Koreshan Unity Settlement Historic District · Photo: Ebyabe · CC BY-SA 3.0Estero’s public schools score below 64% of Florida districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Estero, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Florida, not nationally.
From Florida state tests taken in spring 2022, when 95% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Estero’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 304 Florida towns with household incomes within a quarter of Estero’s, its schools beat 4%, lower than their 36% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 49% of tested students were proficient in reading and 48% in math, against 52% and 52% statewide; 95% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 88% across Florida. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,384 per student, against $13,006 across Florida (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then 21 middle and one high school
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. Enrollment is up 10% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
3 Oaks Academy (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Estero’s grade
C+: better than 36% of Florida school districts, #515 of 638 Florida towns. Both inputs trail the Florida average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Estero, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Estero
Pinewoods Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 1,025 students · 19:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Estero
Pinewoods Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 1,025 students · 19:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Estero
Pinewoods Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 1,025 students · 19:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Estero
Pinewoods Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 1,025 students · 19:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Estero
Pinewoods Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 1,025 students · 19:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Estero
Pinewoods Elementary School
Grades PK–5 · 1,025 students · 19:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Estero
Estero High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,571 students · 25:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Estero
Estero High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,571 students · 25:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Estero
Estero High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,571 students · 25:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Estero
Estero High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,571 students · 25:1 students per teacher
Estero’s public schools are run by Lee County School District, which also serves Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Fort Myers and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Estero vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Florida towns that share Estero’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Estero | C+ | Lee County |
| Bonita Springs | C+ | Lee County |
Every school in Estero
24 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Florida’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Estero’s schools
Are Estero’s schools good?
On Florida’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Estero children attend score below 64% of Florida’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade, #515 of 638 Florida towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 4%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Estero in?
Lee County School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 102,506 students in 115 schools (2024–25).
Where do Estero kids go to high school?
Estero High School, with 1,571 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Estero’s graduation rate?
85% of the class of 2023 in Lee County School District graduated in four years, against 88% across Florida.
How much does Estero spend per student?
$12,384 in Lee County School District (FY2024), against $13,006 across Florida. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Estero?
Yes: 3 Oaks Academy (nonsectarian, grades K–12, 44 students).
Parents talk
What Estero families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Estero → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Florida. Stars are from neighbors.