School Choices Detailed and Rated Fountain Lakes, Estero, 33928

Fountain Lakes is a gated community located in Estero, FL, within the 33928 ZIP code. This area is part of Lee County, and families in this community have access to a variety of public and private schools. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Fountain Lakes, including their ratings, based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are typically based on test scores, student progress, college readiness, and other factors. Keep in mind that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend visiting the schools or checking the latest data for the most current information.

Public Schools Near Fountain Lakes, Estero, FL (33928)

Public schools in this area are managed by the Lee County School District. The schools listed below are assigned based on proximity to Fountain Lakes and zoning, though school boundaries can shift, so it’s best to confirm with the Lee County School District (https://www.leeschools.net/) for exact assignments.

Elementary Schools

1. Pinewoods Elementary School

   • Address: 11900 Stoneybrook Golf Dr, Estero, FL 33928
   • Distance from Fountain Lakes: Approximately 2-3 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   • Overview: Pinewoods Elementary is a well-regarded school in the Estero area, known for its focus on student achievement and community involvement. It offers a variety of programs, including gifted education and extracurricular activities.
   • Student Population: Around 1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Check the Lee County School District website for specific zoning and bus routes.

2. San Carlos Park Elementary School

   • Address: 17282 Lee Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33967
   • Distance from Fountain Lakes: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: This school serves a diverse student body and focuses on foundational skills in reading, math, and science. It has programs for English Language Learners (ELL) and special education.
   • Student Population: Around 700 students

   Middle Schools

   1. Three Oaks Middle School
   2. Address: 18500 Three Oaks Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33967
   3. Distance from Fountain Lakes: Approximately 4-5 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 7/10
   6. Overview: Three Oaks Middle School is known for its strong academic programs and extracurricular offerings, including sports and clubs. It prepares students for high school with a focus on STEM and arts.
   7. Student Population: Around 1,000 students

   High Schools

   1. Estero High School
   2. Address: 21900 River Ranch Rd, Estero, FL 33928
   3. Distance from Fountain Lakes: Approximately 3-4 miles
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   6. Overview: Estero High School offers a range of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education programs, and extracurricular activities like athletics and band. It serves the local Estero community and has a focus on college and career readiness.
   7. Student Population: Around 1,500 students
   8. Graduation Rate: Approximately 90% (based on recent Florida DOE data)

   Private Schools Near Fountain Lakes, Estero, FL (33928)

   For families seeking alternatives to public education, there are several private schools in and around Estero. These schools often have different admission processes and tuition costs.

3. Discovery Day Academy

   • Address: 10030 Coconut Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135
   • Distance from Fountain Lakes: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-8
   • Rating (Niche): Not widely rated due to smaller size, but reviews highlight a nurturing environment.
   • Overview: This private school emphasizes a personalized learning approach with a focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math). It has small class sizes and a family-oriented atmosphere.
   • Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (https://www.discoverydayacademy.com/).

4. Canterbury School

   • Address: 8141 College Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919
   • Distance from Fountain Lakes: Approximately 10-12 miles
   • Grade Levels: PreK-12
   • Rating (Niche): A (highly rated for academics and college prep)
   • Overview: Canterbury is a prestigious private school offering a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, strong arts and athletics programs, and a focus on character development.
   • Tuition: Approximately $15,000–$25,000 per year depending on grade level (contact school for exact figures: https://www.canterburyfortmyers.org/).
   • Student Population: Around 600 students

   Charter Schools Near Fountain Lakes, Estero, FL (33928)

   Charter schools are publicly funded but operate independently, often with a specific educational focus. Enrollment may require a lottery system.

5. Gateway Charter School

   • Address: 12850 Commonwealth Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
   • Distance from Fountain Lakes: Approximately 10 miles
   • Grade Levels: K-8
   • Rating (GreatSchools.org): 6/10
   • Overview: Gateway Charter offers a curriculum focused on academic excellence and character education. It serves families in the greater Lee County area.
   • Student Population: Around 1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Check availability and lottery details at https://www.gatewaycharter.com/.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Sources: Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org and Niche, which aggregate data on test scores, parent reviews, and other metrics. However, ratings are subjective and may not fully reflect a school’s fit for your child. Visiting schools, meeting with administrators, and talking to other parents can provide deeper insight.
   • School Choice in Lee County: Lee County operates under a school choice program, allowing families to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. More information can be found at https://www.leeschools.net/our_district/departments/student_assignment.
   • Higher Education Nearby: For families considering proximity to colleges, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is located in Fort Myers, about 5-7 miles from Fountain Lakes, offering higher education opportunities and community programs.

   How to Research Further

   • Lee County School District: Visit https://www.leeschools.net/ to confirm zoning, bus routes, and school choice options.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Florida Department of Education: Access school report cards at https://www.fldoe.org/ for detailed performance data.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to schedule visits or attend open houses.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports, or arts focus) or would like more detailed information about a particular school, let me know, and I can help narrow down the options or provide additional resources!