Changes to Private School Scholarship Programs in Florida

Recently, the State of Florida announced the passage of HB 7045 through the Florida House of Representatives (79-36 vote) and Florida State Senate (25-14 vote) which makes changes to a few private school scholarship programs. It is now ready to go to Gov. Ron DeSantis for a final signature. These changes are one step closer to expanding the private school voucher program in a major way for parents, and giving greater opportunities for school choice to families.

 

If you are hoping to understand how these changes might affect your family, Lakeside Christian School, a Christian private school in Clearwater, FL, shares some of the biggest impacts in this brief article. These changes apply to both private high schools in Clearwater, FL as well as private middle and elementary schools.

 

The Bill in a Nutshell

In a nutshell, House Bill 7045 is all about expanding school choice. According to the Florida Senate, the bill includes:

 

School Choice; Revises student eligibility requirements under Family Empowerment Scholarship program to include students with disabilities; revises provisions related to calculation of maximum amount of scholarship funds granted to a student with disabilities; revises provisions related to funding and payment of scholarships awarded under program; providing requirements for use of funds under program; revising program administration obligations; repeals Gardiner Scholarship Program; provides for future repeal of John M. McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program; providing certain students with disabilities are eligible for enrollment in transition-to-work programs; revising amount of eligible contributions used for administrative expenses by an eligible nonprofit scholarship-funding organization under Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program.”

 

You can read House Bill 7045 in its entirety here. Let’s break down what these changes actually look like:

 

Scholarships for Active-Duty Military

 

Many private schools offer discounted tuition for active-duty military members, however in some cases they may have qualified for tuition assistance. However, with the passage of HB 7045, more military members would have access to private school vouchers. With this bill, all active-duty military members will automatically be eligible for a state scholarship for private schools through either the Step Up for Students program or the Family Empowerment Program.

 

However, families must submit an application before June 4th for a 100% award.

 

Foster-to-Adopt Voucher Expansion

 

Another major expansion to scholarships due to HB7045 comes for families who have adopted a child from the foster care system. These families will now automatically qualify for a scholarship voucher.

 

The deadline for families to apply for this scholarship voucher is also June 4.

 

Changes to the Gardiner and McKay Scholarships

 

The biggest change coming as a result of HB 7045 is the consolidation of the Gardiner and McKay scholarship programs, which serve students with family needs. These would be combined with the Step Up or Family Empowerment Scholarship program, which are currently in place to serve a broad population of low-to-middle-income families.

 

It should be noted that currently the McKay and Step Up scholarships do not cover 100% of tuition costs.

 

Currently, the McKay scholarship is available to all students currently in the Florida Public School system who have a qualified IEP or 504 plan for specific learning issues. The Step Up scholarship is available to all Florida residents with students in grades K-12 whose families meet specific income requirements.

 

However, with the combination of these scholarships, there will also be a change to the financial eligibility. HB 7045 will increase the maximum income eligibility to receive vouchers to 375% of the federal poverty level. For example, that would mean that a family for 4 making around $100,000 per year would qualify.

 

Further, all families who currently have a child with either the Gardiner or the McKay Scholarships will automatically receive a Step Up or Family Empowerment Scholarship for their other students, regardless of the family income. Meaning that if the family has one child in the school on a scholarship, that child’s siblings will qualify.

 

FACTS Scholarship

 

At this time, the bill does not appear to address any changes to the FACTS scholarship. The FACTS scholarship is available to all parents who desire that their student attend Lakeside Christian School. This is an income-based scholarship designed to help create more affordable tuition.

 

Why School Choice Matters with Scholarship Programs

 

For many families, scholarship programs are the key to unlocking your child’s full potential at a private school in Clearwater, FL. These scholarships are just a few of the many options that families who want to provide their children with a private education can explore. Remember, the deadline to apply for some of these scholarships is June 4th.

 

While public schools offer a myriad of positive benefits, many families are taking time post-Covid to explore what is best for their individual child.

 

With over 40 years of experience and a diverse student body of children from families of all socioeconomic backgrounds and income levels, Lakeside Christian School is built on the biblical principles of loving God and loving others. This care is demonstrated through the warm, respectful relationships among staff and between staff and students, and uses a tailored approach to your child’s education. If you’re interested in learning more about how we challenge all of our students to achieve their academic and personal goals, give us a call.

