If you are considering a move to Marco Island and have school-aged children, one of your first questions is likely: “What are the schools like?” While the island is known for its white-sand beaches, relaxed luxury, and endless waterfront views, it is also home to a small but highly supportive educational community that many families quickly come to appreciate.
As a mother of three daughters who has experienced every level of the local school system from preschool through high school, and as a full-time Marco Island Realtor, I can confidently say that raising children here is every bit as special as living here.
A Close-Knit Educational Community
Marco Island’s schools operate under the Collier County Public School District, one of the highest-rated districts in Florida.
The island also benefits from a dedicated team of three school resource officers who rotate among the campuses. These long-term officers become familiar faces to students and families, contributing to a sense of safety and connection that defines the Marco Island school experience.
This close-knit feel is one of the most distinctive aspects of education on the island.
Tommie Barfield Elementary School (K to 5)
Located at the centre of the island, Tommie Barfield Elementary is an A-rated school known for its strong parent involvement and deep community roots.
Although it is a public school, it often feels like a private academy because of the small-community atmosphere. Many teachers and staff are also island residents, and the Parent Teacher Organisation plays a significant role in creating memorable events throughout the year.
The school requires uniforms, but students have the freedom to wear polo shirts in any colour.
Having all three of my daughters attend Tommie Barfield created countless memories, from Friday parent lunches to field days and the annual Christmas market. It is a true reflection of the island’s family-focused spirit.
Marco Island Charter Middle School (Grades 6 to 8)
Situated next door to Tommie Barfield, Marco Island Charter Middle School is a tuition-free charter school serving grades six through eight.
Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, allowing greater flexibility while still meeting state standards. Because funding is limited, parent involvement is essential. Families are asked to volunteer forty hours a year or make an equivalent donation, and there is no shortage of opportunities to get involved.
The school is known for:
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Small class sizes
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A strong focus on leadership and academics
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An excellent band programme
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Optional high school credit courses for eighth graders
There are a few quirks. The school does not have a traditional cafeteria or library, and lockers are rarely used. Lunches are catered daily from local restaurants, and students typically eat outdoors. The dress code consists of white, black, or teal polo shirts paired with khaki shorts.
Marco Island Academy (Grades 9 to 12)
For high school, families have two main options. Many students remain on the island at Marco Island Academy, while others attend Lely High School in Naples.
Marco Island Academy is a charter school serving grades nine through twelve. It offers a close-knit environment with small class sizes of approximately eighty-five students per grade.
Because available land is limited on the island, the school’s campus was built through extensive community fundraising. Features such as the rooftop patio for outdoor lunches reflect the island’s outdoor lifestyle.
Although the school does not have a football team, it excels in sports including soccer, lacrosse, cross country, and girls volleyball. Students benefit from a personalised learning experience where teachers know them individually and new students quickly feel at home.
Lely High School (Naples)
Located fifteen to twenty minutes from Marco Island, Lely High School is the public high school zoned for island residents who choose not to attend the charter.
Lely provides a more traditional large-campus experience, with approximately fifteen hundred students, strong school spirit, and an extensive selection of academic and extracurricular offerings.
Programmes include:
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The AICE Cambridge curriculum
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Advanced Placement courses
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Dual enrollment opportunities
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A distinctive aviation programme and a respected ROTC programme
With its open-air courtyards, outdoor walkways, pep rallies, and Friday night football games, Lely offers a classic American high school setting in a tropical environment.
For our family, Lely was the right choice. After years in small, close-knit island schools, my daughters were ready for new experiences, greater diversity, and a traditional high school atmosphere.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right School on Marco Island
There is no single approach to education here, which is one of the community’s greatest strengths. Families can choose from public or charter options, small or large campuses, and tailor their child’s experience to fit their academic and personal needs.
Whether your child thrives in an intimate learning environment or prefers a wider range of activities and opportunities, Marco Island and the surrounding area offer exceptional choices within a community that values safety, connection, and personal growth.
As both a parent and a Realtor, I have seen how these schools shape the experience of living here, and I am always happy to help families navigate their options when considering a move.
Thinking About Moving to Marco Island
If you are exploring life on Marco Island, I would be glad to guide you not only in your real estate search but also in understanding the schools, neighbourhoods, and community culture. I am here to help you make a confident and informed move.
Contact the top Realtor in Marco Island for luxury real estate: The Devin Sweazy Group.
