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A Guide to Schools in Naples

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NAPLES SCHOOLS

Article by City Lifestyle

Photography by Stock Images

Finding the right school for your child can be a challenge. It’s not just a matter of choosing between public or private education.

You need to find an environment where your child will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. If you are looking for that environment in Naples, Fl., there are many options from which to choose. 

Taking Part in Public Schools in Naples

Most students in the United States attend public school. If you are looking for a public school for your child, there are many options in Naples. These schools range from kindergarten up to 12th grade. 

Where the Magic Happens: Collier County School District

Naples schools are part of Collier County School District. The public schools are mandated and funded by Collier County, as are many of the local charter schools. Other charter schools are managed by charter organizations or non-profits. 

A Guide to High Schools in the Area

There are several high schools in Naples. These range from public schools to private schools and charter schools that offer college preparatory curriculum. Here are some examples of highly-rated high schools in Naples:

Naples High School has been a part of the local community since 1928. At the time, it taught students from kindergarten up through high school. It became exclusively a high school in 1960. The large campus is the only high school in the city of Naples, proper.

With a student population of 1,800, it serves a huge number of public school students in the area. 

Gulf Coast High School is a public high school. The curriculum is public but academically rigorous to help prepare students for future careers. Gulf Coast also has many student clubs and extracurricular activities. 

The school is home to several “academies” where students can pursue specialized, focused education. These include Sports and Entertainment and Engineering. 

Choosing Among Middle Schools

Middle school can be an important time of your son or daughter’s life, as they transition from childhood to a more career-oriented form of education.

There are many middle schools that offer different things in terms of class size, educational philosophy, and curriculum. Here are a few highly-rated middle schools. 

North Naples Middle School is a public middle school that offers an academically rigorous curriculum in a safe and supportive environment. Students also have access to advanced learning opportunities, academic competitions, and extracurricular activities. 

East Naples Middle School also offers public education with an emphasis on advanced learning and a focus on STEAM subjects. There are many options for academic competitions, gifted student programs, and student clubs. 

Elementary Schools for Grades Pre-K through 5th Grade

Elementary school is the time of your child’s life where they are first introduced to academics. It is a vitally important time of socialization while building foundational blocks of education that will last a lifetime. Here are some examples of highly-rated elementary schools. 

Manatee Elementary School is a public grade school in Naples. The school offers a public school curriculum in a small and supportive environment to help students socialize and learn. The administration knows that every student learns at their own pace, so there are many programs to help both gifted and struggling students.

The school also has a particular focus on STEAM subjects, which are vitally important in the 21st century. 

Naples Park Elementary School is a public grade school. The curriculum focuses on tailoring learning methods to each child based on their own skills and abilities. With a unique approach to every student, the administration believes that they can help each child succeed in their own time.

Smaller Class Sizes at Private Schools

Some parents prefer to send their child to a private school. These could be a religious school, boarding school, or a secular private school. Private schools are generally privately funded, which means that they have more freedom to design a unique curriculum and educational philosophy. 

There are many options for private schools here. These range from kindergarten all the way up through high school. Some of these are religious institutions, while others are academies of alternative educational philosophies like Montessori

Christian Schools: Building Character

If you want to send your child to a Christian school, Seagate Christian School may be a good choice. The school operates in conjunction with Seagate Baptist Church. Its philosophy is to bring students an education based on Biblical teachings and morals. The school has been in operation since 1976. 

There are also a number of Catholic schools in the Naples area. These schools serve students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade.

They are a great choice for providing classical private school education whether your family is Catholic or not. Many of these schools accept students of other religious faiths as well. 

Charter Schools: Strong Educational Environment

Charter schools are public schools that are independent of state school districts. Some of them receive funding from the state or federal government, while others are supported by non-profit or charter organizations. 

Because of this separation, charter schools have more freedom in designing a curriculum that is unique to their students. Many charter schools have a certain special area of focus, such as STEM, classical education, technology, or the arts. 

There are a number of charter schools. These vary in educational philosophy and special focus. Some are college preparatory academies, while others are intended to bring a more rounded classical education to the public school sphere. 

Boarding Schools

Boarding schools were once extremely common for secondary education. These days, they are less common. But some students truly thrive in a boarding school and enjoy the independent environment. 

Naples is home to several boarding schools. Some of these are geared toward students who have previously struggled with academics or encountered problems with the law. Others are traditional schools that also provide room and board for students. 

Great Summer Schools 

Summer school is a helpful resource for students who need to make up credits before the school year begins. However, it can also be a good choice for students who want to get extra classes in order to graduate early. 

There are a number of options for summer school sessions. Most of these are announced annually through Collier County Public Schools.

Finding the Best School For Your Child in Naples

Not every school will be right for every child.