Summary:
In zip code 34135 (Bonita Springs, FL), there is one middle school, Bonita Springs Middle Center For The Arts, serving grades 6 through 8 with 706 students in the Lee district.
Bonita Springs Middle Center For The Arts presents a mixed picture for parents. The school is a standout in advanced math, with 93% of students proficient in Geometry and 74% in Algebra 1 on EOC exams, far exceeding district and state averages. However, this strength contrasts sharply with a critical weakness in 7th-grade math, where only 15% of students were proficient in 2025-2026—a staggering 38 points below the state average. This "7th-grade math cliff" is a major red flag, as proficiency drops dramatically from 6th grade (36%) to 7th grade (15%). The school also shows inconsistent performance across grades: 8th graders perform near or above state averages in math (57%) and English (61%), while 6th graders lag behind in both subjects. Overall, the school's ranking has declined from the 51st percentile (3 stars) in 2023-2024 to the 34th percentile (2 stars) in 2025-2026.
Key metrics include a student-teacher ratio of 17.3:1, per-student spending of $11,050 (above average), and a free/reduced lunch rate of 39.09%. Chronic absenteeism is 30.9%, slightly better than the district average. The school's high spending does not translate into consistent academic success for most students, and the lack of a cohesive strategy across grades is evident. Parents should investigate the 7th-grade math program closely, while noting the school's strong advanced math offerings for high-achieving students.
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