The Best Private Schools in Lehigh Acres, Florida
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Lehigh Acres. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Canterbury School
Canterbury School of Fort Myers
Canterbury School is a highly respected independent college preparatory school serving Southwest Florida, including Lehigh Acres families. Founded in 1964, the school offers a rigorous academic program from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with small class sizes and personalized attention. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic complexes. Canterbury consistently ranks among the top private schools in Florida with 100% college acceptance rates and numerous National Merit Scholars. The school emphasizes character development alongside academic excellence through comprehensive arts, athletics, and community service programs.
Programs:
Bishop Verot Catholic High School
Diocese of Venice
Bishop Verot Catholic High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving the greater Fort Myers area, including Lehigh Acres. Established in 1962, the school provides a faith-based education combined with rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular opportunities. The 40-acre campus features modern classrooms, science and technology labs, athletic facilities, and performing arts spaces. Bishop Verot offers comprehensive Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment with local colleges, and specialized academies in STEM and business. The school maintains strong college placement records and emphasizes spiritual formation, academic excellence, and service to the community.
Programs:
Oasis Charter Schools
Oasis Charter Schools
Oasis Charter Schools serve students from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and surrounding communities including Lehigh Acres. Founded in 1999, the charter school system offers tuition-free education with a private school-like environment from elementary through high school. The schools feature a comprehensive STEM program, advanced coursework, competitive athletics, and extensive arts offerings. Oasis emphasizes small class sizes, individualized instruction, and strong parent involvement. The high school campus includes college preparatory programs, career academies, and dual enrollment opportunities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, athletic fields, and technology-enhanced learning spaces.
Programs:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Lehigh Acres, Florida
What are the primary private school options available for families residing in Lehigh Acres, Florida, and are there transportation services?
While Lehigh Acres itself has a limited number of private campuses, families commonly look to nearby Fort Myers for established institutions. Top options include Bishop Verot Catholic High School (9-12), Canterbury School (pre-K3 through 12), and Oasis Charter Schools (a public charter network with some private-like features). It's important to note that these schools are located outside Lehigh Acres proper, typically a 20-30 minute commute. Most private schools in the area do not provide district-wide busing; transportation is primarily the responsibility of parents, though some schools may facilitate carpool lists. This commute is a key logistical consideration for Lehigh Acres residents.
How does tuition for private schools serving Lehigh Acres, FL, compare, and are there Florida-specific financial aid programs?
Tuition varies significantly. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bishop Verot Catholic High School tuition is approximately $13,000-$15,000, while Canterbury School, as a premier independent college-prep school, ranges from $20,000 to $30,000 depending on grade level. Florida offers two major state-sponsored financial aid programs that can be used at eligible private schools: the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship (FTC) and the Family Empowerment Scholarship (FES). These income-based programs can substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, most private schools have their own need-based financial aid and merit scholarship opportunities. It's crucial to apply for both state and school-specific aid early.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs do private schools near Lehigh Acres offer that leverage Southwest Florida's environment?
Schools in the Fort Myers/Lehigh Acres area often incorporate local ecology and industry into their curricula. For example, Bishop Verot offers a robust Marine Science program with potential for hands-on study in the Gulf of Mexico and local estuaries. Canterbury School emphasizes environmental science and sustainability initiatives relevant to Florida's ecosystem. Several schools also have strong STEM programs that may partner with local marine research or engineering firms. Athletics frequently include competitive swimming, sailing, and golf, taking advantage of the climate and local facilities. These localized programs provide a distinctive educational experience rooted in the Southwest Florida community.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for competitive private schools like Canterbury School that serve Lehigh Acres families?
The process for top-tier schools like Canterbury is highly structured and begins early. For the best chance of admission, families should initiate inquiries 12-18 months before the desired entry date. The key steps include: 1) Attending an open house (typically held in the fall), 2) Submitting an application by January/February for the following academic year, 3) Completing student assessments and interviews (often in winter), and 4) Receiving decisions by March or April. Waiting lists are common, especially for entry grades. For Bishop Verot and Oasis charters, deadlines are also firm but may follow a slightly different schedule. Proactive planning is essential due to the competitive nature and limited seats.
For a family in Lehigh Acres, what are the key considerations when deciding between a local public school, a charter school like Oasis, and a private school like Bishop Verot or Canterbury?
The decision hinges on several location-specific factors. **Lee County Public Schools** offer proximity and no tuition but may have larger class sizes. **Oasis Charter Schools** provide a tuition-free, focused curriculum with a lottery-based enrollment system, but require commuting to Fort Myers campuses. **Private schools** like Bishop Verot and Canterbury offer smaller classes, distinct religious or college-prep missions, and specialized programs, but come with significant tuition and commute costs from Lehigh Acres. Families must weigh the daily drive time (including traffic on routes like SR-82), the desired educational philosophy, budget after potential scholarships, and the importance of specific extracurricular or academic offerings. Many Lehigh Acres families create a "school commute" as part of their daily routine to access these preferred options.