 

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

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying to Private School

It’s no secret that the private school admissions process can be an exciting but demanding process for parents and their children. From deciding on the best school for your child to making sure you’re following the application instructions to a T, it’s easy to see why many parents become frustrated with getting their child into private school. Fortunately, helping your child receive the high-quality education they deserve doesn’t have to be such a daunting experience.

In fact, it can actually be easy when you follow the tips laid out in this article. Below, we go over four of the most common mistakes made by parents when applying to private school. For more information regarding the admissions process, don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our staff at Lakeside Christian School — the best private school in Clearwater, FL.

 

Related: Everything You Need to Know About the Private School Admissions Process

 

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

 

By far, one of the most common mistakes made by parents when applying to private school is waiting until the last minute to get to work on their application. Ideally, the private school selection process should begin in the summer or fall of the year before your child will actually attend the school. That way, by the end of the summer, you’ll have identified the schools you’re interested in applying to and have the time necessary to begin arranging tours. Never assume that the school you’re applying to is going to follow the standardized timelines, as all schools have different admissions timelines. Some will be at the end of December or in early January, while others may be as late as April or March. It may be beneficial to create a calendar to help you organize your private school search process.

 

2. Underestimating the School Tour

 

You wouldn’t buy a house sight unseen, so why would you let your child go to a school that you haven’t visited in person? Touring a private school prior to enrollment is an unparalleled opportunity for you and your student to get to know the staff, see what life in the classroom is like, check out the facilities, and learn about scholarship opportunities. For instance, you know that your child needs to be comfortable learning in the facilities provided by the private school you select. During a tour, you’ll be able to see first-hand what proactive measures are in place to create interactive learning spaces that catch your child’s interest and encourage them to embrace learning. To schedule a tour with a Clearwater private school, give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or submit our contact form.

 

Related: 3 Benefits Of Touring Private Schools Before Enrollment

 

3. Only Applying to One Very -Selective School

 

Most parents acknowledge that it would be silly to only apply to one college if you are aiming at one of the most selective schools in the country, but they don’t carry that attitude over to the private school application process. It’s important to make sure that you’re being realistic at all times. Many of the top private schools in your area will have a competitive admission cycle and only accept a small percentage of the applicants who apply. As such, it’s always a good idea to have a top choice and at least one or two backup schools, just in case.

 

4. Not Inquiring About Financial Aid

 

Last but certainly not least, one of the biggest mistakes a parent can make during the private school admissions process is failing to inquire about financial aid. Many parents assume that their financial situation or the price point of the school precludes them from getting financial aid. Fortunately, the exact opposite is usually the case.

Let’s take Lakeside Christian School, the best private school in Clearwater, FL, for example. We offer a wide variety of funding options, including Step Up For Students, McKay scholarships, and the FACTS scholarship. In fact, each year, we provide over $250,000 in scholarships to qualified families. For more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jim Jensen, Administrator, at (727) 261-0937.

 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

At What Age Should I Send My Child to Private School?

If you have been thinking about sending your child to private school, you may think a private education could be the key to getting your child into the university of their choice, or perhaps your child’s academic and emotional needs just aren’t being fulfilled by their current school. At what age is it appropriate to send your child to private school?

 

Do you wait until a natural break, like the end of fifth grade and the start of sixth, so that your child enjoys a seamless transition? Or do you opt to transfer your child from the public to the private school system at the start of high school to better focus on university preparation? Do you feel as if the “right” moment to make the transition may never come at the rate your child is progressing?

 

To help you make the best decision for you and your family, we’ve prepared a list of key factors that go into the question, “When’s the best time for my child to begin private school?” For one of the best private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, that values high-quality education, college preparation, and a caring Christian environment for your child, choose Lakeside Christian School.

 

Related: Should You Enroll Your Child In Private School? Consider These 3 Advantages

 

The Quality of Schools In Your Area

The first and arguably one of the most important factors to take into consideration when deciding whether it may be time to send your child to private school is the quality of public schools in your area. Public and private school administrators and educators all do their best to create an excellent learning environment for your child; however, some schools simply don’t live up to the challenge. There’s sure to be at least one reason why you may be considering a private school rather than your area’s public school offerings, so make a list of those reasons. Is it because of safety, your religion, or the quality of educators at your child’s school? What is lacking in your child’s current public school that you’re looking to obtain in a private school?

