Choosing A School For Your Child In SWFL
As a parent, selecting a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. You want your child’s school to have the same goals of high academic achievement you have set. You may want your child’s school to reflect the family and community values that you consider important. In other words, you want a school that is a good fit for your child.
School Choice
One of the biggest differences between Lee and Collier Counties are their school systems. Collier County operates on a very traditional system, which most people will be familiar with, where you have school districts and you go to the school that’s located within the district where you live. As a result, the quality of the schools is a major factor in home values.
Lee County has a totally different system, known as “school choice.” The mere mention of this phrase is enough to send some parents into a panic because although you have a choice, sometimes you don’t really have a choice. Allow me to explain…
Here’s the PC Definition of School Choice
School choice is a key component to ensuring that all children have access to an excellent education. Florida is a national leader in providing an array of school options to meet the educational needs of families.
Parents can exercise choice in many ways. The most common way may be in choosing where to live based on the public school district or neighborhood schools. In many areas, parents can choose from neighborhood schools, charter schools or other public schools of choice, or transfer their child to another public school (in or out of district). They can also select a private school (religious or secular) or teach their child at home.
Here’s the Real Definition of School Choice
If you’re new to the school system, you’ll submit a form by the annual deadline (in February) where you choose a certain number (3 to 5) schools for your child to attend, within your zone (there are three zones in the county). You are guaranteed to get into at least one of those schools, but sometimes it’s not really the one you want. There is a system by which preference is given to those who have already attended, have siblings who attend, live within close proximity, etc… and once they fill up then there are no more children admitted.
The purpose was to reverse the effects of segregation and it is a wonderful system to ensure diversity and access to good schools regardless of neighborhoods. But it comes with its pitfalls too, like bussing children all the way across town when there’s another school they’d prefer to attend. And the feeling of helplessness of not getting into a school you prefer.
Want to know which zone your house is in? Click here for an interactive map.
Different schools offer alternatives in teaching styles, content, and learning opportunities. Here are some types of schools you may consider for your child…
Neighborhood Public Schools– many parents choose to send their children to the public school in their neighborhood.
Other Public Schools- In an increasing number of school districts, you can choose to send your child to a specialized public school. These schools of choice often emphasize a particular subject or have a special philosophy of education. One school might emphasize science, art, or language study. Another might offer a firm code of conduct, a dress code, or a rigorous traditional academic program.
Charter Schools- Charter schools are independent public schools of choice. They are very popular and among the fastest-growing school choice options in Florida. Charter schools are largely free to innovate, and often provide specialized programs and choices to diverse groups of students. Florida’s charter schools are currently educating over 100,000 students each year, each school offering its own unique educational approach.
Magnet Schools- Magnet schools offer a particular theme or academic focus, such as mathematics, science, technology, business, or performing arts. The main purpose of magnet schools is to provide families with the option of choosing a school that matches their child’s interests. Magnet schools offer students specialized programs to promote academic achievement and create innovative learning approaches in a diverse environment.
Private Schools- (Two types):
Religious Private Schools- The majority of nonpublic schools are religious, affiliated with a denomination, local church, or various religious faiths.
Secular Private Schools- There are also many nonpublic schools without a religious identity or affiliation. Some of these private schools are preparatory schools designed to prepare students for college. These schools often have a traditional or elite reputation and a long history. Other schools are based on a particular educational philosophy or approach to learning, such as Montessori or Waldorf schools; have a special education focus, such as schools for the deaf or blind; or have been established for families and children who may be dissatisfied with various aspects of conventional schools.
Home Schooling/Virtual School- Home Education is a parent-directed educational option. Some parents prepare their own materials and design their own programs of study, while others use materials produced by companies specializing in home education materials. Some parents take advantage of virtual school programs or other educational resources available on the internet.
Florida’s variety of school choice options for parents and students includes scholarships that give parents choices so their children are offered the best opportunities to learn. Florida’s current scholarship programs allow parents unprecedented choices among public and private schools.
Once you select the school that you think will be best for your child, you will go through a process of applying to a school (or schools) of your choice and enrolling your child. Consider applying to more than one school, in case your child is not admitted to their first choice. You will want to begin this process as early as possible in order to ensure you meet all the deadlines. Admissions processes can vary. Your child may need to be tested or interviewed, and you may need to provide a school transcript, recommendations, or other information. It would be helpful to learn about admissions criteria for the schools. You will want to double check to be sure you have accurate information on when and how to apply. If you need specific dates or information, visit the Florida Department of Education or Lee County Schools websites for more information.
