Summary:
Zip code 33903 in North Fort Myers, Florida, is home to two high schools serving grades 9-12: North Fort Myers High School and Northern Palms Charter High School, both part of the Lee district.
The two schools present a stark contrast in performance. North Fort Myers High School is a standout, earning a 4-star rating and ranking in the 71st to 75th percentile statewide. It serves 1,938 students and boasts a 98.9% graduation rate, far exceeding the district average of 89.8% and the state average of 92.2%. The school excels in Biology 1 (87% proficiency) and US History (79% proficiency), both well above state averages. However, its Algebra 1 proficiency rate of 24% is a significant weakness, lagging behind the district (56%) and state (63%). In contrast, Northern Palms Charter High School is in crisis, earning a 0-star rating and ranking in the bottom 7% of Florida high schools. With only 92 students, it has a catastrophic 26.5% graduation rate and a 95.7% chronic absenteeism rate, nearly three times the state average. Its proficiency rates are alarmingly low, including 7% in Geometry and 25% in US History.
A key takeaway is that spending does not guarantee success. Northern Palms Charter High School spends $14,390 per student—$4,455 more than North Fort Myers High School—yet achieves drastically worse outcomes. This challenges the assumption that charter schools automatically provide a better education. For parents, North Fort Myers High School is clearly the stronger choice in this area, offering high graduation rates and strong performance in science and history, though math support may be needed. Northern Palms Charter High School faces deep-seated challenges that require urgent attention.
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