Education Reference
Private School Guide
Southwest Florida private schools — organized by area for relocating families
By Larissa Locke, Real Estate Advisor
Paradise Coast Homes · eXp Realty · FL License #3407292
For families relocating to Southwest Florida, finding the right school is often the first decision that shapes everything else. This guide gives you an honest overview of the private school landscape across Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers — organized so you can compare options by location and find the right fit for your family.
The schools listed below represent the most commonly discussed independent and faith-based options in each area. Every family's priorities are different — and the best way to evaluate a school is to visit, meet the faculty, and talk with other parents. What follows is a straightforward starting point, drawn from local knowledge and years of helping families settle into Southwest Florida.
Naples
Naples has a deep selection of private schools — from long-established Catholic parish schools to larger independent college-preparatory campuses. Families moving to North Naples, downtown, or East Naples will find strong options within a reasonable drive.
Community School of Naples (CSN)
Pre-K through 12thStrong academics combined with competitive athletics and a well-established college-preparatory curriculum. CSN is one of the largest independent schools in the area and offers a broad range of AP and honors courses alongside robust extracurriculars.
Good Fit For
Families who value a rigorous academic environment with a well-rounded experience — strong in both the classroom and on the field.
Approximate Location
North Naples, near Livingston Road and Orange Blossom Drive
Seacrest Country Day School
Pre-K through 12thSmaller class sizes with a deliberate emphasis on innovation, character development, and hands-on learning. Seacrest fosters close student-teacher relationships and encourages curiosity-driven education.
Good Fit For
Families who want a tight-knit community feel with strong academics — a school where every student is known by name.
Approximate Location
East Naples, off Davis Boulevard near Collier Boulevard
First Baptist Academy (FBA)
Pre-K through 12thChristian education rooted in biblical principles with strong arts, music, and athletics programs. FBA balances academic rigor with spiritual formation and offers a structured, supportive environment.
Good Fit For
Families seeking a faith-based education in a structured setting where spiritual growth is integrated into daily school life.
Approximate Location
East Naples, near Santa Barbara Boulevard and Davis Boulevard
Royal Palm Academy
Pre-K through 8thCatholic independent school with a classical curriculum emphasis. The program is academically intentional, focusing on virtue formation, critical thinking, and a traditional liberal arts foundation.
Good Fit For
Families who want a faith-centered, academically intentional early education grounded in classical learning.
Approximate Location
North Naples, near Immokalee Road and Livingston Road
St. Ann Catholic School
Pre-K through 8thLong-established Catholic parish school in downtown Naples with a strong sense of community and tradition. The school emphasizes academic fundamentals, service, and values-based education.
Good Fit For
Families who value tradition, community, and a Catholic education in a central Naples location.
Approximate Location
Downtown Naples, near 9th Street South and 5th Avenue South
Village School of Naples
Pre-K through 12thIndependent school with a focus on whole-child development and project-based learning. The modern campus supports collaborative, inquiry-driven education across all grade levels.
Good Fit For
Families drawn to progressive, student-centered education where curiosity and creativity are prioritized alongside academics.
Approximate Location
North Naples, off Goodlette-Frank Road near Pine Ridge Road
Bonita Springs & Estero
The private school landscape in Bonita Springs and Estero is more limited than in Naples or Fort Myers, but families in this corridor have options — and many also look to nearby Naples or South Fort Myers schools depending on where they settle. The two schools below serve the immediate Bonita-Estero area.
3 Oaks Academy
K through 12thSmall private school with personalized learning and a 9:1 student-teacher ratio. Known for individualized attention and a reported 100% college acceptance rate among graduates.
Good Fit For
Families who want a small-school environment where the curriculum adapts to the student — ideal for those who thrive with one-on-one attention.
Approximate Location
Estero, near Corkscrew Road and I-75
Gospel Baptist Christian School
Pre-K through 12thBible-based, character-driven education that emphasizes academic fundamentals and spiritual development. A ministry of Gospel Baptist Church.
Good Fit For
Families seeking an affordable, faith-based education in a close-knit church environment with traditional classroom instruction.
Approximate Location
Bonita Springs, near Old 41 Road
Tip: Depending on where you land in the Bonita-Estero corridor, schools in North Naples (CSN, Village School, Royal Palm Academy) or South Fort Myers (Canterbury, Evangelical Christian) may be within a 15-to-25-minute drive. Don't limit your search by city line alone — commute times and traffic patterns matter more than ZIP codes in this part of Southwest Florida.
Fort Myers
Fort Myers offers several well-established private schools with strong academics, competitive athletics, and active parent communities. The schools below are the ones families most commonly consider when evaluating private education in Lee County.
Canterbury School
Pre-K through 12thEstablished college-preparatory school with a strong regional reputation, robust arts and STEM programs, and a comprehensive athletics department. Canterbury consistently places graduates at top universities.
Good Fit For
Families in Fort Myers seeking a comprehensive private education with broad extracurricular offerings and a proven college-prep track record.
Approximate Location
South Fort Myers, near College Parkway and Summerlin Road
Bishop Verot Catholic High School
9th through 12thWell-known Catholic high school with strong academics, competitive athletics, and an emphasis on community service. The school draws students from across Lee and Collier counties.
Good Fit For
Families seeking a Catholic high school experience that balances college preparation with faith formation and a vibrant student life.
Approximate Location
Fort Myers, near Colonial Boulevard and Summerlin Road
Evangelical Christian School
Pre-K through 12thFaith-based education grounded in Christian principles with competitive athletics and a strong sense of community. ECS offers a full K–12 experience on one campus.
Good Fit For
Families looking for a Christ-centered education from early childhood through high school with a strong school spirit and athletic tradition.
Approximate Location
South Fort Myers, near McGregor Boulevard and Cypress Lake Drive
Southwest Florida Christian Academy
Pre-K through 12thChristian college-preparatory school with an intimate campus feel. The school emphasizes biblical worldview integration across all subjects and close mentoring relationships.
Good Fit For
Families who want a Christian college-prep education in a smaller, more personal setting where faith and academics are woven together.
Approximate Location
Fort Myers, near Three Oaks Parkway and Alico Road
A note about school research: School information is provided as a starting point for your research. Admissions requirements, tuition, and programs change — always contact schools directly for the most current information. Enrollment availability varies by grade level and year. Campus visits and conversations with admissions staff are the best way to evaluate whether a school is the right fit for your child.
Relocating to Southwest Florida?
Larissa has helped families navigate the move to Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Fort Myers — and she can connect you with the local resources and neighborhood insight that make the transition smoother. Whether you're narrowing down school options or still deciding which community fits your family best, she's here to help.