Best Elementary Schools in Naples, FL

This analysis examines 28 elementary schools in Naples, Florida, all part of the Collier County School District, serving grades PK-5 in a diverse coastal community.

The data reveals a clear divide in performance, strongly linked to socioeconomic factors. Top-tier schools like Laurel Oak Elementary School (99th percentile) and Sea Gate Elementary School (96th percentile) consistently achieve exceptional results, with low chronic absenteeism (7.5% and 7.3% respectively) and high test scores. In contrast, schools like Gulf Coast Charter Academy South (5th percentile) and Bridgeprep Academy Collier (29th percentile) face significant challenges. Notably, Sabal Palm Elementary School showed the most improvement, jumping from the 59th to 75th percentile. Per-student spending varies widely, from $9,830 at Collier Charter Academy to $22,192 at Naples Park Elementary School, but higher spending does not guarantee higher performance—Laurel Oak spends less than $13,046 yet ranks in the top 1%.

Key takeaways for parents: socioeconomic status is the strongest predictor of performance, with top schools having free/reduced lunch rates below 42% and struggling schools above 53%. Chronic absenteeism is a leading indicator—schools with rates under 10% (like Veterans Memorial Elementary School at 8.5%) are top performers, while those above 20% (like Lely Elementary School at 21.5%) lag behind. Charter school performance is mixed, with Collier Charter Academy showing some strengths but others struggling. This data highlights a significant equity challenge within the district, where affluent areas produce world-class results while higher-poverty schools need more support.