Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 33903

This analysis covers four elementary schools in zip code 33903 (North Fort Myers, FL), serving grades PK through 5 within the Lee County School District, a district ranked 56th out of 70 in Florida, indicating significant challenges.

Hancock Creek Elementary School is the standout performer, achieving a 3-star rating for 2025-2026—the only school in the cohort to do so—after a dramatic turnaround from a 1-star rating the previous year. It leads in 5th Grade Science (60%), 3rd Grade ELA (60%), and 5th Grade Math (67%), despite having the second-highest chronic absenteeism rate (42.8%) and the lowest per-student spending ($10,517). In contrast, J. Colin English Elementary School shows the most dramatic year-over-year improvement, jumping from the 14th to the 38th percentile, and has the highest per-student spending ($12,978) and highest economic need (69.06% free/reduced lunch). Dr. Carrie D. Robinson Littleton Elementary School is the most consistent, holding a steady 2-star rating with the lowest chronic absenteeism (27.3%), well below the district (34.6%) and state (31.4%) averages. Tropic Isles Elementary School ranks at the 32nd percentile, with a notable strength in 5th Grade Math (71%).

Key metrics reveal a high average free/reduced lunch rate of 63.8% and a concerning average chronic absenteeism rate of 36.9%, nearly 6 points above the state average. Math scores are a relative strength, with some grades exceeding district averages, while English Language Arts (ELA) proficiency is a persistent weakness, with most scores falling below state averages. The data shows that higher spending does not guarantee higher performance, as Hancock Creek outperforms despite lower funding, highlighting the critical role of school leadership and instructional effectiveness in driving academic success.