Everything Parents Should Know About Florida’s New “Family Empowerment Scholarship” Part 1

On May 9th, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida signed a bill into law that will afford parents more freedom in school selection through an all-new, state-funded voucher program. This legislation creates an exciting opportunity for parents who want greater autonomy over their children’s academic future.

The official signing took place at William A. Kirlew Junior Academy in Miami Gardens. Before an exuberant crowd, DeSantis spoke about the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES), which will help terminate a Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship waiting list that currently contains 13,000 families.

“I personally believe as a matter of principle and philosophy that parents know what’s best for their kids, they know the right environment, and that if you empower parents regardless of income that the parents ultimately can make the best decision,” DeSantis said.

For parents, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of Florida’s increasingly choice-friendly education system. Whether you’re looking for an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, with a proven track record of student success, or you have an older child who wants to finish high school in a new setting, Lakeside Christian School provides students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.

The Family Empowerment Scholarship

The FES will help facilitate a broader school choice initiative serving 18,000 students in year one, followed by another 7,000 students in the coming years. Unlike the FTC Scholarship, which relies on corporate contributions, the FES will gain funding from the Florida Education Finance Program.

In the Tampa Bay area, this will allow more parents to enroll their children in one of the private schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School. Many families want the option to provide their children with an education that helps them grow academically, socially, and spiritually, and the FES is designed to support this endeavor.

More Opportunity for Low-Income Families

One recent study conducted by the Urban Institute indicated that low-income FTC students had a 43 percent greater probability of enrolling in four-year colleges than their public school peers. In addition, the study showed that they were 20 percent more likely to actually earn bachelor’s degrees. Figures like this help justify the existence of the FTC Scholarship’s extensive waiting list, but the FES will do away with this list altogether.

According to DeSantis, the primary goal of the FES is to offer “more opportunity for thousands and thousands of low-income families here in the state of Florida,” which is why this new scholarship initiative is viewed as a “big, big deal” in the eyes of parents, students, and legislators.

In part two of this two-part series, we’ll cover some additional perspectives on this new law and explain why choice matters for your children’s education.

If you would like to learn more about scholarship opportunities at 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.

How Private Schools Improve College Readiness Part 1

Several studies within the last decade support the fact that students that attend private schools are more prepared to take on college coursework. Furthermore, they are more likely to graduate with a four-year degree. In this two-part article, we will discuss relevant data compiled from several studies on this topic. We will also discuss many of the benefits of enrolling your children in one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL.

At Lakeside Christian School, we offer a highly comprehensive college preparation program that provides elementary, middle school, and high school students with core academic preparation, daily tutoring sessions, homework assistance, and small class sizes that focus on the individual needs of each and every student.

Private Schools are Preferred by Parents

There are several reasons to enroll your child in a private school that benefit both your child and your family as a whole. Not only will private school students receive a first-class education, but studies also support that their parents are generally more satisfied with private school facilities, teachers, and overall standards.

According to data compiled by a 2012 study performed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), private school parents reportedly give high marks in the following areas:

• Communication: Private school administrators successfully initiate more effective communication practices with parents. This includes parent-teacher conferences, emailing or calling parents, among other means of communication.
• Workload: Parents are more satisfied with an improved student/teacher ratio and a more challenging course curriculum to prepare their child for college coursework. Parents also generally feel their children are required to accomplish the right amount of homework at a private school.
• Higher Learning: Private schools meet parents’ expectations in regard to specific educational attainment levels. Whether it’s influential teachers, tutoring programs, or higher scores on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, there are many benefits to a private school education system.
• Community: Parents are more likely to participate in various school-related activities at a private school including fundraisers, conferences, board meetings, in-school events, volunteer opportunities, and other extracurricular events.

Religious Schools Have a Tremendous Graduation Rate

Some studies show that private school students are more likely to obtain a high school diploma, attend a four-year college, and earn a bachelor’s degree. According to data compiled by NCES over a two-year period that began in 2002, 97.2 percent of religious high school sophomores went on to graduate in the summer of 2004 compared to 84.1 percent of public high school sophomores. Similarly, 76.2 percent of these religious high school sophomores were in their second year of college in 2006; whereas, 40.5 percent of public high school students were attending college in the study.

