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.
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 “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.
School choice provides families with many benefits, some of which are as follows.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
That said, there are other requirements that a student must meet to become eligible for this 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:
The money from the Personal Educational Savings Account can then be used to pay tuition fees in private schools.
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.
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!
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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,
Other families that are eligible for a scholarship include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Adjusting to life in college is difficult for many students and families. From a new campus to new classmates and professors, there are many changes that must be prepared for. The good news is, that there are many ways that parents can help their child prepare no matter their age.
The team at Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private schools in Clearwater, Fl, our team has over 40 years of experience in building on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others, as well as preparing students for life in college and beyond.
To learn three steps parents can take to help their children prepare for college today from the team at Lakeside Christian School, read on.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your child’s life in college. Whether they’re in high school or elementary school, getting a head start on planning for college can only help them feel more prepared and confident when the time comes.
Before visiting college and university campuses in your area, be sure to talk to your child about their academic and career goals. While these goals will likely change before and during college, it can provide a general idea of what kind of schools to look into. For example, if your child is interested in math and science, their college options may look different from a child interested in performing arts.
Once you have a basic idea of what your child is interested in pursuing, touring college campuses can provide valuable insight into programs, course offerings, and student life. Parents can often speak directly with college administrators and student leaders, and witness firsthand what college may look like for their child. Children can also find inspiration when touring college campuses and get a better understanding of how to achieve their goals.
When researching a Clearwater private school for children, many parents find it difficult to navigate the many options that may be available. But, it’s important to find a school that will not only provide your child with the highest quality education but also life skill development and financial assistance when needed.
At Lakeside Christina School, our team is dedicated to improving measurable academic outcomes for all learners. This is done through consistent application and integration of research-based best practices into our educational product and learning environment.
As one of the Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, Fl, we also offer financial assistance in the form of four separate funds for lower to middle-income families, victims of bullying or violence, and students with special needs and unique abilities. This scholarship helps Lakes Christian School provide individualized attention to students that might be facing more hurdles than the typical public school student.
A crucial step in preparing your child for college is conducting thorough research on private schools and scholarships in your area that may be able to aid in their growth.
An often overlooked component of preparing for college is extracurricular activities. When reviewing applications, colleges want to see more than just good grades. Admissions officers are looking for students who are well-rounded, passionate, and able to juggle multiple responsibilities.
Athletics are some of the most popular extracurricular activities for students to participate in. Through sports like cross country, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, soccer, and more, students can learn skills like commitment, unity, responsibility, discipline, respect, and integrity.
You may also consider investing in extracurricular activities like art classes, volunteering opportunities, and leadership clubs. These provide children with the necessary skills and experiences that will help them become the more balanced person that is prepared for college.
At Lakeside Christian School, we know how important college is for many students and parents. We also know that each child has unique goals and needs. By tailoring our approach for each student and providing scholarships like Step Up for Students in Clearwater, Fl, parents can feel confident in knowing that their children are prepared for college.
To learn more about our unique programs, complete our contact request form or call us at (727) 239-7808 to schedule a tour today.
If your child is starting kindergarten soon, you may be facing a difficult and confusing choice of whether they should enroll in a public or private school. However, those two aren’t always the only two options, as charter schools may also be a factor in your search. Choosing the right school system and school for your child is crucial in setting them up for long term success, and with so many options you might be feeling a bit confused about where to start and what the differences are between each type of school.
In this brief article, the team at our Clearwater, FL Christian school, Lakeside Christian School, has shared some insights into the differences between public, private, and charter schools and how to know which is right for your unique child.
A charter school is defined by the state of Florida as:
“…public schools that operate under a performance contract, or a “charter” which frees them from many regulations created for traditional public schools while holding them accountable for academic and financial results. The charter contract between the charter school governing board and the sponsor details the school’s mission, program, goals, students served, methods of assessment and ways to measure success.”
In other words, a charter school is a public school that is operating under the oversight of a governing board rather than the local school board. This sounds similar to private schools because of the oversight of a more localized board of directors, but there are still many of the same standards as a regular public school.
Charter schools were created to give greater school choice to parents in the state of Florida, and there are certainly good aspects of a charter school. For example, a charter school may have slightly smaller class sizes because students must apply for admission and because charter schools have the ability to target specific age levels. Furthermore, parents may be invited to have a greater level of involvement at a charter school. However, because charter schools operate under different rules than regular public schools, there is a greater lack of regulation and the promise of being in a highly graded school may not be a reality.
Also of note: Charter schools may have a specific focus. For example, the charter school may serve at-risk students, or offer a specialized curriculum or core academic program, provide early intervention programs, or serve exceptional education students. This is different from private schools in Clearwater, FL that take a more holistic approach to learning.
Another important thing to note is that charter schools are not the same as magnet schools. Magnet schools are public schools with a particular theme or academic focus, such as mathematics, science, technology, business, or performing arts.
Private schools differ from public schools and charter schools because they are not publicly funded and can therefore govern themselves for the most part. For example, Christian schools in Clearwater, FL can control their class sizes and are exempt from the laws separating church and education.
