Public Schools in Estero, FL: Elementary, Middle and High Schools Guide
Estero is served by the School District of Lee County, one of the largest school districts in Florida. This guide covers the public schools that serve Estero addresses, the academic and career programs they offer, how Lee County’s school choice and transportation zones work, and what new families need to enroll. For charter and private options, see our charter schools and private schools guides, or start with the Estero School Finder.
Public Schools That Serve Estero
The Village of Estero lists three public schools as serving the village: Pinewoods Elementary, Three Oaks Middle and Estero High. Because Lee County uses school choice, many Estero families also attend nearby schools such as Three Oaks Elementary and Bonita Springs High.
Pinewoods Elementary School (Pre-K–5)
Located at 11900 Stoneybrook Golf Drive in Estero, Pinewoods Elementary serves families across central Estero, including communities off Corkscrew Road and Three Oaks Parkway. The school emphasizes inclusion and co-teaching, where general and special education teachers work together in the same classroom, and it partners with Florida Gulf Coast University’s College of Education, bringing future teachers into classrooms. Visit the Pinewoods Elementary website.
Three Oaks Elementary School (K–5)
Three Oaks Elementary, at 19600 Cypress View Drive just north of Estero, describes itself as the nation’s first Core Knowledge school. The Core Knowledge approach builds content knowledge in history, science, literature and the arts year by year. Visit the Three Oaks Elementary website.
Three Oaks Middle School (6–8)
Three Oaks Middle, at 18500 Three Oaks Parkway, offers AVID (a college-readiness program), gifted classes, Cambridge Global Perspectives, and STEM and robotics options. It is the main public middle school for Estero families. Visit the Three Oaks Middle website.
Estero High School (9–12)
Estero High School, at 21900 River Ranch Road, offers the Cambridge AICE diploma, a rigorous international program that can earn students college credit. Estero High also runs career academies, including a Medical Academy with industry certifications such as phlebotomy and medical assisting, an Applied Engineering Academy, a Culinary program and JROTC. Visit the Estero High website.
Bonita Springs High School (9–12)
Just south of Estero at 25592 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs High offers the FGCU Collegiate Academy, career academies, a Leadership Academy and arts programs. It is a popular choice for families in south Estero. Visit the Bonita Springs High website.
Schools at a Glance
| School | Grades | Address | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinewoods Elementary | Pre-K–5 | 11900 Stoneybrook Golf Dr, Estero | Inclusion, co-teaching, FGCU partnership |
| Three Oaks Elementary | K–5 | 19600 Cypress View Dr, Fort Myers | Core Knowledge curriculum |
| Three Oaks Middle | 6–8 | 18500 Three Oaks Pkwy | AVID, gifted, Cambridge, STEM, robotics |
| Estero High | 9–12 | 21900 River Ranch Rd, Estero | Cambridge AICE, Medical and Engineering academies, JROTC |
| Bonita Springs High | 9–12 | 25592 Imperial Pkwy, Bonita Springs | FGCU Collegiate Academy, career academies |
Magnet, Advanced and Career Programs Nearby
- Cambridge AICE: offered at Estero High and at South Fort Myers High, a magnet school with four career academies.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): offered at Cape Coral High, Dunbar High, Fort Myers High and Riverdale High. These are outside Estero, so plan for transportation.
- STEAM magnet: Bonita Springs Elementary.
- Dual enrollment: high school students can take college classes through Florida SouthWestern State College at no tuition cost, and FGCU’s ACE program allows full-time dual enrollment for qualified juniors and seniors.
Advanced program applications are usually due earlier than regular school choice. For 2026-27, IB, Cambridge, arts, STEAM and FGCU program applications were due February 2, 2026.
How School Choice and Transportation Work
Lee County families rank their preferred schools during open enrollment, which typically opens in late January, and seats are assigned by lottery. Starting in 2026-27, the county is divided into East, South and West choice zones, each with subzones. The zones determine where the district provides bus transportation; they do not stop you from choosing another school, but you would need to drive your child. Check any address with the district’s school zones tool. The full process is explained in our Estero School Finder.
