When Eric and I began considering a move from Baltimore, Maryland, to Sanibel Island, our children were very young. Darby was just two years old, and John was an infant. Like many parents considering a relocation, one of our biggest questions was whether we could find the right educational opportunities for our children.

We visited the Children's Education Center of the Islands (CECI), The Sanibel School and Canterbury School in Fort Myers. When we moved to Sanibel full-time in 2001, Darby was four and John was two.

That experience taught us that choosing a community involves much more than finding the right home. Schools, educational programs, transportation and opportunities for children are important considerations for families.

Today, Sanibel and Captiva families can explore island preschool and K–8 education, public and private high schools in Fort Myers, and nearby colleges and universities.

This guide introduces the educational options available to families considering Sanibel, Captiva and surrounding Southwest Florida communities. It is a starting point for researching schools, enrollment requirements and the practical considerations of island living.

Sanibel, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lee County offer many excellent pre-schools, elementary options, and outstanding middle and high school choices. From Blue Ribbon pubic schools to International Baccalaureate programs and outstanding private schools focused on college preparation. Sanibel Island schools offer Pre-K to 8th-grade educations with several options for preschools and only one option for K-8th (The Sanibel School - A Blue Ribbon School and top-ranked public school in the state of Florida). Sanibel High school students must attend off-island schools of which there are many excellent choices. Below is a list of the most widely attended schools by Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers students. Local colleges are listed at the bottom of this page. This is not intended to be a directory of all Lee County Schools.

PRESCHOOLS:

The Children's Education Center of the Islands

Serving children ages two through Pre-K. CECI is a voluntary prekindergarten provider and follows the Lee County school calendar. The mission of the Children's Education Center of the Islands is to create, through our developmentally appropriate curriculum, a nurturing, exciting learning environment that creates happy, curious, confident children. For more information call (239) 472-4538.

Summit Christian School

Summit Christian School opened its doors in 1991 with six students in temporary buildings. In 2001-2002 Summit moved into its new 2.6 million dollar facility (school building and full gymnasium). The Fort Myers campus serves grades PK3- 8. For more information call (239) 482-7007.

Happy Healthy Childhoods

Located in Fort Myers, Child Care of Southwest Florida offers three preschools/child care centers as well as child care training courses. Visit www.CCSWFL.org. For more information call (239) 278-1002.

The Heights Foundation: Early Learning, Arts and Educational Enrichment

The Heights Foundation serves families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood of Fort Myers through educational programs, arts enrichment, career development and community services.

Its Heights Center campus provides opportunities for children and adults to learn, develop skills and participate in community activities.

Heights Early Learning

Heights Early Learning provides early childhood education for young children, helping families access educational experiences during the important developmental years before kindergarten.

The Heights Center After-School and Summer Programs

The Heights Center offers after-school enrichment, summer camps, tutoring, arts education and other activities designed to support academic achievement and personal development.

Music and visual arts are important components of the foundation's educational mission.

Heights CareerTech Institute

The Heights CareerTech Institute provides career and technical education opportunities for individuals seeking practical workforce skills and professional credentials.

Programs focus on career preparation and pathways to employment.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate the range of educational opportunities available to families in South Fort Myers beyond traditional public and private schools.

ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLS:

The Sanibel School | Kindergarten Through Eighth Grade

The Sanibel School is a public K–8 school operated by the School District of Lee County. It serves children living on Sanibel and Captiva, as well as eligible students from mainland Southwest Florida.

With a long history of educating island children, The Sanibel School combines academic instruction with an emphasis on environmental education and community involvement.

Its island setting provides opportunities to connect classroom learning with Sanibel's natural environment, conservation traditions and coastal ecosystems.

The school has earned National Blue Ribbon School recognition, reflecting its history of academic achievement.

Families should contact the school district to confirm current enrollment procedures, school assignment, transportation eligibility and available programs.

Phone: (239) 472-1617

Where Do Sanibel and Captiva Students Attend High School?

Sanibel and Captiva do not have a public high school located on the islands. Students continuing in public education after eighth grade attend eligible off-island high schools through the School District of Lee County.

Families often investigate Fort Myers high schools based on academic programs, extracurricular activities, transportation, enrollment eligibility and their child's individual interests.

Options worth researching include Cypress Lake High School, Fort Myers High School and South Fort Myers High School.

Some students pursue specialized programs such as the International Baccalaureate program at Fort Myers High School or arts-focused opportunities at Cypress Lake High School.

Because Lee County school assignment policies, application procedures and program availability can change, families should confirm current requirements directly with the school district before making enrollment or relocation decisions.

Transportation is another important consideration. Families living on Sanibel or Captiva should evaluate school schedules, bus availability, after-school activities and travel across the Sanibel Causeway.

Canterbury School - Pre-K-12th

Canterbury School is a pre-K through 12th-grade college preparatory, coeducational day school. The students, who attend Canterbury from Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties, all share a special trait: a love and appreciation of learning.

Canterbury School is dedicated to academic excellence within a caring and supportive community emphasizing character, leadership, and service. View Canterbury SAT & ACT Results Relative to Local, State and National Scores. For more information call (239) 481-4323.

Bishop Verot Catholic High School - Grades 9 - 12

The mission of Bishop Verot Catholic High School is to build a community of faith and learning in the Salesian tradition, devoted to educating minds and hearts, dedicated to service and centered on Christ. For more information call (239) 274-6700.

Cypress Lake High School - Grades 9 - 12

Known for its focus on the arts, Cypress Lake High School attracts many Sanibel students. For more information call (239) 481-2233.

Fort Myers High School & IB Program

IB MISSION STATEMENT: Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavors to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigor and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners, and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life. For more information call (239) 334-2167.

