Abigail Rivera is busy visiting elementary schools in Lee County as she researches which schools to list on her School Choice application.
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“I look at the school statistics in regards to their test scores and reviews on how well their students are doing,” Abigail says. “I look to see the areas that the schools are located and if I approve of the area.”
During the tours she has a list of criteria she wants to explore.
“While I do the tours, I look first at the security of the school,” Abigail explains. “For example, is there complete fencing, does the school require a buzzer or code to enter or can anyone just walk in? I look at the cleanliness of the school and the overall child behavior. Do the teachers seem in control? Does the principal or a school head seem to be aware of what is going on in their school? I’m not going to lie, it’s been a headache.”
It can be a lot more stressful for parents in Lee County than in neighboring Collier or Charlotte counties. In Collier and Charlotte, a zone is drawn around each school and children in that zone attend that school. If they want a different school, they apply for out-of-zone. Lee County is divided into three large zones, which are then divided into three subzones that each contain numerous schools. Every Lee County Public School student going into kindergarten, sixth and ninth grade and anyone new to the district must apply for School Choice. Parents list schools within their zone in order of preference and then hope their children get a top choice. About 82 percent get their No. 1 selection.
Before listing choices, conscientious parents will do research, tour schools and talk with other parents and school officials.
“My child has been in amazing day care for over two years,” Abigail says. “They require fingerprints to access, and the teachers and staff have been awesome, so just finding another fit for my daughter is stressful. Safety is a high priority along with a healthy learning environment.”
Abigail says she has looked at Mirror Lakes Elementary School, because it’s close to home. She’s also looking at Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts School and some private schools.
What to look for
Soretta Ralph, director of student assignment for Lee County Public Schools, says there are several things parents should look for before selecting their choices.
For elementary school children, the director suggests:
- Whether schools are closer to home, or as some parents might prefer, closer to work
- Whether the school has uniforms, depending on parent preference
- Start time
- After-school care and before-school care, if needed.
“It all depends on the family and what their current needs are,” she says.
Her criteria change when it comes to middle and high schools.
“Middle schools have different programs and different career academies,” Soretta says. “Generally that is what middle school parents ask about. Because middle schools have a late time, some middle schools have before-care to meet those parent needs.”
High school
For high schools, Soretta suggests parents consider the various career academies offered at the different schools. There are career academies in fields such as culinary, veterinary and health services along with various trades.
“I think parents need to be aware of that,” Soretta says.
“Students that don’t get into the school with the career academy they want will try to get a waiver for a certain career academy.
"We decided to design a waiver that is career academy specific. We want to make sure they are enrolled in the career academy and stay in those classes. We want to make sure we are meeting their academic needs and career wishes.”
Parents also need to look at which schools offer the advanced International Baccalaureate and Cambridge AICE programs.
“Those are separate applications done in January and February,” she explains. Acceptance to those programs allows a student to bypass the School Choice process. Some schools with arts programs, such as North Fort Myers High School, have a similar opportunity.
Siblings are automatically enrolled in the school of their older sister or brother. If the parents want them at the same school, they don’t have to apply for School Choice. However, if they want a different school, they must apply.
“Make sure they are linked with the same address,” Soretta stresses. “The address is how they are linked.”
It’s hard to say how many schools parents should tour. Soretta says it depends on the individual family. She does suggest touring a school 2 miles and 5 miles from home.Students who live 2 miles or less from a school get a top priority. Living 5 or fewer miles gets a second priority.
Soretta also wants parents to understand that if they get their second or third choice, they do not get on awaiting list for their first choice. Waiting lists are only for students who get fourth choice or beyond.
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How to register for school
LEE COUNTY
Who must register: Any child going into kindergarten, sixth grade or ninth grade and anyone new to the district.
When to register: Open enrollment for the 2020-21 school year runs January 13 to February 28. Applications are mailed January 10 for eighth-graders going into high school, January 16 for fifth-graders going to middle school and January 24 for students who pre-registered for kindergarten.
Where to register: For many students, enrollment takes place online. Pre-printed applications and a PIN code are mailed to current School District of Lee County students in fifth grade, eighth grade, and to those who pre-registered for kindergarten or those eighth-graders currently attending private school who pre-registered to attend public school for ninth grade. Anyone new to the district must visit the Student Enrollment Office inside the Lee County Public Education Center, 2855 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. It’s open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
What you need to register: Unless you’re already in the district’s system, you’ll need a physical exam dated within the last year, Florida Certificate of Immunization, proof of address (current utility bill or lease), original birth certificate, Social Security card (if available), custody documents (if applicable) and parent photo ID.
Siblings: If siblings are linked in the student information system, children are automatically enrolled in the school of their older sibling. Parents who don’t want sibling enrollment must apply during open enrollment.
How enrollment works: The School District of Lee County is divided into three zones: south, east and west. Each zone is split into three subzones (barrier islands are their own subzones). Parents rank schools in their subzone. At the end of open enrollment, students are placed in schools giving priority to children with siblings at that school, proximity to school (within 2 miles gets highest priority, 5 miles next highest) or special needs. Remaining applicants are enrolled through a lottery.
Online: leeschools.net (select “Enroll” icon)
More information: Parents with questions can email studentenrollment@leeschools.net. Include your specific inquiry and other pertinent information such as full name and date of birth of student, current school and your contact information. Be as specific as possible. “Communicating via email allows parents to receive a more-immediate reply as emails are read by department administrators and replied to throughout each day,” says Executive Director Soretta Ralph.
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COLLIER COUNTY
Who must register: Any student who is new to the district, entering kindergarten or changing schools.
When to register: New students and kindergartners can register into summer. The priority window for Out-of-Zone and School Choice requests is January 10 through February 15.
Where to register: For all students, the process starts online at portal.collierschools.com. Students new to the district will then need to gather the required documents and visit a registration location.
What you need to register: Parent or legal guardian photo ID, birth certificate or passport, physical exam, Florida Immunization Form, Social Security card (if available), proof of address, proof of custody, report cards from previous schools, IEP/504 Plan (if applicable).
How enrollment works: A zone is drawn around each school and children in that zone attend that school. If they want a different school, they apply for Out-of-Zone. Out-of-Zone requests under Parental Choice are for parents or legal guardians with documented needs or hardships. Approval is subject to capacity. Parents without a need or hardship can make a School Choice request. Out-of-Zone applications submitted during the priority window take priority over School Choice applications. Transportation is not provided by the district.
Online: collierschools.com (look for “School Registration” in the lower left rail)
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CHARLOTTE COUNTY
Who must register: Students new to the district,entering kindergarten or wanting to attend a school outside their zone.
When to register: For kindergartners, the Kindergarten Round Up period is in late April. For students wanting to attend a school outside their attendance area, School Choice is February to March.
Where to register: Reassignment forms are available at any Charlotte County Public School, the Charlotte County Public Schools Murdock Center or online.
What you need to register: Proof of residence, proof of birth date, proof of immunizations, physical exam.
How enrollment works: School attendance areas allow parents to enroll their children in a school other than the zoned school. A student may attend a school outside of their zone if the school is not already full. Students currently attending a school other than their zoned school no longer have to renew the reassignment application each year.Parents must always start the reassignment process atthe school of residence.
Online: yourcharlotteschools.net
More information: Call 941-255-0808 or visit the website.