Heatherwood Lakes is a community located in Cape Coral, FL, within the 33991 ZIP code. Cape Coral is part of Lee County, and the schools serving this area are managed by the Lee County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Heatherwood Lakes, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often 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 firsthand impression.
Location Context
Heatherwood Lakes is situated in the southwestern part of Cape Coral, near Pine Island Road and Chiquita Boulevard. Schools are assigned based on zoning by the Lee County School District, and proximity plays a role in determining which schools serve a specific community. I’ll list schools within a reasonable distance (approximately 5-10 miles) that are likely to serve or be accessible to residents of Heatherwood Lakes.
School Assignment and Zoning
The Lee County School District uses a student assignment system that allows for some school choice, but students are generally assigned to schools based on their residential address. You can confirm exact zoning for Heatherwood Lakes by visiting the Lee County School District website (leeschools.net) and using their "School Locator" tool or by calling the district office at (239) 334-1102.
Nearby Schools and Ratings
Below are the schools most likely to serve the Heatherwood Lakes community, along with their ratings and key details. Ratings are primarily sourced from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and supplemented with information from Niche and Florida Department of Education school grades (A-F scale) where available. I’ve included elementary, middle, and high schools.
Elementary Schools
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Trafalgar Elementary School
- Address: 1850 SW 20th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33991
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Heatherwood Lakes
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- GreatSchools Rating: 7/10
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Details: Trafalgar Elementary is a well-regarded school in Cape Coral with a focus on academic achievement and student engagement. It offers programs like gifted education and has a diverse student body. Parent reviews often highlight the supportive teachers and active PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization).
- Enrollment: ~800 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 (approximate)
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Patriot Elementary School
- Address: 711 SW 18th St, Cape Coral, FL 33991
- Distance: Approximately 3-4 miles from Heatherwood Lakes
- Grade Levels: PK-5
- GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): C
- Details: Patriot Elementary serves a diverse population and focuses on building a strong foundation in core subjects. It has programs for exceptional student education (ESE) and English Language Learners (ELL).
- Enrollment: ~700 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 (approximate)
Middle Schools
- Trafalgar Middle School
- Address: 2120 Trafalgar Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33991
- Distance: Approximately 2-3 miles from Heatherwood Lakes
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Details: Located near Trafalgar Elementary, this middle school offers a variety of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced courses and sports. It’s often praised for its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) initiatives.
- Enrollment: ~900 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 (approximate)
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Challenger Middle School
- Address: 624 Trafalgar Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33991
- Distance: Approximately 4-5 miles from Heatherwood Lakes
- Grade Levels: 6-8
- GreatSchools Rating: 6/10
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Details: Challenger Middle School emphasizes a challenging curriculum with opportunities for advanced learning and extracurricular activities like band and athletics.
- Enrollment: ~1,000 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 (approximate)
High Schools
- Cape Coral High School
- Address: 2300 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991
- Distance: Approximately 5-6 miles from Heatherwood Lakes
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Details: Cape Coral High School is one of the primary high schools serving the area. It offers a range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education (CTE), and extracurriculars like sports and arts. It’s also an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, which is a rigorous academic program.
- Enrollment: ~1,600 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1 (approximate)
- Graduation Rate: ~90% (based on recent data)
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Ida S. Baker High School
- Address: 3500 Agualinda Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914
- Distance: Approximately 6-7 miles from Heatherwood Lakes
- Grade Levels: 9-12
- GreatSchools Rating: 5/10
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): B
- Details: Another option for high school students in Cape Coral, Ida S. Baker offers AP courses, dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges, and a strong focus on career readiness through programs like health sciences and technology.
- Enrollment: ~1,700 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 (approximate)
- Graduation Rate: ~88% (based on recent data)
Private and Charter School Options
In addition to public schools, there are private and charter schools in or near Cape Coral that families in Heatherwood Lakes might consider. These often require separate applications and may have tuition or specific enrollment criteria.
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Cape Coral Christian School (Private)
- Address: 811 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991
- Distance: Approximately 5 miles from Heatherwood Lakes
- Grade Levels: K-12
- GreatSchools Rating: Not widely rated; parent reviews on Niche give it a B-
- Details: A faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum with smaller class sizes and a focus on moral development alongside academics.
- Tuition: Varies; contact the school for current rates (typically $5,000-$8,000/year)
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Oasis Charter Schools (Charter)
- Address: Multiple campuses in Cape Coral (Elementary: 3415 Oasis Blvd; Middle: 3507 Oasis Blvd; High: 3519 Oasis Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914)
- Distance: Approximately 5-7 miles from Heatherwood Lakes
- Grade Levels: K-12 across three campuses
- GreatSchools Rating: Elementary: 8/10, Middle: 7/10, High: 6/10
- Florida School Grade (2022-2023): Mostly A or B across campuses
- Details: Oasis Charter Schools are public charter schools with a reputation for strong academics and a structured environment. Admission is by lottery if spaces are limited.
- Enrollment: Varies by campus (~600-800 per school)
- Cost: Free (as a public charter school)
Additional Notes
- School Choice in Lee County: The Lee County School District offers a school choice program, allowing parents to apply for schools outside their zoned area if space is available. This includes magnet programs and specialized schools. Applications are typically submitted in the spring for the following school year.
- Transportation: School bus services are provided for students within the district’s guidelines (generally for those living more than 2 miles from their assigned school). Check with the district for specific routes near Heatherwood Lakes.
- Ratings Variability: School ratings can differ based on the metrics used. GreatSchools.org focuses on test scores and equity, while Florida’s A-F grades incorporate student growth and other factors. Always consider visiting schools or speaking with current parents for a fuller picture.
- After-School and Extracurriculars: Many of these schools offer after-school programs, sports, and clubs. For example, Cape Coral High School has a strong athletics program, and Oasis Charter Schools emphasize character education alongside academics.
How to Get More Information
- Lee County School District Website: leeschools.net (use the "Find My School" tool or check the Student Assignment page)
- GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33991) for