How are Lee County Schools? (Fort Myers: private school, college, place to live)

[dmb1529]

Overall, I still feel that Lee County Schools are satisfactory with some "good". I have had three grandchildren graduate from Cape Coral schools attending all grade levels. The elementary schools seem to be best with Gulf Elementary at the top. However, "bullying" and actual physical threats start in the intermediate and high school levels and mostly are against students who achieve better than some others and these achievements could be in socialization, athleticism or "attractiveness" such as a cheerleader. Unfortunately, this is a pattern I have seen nationally and state-wide.
I think that the school bussing has been very detrimental to schools with some gangs increasing in Cape Coral (as in other county cities).

[gates52]

Originally Posted by nbres

Anybody out there that either worked in or graduated from Lee County Schools?

I'd like to hear some first hand accounts about the quality of Lee schools?

Are there Advanced Placement programs?

Are kids ready for college upon graduation?

Do Lee kids get into the better colleges?

Are the schools safe?

I dont think there are that many great Lee County schools.

Quite a few offer AP classes and more schools are offering IB programs. However most of these school dont seem to have teachers qualified to teach these classes.

I graduated from Fort Myers High schools three years ago. I believe it's hands down the best public school in Lee Country. It's generally listed in the top 100 schools in the nation. I attend University of Florida as well as many of my fellow classmates, as I was definitely prepared for college. If you can get into the IB program it's the way to go.

[kdzgon]

I believe Lee County is the fourth largest school district in the country - I find it amazing that anyone would think you could answer the OP's question with an across-the-board judgment.

No offense to the OP - I understand the wish to ask the question, but you really do need to try and check things out for yourself to get a "feel". There are some pretty poor schools here, but there are some pretty decent ones, too.

[pilzee1]

The schools in Lee County are alright. There is NO perfect school. We moved here a year ago from North GA. The schools there were not great, but our children did attend schools considered at the top in the state. We were pleased. Since I now have two children in Lee County schools. One is a sophmore in high school and the other in middle school. Over all we are pleased. As a parent you have to stay involved and make sure you know what is going on. I do not believe FCATs should be in the number one reason for class placement since it is proven that standarize test are not a true indicator. I think each student's profile should be taken into consideration. School choice is not my favorite after coming from neighborhood schools. I think it takes away from the closeness from the community and involvement in the schools. Families have no vested interest in their area especially if their child attends school on the other side of the county. We are pleased with the high school, not as challenging as our older two had in North GA with high level classes, but our child will still be competitive when applying to college since he is taking high level classes. The middle school worries us since it is a new school and has changed their program and not fully accredited as an IB school. We will see. If not happy there is always private schools. Basically schools are schools, it is very hard to find a real good school that has everything you are looking for. My kids are happy, like their teachers and are learning

[ChrisA70]

My daughter had a lousy teacher last year at Pelican Elementary, but this year her teacher is great, and she is doing 100% better in his class(3rd grade). Last year her 2nd grade teacher was having them spell words for a 5th grade level, I kid you not, don't know what she was trying to prove?

[coastalrap]

How about private schools? What are the top private schools in the area?

[TANaples]

I just read in the Naples News, and it was on cable too, that Lee County lost 3,000 students this year. They are talking about eliminating somewhere around 60 teaching jobs.

[LovingCapeCoral]

We moved here recenly from a good school district in Ohio. We picked Lee County Schools because they receive very good marks with the standardized testing. They also have school choice, so you can pick which schools you want from the large zone you live in. I do not know about autism programs, but my child has entered their advanced classes in the eight grade and is doing well. The buildigs are nice and new, and the teachers seem effective. Everyone will have their complaint, and mine is that busing is a pain because of school choice so we drive my daughter unless we have a schedue conflict. All in all I think they are good. Of course, some kids will do better in charter schools or at home school - and that is true in any school district.

Originally Posted by nbres

Can anyone give me an honest opinion about Lee County Schools.

I'd especially like to hear from folks that presently have kids in the Lee County Schools system or teachers working in the district.

What are the pros and cons?

Which schools are considered the best? mediocre? worst?

How are special education programs rated?

How are the sports programs?

What programs are available for advanced students?

[lmwb]

Hi There - My family and I will be moving to Lee County in July 2009. Can anyone tell me if my daughters can go to a school outside their zone? Also, can anyone recommend a school that has high academic rigour yet a gentle social climate? My daughters have never attended a US middle/high school - we have lived outside the US for 11 years (altho we are Americans). Presently, my daughters are attending a British-curriculum school studying course work leading up to an IB programme.Any comments much appreciated!

[tjstrain]

As stated before, you need to be involved with your kids school. They really do suck here if you expect your kids to get a good education. UNLESS you child is a leader and a brain. otherwise they'll prolly hook up with the other followers who have parents who don't give a poop or are spoiled rotten, the kids, and your kid will want what they have. Drugs and sex are in all of the schools no matter what age. There are sheriffs assigned to all of the schools due to the unruly kids of those parents who don't care. A friend of mine was one of those sheriff's who spent his days assigned to the local elementary school down the street. My kids went through the system here starting in public school and my daughter moved to private catholic high school. Same story there, but more rich little kids driving their benz, mercedes and other expensive cars that mommy and daddy bought them for their 16th birthdays. more expensive drugs also.
The other more expensive private school was about the same if not worse with spoiled kids. Maybe things have changed in 4 years since my daughter graduated, but I doubt it. Be careful and stay close to your kids. Biggest downfall with our kids is the cellphone, text messaging worse thing for kids.