 

Once you have your list, you can make the decision as to whether or not making the transition to private school needs to come earlier rather than later. For example, if your child is struggling in their current educational environment, not receiving the help they need, or falling behind their peers, there’s no time to waste in getting him or her into a private school. If your child is excelling or the quality of education they’re currently receiving at their public school meets your expectations for the time being, it might make more sense to wait until a natural transition period.

 

The Stages of Child Development

Before you send your child off to school, whether it’s a public or a private school, you need to consider all of the ways that the staff, other students, and educational environment may impact your child. The way that educators interact with your child and encourage interactions between the children are bound to affect the development of your child in more than a few important ways. Below, we outline a few different areas of child development that your child’s school can have an impact upon:

 

  • Academic Potential: The role of your child’s school should always be to propel them to their maximum academic potential. This means helping them to develop problem-solving and solution-seeking skills that will come in handy time and time again in every aspect of their adult life.
  • Character Building: This is not an alternative to your child’s academic achievement, but an essential adjunct. Just as their school provides lessons on math and science, they should also help your child learn crucial values like compassion, respect, integrity, and empathy.
  • Social Skills: It’s vital that most if not all of the school’s curriculum is designed to help your child form solid social relationships, connect with their peers in a meaningful way, and develop emotionally.

 

Children have different educational needs at various points throughout their development; however, the most critical years for your child are almost always going to be in primary school. This is where they’re going to develop critical thinking and social skills, learn to interpret complex concepts, and nourish good learning habits. If you want to guide your child through this phase of development with ease and better prepare them for the road ahead of them, you’re going to want to send them to a Clearwater private school.

 

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.

Why Middle School Is So Important For Your Child’s Development

Did you know that research indicates that students at risk of dropping out of school can be identified as early as sixth grade? In fact, research indicates that sixth-graders who display even one of the off-track indicators, such as a failing grade in mathematics or an unsatisfactory behavior mark in a core course, have only a 15 to 25 percent chance of graduating on time. This means, among other things, that middle school should be recognized as a critical transition period for your child from an academic and social-emotional standpoint.

 

In this brief article, we’ll review why middle school is so important for the development of your child in terms of academic achievement, emotional growth, and more. If you’re looking for a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, that will foster academic excellence, integrity, and empathy in your child, choose Lakeside Christian School.

 

Related: Choosing The Best Private Middle School

 

The Developmental Needs of Early Adolescence Can Be Very Complex

Early adolescence has long since been recognized as a critical stage for an individual’s development and learning, with positive effects lasting long into adulthood. However, recent research studies have identified adolescence as a second critical window for brain development as well. Changes in students’ bodies and brains during this period affect how they will learn for the rest of their lives.

 

What this means is that, during middle school, students must enjoy a wide variety of engaging and rigorous learning opportunities, or they may face restricted brain development down the line. The more students engage in these types of learning experiences, such as solving complex problems or connecting information learned in school with their own experiences, the more their brain cells will grow. These rich learning experiences should always connect academic learning to the student’s personal interests, prior knowledge, past experiences, and current events to capitalize on their increased ability to retain personally relevant information.

Related: Why Maintaining Your Child’s GPA in Middle School Is Vital to Their Development

 

Middle School Students Actively Seek Positive Role Models

Research findings consistently indicate that adolescents who can identify at least one positive role model in their lives have higher grades and self-esteem than those who cannot, particularly when the adolescent knows their role model on a personal level. In addition to these benefits, positive role models have also been shown to decrease adolescents’ risk for harmful behaviors, such as sexual intercourse, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and more. Unfortunately, only one-fourth of students report having a positive adult role model in their lives, either having no one to look up to or having to look up to someone making negative choices in their life.

 

As such, middle schools need to be places where students can be exposed to positive role models, whether it’s educators, administration, parent volunteers, or business and community leaders. At Lakeside Christian School, one of the private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, for example, each and every one of our educators is involved in teaching Bible studies and/or participating somewhere within the ministry in Christian education, and they are ACSI Certified. They’re willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate academic gaps, propel their students forward, and serve as a positive role model in the lives of their students.

