Palmetto Elementary School

Palmetto Elementary School in Naples, FL, is a public school serving 645 students from Pre-K through 5th grade within the Collier district, and it has recently achieved its highest-ever ranking by jumping to a 4-star rating and the 73rd percentile statewide. This dramatic turnaround is the most significant single-year improvement among nearby schools, moving up 14 percentile points from the previous year. The school’s 5th-grade students are a standout, scoring above district and state averages in both English Language Arts and Math, a stark contrast to the 3rd and 4th-grade scores which are closer to or slightly below district averages. This suggests a recent, highly effective change in instruction or support at the 5th-grade level, as just a few years ago these same students were performing well below the district. Additionally, science scores have been a consistent strength, with 5th graders steadily improving to 72% proficiency, outperforming both the district and state.

Palmetto invests heavily in its students, spending $16,810 per pupil and maintaining a low student-teacher ratio of 13.2:1, which is among the best in the area. However, this higher spending has not yet translated into a clear academic advantage over a more efficient peer like Estates Elementary School, which serves a larger and more economically disadvantaged student body but outperforms Palmetto in nearly every subject while spending significantly less per student. A persistent challenge for Palmetto is chronic absenteeism, which at 18% is slightly above the district average and much higher than nearby schools like Herbert Cambridge Elementary School (6.5%) and Lavern Gaynor Elementary (11.5%).

Overall, Palmetto Elementary is a school on the rise, with a clear bright spot in its 5th-grade program and a strong science curriculum. The school’s recent academic gains are promising, but the uneven performance across grade levels—where 3rd and 4th graders are struggling to keep pace with the district—highlights an area needing attention. For parents, this school offers small class sizes and a dedicated investment in student success, but it is worth noting that the highest-performing students are currently in the upper grades, and the school is working to address attendance issues that could impact long-term growth.