McKay Scholarships - Step Up For Students Scholarships
Florida Pride Scholarships
{The Learning Solutions Programs at Lakeside Christian School accept McKay scholarships to cover costs for program and school tuitions}
McKay Scholarships allow parents of students with disabilities a choice of the best academic environment and program for their children. Private schools are part of that parental choice plan. In order to be eligible for the McKay scholarship, students must be enrolled in a Florida public school and have an individual Education Plan (IEP). If you do not already have a McKay scholarship and your child has an IEP, see your school’s Administration for further information. Lakeside has programs for students grades K-12.
Your search for a program with real solutions must include Lakeside Christian School and their Learning Solutions Programs. There are over 800 participating schools in Florida that take the McKay scholarship but very few that have programs in place with the ability to truly help a child with learning disabilities. Most private schools will accept students with learning disabilities and offer only watered down curriculum and limited accommodations to help support your child in the classroom. Your child earns straight A’s yet the underlying education is not preparing them for future challenges. Lakeside’s Learning Solutions programs are an integrated, whole school, holistic approach to assisting a student through rigorous coursework while providing educational therapy weekly that targets the underlying cause of the learning disability.
Lakeside is accredited as a “Program of Excellence” by The National Institute for Learning Development (NILD) and provides their research based, 1-on-1 therapy to students. While tutoring, accommodations and light curriculums help today, they will not help the student become a self-regulated learner or be prepared for college. Over an average span of three years students in the Learning Solutions therapy program, receive intensive cognitive and academic therapy for their disability. They are placed in ability or grade level classes that have rigor, and receive support from Resource teachers who assist with tutoring, skill development, and organization. Students at Lakeside regain self-esteem and confidence and recover the hope of college opportunities once thought out of reach. Lakeside’s Learning Solutions Program is successfully helping rebuild academic deficits while providing life recovery for students hindered by a cognitive or academic disability but who have an average, to above average IQ.
McKay Scholarships often cover the Learning Solutions therapy program and much of the regular tuition of the school program. Lakeside Christian School is located in central Pinellas County and has been known for providing a quality educational product in a safe, secure Christian environment since 1975. There are limited seats open each year in this respected NILD therapy program. Interested parents should schedule an appointment early in the spring to become qualified for placement on the waiting list. Parents should bring their IEP paperwork from the public school they attend. Updated testing is required every three years and portions of required testing can be accomplished at Lakeside for a nominal fee. This program is not for students with Behavioral Disabilities. Sharon Hamilton, Learning Solutions Program Director can be contacted at 727-239-7808.
McKay Scholarships are also accepted for students who do not need the intensive NILD Therapy Program but do need continued academic support.
Students may enroll in the Learning Solutions Academic Coach Program that provides the student with the following components.
- A weekly Resource Class where a qualified resource teacher helps with quiz, project, and test prep plus study and organizational skill training.
- A daily, after-school homework program to assist in completing the days assignments before parent pick up.
- Tutoring opportunities during the afterschool program.
- SAP (IEP) Accommodations management.
- Student-Parent-Teacher Advocate
If you are currently in another Private school, have McKay scholarship funding, and do not feel your child is receiving what they need, call Lakeside Christian School at 727-239-7808 and look into the Learning Solutions Program today. If you are currently in a public school, have McKay available and desire more for your child, please call now. The school provides FHSAA & FCAPPS sports and arts programs for enrichment and social opportunity. The school is located between Keene and Hercules Rd. at 1897 Sunset Point Rd. in Clearwater behind Lakeside Community Chapel.