Okeelanta Plantation is a small, rural community near Clewiston, FL, in the 33440 ZIP code area, located in Hendry County. This area is primarily agricultural, and educational options are somewhat limited due to its rural nature. Below, I’ll provide information on schools near Okeelanta Plantation and Clewiston, FL, along with their ratings and relevant details. Since Okeelanta Plantation is close to Clewiston, most schools serving the community are based in or around Clewiston.
I’ve gathered data based on proximity (within a reasonable driving distance from Okeelanta Plantation/Clewiston) and used publicly available ratings from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education. Ratings are often based on test scores, student progress, and other factors like graduation rates or parent reviews. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may not fully reflect the quality of education or fit for every student. Distances are approximate, as Okeelanta Plantation doesn’t have a defined central point, but I’ve used Clewiston as a reference (about 10-15 miles from Okeelanta).
Schools Near Okeelanta Plantation/Clewiston, FL (33440)
Public Schools (Hendry County School District)
The Hendry County School District serves the Clewiston area, including nearby communities like Okeelanta Plantation. Below are the primary public schools in or near Clewiston:
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Clewiston High School
- Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
- Address: 1501 S Francisco St, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles from Okeelanta Plantation
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 4/10 (based on test scores and college readiness)
- Florida Department of Education: Typically receives a "C" grade in recent school report cards (varies by year)
- Enrollment: Around 900-1,000 students
- Details: This is the main high school serving the Clewiston area. It offers standard academic programs, some Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and vocational training. Performance is average compared to state standards, with challenges in math proficiency but better results in graduation rates (around 85-90% in recent years).
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Clewiston Middle School
- Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
- Address: 601 E Pasadena Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles from Okeelanta Plantation
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 3/10 (based on test scores)
- Florida Department of Education: Often graded "C" or "D" in recent years
- Enrollment: Around 700-800 students
- Details: Serves as the primary middle school for the area. Test scores tend to be below state averages, particularly in math and reading, though the school offers extracurricular activities and support programs.
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Eastside Elementary School
- Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
- Address: 201 W Arroyo Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles from Okeelanta Plantation
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 4/10
- Florida Department of Education: Typically a "C" grade
- Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
- Details: One of the elementary schools in Clewiston, serving younger students with a focus on foundational skills. Performance is slightly below state averages.
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Westside Elementary School
- Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
- Address: 205 W Arroyo Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles from Okeelanta Plantation
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 3/10
- Florida Department of Education: Often a "C" or "D" grade
- Enrollment: Around 500-600 students
- Details: Another elementary option in Clewiston, with similar performance metrics to Eastside Elementary. It serves a diverse student population, with many students from agricultural communities.
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Central Elementary School
- Type: Public Elementary School (Grades PK-5)
- Address: 1000 S Deane Duff Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles from Okeelanta Plantation
- Rating:
- GreatSchools.org: 4/10
- Florida Department of Education: Typically a "C" grade
- Enrollment: Around 500 students
- Details: A third elementary school in Clewiston, offering pre-K through 5th grade with comparable performance to other local elementary schools.
Private Schools
Private school options are limited in the immediate Clewiston area due to its rural setting. However, there are a couple of options worth noting:
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Clewiston Christian School
- Type: Private (Religious, Christian-based, Grades K-12)
- Address: 601 Caribbean Ave, Clewiston, FL 33440
- Distance: Approximately 10-15 miles from Okeelanta Plantation
- Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools due to its small size; parent reviews on Niche.com are generally positive (around 4/5 stars)
- Enrollment: Small, typically under 100 students
- Details: A faith-based school offering a personalized education with a focus on Christian values. Tuition costs apply (specific figures not publicly listed but can be obtained by contacting the school). Class sizes are small, and the curriculum includes standard academics alongside religious instruction.
Charter Schools or Alternative Options
There are no widely recognized charter schools directly in Clewiston or near Okeelanta Plantation. Families seeking alternative education may need to look toward larger nearby areas like LaBelle (about 30 miles away) or even further to cities like Fort Myers, though this may not be practical for daily commuting.
Additional Notes on School Ratings and Context
- Ratings Context: The public schools in Clewiston generally score below state averages on standardized tests (like the Florida Standards Assessments). This can be attributed to socioeconomic factors, as the area has a high percentage of students from low-income families and a significant population of English Language Learners. However, schools often have dedicated staff and community support programs to address these challenges.
- Transportation: For families in Okeelanta Plantation, school bus services are typically provided by the Hendry County School District for public schools. However, due to the rural location, parents may need to arrange transportation for private schools or extracurricular activities.
- Higher Education: There are no colleges or universities directly in Clewiston. The nearest options are in Fort Myers (e.g., Florida SouthWestern State College, about 60 miles away) or online programs.
How to Research Further
- Hendry County School District Website: Visit www.hendry-schools.org for up-to-date information on school assignments, bus routes, and performance reports.
- GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: These sites provide parent reviews and additional data on test scores and demographics.
- Florida Department of Education: Check school grades and detailed reports at www.fldoe.org.
- Visit Schools: If possible, contact schools directly to arrange tours or speak with administrators about specific programs or support for students.
If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, sports, or arts focus) or would like me to search for schools in a broader radius, please let me know! I can also provide contact information for the schools or district if needed.