Schools in Cape Coral
Cape Coral's public schools fall under Lee County Public Schools, which earned a solid, improving 'B' district grade for 2025-2026 from the Florida Department of Education -- its tenth consecutive year at that grade. Individual Cape Coral high schools post respectable, middle-of-the-pack results within that district, worth checking address by address.
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Learn moreA tenth consecutive year at a 'B' district grade
Lee County Public Schools received a 'B' district grade for the 2025-2026 school year from the Florida Department of Education, marking its tenth consecutive year at that grade level, per state accountability data reported by local news outlets. That's a stable, respectable result, though relocating families comparing districts should know it sits a tier below Collier County's (Naples-area) 'A' grade for the same cycle.
District-wide performance shows real, measurable improvement
Among Lee County's individual traditional public schools for 2025-2026, 34% earned an 'A,' 30% earned a 'B,' and 36% earned a 'C' -- with no school graded 'D' or 'F,' an improvement from the prior year, which had three 'D'-graded schools. In raw counts, 24 schools earned an 'A' and 29 earned a 'B.' The district gained a combined 37 more accountability points year over year, with 4 schools improving by two full letter grades and 25 improving by one.
Cape Coral's own high schools: solid, middle-of-the-pack
Cape Coral High School carries an overall Niche grade of A-minus (3.76/5 based on 480 reviews) and ranks #5 among best public high schools in Lee County, with a 44% AP participation rate; U.S. News ranks it #236 within Florida and #4,127 nationally. Island Coast High School and Mariner High School are the city's other two zoned public high schools. These are respectable, solidly middle-tier results -- not standout state or national rankings, but consistent with a large, improving-but-not-top-tier county district.
Verify your specific zoned school
District-wide grades are solid and improving on average, but individual school assignment still varies by neighborhood and address, and more than a third of Lee County schools graded 'C' for 2025-2026. Families relocating to Cape Coral should confirm their specific zoned school directly with Lee County Public Schools before buying or leasing, and research the district's school choice, magnet, and charter options if the zoned-school assignment isn't the right fit.
Key takeaways
- Lee County Public Schools (the district covering Cape Coral) earned a 'B' district grade for 2025-2026 -- its tenth consecutive year at that grade -- a tier below Collier County/Naples' 'A' for the same cycle.
- 34% of individual district schools earned an 'A,' 30% earned a 'B,' and 36% earned a 'C' for 2025-2026, with zero schools graded 'D' or 'F,' an improvement from three 'D' schools the prior year.
- Cape Coral High School holds a Niche A-minus grade (#5 in Lee County) with 44% AP participation, but a more modest U.S. News state/national ranking (#236 in Florida); Island Coast and Mariner are the city's other zoned public high schools.
- Always verify your specific zoned school by address -- district-wide averages are solid and improving, but more than a third of individual schools still graded C for 2025-2026.
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