Although the above data was compiled from a study over a decade ago, as we will discuss in the next part of this article, many recent studies released by the SAT and ACT support the idea that private schools meet or surpass benchmark expectations for these standardized tests and better prepare students for their college coursework.    

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

Practical Strategies for Saving Money for Tuition

Private school tuition can be expensive, but parents shouldn’t give up as soon as they see a high price tag. All private schools are different, as are their respective tuition costs. By utilizing practical money-saving strategies, nearly anyone can send their child to an affordable private elementary school in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School. Here are a few suggestions to help you save money so that you can provide your child with access to the type of education that builds the leaders of tomorrow.

Budget for the Important Things in Life

Your child’s education should always be one of your main priorities. Not only is education important for their social and emotional development, it’s also an investment in their future and helps guarantee that they will be successful. Therefore, it’s imperative that you budget for the important things in life that will help your family prosper. Besides your child’s education, other examples include healthy foods, hobbies and activities, and medical care. Nonessential expenses like eating out, expensive entertainment, and ill-advised vacations should be handled with the utmost caution.

Mitigate Financial Stress with a Payment Plan

When you try to take on tuition as a lump sum, it can feel like an insurmountable obstacle. Fortunately, some private schools offer payment plans to help make the price of tuition more manageable. A monthly payment plan is vastly preferred to a lump sum and helps improve your ability to maintain a budget on a monthly basis. When you know exactly how much you need to set aside for the essentials, as we mentioned in the last paragraph, it makes living comfortably and supporting your child’s education that much easier.

Apply for Scholarships

Private scholarships, like those offered by Step Up For Students, help more students gain access to private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL. That’s right, scholarships aren’t just for college students, and you can apply for some of Step Up For Student’s offerings as early as elementary school. For example, at Lakeside Christian School, many students are the recipients of scholarships like the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship, Gardiner Scholarship, and Reading Scholarship. Each of these scholarships has unique eligibility requirements to assist a range of students with different needs.     

Play the Long Game

When your child exhibits academic excellence at a young age, they’re more likely to gain favor for college scholarships. In other words, investing in your child’s education today could result in huge savings in the future. When your child’s academic resume includes a premier private school, like Lakeside Christian School, they will be in a superior position to acquire scholarships that can greatly reduce the rising price of college tuition.

Are you interested in enrolling your child in one of the private elementary schools in Clearwater, FL? Don’t let your preconceived notions about the high price of private school tuition dissuade you from giving your child the best education possible. Utilize these practical strategies for saving money to help make private education a reality for your child.

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

How Does a Small School Setting Help My Child Succeed?

Parents are faced with a plethora of decisions when selecting the right education for their child. Of course, parents must first decide whether they want their children to learn in a public or private setting, but there are many other considerations as well, especially when a parent opts to put their child on the private school track.

Every private school is distinct. Some private schools have thousands of students while others have hundreds or less. As a parent, it’s important to acknowledge that the size of a school can have a substantial effect on your child’s education. In many cases, parents find that their child can benefit from a small school setting that affords students more one-on-one time with their teachers.

Are you looking to enroll your child in one of the best private schools in Clearwater, FL? The students at Lakeside Christian School benefit from a highly focused, small school setting featuring teachers dedicated to student success who take pleasure in helping children achieve their academic, social, and career-minded goals.

More Opportunities for Inspiration

Private schools that have embraced a small school setting typically allow students to engage with their teachers on a more personal level. In other words, students gain valuable one-on-one time that simply can’t be facilitated by schools with comparably larger class sizes. When your child has the ability to communicate with teachers directly, they can ask more questions and get hands-on assistance working through the problems they find the most challenging. The teacher also benefits from the chance to learn more about your child and develop a curriculum to maximize their academic success.

