National Public Schools Week, celebrated February 23 – 27, 2026, is a time to celebrate the incredible work happening every day in classrooms across the School District of Lee County and all Florida school districts. Public schools are the clear choice for Florida families, with 85% of parents choosing Florida public schools and public charter schools to educate their children — and that is something to proudly celebrate!
Today, a high school diploma from a Florida public school is so much more than a milestone — it is a launchpad to success. Public schools offer unmatched choice and flexibility, preparing students for college, careers, and civic life through personalized learning pathways that meet students where they are and help them soar, while building local and state talent pipelines. From inspiring lessons to meaningful connections, public schools are where students discover their talents, pursue their dreams, and build bright futures.
Here in Lee County, that success story comes to life every day for our students through educational offerings and career pathways, including:
- Safety You Can Count On: We provide a secure environment where kids can be kids, featuring OPENGATE weapon detection systems and dedicated school resource officers at every single school.
- The "Head Start" Advantage: Why wait for college to start a degree? Through our partnerships with FGCU and FSW, students can earn up to 60 college credits tuition-free, potentially graduating high school with an Associate’s degree already in hand.
- Elite Academic Pathways: Our International Baccalaureate (IB), AICE, and AP programs provide the rigorous, critical-thinking curriculum often sought in private academies, while simultaneously unlocking significant scholarship opportunities.
- Industry-Leading Career Prep: With 60+ Career and Technical Education pathways, students graduate with industry certifications and hands-on experience in healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
- Nationally Accredited Standards: We hold ourselves to the highest benchmarks through our Cognia accreditation, ensuring we meet national standards of excellence, not just state minimums.
- Exceptional Leadership & Arts: Home to the nation’s largest JROTC program and award-winning arts and athletic programs, we offer a breadth of extracurricular depth that few private schools can match.
Florida school districts have continued to rise and not only meet but often exceed the parameters and academic standards set before them. The recent announcement of the historic, record-breaking 92.2% high school graduation rate for Florida public schools for the 2024-25 school year, and the record-breaking 95.3% for Lee County’s 15 traditional high schools, is a prime example of how Florida’s Future is Powered by Public Schools.
As we celebrate National Public Schools Week, we proudly recognize the educators, students, families, and community partners who make this success possible.
Together, the School District of Lee County and Florida public schools are building strong communities, a skilled workforce, and a brighter future for all, because Florida’s future truly is Powered by Public Schools.