Summary:
There are three elementary schools (PK-5) in zip code 33916, Fort Myers, FL, all part of the Lee County School District, serving a predominantly low-income population where over two-thirds of students qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Edgewood Academy stands out as the highest-performing school in the area, with the best state ranking (18th percentile) and a strong upward trend. It is the only school to score at or above the district average in multiple subjects, including 5th Grade Science (58%) and 5th Grade Math (56%), and it spends the most per student ($20,498). In contrast, Franklin Park Elementary School is a surprising standout for cost efficiency: despite having the highest poverty rate (73.66% free/reduced lunch), the lowest per-student spending ($12,827), and the largest class sizes (21:1 student-teacher ratio), it achieved the area's highest single-subject score—62% in 5th Grade Math, matching the state average. Colonial Elementary School has the largest enrollment (661) but the lowest state ranking (11th percentile) and the highest chronic absenteeism rate (38.4%), showing significant volatility in subjects like 5th Grade Science.
Key takeaways for parents: Math is a relative strength across all three schools, with average proficiency near 50%, while English Language Arts is a universal weakness, averaging just 38%—a gap wider than the state average. Chronic absenteeism is a systemic crisis, with all schools exceeding the district (34.6%) and state (31.4%) averages, strongly correlating with lower test scores. Notably, a massive, uniform jump in 5th Grade Science scores across all schools from 2024-2025 to 2025-2026 suggests a possible test or curriculum change, so treat that metric with caution. Overall, Edgewood Academy offers the best all-around performance, while Franklin Park Elementary shows remarkable efficiency in math instruction despite limited resources.
Thank you for your feedback!