Close-knit Community Learning

In a small school setting, your child will feel a stronger sense of community. They are less likely to feel lost in the crowd and will build closer relationships with faculty, staff, and students. When your child has the opportunity to build strong relationships, they are more likely to succeed as they work together with others to work through problems. Outside of school, these relationships often blossom into lifelong friendships. Also, a close-knit community can help boost student confidence while encouraging them to share their thoughts and ideas more openly. Your child is attending school to obtain a high quality education, but they are also there to develop socially. In a small school setting, they can benefit from both.

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.

3 Benefits of Touring Private Schools Before Enrollment

Your child’s education is an important part of their growth and development. You want the best for your child, to provide them with the opportunity to grow and flourish so they can become leaders in their communities as they get older, but you also need to balance their educational development with their overall well-being.

There’s a good chance that you’ve already read about the benefits of private education, and if you are taking the initiative to secure a more tailored approach to your child’s education, you will want to be certain that you take the time to tour any schools you are considering. Remember, if you are worried about the cost of private education, Step Up For Students participating schools in Clearwater, FL, like Lakeside Christian School, offer scholarship opportunities to help low-income families afford private school.

1. Get to Know the Staff

When you tour a private school, you can introduce yourself to the school’s staff and even meet a few teachers. You can see what life in the classroom is like and get a firsthand look at how the school’s teachers are helping children learn. The school’s staff will be your support system during your child’s enrollment and your primary point of contact for helping you and your child deal with any issues that may arise.

2. Check Out the Facilities

For your child to obtain a high-quality education, they need to feel comfortable learning in the facilities provided by the private school you select. Has the school taken proactive measures to create vibrant learning spaces that spur your child’s interest and encourage them to embrace learning? Are their facilities well-maintained? These are some of the questions you will want to ask yourself as you tour private schools.

3. Learn About Scholarship Opportunities

Touring private schools not only allows you to get a better idea of what day-to-day life is like at the school, but it also gives you the opportunity to learn more about how the school can help you make private education a reality for your child. For example, some schools can help low-income families afford a private education because they have partnered with Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL. One of the Step Up For Students scholarships, the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) scholarship, helps low-income families send their children to private schools.

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

Who Can Benefit from Step Up For Students Scholarships in Florida?

Step Up For Students, the state-approved nonprofit scholarship funding organization, is dedicated to providing students with more opportunities to succeed in education by administering four scholarships: the Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarship Program (for low-income families), the Gardiner Scholarship (for special needs children), the Hope Scholarship (for victims of bullying), and the Reading Scholarship (for students who struggle with reading).

These scholarships have helped countless students achieve their dreams, but the eligibility requirements for each scholarship are unique. If you are applying for Step Up For Students in Clearwater, FL, read this article to learn about some of the students who have benefitted from this gracious, state-approved program in the past.

The FTC Scholarship Program: Changing the Lives of Adopted Siblings

The FTC Scholarship provides funding for low-income families who require financial assistance to enroll their children in a private school. With over 680,000 FTC Scholarships awarded to children grades kindergarten through 12th since 2002, this Step Up for Students Scholarship has made an indelible impression on Florida’s private school system.

In the case of three adopted siblings from Florida — Diego, Alyssa, and Bianca — the FTC Scholarship helped lead them from the darkest time in their young lives to a brighter, happier tomorrow. With a father who was always gone and a mother who was addicted to drugs, the three children struggled to survive until they were adopted by foster mom, Patricia Sobel. Sobel applied for the FTC Scholarship to help send the adopted children to a private school. Today, the children are happy to be in school learning about the world and making new friends.

The Gardiner Scholarship: Helping Students with Special Needs Attain the Real High School Experience

Parents who have children with unique abilities or special needs can apply for the Gardiner Scholarship. This scholarship allows parents to provide their children with individualized educational plans designed to better serve their needs.

Take, for example, the story of Nicolas Ratliff-Batista, a senior at Monsignor Pace High School in Miami Gardens. Nicholas was diagnosed with high-functioning autism when he was only 3 years old. Although Nicolas deftly traversed elementary school and middle school, thanks in part to the familiarity of the setting, classmates, teachers, and administrators, his mother feared that high school would prove to be a much greater challenge.

