Port LaBelle, FL, is a small, unincorporated community in Hendry County, located in the 33935 ZIP code. This area is primarily rural, and educational options are somewhat limited compared to larger urban centers. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Port LaBelle, including public schools within a reasonable distance, their ratings, and other relevant details. School ratings are typically based on data from sources like GreatSchools.org, which evaluates schools on test scores, student progress, equity, and other factors. Note that ratings can vary depending on the source and may change over time, so I recommend checking the most current data on platforms like GreatSchools, Niche, or the Florida Department of Education.
Public Schools Near Port LaBelle, FL (33935)
Since Port LaBelle is a small community, the schools listed below are primarily in or near LaBelle, the closest town with educational facilities. LaBelle serves as the hub for schools in Hendry County. The schools are managed by the Hendry County School District.
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LaBelle Elementary School
- Address: 150 W Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Grades Served: PreK-5
- Distance from Port LaBelle: Approximately 3-5 miles (depending on exact location in Port LaBelle)
- Rating (GreatSchools.org as of recent data): 5/10
- Overview: LaBelle Elementary is a public school serving younger students in the area. It focuses on foundational education with an emphasis on reading and math skills. The rating reflects average performance in test scores and student progress compared to other Florida schools.
- Additional Info: The school offers various programs, including special education services and after-school activities. Check the Hendry County School District website (hendry-schools.org) for enrollment details and zoning.
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Country Oaks Elementary School
- Address: 2052 Eucalyptus Ln, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Grades Served: PreK-5
- Distance from Port LaBelle: Approximately 2-4 miles
- Rating (GreatSchools.org as of recent data): 6/10
- Overview: Another elementary option near Port LaBelle, Country Oaks tends to have slightly better reviews than LaBelle Elementary, with a focus on student growth and community involvement.
- Additional Info: This school also serves a diverse student population and provides resources like free or reduced-price lunch programs for eligible families.
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LaBelle Middle School
- Address: 8000 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Grades Served: 6-8
- Distance from Port LaBelle: Approximately 5-7 miles
- Rating (GreatSchools.org as of recent data): 4/10
- Overview: This is the primary middle school serving the LaBelle and Port LaBelle areas. The rating indicates below-average performance in test scores compared to state averages, though it may still meet the needs of many families.
- Additional Info: Offers extracurricular activities like sports and clubs to engage students.
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LaBelle High School
- Address: 4050 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Grades Served: 9-12
- Distance from Port LaBelle: Approximately 4-6 miles
- Rating (GreatSchools.org as of recent data): 5/10
- Overview: LaBelle High School is the main high school for the area, offering a standard curriculum along with some Advanced Placement (AP) courses and career-technical programs. The rating reflects average performance in graduation rates and college readiness.
- Additional Info: The school has athletic programs and extracurriculars. It also provides dual enrollment opportunities with local colleges for qualifying students.
Private Schools Near Port LaBelle, FL
Private school options are limited in and around Port LaBelle due to the rural nature of the area. However, there are a couple of options within a reasonable driving distance:
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Community Christian School
- Address: 1092 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
- Grades Served: PreK-8
- Distance from Port LaBelle: Approximately 3-5 miles
- Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools due to its smaller size and private status. Reviews on Niche or local forums suggest a focus on faith-based education with smaller class sizes.
- Overview: This is a private, Christian school offering a curriculum rooted in religious values alongside standard academics.
- Additional Info: Tuition costs apply, and enrollment may require adherence to specific religious or behavioral guidelines. Contact the school directly for current fees and availability.
Charter Schools or Alternative Options
There are no widely recognized charter schools directly in Port LaBelle or LaBelle, but families can explore virtual schooling options through programs like Florida Virtual School (FLVS), which offers free online education for K-12 students in Florida. FLVS is highly rated for flexibility and personalized learning, often scoring 8/10 or higher on platforms like GreatSchools for student satisfaction.
School Ratings Summary
- Elementary: Country Oaks (6/10), LaBelle Elementary (5/10)
- Middle: LaBelle Middle (4/10)
- High: LaBelle High (5/10)
- Private: Community Christian School (limited rating data)
Additional Notes
- Transportation: The Hendry County School District provides bus services for public school students within designated zones. Check with the district to confirm if your specific address in Port LaBelle qualifies for bus pickup.
- Demographics and Performance: Schools in this area serve a diverse population, with a significant percentage of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This can impact test scores and ratings, though many schools focus on equity and student support.
- Higher Education: For post-secondary options, the nearest colleges are in Fort Myers (about 30-40 miles away), including Florida SouthWestern State College, which offers associate and bachelor’s degrees.
How to Research Further
- GreatSchools.org: Search by ZIP code (33935) for updated ratings and parent reviews.
- Hendry County School District (hendry-schools.org): Official site for zoning maps, enrollment info, and school calendars.
- Niche.com: Offers detailed reviews and rankings for schools in smaller communities.
- Visit Schools: If possible, schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.
If you have a specific address in Port LaBelle, I can help narrow down the exact zoned schools for that location. Additionally, if you’re looking for schools in a broader radius (e.g., Clewiston or Fort Myers), let me know, and I can expand the search. Are there any specific grade levels or types of schools (e.g., private, charter) you’re most interested in?