Navigating Schools in Estero, FL: A 2026 Guide
JESSE MCGREEVY February 18, 2026
JESSE MCGREEVY February 18, 2026
If you are thinking about moving to Estero FL, you have probably noticed that this village sits in a sweet spot between Fort Myers and Naples. It is known for having a slightly more relaxed pace than its neighbors, distinct architecture, and incredible access to amenities. But for many of our clients, the biggest question mark isn't about the malls or the beaches—it is about the schools.
Estero falls under the Lee County School District. If you are moving here from out of state, the way schools work here might feel a little different than the traditional "you live on this street, so you go to this school" model you are used to. While location is now more important than ever, Lee County utilizes a unique mix of School Choice and a recently refined Proximity Plan.
Navigating this system is a rite of passage for residents. This guide breaks down exactly how the public, charter, and private options look as we head into the 2026 school year, so you can feel confident about where you are buying.
Let’s rip the band-aid off first: the enrollment system is usually the most confusing part for newcomers. For years, Lee County operated on a massive zone system where you could apply to schools 15 miles away. However, over the last few years (2023–2026), the district shifted to a Proximity Plan to reduce bus times and build stronger neighborhood connections.
Here is how it shakes out today:
The Proximity Plan: For Elementary and Middle schools, the district prioritizes students living within a specific radius of the school. When you go to enroll, you will see a list of schools in your specific "proximity zone." You aren't just assigned one; you rank your preferences. However, your physical address dictates which schools you can even list.
The "Safe-Walk" Advantage: If you live very close to a school—usually within a 2-mile radius, often called the "Safe-Walk Zone"—you generally get the highest priority in the lottery for that specific school. This has made the Estero real estate market hyper-local; buying a home across the street from a highly rated school is now a tangible advantage for enrollment.
Transportation Rules: This is a big one. Bus service is generally only guaranteed if you attend a school within your assigned proximity zone. If you manage to get a waiver to attend a school further away (which is harder to do now than it was five years ago), you are likely on the hook for driving your student every morning and afternoon.
Grandfathering: If you are reading older forum posts from 2022 or 2023, be careful. Rules regarding "grandfathering" students into schools have mostly settled. For new residents in 2026, assume you will be subject to the current proximity boundaries.
When we look at the data and listen to local feedback, a few primary schools consistently rise to the top of the conversation.
Pinewoods Elementary School: Pinewoods is frequently the heavy hitter in Estero. It consistently posts high ratings and is known for rigorous academics and very high parental involvement. Because of the Proximity Plan, we often see high demand for homes in communities like Stoneybrook and Bella Terra, which have historically had good access to this school.
Three Oaks Elementary School: Just down the road, Three Oaks Elementary is another strong performer. It has a reputation for a supportive environment and maintains a loyal following among local residents.
Rayma C. Page Elementary: While the boundaries can fluctuate, Rayma C. Page serves the area and is often praised for its tight-knit community feel.
A quick note on ratings: You will often see these schools maintaining "A" or "B" grades from the state. However, I always tell clients to look at the specific 2025-2026 report cards rather than just the letter grade. Look for learning gains and stability in administration to get the real story.
Once students graduate from fifth grade, the funnel narrows slightly in the public system.
Three Oaks Middle School: This is the primary feeder school for most Estero students. It offers a wide variety of electives, from arts to technology, and serves as the bridge between the local elementary schools and the high school level.
Bonita Springs Charter School (K-8): If you are looking for an alternative to the traditional public feeder pattern, this charter school is a popular option. It is located just to the south. Keep in mind that as a charter, it requires a separate application process and isn't governed by the same proximity zones as the district schools, though demand often exceeds seats.
If you look at generic online ratings for Estero High School, you might see mixed numbers. However, those numbers rarely tell the whole story. As a local agent, I tell parents to look specifically at the programs inside the school.
Estero High serves the community along with parts of South Lee County, and it houses some incredible academic opportunities that rival private institutions.
The Cambridge AICE Program: This is the standout feature. The Cambridge AICE program allows students to take rigorous, college-level courses. If a student completes the curriculum and earns the AICE Diploma, they currently qualify for the top tier of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, which covers 100% of tuition at Florida public universities.
Career Academies: For students focused on specific careers, the school offers robust CTE (Career and Technical Education) pathways. The Medical Academy is particularly strong, focusing on phlebotomy and medical lab skills, giving students real-world certifications before they even graduate.
The bottom line is that high-achieving students tend to thrive here because they are in the Cambridge "bubble," surrounded by other motivated peers while enjoying the resources of a large public high school.
For families seeking independent education, you have several choices. Some are right here in town, while others require a commute.
Local Options 3 Oaks Academy offers a smaller, more personalized private option (K-12) right within Estero. On the border of Bonita Springs and Estero, Discovery Day Academy has gained attention for its project-based learning approach.
Commuter Schools: Many residents living in Estero FL choose to drive roughly 20–25 minutes north or south for specific prep schools. Bishop Verot Catholic High School and Canterbury School (an independent college prep school) are located in Fort Myers and draw heavily from Estero.
Microschools: We are also seeing a rise in "microschools" and alternative learning environments, such as Acton Academy Estero, catering to parents who want a learner-driven environment distinct from the traditional classroom model.
It is impossible to talk about education here without mentioning Florida Gulf Coast University. FGCU isn't just a landmark; it’s a massive economic and cultural driver for the town.
Having a state university in your backyard offers tangible benefits for younger students, specifically regarding Dual Enrollment. Qualified local high schoolers can take classes at FGCU for free, earning college credit while finishing high school. Beyond academics, "Dunk City" brings athletics, arts, and energy to the community that you don't always get in a typical suburb.
If schools are a priority for you, your house hunt needs to start with the map. With the Proximity Plan fully in effect, buying a home in a specific community directly impacts your priority for nearby schools.
Location Matters More Now: In the past, you could live anywhere and apply anywhere. Now, living in a community like The Brooks or West Bay Club might change your school options compared to living in The Place.
Resale Value and "Safe-Walk": Homes located within that 2-mile "Safe-Walk" radius of top-rated elementary schools like Pinewoods tend to hold their value incredibly well. Even if you don't have school-aged children, buying in these zones is often a smart investment strategy because the demand from future buyers is constant.
Before you fall in love with a kitchen or a pool, I always advise verifying the specific "Proximity Zone" for that property address on the Lee County Schools website. Boundaries can shift, and you want to be 100% sure of your priority zone before making an offer.
Estero is part of the Lee County School District. While Estero is its own incorporated village, it does not have an independent school district; it operates under the county-wide system.
Yes, Estero High School offers the Cambridge AICE program. This is a rigorous curriculum that allows students to earn college credits and qualify for the highest level of the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
Residents must rank the schools available in their assigned proximity zone. Priorities are assigned based on where you live (zones close to the school get higher priority) and whether you have siblings already attending. It is no longer a county-wide open enrollment system for elementary and middle schools.
Yes. Within Estero, you have options like 3 Oaks Academy. Many families also commute slightly north to Fort Myers for Bishop Verot (Catholic) and Canterbury (Prep), or south to private options in the Naples area.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Our team’s unprecedented professionalism, skill, and attention to detail has allowed us to set sales records for the past 15 years. We will ensure your buying or selling experience exceeds your expectations.