 

Related: The Benefits of Mentorship in Middle School

 

Middle School Should Provide a Tailored Learning Environment

Last but not least, middle schoolers need learning environments that will ignite their curiosity and empower them to be active participants in their school and community. Rather than listening to lectures or just doing worksheets, they should be performing hands-on activities that ensure they stay excited and enthusiastic about learning. This means stepping away from the middle school classrooms that emulate high school classrooms, elementary classrooms, or some haphazard combination. What these students will benefit most from is a place that has been specifically designed for their unique physical, social, emotional, and academic needs. For more information on the only private middle school in Clearwater, FL, that can meet your child’s developmental needs, contact Lakeside Christian School.

 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the best private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Private Schools Catch Parents’ Eye As COVID-19 Surges

As the pandemic continues on, more and more families are seeking out schools that are fully in-person rather than remote. In many cases, this means switching from public to private schools, despite the additional cost. Take, for example, the millions of parents working at 9-5 jobs. When their local public schools went online in the spring, managing their child’s school day meant they would not be able to go to work without additional help or some type of child care. Now, between a combination of public schools operating under hybrid instructional models and those which have transitioned to full-time remote learning, parents are panicking as to how they’re going to make it through the end of the school year. More often than not, these are the parents who don’t have the luxury of hiring a private tutor for their child to ensure they stay on track amid all this certainty. They need their children in school, rather than at home.

 

The solution: more than 22 percent of respondents with K-12 students in a study conducted by the University of Southern California said they would change schools for the upcoming school year. In this brief article, we’ll review just a few of the key benefits of sending your child to an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, for the 2021-2022 school year over a public elementary school.

 

Smaller Class Sizes Mean a Safer Classroom Environment

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, elementary schools across the country have implemented a number of safety precautions, including limiting class sizes, staggering schedules, and cleaning surfaces often. However, these safety precautions can only go so far, given the 2.7 million students enrolled in only 4,517 Florida public schools. In contrast, many of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, are at a competitive advantage over these schools due to their small classes and large classroom spaces that make social distancing much easier. If that alone wasn’t convincing, many private schools have also received endowments to upgrade air filtration systems, set up tented classrooms, and revamp nurses’ offices.

 

Keeping Students on Track

A study released this week by American management consulting firm McKinsey & Company estimates that the shift to remote school back in the spring set white students back by one to three months and students of color back by three to five months. Not only did these students begin the academic year behind, but now experts fear that these losses will escalate as the pandemic persists into the next school year. What we’re going to be looking at, essentially, is a lost generation of students.

 

To mitigate this education gap, parents need to consider how they’re going to provide remediation to their children at a time when school districts are struggling to pay for their basic needs like teachers’ salaries. The answer just may be sending your child to an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School. Our Mastery Learning Division is proud to provide all students in grades K to 5 with the solid academic foundation in math and language arts that they need to be prepared for success in secondary grades.

 

Prepare Your Student for the Future

If this year has proved anything, it’s that we can’t predict the future. Now more than ever, you want to have confidence in the fact that your child is going to be ready for anything these next couple of years could throw at them. This means you need to send your student to one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL, that incorporates an academically rigorous curriculum with real-world skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. For example, the faculty and staff at Lakeside Christian School help to personally shape each of their students into purpose-driven leaders that are prepared to shape their world for good.

 

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.

Choosing the Best Private Middle School

Approximately 5.7 million students out of the 56.4 million students in the United States were projected to attend private schools in Fall 2020. If you’re looking to send your child to a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, you want to be sure that the school you choose will support your child’s social and emotional development and provide them with a comfortable learning environment where they can succeed. The middle school years are especially difficult for students, which means it’s incredibly important to find a school that will assist your child throughout the process academically, socially, and emotionally.

 

With the right school, this transition period between elementary and high school can be the perfect opportunity for your child to develop lifelong skills, a love for learning, and the ability to advocate for themselves. In this brief article, we’ll review a few questions you should ask yourself when choosing the best Clearwater private school for your child.

 

Related: Why Middle School Students Benefit From A Private Education

 

What Are the Academics Like?

