School Choices Detailed and Rated Gateway, Fort Myers, 33913

The! I'm happy to help you with information about schools near the Gateway community in Fort Myers, FL, with the ZIP code 33913. Gateway is a well-known master-planned community in Lee County, known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to good schools. Below, I’ll provide details on the schools in the area, including their ratings, based on available 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 checking the most current data or visiting the schools for a personal impression.

Overview of Schools Near Gateway, Fort Myers, FL 33913

The Gateway area falls within the Lee County School District, which oversees public schools in the region. There are also private and charter school options nearby. I’ll break this down into public schools (elementary, middle, and high) and private/charter options within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) from the Gateway community.

Public Schools

1. Gateway Elementary School

   • Address: 13280 Griffin Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Distance from Gateway: Located within the Gateway community (less than 2 miles from most areas)
   • Rating: 7/10 on GreatSchools.org (as of recent data)
   • Details: This is the primary elementary school serving the Gateway area. It has a strong reputation for academic performance and community involvement. Test scores are generally above the state average in math and reading. The school offers various programs, including gifted education and extracurricular activities.
   • Student Population: Approximately 700-800 students
   • Parent Feedback: Parents often praise the school for its dedicated teachers and safe environment, though some mention occasional overcrowding concerns.

2. Gateway Charter Intermediate School (also known as Gateway Charter School for grades 5-8)

   • Address: 12770 Gateway Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33913
   • Grade Levels: 5-8 (some sources list it as part of a K-8 structure with Gateway Charter Elementary)
   • Distance from Gateway: Within the community (about 1-2 miles)
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: This is a public charter school option for middle school students in the Gateway area. It focuses on a structured curriculum with an emphasis on core subjects. Test scores are near or slightly above state averages.
   • Student Population: Around 500-600 students for intermediate grades
   • Parent Feedback: Mixed reviews; some appreciate the smaller class sizes compared to traditional public schools, while others note limited extracurricular options.

3. Varsity Lakes Middle School (Alternative Middle School Option)

   • Address: 801 Gunnery Rd N, Lehigh Acres, FL 33971
   • Grade Levels: 6-8
   • Distance from Gateway: Approximately 5-6 miles
   • Rating: 5/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: This is another middle school option for Gateway residents, depending on zoning or school choice programs in Lee County. It serves a larger student body and offers various academic and extracurricular programs. Test scores are around the state average.
   • Student Population: About 1,000 students
   • Parent Feedback: Some parents like the diversity and sports programs, while others mention concerns about class sizes and discipline.

4. Gateway High School (Opening in 2023 or recently opened)

   • Address: 13820 Griffin Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Gateway: Within the community (less than 2 miles)
   • Rating: Not yet widely available due to its recent opening. Check the Lee County School District or GreatSchools.org for updates.
   • Details: Gateway High School is a new addition to the area, designed to serve the growing population in Gateway and surrounding communities. As it’s newly established, detailed performance data and ratings are limited at this time. The school aims to offer a comprehensive curriculum with advanced placement (AP) courses and career-focused programs.
   • Student Population: Expected to grow to 1,500+ students over time
   • Parent Feedback: Early feedback is generally positive regarding facilities, but academic performance data is pending.

5. Riverdale High School (Alternative High School Option)

   • Address: 2600 Buckingham Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33905
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Gateway: Approximately 7-8 miles
   • Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org
   • Details: For students not yet zoned for Gateway High School or prior to its opening, Riverdale High has been a common option. It offers a variety of programs, including AP courses, career academies, and athletics. Test scores are near the state average, with a focus on college and career readiness.
   • Student Population: Around 2,000 students
   • Parent Feedback: Parents often mention strong sports programs and some academic tracks, though there are occasional concerns about overcrowding.

   Charter Schools

   1. Gateway Charter Elementary School
   2. Address: 12850 Commonwealth Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33913
   3. Grade Levels: K-4 (continues to Gateway Charter Intermediate for 5-8)
   4. Distance from Gateway: Within the community (1-2 miles)
   5. Rating: 6/10 on GreatSchools.org
   6. Details: This charter school provides an alternative to traditional public elementary education with a focus on individualized learning plans. It’s part of the same system as Gateway Charter Intermediate.
   7. Student Population: Approximately 500-600 students
   8. Parent Feedback: Generally positive for smaller class sizes, though some parents note fewer resources compared to larger public schools.

   Private Schools

   1. Evangelical Christian School
   2. Address: 8237 Beacon Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907
   3. Grade Levels: PreK-12
   4. Distance from Gateway: Approximately 10-12 miles
   5. Rating: Not rated on GreatSchools.org but highly regarded on Niche (A- rating)
   6. Details: A private, faith-based school offering a rigorous academic curriculum combined with Christian values. It has strong college placement rates and offers various sports and arts programs.
   7. Tuition: Approximately $10,000-$12,000 per year (varies by grade; check the school website for current rates)
   8. Parent Feedback: Parents often praise the academic rigor and moral education, though the commute and cost are considerations for Gateway residents.

6. Bishop Verot Catholic High School

   • Address: 5598 Sunrise Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33919
   • Grade Levels: 9-12
   • Distance from Gateway: Approximately 12-15 miles
   • Rating: A rating on Niche
   • Details: A well-known Catholic high school with a strong academic reputation, offering AP courses, athletics, and extracurriculars. It’s a popular choice for families seeking private education.
   • Tuition: Around $12,000-$14,000 per year (verify with the school)
   • Parent Feedback: Highly rated for college prep and community, though the distance from Gateway may be a drawback.

   Additional Notes on School Zoning and Choice

   • Zoning: School assignments in Lee County are based on residential zoning, but the district also offers a school choice program allowing students to apply to schools outside their zoned area if space is available. Gateway residents are typically zoned for Gateway Elementary and now Gateway High School, with middle school options varying (Gateway Charter Intermediate or Varsity Lakes). Confirm your specific zoning on the Lee County School District website (www.leeschools.net) by entering your address.
   • Transportation: The Lee County School District provides bus services for public school students within zoning guidelines. Charter and private schools may have limited or no bus options, so check directly with the school.
   • Ratings Disclaimer: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and Niche are based on available data as of my last update (October 2023). These ratings are subjective and may not reflect personal experiences or recent changes. I encourage visiting schools, meeting with administrators, and reviewing Florida Department of Education report cards for the most current information.

   How to Research Further

   • Lee County School District Website: www.leeschools.net (for zoning, school choice applications, and performance data)
   • GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code 33913 for updated ratings and parent reviews.
   • Niche.com: Offers detailed reviews and rankings for public and private schools.
   • School Visits: Many schools in the area offer tours or open houses, especially during enrollment periods.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports focus, or preschool options) or want details on a particular school, let me know, and I can dig deeper. Also, if you’re considering other nearby communities or have a different address in mind, I can adjust the search accordingly. What are your priorities when choosing a school? That’ll help me