Want to know which zone your house is in? Click here for an interactive map.
Below are a list of Schools in Lee County. Click on the names of schools to be redirected to their website.
The School District of Lee County (Public):
Elementary Schools
Allen Park Elementary School
3345 Canelo Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-936-1459 | Fax: 239-936-3470
Bayshore Elementary School
17050 Williams Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Phone: 239-543-3663 | Fax: 239-543-4040
Bonita Springs Elementary School
10701 Dean Street SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 239-992-0801 | Fax: 239-992-9118
Caloosa Elementary School
620 S. Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
Phone: 239-574-3113 | Fax: 239-574-1449
Cape Elementary School
4519 Vincennes Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33904
Phone: 239-542-3551 | Fax: 239-542-3264
Colonial Elementary School
3800 Schoolhouse Rd E., Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-939-2242 | Fax: 239-939-5143
Diplomat Elementary School
1115 NE 16th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33909
Phone: 239-458-0033 | Fax: 239-458-1697
Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary School
700 Hutto Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-995-3800 | Fax: 239-995-6551
Edgewood Academy
3464 Edgewood Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-334-6205 | Fax: 239-334-6776
Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School
2401 Euclid Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-334-6232 | Fax: 239-332-3474
Fort Myers Beach Elementary School
2751 Oak Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: 239-463-6356 | Fax: 239-463-3592
Franklin Park Elementary School
2323 Ford Street, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-332-1969 | Fax: 239-337-1127
G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School
1200 Homestead Rd N., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Phone: 239-368-7042 | Fax: 239-369-0469
Gateway Elementary School
13280 Griffin Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Phone: 239-768-3737 | Fax: 239-768-2967
Gulf Elementary School
3400 SW 17th Place, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Phone: 239-549-2726 | Fax: 239-549-2117
Hancock Creek Elementary School
1601 Skyline Drive, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-995-3600 | Fax: 239-995-7674
Harns Marsh Elementary School
1800 Unice Avenue N., Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
Phone: 239-690-1249 | Fax: 239-694-1325
Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. Elementary School
250 Santa Barbara Blvd. N., Cape Coral, FL 33993
Phone: 239-458-7391 | Fax: 239-772-0749
Heights Elementary School
15200 Alexandria Ct., Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone: 239-481-1761 | Fax: 239-481-3154
J. Colin English Elementary School
120 Pine Island Road, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-995-2258 | Fax: 239-995-5681
James Stephens Elementary School
1333 Marsh Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Phone: 239-337-1333 | Fax: 239-334-4144
Lehigh Elementary School
200 Schoolside Drive, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Phone: 239-369-2477 | Fax: 239-369-4506
Manatee Elementary School
5301 Tice Street, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Phone: 239-694-2097 | Fax: 239-694-4282
Mirror Lakes Elementary School
525 Charwood Ave. S., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Phone: 239-369-2200 | Fax: 239-369-0542
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts
1856 Arts Way, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Phone: 239-997-2131 | Fax: 239-997-6762
Orange River Elementary School
4501 Underwood Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33905
Phone: 239-694-1258 | Fax: 239-694-8680
Orangewood Elementary School
4001 DeLeon Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-936-2950 | Fax: 239-936-2134
Patriot Elementary School
711 SW 18th Street, Cape Coral, FL 33991
Phone: 239-242-1023 | Fax: 239-242-1238
Pelican Elementary School
3525 SW 3rd Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33914
Phone: 239-549-4966 | Fax: 239-549-4973
Pine Island Elementary School
5360 Ridgewood Dr., Bokeelia, FL 33922
Phone: 239-283-0505 | Fax: 239-283-1748
Pinewoods Elementary School
11900 Stoneybrook Golf Drive, Estero, FL 33928
Phone: 239-947-7500 | Fax: 239-947-0834
Ray V. Pottorf Elementary School
4600 Challenger Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33912
Phone: 239-274-3932 | Fax: 239-275-3381
Rayma C. Page Elementary School
17000 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone: 239-432-2737 | Fax: 239-432-2749
River Hall Elementary School
2800 River Hall Pkwy, Alva, FL 33920
Phone: 239-693-0349 | Fax: 239-693-5307
San Carlos Park Elementary School
17282 Lee Road, Fort Myers, FL 33967
Phone: 239-267-7177 | Fax: 239-267-0057
Skyline Elementary School
620 SW 19th Street, Cape Coral, FL 33991