The Gardiner Scholarship allowed Nicolas to find a school where he was primed for success, learning in small classroom settings with an average teacher-to-student ratio of 1:14. After graduating, he will pursue a degree in environmental science at Broward College.

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

Private Middle School in Clearwater FL

If you are looking for the ideal private middle school in Clearwater, FL, that upholds strong moral principles alongside its academic standards, look no further than Lakeside Christian School. Our caring and close-knit community provides all the resources your middle schooler needs to succeed. We are committed to academic excellence, fellowship, and helping our students reach their fullest potential.

Our Learning Community

At Lakeside Christian School, we provide small classrooms, accelerated curriculums, and brand-new learning technologies to facilitate each and every student’s academic growth. Middle school is such a critical time in a student’s development. As your child transitions out of their carefree elementary school mindset and approaches their teen years, it is especially important for them to be in an emotionally, mentally, and physically safe environment.

LCS employes a strict No Bullying policy and encourages students to be the best version of themselves every day. In order for children to excel academically, they must feel comfortable in their learning environment. We strive daily for our school to feel like a “home away from home” and a place of limitless opportunity.

College Preparatory Academics

Preparing your child for college begins at an early age. We believe in helping each student maximize his or her potential beginning in kindergarten. By the time they are in middle school, students tend to start forming more serious plans about their future. At LCS, we help ensure these dreams can be realized.

Our accelerated academics prepare middle schoolers for the realities of high school, which in turn prepares them for college. We believe challenging and encouraging students during this pivotal time keeps them focused on what they can achieve. Since 1975, we have been an esteemed private middle school in Clearwater, FL, widely recognized for our effective college preparatory program, first-rate academics, and caring community. We are proud to say that our high school has a 100% graduation rate and that we have sent countless students off to the college of their dreams.

Looking at Private Middle Schools in Clearwater, FL?

If you’re searching for private middle schools in Clearwater, FL, we invite you to take a look at LCS in action! We provide 1-on-1 tours, so parents can truly envision what their student’s day-to-day life would be like in our fun, challenging, and compassionate learning environment.

Worried about the cost of a private school education? Don’t be! We are a Step Up For Students participating school, so your child could receive a scholarship. Check out the Step Up website for details. For more information on Lakeside Christian School or to schedule a tour, please give us a call at (727) 239-7808 or fill out this form.

Best Private Schools in Clearwater FL

Welcome to Lakeside Christian School: one of the Best Private Schools in Clearwater, FL

Are you searching for the best private Christian schools in Clearwater, FL? Look no further than Lakeside Christian School. As a Christ-centered K-12 institution, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing environment where students excel academically, grow spiritually, and develop as confident leaders. Our small class sizes, individualized attention, and commitment to faith-based education set us apart as a top choice for families in Clearwater and beyond.

Why Choose Lakeside Christian School?

At Lakeside, we believe that education is more than academics—it’s about shaping the whole person. Here’s why families consistently rank us among the best private schools in Clearwater, FL:

1. Christ-Centered Education

Faith is at the heart of everything we do. From Bible-based curriculum to daily prayer and weekly chapel services, we help students develop a strong spiritual foundation. Our mission is to prepare students for success in life while instilling Christian values that guide their decisions and relationships.

2. Academic Excellence

Our rigorous academic programs challenge students to reach their full potential. Whether your child is just beginning their educational journey in kindergarten or preparing for college in our advanced high school courses, our dedicated teachers provide personalized support to meet each student’s needs.

3. Small Class Sizes and Individualized Attention

One of the hallmarks of Lakeside Christian School is our commitment to small class sizes. With a low student-to-teacher ratio, our educators can focus on each child’s strengths, challenges, and growth areas, creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Explore Our Programs: A Private School for Every Stage

Lakeside Christian School offers a robust K-12 program tailored to meet the unique needs of students at every stage of their educational journey.

• Elementary School (K-5):
  Our youngest learners build a strong academic and spiritual foundation through engaging lessons, hands-on activities, and caring teachers who nurture a love for learning.
• Middle School (6-8):
  The middle school years are a time of growth and exploration. We focus on academic preparation, character development, and opportunities for students to explore their talents through sports, arts, and leadership.
• High School (9-12):
  High school students benefit from a challenging curriculum, college preparation resources, and opportunities to deepen their faith. We prepare graduates for success in higher education and beyond.