This question encompasses everything the private middle school does when it comes to academics, including the standards, curriculum, instructional strategies, and college readiness. At Lakeside Christian School, a private middle school in Clearwater, FL, this comes in the form of our high school prep program, complete with our algebra preparation curriculum, our study skills division, and our writing prep program — all of which serve to provide our students with the foundational skills and academic confidence they need to succeed in high school and beyond. Each of our students benefits from daily structured homework assistance and tutoring time as well as accelerated writing instruction.

 

You’ll also want to get an idea of how your child’s school aligns their educational programs, classes, and units with their strategically designed curriculum. Lakeside Christian School uses data-driven instruction, which means that your child receives an entirely customized educational plan that will work to either propel them forward or eliminate academic gaps.

 

What Is the School Environment Like?

This question refers to the environment or culture of the school in which learning takes place and includes a number of factors, such as class size, the emotional and physical safety provided to students, involvement with the local community, administration, and diversity. You want to know that the private middle school you’ve chosen is capable of handling disruptive behavioral incidents, bullying, and other threats to your child’s education. This means finding an environment where your child can be accepted, valued, and supported by their teachers and peers.

 

At Lakeside Christian School, we provide a safe place for your child to learn and demonstrate the biblical principles of loving God by fostering warm and respectful relationships among our staff members and between staff members and students. We’re constantly seeking to give back and strengthen our relationship with the community that God has given us, and we believe in providing a healthy environment where your child can feel accepted by their community.

 

Related: Social Benefits Of A Small School Environment

 

What Are the Extracurriculars Like?

Private middle schools do much more than develop the academic abilities of their students; they also provide extensive opportunities for students to pursue their passions, broaden their horizons, and showcase their skills. You’ll want your student to be exposed to a wide variety of these opportunities for development, including athletic programs, fine arts programs, and extracurricular activities. Lakeside Christian School offers a number of athletic programs to this end, including junior high football, volleyball, cross county, cheerleading, softball, and more.

 

Learn more about the top Clearwater private school and the importance of choosing the best private middle school for your child by talking with an administrator from Lakeside Christian School.

 

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

How to Keep Your Child’s Mind Sharp During a Holiday Break

The holiday season is upon us. It’s time for students to take a well-deserved break from school, enjoy the cooler weather of the winter months, and spend quality time with their loved ones. Unfortunately, even Thanksgiving Break, which is typically only a week off from school, can have a negative impact on your child’s academic achievement levels. In what’s known as winter learning loss or “winter slide,” students experience significant setbacks in their math and reading skills as a result of not engaging in any acts of meaningful learning during the break.

 

Thankfully, incorporating meaningful learning into your child’s Thanksgiving or Christmas break doesn’t mean sending them off to summer school or forcing them to spend each day practicing their multiplication tables. In this brief article, Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, goes over three methods parents can use to keep their child’s mind sharp over a holiday break.

 

Related: 3 Important Ways To Foster Your Child’s Development In Elementary School

 

Keep Them Reading

Keeping your child reading is by far the most important method on this list. It’s incredibly tempting for elementary students to spend their winter break glued to a screen somewhere in their home like a television, video game console, or tablet. One of the best ways to stimulate their brain and make sure that their reading skills continue to strengthen is to motivate them to continue reading throughout winter break. Below, we’ve compiled some easy tips to do just that:

 

  • Take your child to pick out books at the local library
  • Try a reading challenge like asking your child to read 20 minutes a day
  • Find other books or series by an author or in a genre that your child already enjoys
  • Pack a paperback or an audiobook for long road trips
  • Set aside a time to read aloud to your child

 

Make Use of Online Educational Resources

Fortunately, if you find your child inevitably drawn to technology like a mobile phone or tablet, there are thousands of online educational resources available at the click of a button. A quick Google search reveals a whole host of great websites and applications that combine fun and games with valuable learning opportunities. To help you select the best option for your child, we’ve compiled a list of websites and apps below based on teaching value, reliability, and ability to engage students.

 

  • PBS Kids: A one-stop-shop for educational videos and games covering an extensive array of topics provided by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).
  • Khan Academy Kids: A free, fun educational program for children ages two to seven that includes a variety of learning materials across math, language arts, and social-emotional learning.
  • TIME for Kids: Since 1995, American news magazine TIME has published a weekly magazine with age-appropriate stories for elementary students. The complete library of previously published editions and additional educational resources was recently made available online.