Enrolling as a New Resident
New students enroll online through the district’s FOCUS Parent Portal or by appointment with the Student Enrollment office at (239) 337-8247. Plan to provide:
- Parent or guardian photo ID
- Birth certificate
- Florida Certificate of Immunization (form DH680); a Florida doctor or the health department can transfer out-of-state records
- Proof of Lee County address
- A physical exam dated within the last 12 months (required for kindergarten; waived for transfers from other Florida schools)
- Transcripts for high school students, plus custody papers or an IEP if they apply
A Moving Timeline for Families Relocating to Estero
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| 6–12 months before the move | Research schools and programs, compare communities, and note choice and specialty-program deadlines for the year you’ll arrive. |
| By late January | If you’ll arrive for the next school year, watch for Lee County open enrollment and submit choice applications on time, even if you are still house hunting. |
| 2–3 months before the move | Request records from your current school: report cards, transcripts, standardized test scores, any IEP or 504 plan, and gifted testing. |
| 1–2 months before the move | Schedule a physical if one is needed and ask a Florida doctor or the health department to issue the DH680 immunization form. |
| After you have an address | Complete enrollment in the FOCUS Parent Portal, confirm your transportation subzone and bus stop, and tour the school. |
Mid-Year Moves
Families relocate to Southwest Florida all year long, especially in winter. If you arrive mid-year, contact the Student Enrollment office as soon as you have an address. Seats at popular schools may be limited, so list several choices and ask about waitlists. High school students should bring detailed course information so credits and any honors, AP, AICE or dual enrollment classes transfer correctly.
Beyond the Classroom
Estero’s public schools offer athletics, arts, clubs and service organizations. High school sports in Florida are governed by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), which sets eligibility rules for students who transfer, so if your teen plays a sport, ask the athletic director about eligibility before you choose a school. Every Florida public school also has a School Advisory Council made up of parents, staff and community members, which is a good way to get involved after you move.
How to Judge School Quality
Florida grades every public school A through F each year based on test achievement, learning gains, graduation rates and college and career acceleration. Lee County earned a B district grade for 2025-26, with 24 schools earning an A and no schools graded D or F. Look up the latest grade for any school on the Florida Department of Education school grades page, and pair the data with an in-person visit, since grades don’t capture everything that matters to your family.
Public, Charter or Private: How They Compare
| Traditional public | Charter | Private | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Free | Free (public schools by law) | Tuition, often offset by Florida scholarships |
| How you get in | School choice ranking and lottery | Separate application and lottery if oversubscribed | School’s own admissions process |
| Transportation | District bus within your subzone | Varies by school; often parent-provided | Usually parent-provided |
| Curriculum | Florida standards plus programs such as AICE and career academies | Florida standards with the school’s own model | Set by the school; may be faith-based |
| Accountability | Annual state school grade | Annual state school grade | Accreditation varies by school |
Many Estero families mix and match over time, for example a charter school for the elementary years and Estero High for its AICE and career academies. Whatever you choose, apply early; the best options fill quickly.
Public Schools and Estero Home Values
Access to well-regarded schools is one reason families look at Estero communities such as The Place at Corkscrew, Verdana Village and Bella Terra. Because Lee County uses school choice rather than fixed attendance boundaries, check the transportation subzone and morning drive times for any home you’re considering. Browse Estero homes for sale or compare neighborhoods on our community hub.
Public Schools in Estero FAQ
What high school serves Estero, FL?
Estero High School at 21900 River Ranch Road is the public high school in the village. Bonita Springs High is also nearby, and Lee County school choice lets families apply to other schools.
What middle school serves Estero?
Three Oaks Middle School at 18500 Three Oaks Parkway is the main public middle school serving Estero.
What elementary schools serve Estero?
Pinewoods Elementary in Estero is listed by the village, and Three Oaks Elementary just north of Estero is also a common choice.
Does Estero High School offer college-level courses?
Yes. Estero High offers the Cambridge AICE diploma, and students can dual-enroll at Florida SouthWestern State College or FGCU.
How are Lee County schools graded?
Florida assigns each public school an A–F grade every year. Lee County earned a B for 2025-26, with 24 schools earning an A.
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