Is Marco Island a good place to raise young children (Naples: military, budget)

[V20]

My wife are considering moving to Marco Island. We have repeatedly been told that the schools there are excellent. Is this true? We have a number of young children (and more coming). I appreciate any insight that someone may have about the area.

[novanative75]

The elementary schools and the Marco Island Charter Middle School are good schools. Well, let me say this, they are some of the best schools in the county but I would not be bragging much about the county, if you know what I mean. Collier County is suffering right now, and it is only going to get worse with budget cuts, teacher dissatisfaction and sketchy administration. This will surely trickle down to the kids, it is sad. I can say this as I work in the county.
However, I have heard great things about Marco Charter. Now, the problem lies with the high school, Lely, not the best and many parents actually rent property in North Naples to send their kids to another school.

Marco is a great island, not as much for families as for retirees but I am sure there are a lot of families there that love it. We live in Naples and, although my husband works on the island, we chose to live in Naples because we wanted more of a family oriented neighborhood.

Let me know if you have more specific questions about the schools or living here.

Good luck!

[BC2NC]

My family is also considering a move to Marco. We have 2 elementary school aged children and would be very interested to hear from similar families who are already living on the island.

We would also like to hear from families with dogs since we have 2 labs and are concerned about the smaller yard.

[supermomlol]

I have a good friend who lives on Marco with 2 small children While she likes Marco, the drive to Naples especially in season is a pain. Marco is mostly retired and seasonal people. Younger families are there, but not as much.

Now for the schools. We have great schools in Collier County. Some of the best! With that said a problem has moved into town. It is called a new superintendent and 2 of his Dixie chicks. He is retired military and is taking on his job as, this is the way I will do it and shut up about it. Program and staff cuts that effect schools directly. The school board is worthless. We are in a very bad way at the moment so I would not suggest anyone move to this county at the moment until this mess is cleaned.

I really could go on and on, but I would suggest going and reading our local newspaper and read for yourselves. Naplesnews.com

[novanative75]

Originally Posted by supermomlol

I have a good friend who lives on Marco with 2 small children While she likes Marco, the drive to Naples especially in season is a pain. Marco is mostly retired and seasonal people. Younger families are there, but not as much.

Now for the schools. We have great schools in Collier County. Some of the best! With that said a problem has moved into town. It is called a new superintendent and 2 of his Dixie chicks. He is retired military and is taking on his job as, this is the way I will do it and shut up about it. Program and staff cuts that effect schools directly. The school board is worthless. We are in a very bad way at the moment so I would not suggest anyone move to this county at the moment until this mess is cleaned.

I really could go on and on, but I would suggest going and reading our local newspaper and read for yourselves. Naplesnews.com

You are right about the school system and its current state of being a mess!! However, I have worked in several school districts in different states and I would NEVER call the schools in this district 'some of the best'. Perhaps to someone who has not seen better, it is OK but trust me, the already poor nature of the schools added to the issues now makes it someplace that I would NOT recommend anyone with children come to.
However, with that being said, the elementary school and middle school on the island are two of the best in the county, the best of the worst if I may. So, if someone had to move here, I would say go there or look North for Laurel Oaks Elementary and Oakridge Middle.