 

Find Teachable Moments

The truth is that we’re always learning, even if we don’t notice it. One way to keep your child engaged in learning is by taking advantage of teachable moments. For example, you could make a habit of asking your child to read license plates, road signs, and restaurant menus. Any little bit helps toward the progression of your child’s reading skills. For math, we’d recommend asking your child to perform basic math problems like counting the number of commercials that come on during a television show. This will also help to show your child to realize that the skills they’re learning in school have real-world applicability.

 

All of these steps, however, are virtually useless if your child is not returning from their winter break to an elementary school that best fits their needs. If you want your student to benefit from the best possible education, smaller class sizes, and individual attention, it’s time to consider enrolling him or her in Lakeside Christian School, 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.

Yes, You Can Afford a Private Education For Your Child

Deciding to send your child to private school is a major decision that should not be taken lightly, especially if you’re not certain how you’re going to pay for it. However, if you’ve weighed the benefits of your private school over public education, such as smaller class sizes, flexible curriculum, and improved college and career readiness, and know for certain that your child would thrive in a private school setting, it’s time to look into how you afford private school.

 

In this brief article, we’ll review how Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, helps parents afford the private school education their child deserves.

 

Related: Practical Strategies for Saving Money for Tuition

 

Step Up For Students

What makes Lakeside Christian School one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL is the diverse range of scholarship funding organizations we work with. One of these organizations is Step Up For Students, a state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization that serves to strengthen public education by administering five scholarships to schoolchildren throughout Florida. If you’re worried about how you may be able to afford a private education for your child, you’ll want to look into the two income-based scholarships they offer: The Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and the Family Empowerment Scholarship.

 

Both scholarships can be used as financial assistance towards private school tuition and fees, including books, registration, transportation, uniforms, and more. You may be eligible for either of these scholarships if a member of your household receives SNAP, TANF, or FDPIR; if your student qualifies for free or reduced lunch; or if your household income is at or below the income criteria specified.

 

Related: Does My Child Qualify for a Step Up For Students Scholarship?

 

McKay Scholarship

If your child has a disability, then the McKay Scholarship that provides Florida students with disabilities with the option to attend an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL may be the best option for you. In the 2018-19 school year alone, the McKay Scholarship Program for Students With Disabilities awarded over 31,000 Florida students with disabilities the opportunity to attend a participating private school. You may be eligible to receive a McKay scholarship if your student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 accommodation plan and meets certain requirements, such as spending the prior year in attendance at a public school or being enrolled and reported for funding by the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind.

 

FACTS Scholarship

Last but not least, the FACTS Scholarship is available to all parents who want their child to attend Lakeside Christian School. The FACTS Scholarship is an income-based scholarship designed to create a more affordable tuition through an online financial aid assessment program. The goal of this scholarship program is to help as many families with as much tuition as possible, which is why it’s important to fill out an online application as soon as possible before the deadline in early March.

 

Other than the scholarships listed above, Lakeside Christian School also seeks to be one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL by consistently increasing our tuition subsidy budgets to provide aid through reduced tuition so that more families can enroll their students at a cost they can afford. For more information, don’t hesitate to give us a call via the phone number below.

 

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.

Is Your Child on Track for College and Career Readiness?

If you’re worried that your child may be falling behind in school, you’re not alone. The 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) found that 65 percent of fourth-graders performed below the NAEP Proficient level on the reading portion of the assessment. The NAEP Proficient level is intended to represent students who “have demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter, including subject-matter knowledge, application of such knowledge to real-world situations, and analytical skills appropriate to the subject matter.” If your student is performing below this level, then there’s good reason to be worried that they’ll face difficulty catching up to college and career readiness benchmarks later in life.

 

In a study performed by the National Center for Educational Achievement (NCEA) in 2012, researchers found that fourth-graders who fell far off track had only a nine percent chance of reaching college readiness benchmarks in eighth grade. What this should signal to parents is that catching students up from falling far behind college readiness standards is incredibly difficult. The key to establishing a secure path toward college and career readiness is by sending your student to an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, that prioritizes the importance of an early start in closing the academic preparation gaps.

 

Related: How Private Schools Improve College Readiness

 

Data-Driven Instruction

One of the most crucial elements Lakeside Christian School focuses on in order to prepare your student for college and career starting in kindergarten through fifth grade is data-driven instruction. In simplest terms, data-driven instruction is an approach to improving student learning that involves the use of information gathered from student assessment. There are two types of data used in the classroom: formative (gathered during the process of learning) and summative (gathered at the end of a learning period).