South Fort Myers High School

South Fort Myers High offers a 9th-grade Freshman Success program that ensures the successful transition from middle school to high school. Grades are monitored by an assistant principal resulting in improved academic performance. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): is a program that focuses on students in the academic middle with potential, who would benefit from support while taking advanced course work. To be in AVID, an application and interview must be completed. For more information call (239) 561-0060.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School - Pre K - 8th grade

St. Francis Xavier School is an inter-parochial Catholic elementary school serving Pre-K3-Grade8 children of the Lee County Catholic community. The St Francis Xavier School community strives to strengthen Catholic identity, preserve the Franciscan tradition, develop intellectual and creative potential, and respond to one another's needs through service. For more information call (239) 334-7707.

Saint Michael Lutheran School - Pre-K-8th

Saint Michael Lutheran School is an accredited, coeducational school, pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, dedicated to quality education in the Lutheran - Christian tradition. Founded in 1956, it presents an educational alternative for the Lee County community. For more information call (239) 939-1218.

Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School - Grades 9-12

Florida Southwestern Collegiate High is a learning community in which all members have something to learn and something valuable to teach. We believe that children, parents, and teachers are mutually responsible for achieving educational goals. Parents take an active role in preparing their child’s ‘GOLD’ Academic plan – the Goal-Oriented Learning Document. Teachers support the goals of each student through personalized attention and individualized instruction. The curriculum and structure of Florida Southwestern Collegiate High continually reinforce the core values of responsibility, respect, and character. For more information call (239) 432-6767.

HIGHER EDUCATION COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)

Established on the verge of the 21st century, Florida Gulf Coast University infuses the strengths of the traditional public university with innovation and a learning-centered spirit, its chief aim being to fulfill the academic, cultural, social, and career expectations of its constituents. For more information call (239) 590-1000.

Florida Southwestern State College (formerly Edison State College)

The mission of Florida Southwestern State College is to inspire learning; prepare a diverse population for creative and responsible participation in a global society; and serve as a leader for intellectual, economic, and cultural awareness in the community. With the first students admitted to Edison in the fall of 1962, Florida Southwestern State College celebrates 56 years of service to Southwest Florida this year. For more information call (239) 489-9300.

Fort Myers Technical College

Fort Myers Technical College provides career and technical education programs for students seeking workforce skills, industry certifications and hands-on training. Its programs offer alternatives to traditional four-year college pathways.

Keiser University | Fort Myers

Keiser University operates a Fort Myers campus offering career-focused higher education in fields including business, healthcare and other professional disciplines. Program availability and delivery formats vary.

Nova Southeastern University | Fort Myers Regional Campus

Nova Southeastern University maintains a regional campus in Fort Myers offering selected professional and graduate-level educational programs, including physician assistant education.

Rasmussen University | Fort Myers

Rasmussen University provides career-focused higher education, including healthcare and nursing-related programs, through its Fort Myers campus.

Heights CareerTech Institute | Fort Myers

Heights CareerTech Institute offers workforce-oriented training and practical career preparation. It is a useful option for students and adults exploring technical education and employment pathways outside a traditional university setting.

Ave Maria University

Ave Maria University is a vibrant university located in beautiful southwest Florida. It is an academic institution that pledges faithfulness to the teachings of the Church and is committed to providing one of the finest classical liberal arts curricula available. Ave Maria is known for faithfulness to the magisterium of the Catholic Church, a caring faculty and staff, and a unique educational philosophy that strives to develop the whole person. See the Mission Statement of Ave Maria University and our brief History. Academics are the heart of every educational institution. It is what we strive to do best within a truly wholesome Catholic environment. The professional staff and challenging curriculum provide students with training that empowers them to step out into the working world with strong confidence in their academic foundation. For more information call (877) 283-8648.

What Families Should Consider Before Moving to Sanibel or Captiva

When evaluating a move to the islands, families should consider how their preferred school fits into their daily routines and long-term plans.

Important questions include:

  • What grades does the school serve?

  • What are the enrollment and residency requirements?

  • Is transportation provided from Sanibel or Captiva?

  • Are there specialized academic, arts or athletic programs?

  • What are the school hours and after-school options?

  • Are there tuition costs, application deadlines or waiting lists?

  • How long is the commute during regular school traffic?

  • What educational options are available as children move from elementary to middle and high school?

For families purchasing a home, school research should begin early. A property's location does not necessarily guarantee admission to a particular school or specialized program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sanibel and Captiva Schools

Does Sanibel Island have a public school?

Yes. The Sanibel School is a public school serving kindergarten through eighth grade and is operated by the School District of Lee County.

Does Captiva Island have its own public school?

Captiva does not have a separate public K–12 school campus. Eligible students living on Captiva may attend The Sanibel School for grades K–8, subject to district enrollment requirements.

Is there a high school on Sanibel Island?

No. Students living on Sanibel and Captiva who attend public high school travel to eligible schools off-island, including options in Fort Myers.

Are there private schools near Sanibel and Captiva?

Yes. Families can investigate private educational options in Fort Myers, including Canterbury School, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and Saint Michael Lutheran School.

Are there preschool options on Sanibel Island?

Yes. The Children's Education Center of the Islands offers nature-based preschool education and voluntary prekindergarten opportunities for eligible children. Families should confirm current age requirements and availability.

What colleges are near Sanibel Island?

Nearby higher education institutions include Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College. Ave Maria University is another Southwest Florida option.

Does buying a home on Sanibel guarantee enrollment at The Sanibel School?

Families should verify current residency documentation, eligibility and enrollment requirements directly with the School District of Lee County. School assignment and admission procedures are determined by the district.