Local Schools Near Ranchettes, Port LaBelle, 33935

The community of Ranchettes in Port LaBelle, FL (zip code 33935) is located in Hendry County, near the town of LaBelle. This area is primarily rural, and educational options are tied to the Hendry County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools closest to this community, including their ratings, based on available data from sources like GreatSchools.org, Niche, and the Florida Department of Education. 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 firsthand information.

Overview of Schools Near Ranchettes, Port LaBelle, FL (33935)

The schools listed below serve the LaBelle area, as Port LaBelle is a census-designated place near LaBelle. These schools are part of the Hendry County School District, and I’ve included public schools as the primary options. Private school options in this rural area are limited, but I’ll mention any relevant ones if applicable. Ratings are generally sourced from GreatSchools.org (on a scale of 1-10) and supplemented with other publicly available data or reviews where possible.

Elementary Schools

1. LaBelle Elementary School

   • Address: 150 W Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
   • Distance from Ranchettes/Port LaBelle: Approximately 2-5 miles, depending on the exact location within Ranchettes.
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org, based on test scores, equity, and student progress)
   • Details: This is the primary elementary school serving the LaBelle area. It has a diverse student population and focuses on foundational education. Test scores are near or slightly below state averages in reading and math.
   • Enrollment: Approximately 500-600 students (varies by year).
   • Additional Info: Offers programs like after-school care and special education services. Parent reviews often mention a supportive staff but note room for improvement in facilities.

2. Country Oaks Elementary School

   • Address: 2052 Eucalyptus Dr, LaBelle, FL 33935
   • Distance from Ranchettes/Port LaBelle: Approximately 3-6 miles.
   • Grade Levels: PreK-5
   • Rating: 6/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   • Details: Another elementary option in the LaBelle area, this school has slightly higher test scores than LaBelle Elementary in some subjects. It serves a similar demographic and emphasizes a community-oriented environment.
   • Enrollment: Around 700 students.
   • Additional Info: Known for a focus on student engagement and extracurricular activities for younger students.

   Middle Schools

   1. LaBelle Middle School
   2. Address: 8000 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
   3. Distance from Ranchettes/Port LaBelle: Approximately 5-8 miles.
   4. Grade Levels: 6-8
   5. Rating: 4/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: This is the main middle school for the area. Test scores are below the state average in several areas, but the school offers various programs to support student growth, including sports and clubs.
   7. Enrollment: Approximately 800-900 students.
   8. Additional Info: Some parent feedback highlights challenges with class sizes and resources, though teachers are often praised for dedication.

   High Schools

   1. LaBelle High School
   2. Address: 4050 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
   3. Distance from Ranchettes/Port LaBelle: Approximately 5-8 miles.
   4. Grade Levels: 9-12
   5. Rating: 5/10 (GreatSchools.org)
   6. Details: The primary high school for the area, LaBelle High offers a range of academic and vocational programs. Graduation rates are close to the state average (around 85-90%), but test scores in math and reading lag behind state benchmarks.
   7. Enrollment: Around 1,000 students.
   8. Additional Info: Known for its agricultural education programs (reflecting the rural community) and sports teams. College readiness metrics are moderate, with some students pursuing dual enrollment at nearby colleges.

   Alternative or Charter Schools

   1. Hendry Virtual Instruction Program
   2. Address: Administered through Hendry County School District (various locations)
   3. Distance: Virtual program, accessible from home in Port LaBelle.
   4. Grade Levels: K-12
   5. Rating: Not widely rated due to its virtual nature; performance varies by student.
   6. Details: This is an online learning option for families seeking alternatives to traditional schooling. It’s part of the Hendry County School District and follows state standards.
   7. Additional Info: Suitable for students who thrive in self-paced environments or need flexible scheduling.

   Private Schools

   Private school options in or near Port LaBelle are limited due to the rural nature of the area. However, there is one notable option: 6. Community Christian School - Address: 1092 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935 - Distance from Ranchettes/Port LaBelle: Approximately 5-7 miles. - Grade Levels: PreK-8 (some sources indicate up to 12th grade in certain years) - Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools; reviews are anecdotal. - Details: A small, faith-based school offering a Christian curriculum. Class sizes are typically smaller than public schools, and the focus is on moral and academic development. - Enrollment: Under 100 students (exact numbers vary). - Additional Info: Tuition costs apply, and financial aid may be limited. Contact the school directly for current information on programs and enrollment.

   Additional Notes on School Ratings and Selection

   • Ratings Context: Ratings from GreatSchools.org and similar platforms are based on factors like test scores, student progress, equity, and sometimes parent reviews. However, they may not fully reflect the quality of education or community fit. Visiting schools or speaking with local parents can provide deeper insight.
   • Transportation: Since Ranchettes in Port LaBelle is a rural area, school bus services are available through the Hendry County School District for public schools. Distances may require longer commutes for some families, especially if opting for private or charter options outside LaBelle.
   • School District Performance: Hendry County School District as a whole often ranks below state averages in terms of overall performance, largely due to socioeconomic factors in the region. However, individual schools may have strengths in specific areas (e.g., vocational training at LaBelle High).
   • Future Updates: School ratings and offerings can change yearly. Check the Hendry County School District website (hendry-schools.org) or the Florida Department of Education for the latest reports and school accountability data.

   How to Research Further

   • Hendry County School District: Visit hendry-schools.org for zoning maps, bus routes, and enrollment information.
   • GreatSchools.org or Niche.com: These sites provide updated ratings, parent reviews, and demographic data for schools in the 33935 zip code.
   • School Visits: Contact schools directly to schedule tours or attend open houses to assess the environment and meet staff.
   • Local Community Input: Engage with Port LaBelle or LaBelle community groups (e.g., on social media platforms like Facebook) for firsthand experiences from other parents.

   If you have specific needs (e.g., special education programs, extracurricular preferences, or interest in schools further away), let me know, and I can expand the search or provide more tailored information. Additionally, if you’re looking at a specific address within Ranchettes, I can help confirm the exact zoned schools for that location.