highly trained staff they hire. The staff is better equipped and experienced to help your child work their way through what is troubling them.

Options Beyond Academics

When funding gets harder to find the first thing that is always cut from schools are extracurricular activities, band, football, and clubs these are always the first thing that goes. This is not the case in private schools. Not only will your child always have the extracurricular activities available to them, but they will also have many more opportunities to join new and unique clubs that can spark a new passion in them.

The Top Private Elementary Schools In Clearwater Florida

If everything above interests you and your child then at this stage you must be considering possible private schools. There are plenty of options to pick and each one is a good option, but Lakeside Christian School is unlike any other private schools currently available. With over 40+ years of experience, highly qualified staff, and an abundance of extracurricular activities ranging from K-12 Lakeside Christian School will help your child prepare from the very beginning till they are ready to move on.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us, Lakeside Christian School is the best private school in Clearwater Florida.

School Choice for Hispanic Families

The achievement gap among Hispanic students is an issue that Lakeside Christian School works hard to eliminate. According to the Washington Examiner, the Latino dropout rate is 65% higher than white students, and 40% higher than black students. Contributing to this statistic is the fact that public school options provided to students often do not deliver education that can create transformation in their lives and future.

Read on to learn more about how Lakeside Christian School, a leading Christian high school in Clearwater, FL focuses on the importance of school choice for Hispanic families.

What Is School Choice?

The term “School Choice” refers to parents and guardians having an increased opportunity to select schools their children can attend from elementary to secondary education. Typically, children are assigned to a public school based on where the parents or guardians live, significantly limiting their pool to choose from.

The absence of school choice can lead to racial, ethnic, and economic isolation, which can deter a child from growing.

The Need for School Choice for Hispanic Families

The “one-size-fits-all” approach leaves room for many students to be left behind, a fact that may be contributing to the Hispanic student achievement gap.

Studies show that in a class with 100 students, out of which 30 would be Latino, eight will drop out before graduating high school. It is crucial that your child’s school knows the gap that Hispanic students face, and works to tailor their approach and properly address it. At Lakeside Christian School, one of the top Christian middle schools in Clearwater, FL, we know how important it is to treat each child like the unique individual they are.

What Are the Benefits of School Choice?

School choice provides families with many benefits, some of which are as follows.

Add Student Safety

School choice options protect students from schools where bullying and gang-related violence are common. Research has noted that school choice participants are 50% less likely to commit felonies than those who went to local public schools.

Higher Family Involvement

When parents and guardians are actively involved in deciding where their child attends school, they are more likely to remain involved throughout the school year. This involvement and attention from parents and guardians is crucial to guiding children throughout their academic career and beyond.

At Lakeside Christian School, we are committed to involving the family as much as possible to enrich the lives of our students.

Thorough Religious Education

Religion is a prominent factor in many Hispanic families. While religion is not traditionally taught in public school systems, school choice allows families the option to place their child in an environment guided by God.

Lakeside Christian Schools offers a leading option for Christian middle schools in Clearwater, FL and Christian high schools in Clearwater, FL that help students learn while embracing their faith. We are built on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others, and this care is demonstrated through the relationships between all members of the Lakeside Christian School family.

Scholarships for Low-Income Families

Over 19% of Latino households in Florida live below the federal poverty line, which often deters families from providing a high-quality education to their children. With school choice, these families can apply for scholarships, such as Mckay Scholarships, Step Up For Students Scholarships, and FACTS Scholarships, and find the best possible schooling for their children without the worry of finances. To learn more about our variety of scholarships, click here. 

Enroll Your Child in Lakeside Christian School

At Lakeside Christian School, we are dedicated to providing an environment where all students can embrace their spirituality and reach their full potential, despite financial status.

To learn more about what makes us a leading Christian middle school in Clearwater, FL, call us 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.