Summary:
Zip code 34104 in Naples, Florida, is home to two elementary schools serving grades PK-8 and PK-5, offering families a stark contrast in academic performance and resources within the Collier County School District, which is ranked in the top 20% of Florida districts.
Calusa Park Elementary School is the standout performer in this area, consistently exceeding district and state averages in core subjects like English Language Arts, Math, and Science. Despite serving a student population with a higher poverty rate (51.34% free/reduced lunch), it has earned a 3-star rating and ranks in the top half of Florida elementary schools. This success is supported by significantly higher spending per student ($17,747) and a lower student-to-teacher ratio (13.3:1), which translates to more resources and individualized attention. In contrast, Gulf Coast Charter Academy South is a school in crisis, ranking in the bottom 5% of all Florida schools with a 0-star rating. Its test scores are dramatically lower than both district and state averages, particularly in elementary Math and ELA, where proficiency rates are often half or less than those at Calusa Park. The charter school also spends significantly less per student ($10,679) and has a higher student-to-teacher ratio (17:1).
A key takeaway is that Calusa Park is effectively overcoming socioeconomic challenges to achieve strong academic results, while Gulf Coast Charter is failing to meet student needs despite a lower poverty rate. Gulf Coast Charter's state ranking has also declined sharply over the past three years, from the 22nd percentile to the 5th percentile, indicating systemic issues. However, there is a glimmer of hope at Gulf Coast Charter in its middle school grades, where 7th and 8th grade ELA scores approach the district average. For families prioritizing a strong elementary education, Calusa Park Elementary School is the clear and obvious choice in this zip code.
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