For a more technical definition, the state of Florida’s Department of Education states:
“A private school is defined in Section 1002.01(2), Florida Statutes, as “an individual, association, co-partnership, or corporation or department, division, or section of such organizations, that designates itself as an educational center that includes kindergarten or a higher grade” and is below the college level.”
Private schools can focus on a specific area, for example they may be limited to elementary, middle, or high school. However, in many cases, private schools are able to accommodate all grade levels, giving students the opportunity to learn in the same environment for their whole education. This can be beneficial for establishing close relationships with friends and teachers while also fostering growth.
Now that we’ve discussed the definitions of private and charter schools, we can dive into what makes these options so different. Of course, all schools have the needs of students at their core and as the anchor for their values, but there are some major differences.
For example, public schools often run into major problems with budget cuts and running short-staffed. They may rely on a revolving door of teachers and substitutes who don’t know the school very well. Additionally, public schools often fall victim to large class sizes which can hold students back from the individual attention they need to learn.
Additionally, charter schools may face the same budgetary restrictions. However, unlike public schools, they are less likely to run into issues dealing with rules passed down by the superintendent.
Private schools stand out because they are not subject to the whims of politics and are able to dedicate themselves to the education of their students. Class sizes can be significantly smaller and the pool of substitute teachers comes from well known and fully vetted staff.
Now is the big question: should my child go to public, charter, or private school? It all depends on the student and their individual needs.
In many cases, parents do not believe private school is a choice due to the cost of tuition, however, there are several scholarships made available through the state of Florida to help empower parents with more choices. A Clearwater private school does not have to be out of reach just because of finances.
Many parents choose a private school for the aspect of stability, community, and a more personalized and individualized education. Although your child may thrive in public schools or charter schools, they’ll have access to faith-based learning and top-notch college prep in a private school.
Lakeside Christian School wants to help you make the right decision for your family. With over 40 years of experience and a diverse student body of children who participate both in virtual learning and/or an in-person setting, Lakeside Christian School is built on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others. This care is demonstrated through the warm, respectful relationships among staff and between staff and students, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.
If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, a Clearwater, FL Christian school, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.
If you believe that a private school education is out of reach for your family, you may be surprised to learn that thousands of Florida families each year are awarded scholarships amounting to millions of dollars. One of the main scholarships that provides this funding is in the form of the Step Up For Students Scholarship. This scholarship provides an average of $7000 per year to students in K-12 for a variety of needs. But what if you don’t qualify for the Step Up scholarship? Are you simply out of luck for help paying for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL?
Our team at Lakeside Christian School, one of the premier private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, has shared the requirements for the Step Up scholarship, as well as a few options for your family if you are considering applying for private school but are denied the Step Up for Students scholarship.
The Step Up for Students scholarship is a collection of scholarships from the state of Florida with differing requirements. Formerly known simply as the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, this program began in 1988 to help empower low-income students and their families to have more of a choice in their education. The overall goal of the Step Up for Students scholarship is to allow parents the opportunity to take their children to participating private schools if they felt they were not being served well in their local public and/or charter schools. The Step Up for Students scholarship program targets students who tend to have the most limited options for improving the quality of their education.
A few of the requirements for this collection of scholarships include:
The Income-Based Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship: A child may be eligible for an FTC scholarship for any of the following reasons:
Gardiner Scholarship: This scholarship is for children with special needs and unique abilities. Students between the ages of 3 and 22 who have yet to complete the 12th grade may qualify for the Gardiner scholarship. Your child may qualify for the Gardiner scholarship if they have:
Your child may also qualify if they are hospital or homebound. Please click here for the full list of qualifying disabilities, impairments, and requirements.
Reading Scholarship: This scholarship helps students that are struggling with reading who:
All students, no matter their background or abilities, are entitled to a private education at Step Up for Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, including Lakeside Christian School.
If you don’t qualify for the Step Up for Students scholarship, you still may qualify for other scholarship opportunities. Lakeside Christian School provides over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families each year, and many of these scholarships are not solely directed to Step Up for Students.
Lakeside Christian School is committed to granting scholarships to families in need, which is why we created the FACTS scholarship. This scholarship is generously provided by our donors and helps those who are not recipients of Step Up for Students in Clearwater, FL.
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.
For over 30 years, our school ministry has been blessed with the income required to meet budgets. Our desire is not to have to turn away any student due to finances, which is why we started offering the FACTS scholarship and LCS scholarship. In the past few years, we have substantially increased our tuition subsidy budgets to provide aid through reduced tuition so that families can enroll their students at Lakeside Christian School at a cost they can afford.
Our team is proud to offer a variety of scholarship options, tuition assistance, and payment plans to help make quality education affordable for every family. Speak to a member of our team to learn how the FACTS scholarship option can help you.
With over 40 years of experience and a diverse student body of children from various socioeconomic backgrounds, 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, an affordable private elementary school 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.
Are you ready to join the Lakeside Christian School community? Contact us, and schedule a tour today.
Parents of Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, Click Here.