Affordable Tuition and Scholarships

Private education is an investment in your child’s future, and we strive to make it accessible to all families. Lakeside Christian School participates in Florida’s Step Up for Students program. For more information, visit our tuition page.

Learn more about how you can make private education affordable by contacting our admissions office today. Call 727-261-0937 or email office@lakesidechristianschool.org

Engaging Athletics and Arts Programs

Lakeside’s athletics and fine arts programs enrich the student experience, teaching valuable life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.

• Athletics: From middle school to varsity teams, our students excel in sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball, competing against other private schools in Clearwater, FL. We also offer elementary sports pprograms on Saturday mornings.
• Fine Arts: Students can participate in visual arts, showcasing their talents in school art shows and local competitions.

Schedule a Tour of the Best Private School in Clearwater, FL

Discover why Lakeside Christian School is the right choice for your family. Schedule a personalized tour to experience our campus, meet our dedicated teachers, and see our programs in action.

Contact us today to learn more:
📧 Email Us office@lakesidechristianschool.org
📞 Call: (727) 261-0937

 

 

SAQs (Should-Ask Questions)

Certainly you’re familiar with the term “FAQs” (Frequently Asked Questions), but have you heard of SAQs? SAQs are “Should-Ask Questions.” What questions should you ask when searching for the perfect school for your child? Try these:

1. “How can you make this education affordable for me?” Instead of asking how much it costs and writing off a high-ticket education, ask instead how it can be made affordable. Some schools are free… and you get what you pay for. Some educations cost as much as a new car, and they expect you to pay every penny. But some schools, like ours, provide an excellent education that, while expensive, works with every single budget to make it affordable for anyone.
2. “Are your graduates prepared for college and career?” Don’t merely ask about graduation rates and GPAs. Those are deceptive. Rather, find out if graduates are prepared for life after high school. At LCS, we don’t try to make ourselves look good by handing out as many A grades as possible. Instead, we teach our students what is needed to succeed beyond high school.
3. “Can you help my child catch up or move ahead?” If your child is in elementary school, you’ll want to know how to either bring your child to grade level or how to help them excel farther. We have documented proof that we have been able to close academic gaps for students who come to us already behind, and many of those who are on grade level are propelling ahead!
4. “How invested is your staff?” It’s likely that at any school, the teachers will have experience and talent, as ours do. But beyond that, you’ll want to know if the staff is invested in their jobs and if they truly care for their students. Most of our staff attend our church and serve in some way, like AWANA or youth group. This means they choose to not only teach their students throughout the weekdays, but also choose to spend additional time with them some nights, teaching them even more important spiritual truths. Our staff cares not just about each student’s education, but more importantly, their soul.
5. “Will my child be safe?” There’s no way to guarantee with 100% certainty the safety of anyone. But you’ll want to know if your child will be both physically and emotionally safe, to the best of the school’s ability. At LCS, we do not tolerate bullying, either in school or online between our students. Teachers strive to stay aware of social interactions and the climate of their classrooms in order to keep their students safe.

These five questions will give you a good indication of a school’s heart, and whether or not they’d be a good fit for your child. We encourage you to schedule a personal tour with Lakeside Christian School today and ask these very questions!

Stuck Like Glue

Parents are happy with what we are doing at Lakeside Christian School.

How do we know this? We have an over 90% retention rate. Perhaps it’s purely academic: we are closing learning gaps among our elementary students. This means we are bringing most of those who were behind, up to and above grade level. Or it’s our desire to prepare all students for college and career, starting LONG before high school begins. Maybe it’s the fact that we teach each class and every subject from a biblical worldview. Or it could be the environment- safe and secure, with loving staff and a family feel. It could be any number of things, like our athletics or drama program, for example. But we believe it’s most likely the unique combination of all these things that makes Lakeside Christian School such a special place.

Schedule a tour today to find out what’s different about Lakeside Christian School, and why our families don’t just attend; they stick around.