Phone: 239-772-3223 | Fax: 239-772-8934
Spring Creek Elementary School
25571 Elementary Way, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 239- 947-0001 | Fax: 239-947-4690
Sunshine Elementary School
601 Sara Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
Phone: 239-369-5836 | Fax: 239-369-1455
Tanglewood Elementary School
1620 Manchester Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Phone: 239-936-0891 | Fax: 239-939-0411
The Alva School
17500 Church Avenue, Alva, FL 33920
Phone: 239-728-2494 | Fax: 239-728-3259
The Sanibel School
3840 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
Phone: 239-472-1617 | Fax: 239-472-6544
Three Oaks Elementary School
19600 Cypress View Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33967
Phone: 239-267-8020 | Fax: 239-267-9559
Tice Elementary School
4524 Tice Street, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Phone: 239-694-1257 | Fax: 239-694-8745
Tortuga Preserve Elementary School
1711 Gunnery Rd. N., Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
Phone: 239-693-5023 | Fax: 239-693-5033
Trafalgar Elementary School
1850 SW 20th Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33991
Phone: 239-283-3043 | Fax: 239-282-5595
Treeline Elementary School
10900 Treeline Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33913
Phone: 239-768-5208 | Fax: 239-768-5415
Tropic Isles Elementary School
5145 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-995-4704 | Fax: 239-997-2422
Veterans Park Academy for the Arts
49 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Phone: 239-303-3003 | Fax: 239-303-3075
Villas Elementary School
8385 Beacon Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: 239-936-3776 | Fax: 239-936-6884
Middle Schools
Bonita Springs Middle Center for the Arts
10141 W. Terry Street, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 239-992-4422 | Fax: 239-992-9157
Caloosa Middle School
610 S. Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
Phone: 239-574-3232 | Fax: 239-574-2660
Challenger Middle School
624 Trafalgar Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33991
Phone: 239-242-4341 | Fax: 239-242-7217
Cypress Lake Middle School
8901 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Phone: 239-481-1533 | Fax: 239-481-3121
Diplomat Middle School
1039 NE 16th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33909
Phone: 239-574-5257 | Fax: 239-574-4008
Fort Myers Middle Academy
3050 Central Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-936-1759 | Fax: 239-936-4350
Gulf Middle School
1809 S.W. 36th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Phone: 239-549-0606 | Fax: 239-549-2806
Harns Marsh Middle School
1820 Unice Avenue North, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
Phone: 239-690-2025 | Fax: 239-690-2028
Lehigh Acres Middle School
651 Sunrise Blvd., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Phone: 239-369-6108 | Fax: 239-369-8808
Lexington Middle School
16351 Summerlin Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Phone: 239-454-6130 | Fax: 239-489-3419
Mariner Middle School
425 Chiquita Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33993
Phone: 239-772-1848 | Fax: 239-242-1256
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts
1856 Arts Way, North Fort Myers, FL 33917
Phone: 239-997-2131 | Fax: 239-997-6762
Oak Hammock Middle School
5321 Tice Street, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Phone: 239-693-0469 | Fax: 239-694-4089
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School
4750 Winkler Avenue Extension, Fort Myers, FL 33966
Phone: 239-334-1357 | Fax: 239-334-7633
The Alva School
17500 Church Avenue, Alva, FL 33920
Phone: 239-728-2494 | Fax: 239-728-3259
The Sanibel School
3840 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL 33957
Phone: 239-472-1617 | Fax: 239-472-6544
Three Oaks Middle School
18500 Three Oaks Parkway Fort Myers, FL 33967
Phone: 239-267-5757 | Fax: 239-267-4007
Trafalgar Middle School
2120 Trafalgar Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33991
Phone: 239-283-2001 | Fax: 239-283-5620
Varsity Lakes Middle School
801 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
Phone: 239-694-3464 | Fax: 239-694-7093
Veterans Park Academy for the Arts
49 Homestead Road S., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Phone: 239-303-3003 | Fax: 239-303-3075
High Schools
Bonita Springs High School
25592 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 239-495-3022 | Fax: 239-495-3042
Cape Coral High School
2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991
Phone: 239-574-6766 | Fax: 239-574-7799
Cypress Lake High School
6750 Panther Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Phone: 239-481-2233 | Fax: 239-481-9838
Dunbar High School
3800 E. Edison Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-461-5322 | Fax: 239-461-5110
East Lee County High School
715 Thomas Sherwin Ave., Lehigh Acres, FL 33974
Phone: 239-369-2932 | Fax: 239-369-3213
Estero High School
21900 River Ranch Road, Estero, FL 33928
