Moving to Fort Myers, tips needed on schools... (Naples, Punta Gorda: to rent, house)

[noniwilli]

Moving in a few weeks to Fort Myers..DH was recruited by a great company, and is now in FL. We are moving from WI. My kids are in Catholic School here, and I am confused about the school choice. We came from Massachusetts, where they were in public school. I would like to get them back in public if possible..but I need to get them into a good school. I have also looked into St. Francis. We have an offer on a home in Botanica Lakes, after viewing most of Fort Myer's gated communities. Can I choose any other schools outside that district?

I am also looking for any suggestions on Gluten Free restaurants in the area.

Thanks so much!

[noniwilli]

Really, nobody has anything to offer me????

[Kim in FL]

Go to the Lee County School Board site and read up on School Choice. My kids never attended public school in Lee County.

[stahltkd]

I believe you can only request schools in your zone - unless you have a waiver (IE Special Education, Employee waiver)

The only two places that I know of that have "dedicated" GF items is Pizza Fusion on MacGregor and Jason's Deli. My wife is self diagosned Celiac - we have never ate at Pizza Fusion, but do like the fresh bread from Jason's Deli. Most restaurants will try to cater to your needs. Just be viligant and ask for a allergy menu.

[TamRE]

Go to the Lee County Schools Web Site is: Welcome to The School District of Lee County

Click on the For Parents button on the left hand side of the screen.

Then go to the section that says Student Registration/Parent Forms.

[jillbeachbound]

You can find a lot of great info on greatschools.org Every public and charter school is listed there....not sure about private schools. The site will tell you pretty much everything you need to know (test scores, teachers, parent reviews, etc)...you just have to learn to navigate around the site as some of the information isn't easily seen.

The whole "school choice" scares me as well. Public school location has always played a big part in where we purchased a home. This whole school choice thing blows that theory right out of the water. I have to believe that school location must play some sort of role (provided space is available) or busing would be a complete nightmare.

I have found out that you can only apply for either a public school OR a charter school in the district. You cannot apply for both at the same time. Also, I'm told that many private schools take applications a year in advance.....not sure if that is true for all or just the ones in high demand.

Good Luck!

[noniwilli]

Thanks for the info. I know how to apply for school, I was unsure if you could apply for schools outside the specific district.

Also, would anybody have any recommendations for orthodontists and a pediatric orthopedic surgeon? Thanks in advance!

[swfort]

Just only do not go to Donbar High School.

[kroeran]

please check out the FAQ above which represents a forum consensus on school issues what we pulled together a few months ago.

If you are Catholic, parochial is definitely the way to go. Fort Myers is less expensive than other counties, and you just spend the savings on tuition.

Rolling the dice on public schools, having missed the lottery deadline (not sure then the cutoff is for the next school year?), is unlikely to have a good outcome.

It appears that the top rated public schools are set up (ie. having a sibling already at the school) for the old established families and school employees (believe it or not), and are almost impossible to get into for outsiders, especially if you are coming after the lottery selection.

Some people with school age kids who can't afford private or don't want parochial or Christian schools move just south or north of the county line (and commute to jobs - but check out commute lengths during the season) in order to avoid the school choice (busing) issue, so that you can put your kids in the neighbourhood school. Think Punta Gorda or North Naples...check the county map.

Or, you rent at first, then you roll the dice and see what school you get into, and if it is ok, you move to where the school is to avoid hour long bus routes or a long drive to drop and pick up the kids.

I have not been through this process myself, but this is what I remember off the top of my head from previous discussions on this.

You might also wish to check out Ave Maria...the Catholic Town east of Naples.

It is very important to rent at first until you figure schools and commutes and distance to beaches etc, and make an informed insider move rather than a dumb ass yankee move during the initial phase when the sight of palm tree makes your knees go weak.

[noniwilli]

Thankfully, I am not a dumb-ass yankee, but a well-educated one. My husband is currently living in FM and has been renting for almost 2 months. Things have changed, and our house in Botanica Lakes has fallen through. We are now focusing on Catalina Isles, which being in the south district, has better schools, IMHO. We have enrolled our children in virtual schools as well. Tuition at St. Francis is very high (x3), compared to the catholic school my children are currently attending.