Local Schools Near Port LaBelle, Port LaBelle, 33935

Port LaBelle is a small, unincorporated community in Hendry County, Florida, with the ZIP code 33935. This area is primarily rural and residential, and it is located near the city of LaBelle. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Port LaBelle, including public schools in the Hendry County School District, as well as any private or charter options if available. I’ll also include ratings and relevant details based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data for accuracy.

Public Schools Near Port LaBelle (Hendry County School District)

Since Port LaBelle falls under Hendry County, students in this area are typically zoned for schools in or near LaBelle. The Hendry County School District serves the region, and the following schools are the most relevant based on proximity and zoning.

1. LaBelle Elementary School

   • Location: 150 W Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935 (approximately 3-5 miles from central Port LaBelle)
   • Grades Served: PreK-5
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10 (based on test scores, student progress, and equity)
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade (2022-2023): Typically a "C" (based on state assessments and other metrics)
   • Details: This is the primary elementary school for students in the LaBelle and Port LaBelle areas. It focuses on foundational education and offers programs for early childhood development. Test scores in math and reading are near or slightly below state averages.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 500-600 students
   • Additional Info: Offers after-school programs and support for English Language Learners (ELL), as the area has a significant Hispanic population.

2. Country Oaks Elementary School

   • Location: 2052 Eucalyptus Ln, LaBelle, FL 33935 (approximately 5-7 miles from Port LaBelle)
   • Grades Served: K-5
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 6/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade: Typically a "B" or "C"
   • Details: Another elementary option for Port LaBelle families, Country Oaks often has slightly higher test scores than LaBelle Elementary. It serves a similar demographic and focuses on core academics.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students
   • Additional Info: Known for a supportive community environment and extracurricular activities.

3. LaBelle Middle School

   • Location: 8000 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935 (approximately 5-7 miles from Port LaBelle)
   • Grades Served: 6-8
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 4/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade: Typically a "C"
   • Details: This is the primary middle school for students in the area. It offers a range of academic and elective courses, though test scores tend to be below state averages in some subjects.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 700-800 students
   • Additional Info: Provides sports programs and some career-focused electives.

4. LaBelle High School

   • Location: 4050 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935 (approximately 5 miles from Port LaBelle)
   • Grades Served: 9-12
   • Rating:
   • GreatSchools.org: 5/10
   • Florida Department of Education School Grade: Typically a "C" or "B"
   • Details: The main high school for Port LaBelle students, LaBelle High offers standard academic tracks, vocational programs, and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Graduation rates are close to the state average (around 85-90%).
   • Enrollment: Approximately 1,000 students
   • Additional Info: Known for its agricultural education programs (reflecting the area’s rural character) and sports teams like football and rodeo.

   Private Schools Near Port LaBelle

   Private school options in rural areas like Port LaBelle are limited, but there are a couple of options in or near LaBelle:

5. Community Christian School

   • Location: 1092 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935 (approximately 5 miles from Port LaBelle)
   • Grades Served: K-12
   • Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools due to its small size and private status. Parent reviews on Niche often highlight a close-knit, faith-based environment.
   • Details: A small Christian school offering a faith-based curriculum with an emphasis on traditional values. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools.
   • Enrollment: Under 100 students (exact numbers vary)
   • Additional Info: Tuition costs apply (specific amounts not publicly listed; contact the school for details). Limited extracurriculars compared to public schools.

   Charter Schools

   There are no charter schools directly in Port LaBelle or LaBelle, and Hendry County has limited charter options overall. Families interested in charter schools may need to look toward larger nearby areas like Fort Myers (about 30-40 miles away), though transportation could be a challenge.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Performance

   • Ratings Context: The ratings provided (e.g., GreatSchools.org or Florida DOE grades) are based on standardized test scores, student progress, graduation rates, and sometimes equity metrics. Schools in rural areas like Hendry County often face challenges such as limited funding, higher poverty rates, and a significant population of English Language Learners, which can impact scores. However, many parents and students value the small-town feel and community involvement in these schools.
   • Demographics: Hendry County schools, including those near Port LaBelle, often have a diverse student body, with a large percentage of Hispanic/Latino students (around 60-70%) and a significant portion of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch (indicative of economic challenges in the area).
   • Transportation: The Hendry County School District provides bus services for students in Port LaBelle to zoned schools. Check with the district for specific bus routes and eligibility.

   How to Research Further

   • Hendry County School District Website: Visit www.hendry-schools.org for zoning information, school calendars, and contact details.
   • GreatSchools.org: Search for individual schools in LaBelle, FL, for updated parent reviews and test score data.
   • Florida Department of Education: Check www.fldoe.org for the most recent school grades and performance reports.
   • School Tours: Contact schools directly to arrange visits or speak with administrators for a better sense of the environment.

   Summary

   For families in Port LaBelle, FL (ZIP 33935), the primary schooling options are public schools under the Hendry County School District, including LaBelle Elementary, Country Oaks Elementary, LaBelle Middle, and LaBelle High. Ratings for these schools generally range from 4/10 to 6/10 on GreatSchools.org and "C" to "B" on Florida DOE grades, reflecting average to slightly below-average performance compared to state standards. There is one notable private option, Community Christian School, for those seeking a faith-based education. Due to the rural nature of the area, options are limited, and families may need to consider proximity and transportation when choosing a school.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular preferences, or interest in schools further afield), let me know, and I can provide additional details!