Phone: 239-947-9400 | Fax: 239-947-5017
Fort Myers High School
2635 Cortez Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-334-2167 | Fax: 239-334-3095
Gateway High School
13820 Griffin Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33913
Phone: 239-303-7480 | Fax: 239-303-7486
Ida S. Baker High School
3500 Agualinda Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Phone: 239-458-6690 | Fax: 239-458-6691
Island Coast High School
2125 De Navarra Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33909
Phone: 239-458-0362 | Fax: 239-772-8405
Lehigh Senior High School
901 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
Phone: 239-693-5353 | Fax: 239-693-6702
Mariner High School
701 Chiquita Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33993
Phone: 239-772-3324 | Fax: 239-772-4880
North Fort Myers High School
5000 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-995-2117 | Fax: 239-995-1243
Riverdale High School
2600 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers, FL 33905
Phone: 239-694-4141 | Fax: 239-694-3527
South Fort Myers High School
14020 Plantation Road, Fort Myers, FL 33912
Phone: 239-561-0060 | Fax: 239-561-3612
Charter Schools
Athenian Academy Charter School
18851 Oak Center Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33967/ Telephone: (239) 319-0522
Bonita Springs Charter School 25380 Bernwood Drive, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135-7850/ Telephone: (239) 992-6932
Mid Cape Global Academy
76 Mid Cape Terrace, Cape Coral, Florida 33991-4335/ Telephone: (239) 995-0904
City Of Palms Charter Highschool
2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 201, Fort Myers, Florida 33916-9301/ Telephone: (239) 561-6611
Coronado High School
3057 Cleveland Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33901-9301/ Telephone: (239) 337-9140
Donna J. Beasley Technical Academy
60 Bell Blvd N., Lehigh Acres, Florida 33936-6492/ Telephone: (239) 476-9100
Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School- Lee
8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, Florida 33919-5566/ Telephone: (239) 432-6767
Gateway Charter Elementary School
12850 Commonwealth Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33913-8039/ Telephone: (239) 768-5048
Gateway Charter Intermediate School
12770 Gateway Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33913-8654/ Telephone: (239) 768-2491
Gateway Charter High School
12770 Gateway Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33913-8654/ Telephone: (239) 768-3350
Harlem Heights Community Charter School
15570 Hagie Drive, Fort Myers, Florida 33908-2890/ Telephone: (239) 482-7706
Heritage Charter Academy of Cape Coral
2107 Santa Barbara Boulevard, Cape Coral, Florida 33991-4335/ Telephone: (239) 829-5134
Island Park High School
16520 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 190, Fort Myers, FL 33908-5349/ Telephone: (239) 204-5965
North Nicholas High School
428 SW Pine Island Road, Cape Coral, Florida 33991-1916/ Telephone: (239) 242-4230
Northern Palms Charter High School
13251 North Cleveland Avenue, North Fort Myers, Florida 33903-4816/ Telephone: (239) 997-9987
Oak Creek Charter School of Bonita Springs
28011 Performance Lane, Bonita Springs, Florida 34135-6850/ Telephone: (239) 498-6864
Oasis Charter Elementary School- North
2817 SW 3rd Lane, Cape Coral, Florida 33991-1151/ Telephone: (239) 283-4511
Oasis Charter Elementary School- South
3415 Oasis Boulevard, Cape Coral, Florida 33914-4924/ Telephone: (239) 542-1577
Oasis Charter Middle School
3507 Oasis Boulevard, Cape Coral, Florida 33914-4914/ Telephone: (239) 945-1999
Oasis Charter High School
3519 Oasis Boulevard, Cape Coral, Florida 33914-4914/ Telephone: (239) 541-1167
Palm Acres Charter High School
507 Sunshine Boulevard North, Lehigh Acres, Florida 33971/ Telephone: (239) 333-3300
Six Mile Charter Academy
6851 Lancer Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33912-4334/ Telephone: (239) 768-9375
The Island School
P.O. Box 1090, 135 1st Street W., Boca Grande, Florida 33921-1090/ Telephone: (941) 964-8016
Private Schools In Lee County
There are 49 Private Schools in Lee County. If you choose to send your child to a private school, there are many ways to pay for your child’s education. If you are paying for the entire year upfront, ask if they do a cash discount. If you aren’t that fortunate, ask the school if they take monthly payments.
Many parents in Florida do not know their child could be attending a private school at little to no cost. Fortunately, there are multiple options to help lower and middle-income families looking to enroll their children in a participating private school. Take this free short survey to receive a personalized report with information on scholarships available to your child.
I hope this page is helpful to those of you with school aged children or grandchildren. The opportunities in education here in SWFL are endless. For more information please visit the Florida Department of Education. Remember…knowledge is power.