Local Schools Near Sunshine Acres, LaBelle, 33935

Sunshine Acres is a community in LaBelle, FL, within the 33935 ZIP code. LaBelle is a small town in Hendry County, and the schools serving this area are primarily part of the Hendry County School District. Below, I’ll provide information on the schools near Sunshine Acres, including their ratings, based on available 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. I’ll also include approximate distances from central LaBelle, as Sunshine Acres is a rural subdivision without a precise central address.

Overview of Schools Near Sunshine Acres, LaBelle, FL 33935

The schools listed below are those most likely to serve the Sunshine Acres community based on zoning in Hendry County. LaBelle is a rural area, so some schools may be a few miles away, and transportation or zoning specifics should be confirmed with the Hendry County School District (phone: 863-674-4642 or website: hendry-schools.org).

1. LaBelle Elementary School

• Type: Public Elementary School (Grades K-5)
• Address: 150 W Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
• Approximate Distance from Sunshine Acres: 2-4 miles (depending on exact location within Sunshine Acres)
• Rating:
• GreatSchools.org: 5/10 (based on test scores, equity, and student progress as of recent data)
• Florida Department of Education: Typically receives a "C" grade in recent school report cards (based on state assessments and accountability measures)
• Details: LaBelle Elementary serves as the primary elementary school for much of the LaBelle area. It focuses on foundational education with an emphasis on reading and math proficiency. Enrollment is around 500-600 students, reflecting the small-town community.
• Parent Feedback (via GreatSchools/Niche): Mixed reviews; some praise the small class sizes and community feel, while others note limited resources compared to larger districts.

2. Country Oaks Elementary School

• Type: Public Elementary School (Grades K-5)
• Address: 2052 Eucalyptus Ln, LaBelle, FL 33935
• Approximate Distance from Sunshine Acres: 3-5 miles
• Rating:
• GreatSchools.org: 6/10
• Florida Department of Education: Often a "B" or "C" grade in state evaluations
• Details: Another elementary option in LaBelle, Country Oaks serves a similar demographic to LaBelle Elementary. It has a slightly higher rating in some metrics due to student performance in state tests.
• Parent Feedback: Generally positive for its supportive teachers, though some mention a need for more extracurricular activities.

3. LaBelle Middle School

• Type: Public Middle School (Grades 6-8)
• Address: 2499 S State Road 29, LaBelle, FL 33935
• Approximate Distance from Sunshine Acres: 2-4 miles
• Rating:
• GreatSchools.org: 4/10
• Florida Department of Education: Typically a "C" grade
• Details: This is the primary middle school for LaBelle students. It offers standard middle school curriculum with some elective options and sports programs. Enrollment is around 700-800 students.
• Parent Feedback: Reviews highlight a tight-knit community but note challenges with academic rigor and limited advanced programs.

4. LaBelle High School

• Type: Public High School (Grades 9-12)
• Address: 4050 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
• Approximate Distance from Sunshine Acres: 3-5 miles
• Rating:
• GreatSchools.org: 5/10
• Florida Department of Education: Often a "C" or "B" grade; graduation rates are typically around 85-90%
• Details: LaBelle High School is the main high school serving the area, offering a range of courses including some Advanced Placement (AP) options, career and technical education, and extracurriculars like football and band. Enrollment is approximately 1,000 students.
• Parent Feedback: Mixed; some appreciate the small-town atmosphere and teacher dedication, while others mention limited college prep resources compared to larger districts.

5. Private/Charter School Options

• Limited Options in Immediate Area: LaBelle and the surrounding Hendry County area have very few private or charter schools. Most families in Sunshine Acres rely on public schools. However, there are a couple of small private or religious-based options within a reasonable driving distance:
• Community Christian School (Private, Grades K-12)
• Address: 1092 E Cowboy Way, LaBelle, FL 33935
• Distance: 2-4 miles
• Rating: Not widely rated on platforms like GreatSchools due to small size; parent reviews on Niche suggest a 3.5/5 average, with praise for personalized attention.
• Details: A small Christian school with a focus on faith-based education. Enrollment is under 100 students, and tuition applies (contact school for current rates).
• Charter Schools: There are no major charter schools directly in LaBelle, but some families may explore options in nearby areas like Clewiston (15-20 miles away) or even Fort Myers (30+ miles), though this is less practical for daily commuting.

Additional Notes on School Ratings and Context

• Rating Systems: GreatSchools.org ratings (1-10) are based on test scores, student progress, and equity. Florida DOE grades (A-F) focus on state assessment results, graduation rates, and other accountability metrics. Ratings should be considered alongside personal priorities (e.g., class size, teacher interaction, specific programs).
• Rural Context: Hendry County schools often face challenges like limited funding and lower student performance compared to state averages, which can impact ratings. However, the small community size often means more personalized attention for students.
• Zoning and Transportation: Sunshine Acres falls within the LaBelle school zones for public schools. Bus transportation is typically available, but exact pickup points depend on your address. Contact the Hendry County School District for specific zoning or bus route information.
• Higher Education: For post-secondary options, the nearest colleges are in Fort Myers (e.g., Florida SouthWestern State College, about 30 miles away) or online programs.

How to Get More Information

• Hendry County School District: Visit hendry-schools.org or call 863-674-4642 for enrollment, zoning, and transportation details.
• School Ratings and Reviews: Check GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, or the Florida DOE website (fldoe.org) for updated ratings and parent feedback.
• Visit Schools: If possible, schedule tours or attend open houses to get a firsthand look at facilities and meet staff.
• Community Input: Local LaBelle community groups or social media pages (e.g., on Facebook) can provide parent perspectives on schools.

If you have a specific address within Sunshine Acres or are looking for details on a particular grade level or program (e.g., special education, gifted programs), let me know, and I can refine the information further!