 

Effective educators analyze this data, determine if their style of teaching is appropriate for each student, and create smaller groups concentrated on the skills with which students are struggling. This means that your student receives an educational plan entirely tailored to their needs to eliminate academic gaps or propel them forward in their education if they’re already on track. At Lakeside Christian School, we’ve been practicing this type of instruction for several years and have already noticed massive improvements in our scores and effectiveness at closing academic gaps.

 

Related: 3 Qualities College Admissions Offices Look for in Applicants

 

Aligned Curriculum

Another aspect Lakeside Christian School focuses on in order to ensure our students are on track for college and career readiness is what’s known as aligned curriculum. Aligned curriculum refers to any academic program that is free of academic gaps, aligned across grade levels and subject areas, and purposefully designed to facilitate learning. The concept is based around the idea that students’ knowledge builds on itself naturally rather than repeating unnecessarily.

 

This gives all students a better chance at eliminating academic gaps from day one. Lakeside Christian School links student test scores on ACT Aspire assessments with post-high school performance and determines what that student needs to learn to be ready for college and career. This gives both educators, students, and parents the necessary information to determine the appropriate educational path, possible interventions, and the resources necessary to succeed.

 

Invest in Your Child’s Future

Supporting the development of your student’s career and college readiness can’t be delayed until high school because it’s incredibly difficult for students to get caught up once they’ve fallen behind. If you want to establish a secure path toward success for your student, it’s time to send them to one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL —  Lakeside Christian School. Apart from data-driven instruction and aligned curriculum, we also believe in best-practice instruction, a safe and secure learning environment for all students, complementary technology, and more. Consider scheduling a free tour with Lakeside Christian School today so that you can see for yourself what makes us so different from other schools in the Greater Clearwater area.

 

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.

Are School Uniforms Beneficial for Students and Parents?

Yes! School uniforms can be incredibly beneficial for students, especially elementary school students. School uniforms are affordable, promote equality, and show that children are proud to be a part of their school. In this article, we go over these benefits in a little more detail and discuss why your child doesn’t have to be bummed out when they have to put on their uniform in the morning. Just check out these uniform options at Lakeside Christian School, an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL

Affordable Wardrobe 

One of the main benefits of a uniform policy is affordability. Many parents who can afford a private education for their children are still hard-pressed to provide a new wardrobe every year for their growing kids. That’s why private schools like Lakeside Christian School implement uniform policies — parents shouldn’t have to choose between an outstanding education or new clothing for their child. Our uniforms consist of an LCS-issued polo shirt and khaki pants/shorts (skirts are permitted for young ladies). This is just one of the many ways that our school helps parents save money while providing their children with a private education. There’s also the added benefit of not having to scramble to find your kids something to wear in the morning! 

Related: Why It’s So Important to Apply for Income-Based Scholarships for the 2020-21 School Year

Equal Footing

At Lakeside Christian School, we strongly believe that all children are entitled to a first-rate learning experience. School uniforms are one of the many ways we provide this experience. School uniforms promote unity, allowing students to see past superficial differences. This not only helps students bond but also helps prevent instances of bullying. Our uniform policy helps students focus on what matters most: their education and development. Of course, this doesn’t mean that your child can’t showcase their individuality — helping students find their unique voice is a goal of ours. We do allow students to dress down on Fridays!

Related: Why More and More Florida Parents Are Sending Their Kids to Private Schools

School Spirit 

A school uniform is a perfect way to instill in students the idea that they are not alone, that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. This helps students take ownership of their education and motivates them to achieve their goals. In essence, a school uniform allows your child to display school spirit. At Lakeside Christian School, we believe that obedience, respect, and responsibility are key virtues that students must develop. A school uniform helps them embody and take on these ideals, and once they’ve graduated, these ideals will help them succeed throughout their entire lives. When you see your child in a LCS uniform, you’ll know that you’ve found them a school that they can feel proud of, a school that they can feel at home at. 

If you would like to learn more about Lakeside Christian School, one of the top private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or schedule a tour of our campus.

Take the

Next Step

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.

 

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